The only thing I didn't really like how Quinn was very quick to pin all the blame on Wesley. You know the entire time that holding a grudge is clearly not healthy and Q was blinded by it. I wanted a bit more of development with her parents at least, because I felt that could have been expanded as well.
A perfect quick summer read, this was a great debut (from a fellow Canadian), and I'm looking forward to her future books!
RATING 3/5
QUOTES
I may look physically different, but I still feel the same inside. (10)
Relationships are built on trust. Without that, you've got nothing. (188)...more
An Electronic Advance Reader Copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review. Quotes have been pulled from an e-ARC and may be subject to An Electronic Advance Reader Copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review. Quotes have been pulled from an e-ARC and may be subject to change.
I really enjoyed how this book started because it felt like such a contemporary novel at first. Then all of a sudden it switches and the characters are transported into another time and place. And one of my favourite places to boot..Ancient Egypt. The writing was full of action with great characters who just needed that extra push. Through out the entire novel, I was throughly rooting for Portia. The writing flows impressively with all the magical wonder of Egypt.
The main characters are superb with well-rounded personalities, each of them distinct. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Portia and her main love interest. It was so refreshing to read a novel where chemistry is good and not cheesy or over-the-top romantic. I also love how the relationship between the two sisters were strained enough to keep them friends and be as competitive as rivals. My favourite part was the world building, having set in the past and then adding all the magic? It moved rather well. I didn't really think the killer scorpions were too scary, I would have been more interested in humans being possessed by an unseen dark force, but they added a nice visual detail to my imagination. The main aspect that drew me to this novel? That beautiful gorgeous diverse cover. I love seeing a POC on the cover, and I will do what it takes to read more diverse reads and this one was a great one to start with.
Overall, this was a wonderful diverse novel that had me turning the pages, and wishing for my own source of magic to appear mid-air.
RATING 3/5
QUOTES
"I’d always wanted to be a special snowflake, especially once I discovered I had a genius for a twin."
"Neither of you like the truth when you hear it."
"People don’t expect me to fail. People don’t expect me to do anything at all."
You’ll travel your own path, but you’re never alone....more
There is something about Garber's writing that will make readers sit up and take notice. It draws you in and keeps you immersed in the world she creatThere is something about Garber's writing that will make readers sit up and take notice. It draws you in and keeps you immersed in the world she created... and what a magical world it was! I pretty much fell for the writing. So easy to read and digest that you won't be confused at all. The only confusion readers will have is what the Game is really about! For me, I had the most fun trying NOT to decipher every single little sentence or action.. Instead, I sat back down and just let the story unfold and it did just that. The book reads more like a magic story complete with a twisty and turny plot. Add in a sisterly bond that could withstand anything you can throw at it, and you'll have this story.
I love the world and how Garber executed it. Got reminded of Alice in the Wonderland in the beginning, so I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be a retelling. The Game really does sound like a challenge to play, but it also sounds super dangerous. The creativity of the locations and settings were truly enchanting to read about. I love the random side characters that popped up and either helped or deterred our main character in some where way. Was not a fan of the romance, because I found it too be too quick and cheesy at times. I didn't really find their chemistry to be genuine, but I think that's just me since so many others loved it. The sisterly bond that was mentioned in the blurb wasn't as strong as I thought it would be.
Gather one and all and experience the magical game of Caravalwhere every challenge will test your wit and your courage. You'll gobble this one up, I assure you. I still have the lovely setting stuck in my mind where everything in it still feels like a dream.
RATING 4/5
QUOTES
"She remembered her first impression of him, tall, roughly handsome, and dangerous, like poison dressed up in an attractive bottle." (106)
"Every touch created colours she had never seen. Colours as soft as velvet and sharp as sparks that turned into stars." (277)
"Hope is a powerful thing. Some say it's a different breed of magic altogether. Elusive, difficult to hold on to. But not much is needed." (318)...more
Jill and Simone's relationship is one to remember. At first, you're thinking the end result couldn't actually happen. But as you keep reading you're tJill and Simone's relationship is one to remember. At first, you're thinking the end result couldn't actually happen. But as you keep reading you're torn apart thinking, "Wellheck maybe I'm wrong? Am I wrong?" Ahhhh so frustration will definitely be on your plate when you pick this one up. It has a similar feel to DANGEROUS GIRLS. The point of view could have been better if we could see what actually did happen and not just from Jill's point of view because we were in the dark for most of the book. I actually had no idea what this was about except the genre was a YA thriller and I just love these type of books. With Jill we get a better sense of who Simone really is and how she came to be. I thought the interviews between the secondary characters were interesting enough and it made me question whether or not to trust our narrator.
One thing I do have to say is that the cover was a bit misleading since most of the book is set in a hospital. With recaps and flashbacks of what actually happened in Italy. I was looking forward to them going around Italy and seeing all the sights and then the thriller would be revealed but that wasn't the case.
I can't say anything more about the book except that it was thrilling and I couldn't believe how it ended. Maybe if the point of views could have been both the girls we would really understand what happened. Here's another one to add to your collection that will have readers on the edge of their seat, WITH MALICE by Eileen Cooks will have you guessing for the real truth!
RATING 4/5
QUOTES
I think not remembering is worse than anything that could have happened. (74)
Feelings aren't wrong. They just are. (78)
It doesn't matter what's true—what matters is what people believe. (102)
How can someone convince you to believe something that's not true? (128)
I don't think caring about something is stupid. (130)
Why do we always blame the friend and not the guy? He's the real loser.
Because we expect guys to be dogs. We expect more from our friends. (226)
You can't tell anything about a person when things are great. If you want to really know someone, be there when everything goes to hell. (244)
Women should support one another, not tear one another down. (296)...more
Plague stories always catch my eye..and even though I was hoping this one would be more of a sci-fi read, it turned into more of a paranormal dystopiaPlague stories always catch my eye..and even though I was hoping this one would be more of a sci-fi read, it turned into more of a paranormal dystopian story which ended up being a nice surprise.
Having three different castes for humans isn't anything new in dystopia, but I was already invested in what True Borns were. The only thing is I really couldn't find a succinct answer. I still couldn't find one by the end because I felt like it dragged on so much. There are shapeshifters and even a mere mention of a witch. There's a lot of stop and go action which I enjoyed because sometimes having so much action makes me winded. But I felt it dragged on too much. I kind of wished the plot was more of a nail biter than the ending that I read. There needed to be more tension and we never even got any answers questioned. There was also a lack of previous world building..We're only supposed to accept the fact this plague just decimated the entire world. I was also confused through most of the book. What i loved most was the relationship between the two twin sisters and the whole mystery behind Storm and his band of followers.
Lucy Fox is one loyal sister. She protects her older sister to the death. I love her relationship with Margo because it wasn't perfect. Finding out who she is and what she wants, I like that she questions about what she wants. She didn't just go and decide to upend her entire because she loves a boy. Lucy used logic and heart to finally make her decision. Then there were her parents. Oh I really wanted to punch her father in the face. I don't understand how one's reputation and career is more important than their own child. One annoying True Born called Jared Price with long blonde hair and blonde hair green eyes was the most infuriating character. He didn't seem to have any truth to him as a character because I felt he was placed there as a love interest. Other than that, he was always the rescuer. He grew hot and cold and only until the end did he reveal his truth that I started to like him.
Remember his one isn't going to be your regular science fiction novel because it's more like a paranormal dystopian romance. It had it's good and bad part, but I'm wholly interested enough to see what will happen in the next book because of what they really are.
RATING 3/5
QUOTES
Precious cargo is a liability. (54)
You're like a little kitty cat. All cuteness and claws. (85)
Wow, do they teach sarcasm in charm school these days? Maybe I should enroll. (113)
Why do you let her win? Why are you always putting her ahead of yourself? (174)
They don't like it when we know things. They prefer us to exist in ignorance. (203)
I swear, you are the biggest pain in the neck I've ever met. (253)
What life would I choose? Who and what would I choose to be? (298)...more
An Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes have been pulled from an ARC and may be subject to change.
Charlotte Bromley'sAn Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes have been pulled from an ARC and may be subject to change.
Charlotte Bromley's scientist father has been working on creating a theory that time traveling can exist. So when he doesn't come home one day, and her and her very best friend Kitty gets kidnapped by the Nazis, she has to make the very hard decision to stay or leave. This one decision changes her life, and with it, her ideal place called home.
Charlotte is still very young, and it was quite disturbing to see how the "mean girl" route between tweens emerged. I couldn't even imagine having this type of friend back when I was in school, but lo-and-behold, I'm sure it was always around and I was lucky enough to stay away from it. Girls are mean, and Charlotte gets in with the popular crowd. I'm glad that she ends up realizing the truth though.
One thing I loved about this was that it felt like an adventure. One where our main character gets to figure out how to fend for herself even if she is still a child. I was remarkably pleased that she had the determination to find her best friend. And sure she had a minor set-back, but her friend Jake helped her when she needed it the most. I loved how quick the story went. Maybe it went too quickly because before I knew it, I was finished. I loved reading the ending, and it made me tear up a bit. SO sweet.
I love books about friendship, and this one is definitely one to read! Leila Sales sure knows how to tug at your heart-strings!
RATING 3/5
QUOTES
"When something seems like an unbelievable coincidence, then consider that it might not be a coincidence." (5)
"I liked my adventures to stay where they belonged: in books, where I could shut the cover on them any time I wanted." (9)
"What do you do when you learn, without a doubt, that you've lost everyone you love and you're trapped by time forever?" (87)
"Since the people who most need a library are the ones who can't pay for it; the people who need our free internet and computers and reference materials and a quiet place to sit because they can't afford to buy any of that for themselves." (175)
"When somebody leaves, they leave you. Even if you're not the reason why they leave, you're still the one left behind." (177)
"But I just keep telling myself that maybe this adventure needs to come to an end so that a new adventure can begin." (221)
"Because this isn't just a question about who you hang out with. It's about what kind of person you are." (224)
"I just don't get why you have to change who you are in order to get people to like you." (256)
"If you pretend to be someone for long enough, then it doesn't even feel like pretending anymore." (296) ...more
An Advance Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes pulled from the ARC may be incorrect and may be subject to change.
Penelope MarAn Advance Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes pulled from the ARC may be incorrect and may be subject to change.
Penelope Marx is a romantic. One who believes in a romance that will sweep you off your feet. She believes in Rose and Jack from the Titanic movie and Elizabeth and Darcy from Pride and Prejudice novel. Real life isn't like the movies or the books because happy endings don't happen. When her distant best friend Audrey suddenly wants to spend less time apart, she ends up meeting the most charming and handsome new boy who seems so perfect. But there's also her other guy best friend named Eph who's more than just moody lately.
I wrote him off as the villain. Nope, that is a deal breaker. For someone to write off a whole gender is just lousy and despicable. Nope nope nope.
As far as the story goes, there's a sweeping high that comes when you know Penelope is going to end up learning her lesson and I love how she realizes it. I love the cute slow-burn romances where you know more than the characters and this one had it. This book also caters more to the younger teen audience, but anyone will still enjoy it.
If you love books from Jenny Han, Miranda Kenneally or Kasie West, add this Meg Leder to your list because you're going to want to gobble her books in an instant.
RATING 4/5
QUOTES
Maybe in real life there aren't happy endings. Maybe that's the point. (3)
I am terrible at talking to boys! I am terrible at life!
Who needed friends? I had New York City. (56)
In that moment I knew he could see the secret parts inside me, the token over my heart, the fleeing lives of the stars in my sky. (87)
I loved the feeling of being in like. (156)
Just because someone isn't at their best doesn't mean you write them off forever. (189)
You believe in things so wholly, in absolute friendship and epic true love, and your heart is so amazingly big. (244)
Sometimes you get hurt. And sometimes you're the one doing the hurting. (255)...more
Sam is an Ordinary Alchemist who lives with her parents, little sister and grandpa in their family's shop. She has the talent to mix potions but is noSam is an Ordinary Alchemist who lives with her parents, little sister and grandpa in their family's shop. She has the talent to mix potions but is not a Talented like her little sister. When the Princess of Nova ends up giving herself a love potion accidentally it's up to her and her family to save her. Her biggest competition is her hottie classmate Zain and his father's synth company. Will she get to prove her Ordinary skills are up to par or will she fail herself and her family?
Set in modern times there are Talenteds people who can do magic and then the Ordinary, people with no magic who become alchemists instead. Ruling above all are the Royals who are the governing head of Nova. I really enjoyed this spin on modes fairy-tale. The journey to find all these ingredients and then having to compete for the right one was pretty clever. I wasn't bored at all! I was also blessed to find that it hardly had a focus on the romance at all and it was more about the journey to help the Princess. Did I mention that it wasn't about a hero coming to help her either? It was Sam who is Ordinary and just wanted to do a good deed to help the Royal family and of course her own family's reputation. I really liked Sam and her family. The fact that they Amy Alward had more back-story into the entire set of characters made it even more fun. Even having her little sister try to help and her reasoning behind wanting to help was fun to read about. Did I also mention there are mermaids and unicorns set in this world as well? I kind of loved that.
A fun magical journey, Madly will make you smile and laugh at all the right places!
RATING 4/5
QUOTES
You keep telling me I have this gift but now that I actually have the chance to use it, you're not letting me! (56)
It takes more than a key to open a door. You have to know where the lock is too. (97)
I think there's a lot you'll achieve, if you put your mind to it. (257)
I'm just me. So either I need you to like me for me, or you need to leave me alone. (279) ...more
Greta lives in Canada and is the princess of the Pan Polar Confederacy reign. All the countries in the world have their children who are holed up on aGreta lives in Canada and is the princess of the Pan Polar Confederacy reign. All the countries in the world have their children who are holed up on a farm where they wait to die by the hand of the Keepers. Eventually Greta's whole world is turned upside down when an American boy Elain comes in and is tortured. The aftermath created when an AI called Talis created by the U.N. takes over the world. Bombing cities and even entire countries if needed. Suddenly she realizes there are more sinister things at work than just her regular day to day life.
The greatest part about this book is the world building. It was seriously one of the most interesting takes on how our future could be. I loved how it wasn't all dumped on to the reader like most dystopian novels. It's done in mere trickles. Considering how slow paced the novel was, finding bits and pieces of how and why the world came to be was surprisingly effective. There are also quirky weird parts like the Children of Peace who end up busy mating goats.. It made me laugh though.
As for the characters, I couldn't get a good read on most of them. They didn't reveal too much of their back story and I had trouble remembering them all even the secondary characters. I did like how there was an LGBT relationship. That's rare to find in dystopian novels. I only wished there were more development for each of them. And the plot was super simple but with the type of world building it had, it made sense not to make it over complicated.
Overall, if you like a different take on a dystopian novel, pick this one up just for the world building. You won't be disappointed....more
Andi has meaningless relationships. Her longest running was three weeks. Then in comes Clark, cute, geeky and a little awkward, he's the author of a bAndi has meaningless relationships. Her longest running was three weeks. Then in comes Clark, cute, geeky and a little awkward, he's the author of a best-selling fantasy series. When a fluffy white dog named Bertie brings them together for the first time, Clark starts to realize that planning everything and controlling everything may be the best thing that has happened to her.
I fell in love with Morgan Matson’s writing with this one. She knows exactly what it’s like to combine wonderfully flawed characters and eventually have them realize the error of their ways by the end. I gobbled this 528 page monster. Don’t be intimidated by the high page count because you will fly through this one. She combines not only romance, but includes the importance of family and friends. I loved every moment of it.
Andi is always going to be the one who plans everything. Having her have all these plans be cancelled last minute makes her anxious. I could easily relate to her in this way because this is how I am too. I loved her character growth, her relationship with her father. And all of her best friends who are all so likeable as well. Clark is the sweetest guy with his cute dimples. He is a book nerd’s dream come true. If you read the book, you will know what I’m talking about. All the other secondary characters like Toby, Bri and Palmer are there for support, and as a group unit, I loved reading their emoji messages. The cutie pie Great Pyrenees dog named Bertie stole the show for me. He is the cutest and so full of life.
You’ll need to pick this one up if you’re looking for a great summer read that will have you laughing, and also sighing with relief. Morgan Matson is definitely a favourite contemporary author of mine and her latest book will have readers clamoring for more. ...more
A finished copy was provided by the publisher for review.
Desiree Six lives in a society where the government dictates everything and anything their ciA finished copy was provided by the publisher for review.
Desiree Six lives in a society where the government dictates everything and anything their citizens do. She doesn't question anything because she doesn't know any better, until her old childhood friend Darian escapes jail and gives her proof that they are the enemy. Which will she choose? Her normal steady life or the one where she realizes the truth?
Awakening combines two of my favourite genres, dystopian and science fiction. And they were both met happily. I pretty much devoured this whole heartedly because I just wanted to know which side Desiree would choose. The progress isn't slow by any means, so I was constantly on the edge. I love when books are revealed slowly, but at the same time the plot is being investigated, questions are being answered, and characters change for the better. We get all of this in Awakening. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the romance because at times I thought it was a bit too cheesy for my taste, but maybe it's just me being an adult reading a teen book. I know I would have loved it when I was younger though. Desiree is naive, compliant and innocent. Darian is cocky, aggressive and very protective. Combined they're a perfect match and even though there are many roadblocks, they worked out so well together. I wasn't a big fan of the mean girl Mallory, and I really liked Desiree's parents but I wanted to know more about them. The ending was pretty open but the story felt like it was still finished and I definitely got some closure.
A must-read for any dystopian fan at heart!
RATING 3/5
QUOTES
"The Proctectorate chooses for us so that we don't have to worry about making mistakes." (11)
"Remember, dream big or go home." (22)
"I was never that girl—never one to cause trouble—and here I am now—my life consisting of nothing but trouble." (194)
"It's always the unknown that's the scariest, but facing a nightmare seems like the only real solution." (195) ...more
Aurelia is the princess of her kingdom, and with her responsibilities as princess she has to wed someone her father wants for her. Not only does she wAurelia is the princess of her kingdom, and with her responsibilities as princess she has to wed someone her father wants for her. Not only does she want to be Queen for her people, she wants to decide things for herself. When things start to descend into chaos, she realizes she can only depend on herself because the kingdom is at stake from an unlikely enemy.
I really liked the fantasy world that Jessica built upon. Basically I imagined a renaissance era where the castles are big and drafty nestled between a valley so they're pretty protected from invaders at almost all sides. Fantasy and magic go hand in hand and this book is no exception. I was constantly trying to figure out what their intentions were. These magic people of the world, and I still couldn't really understand it. Different story-lines all weave together to make one cohesive story that all tie together by the end. I ended up having a lot more questions instead of getting answers. Probably my favourite part is the journey that tied Aurelia to make her own fast and hard decisions that led into a larger character arc that I admired because she always seemed to look to men for help. She seemed so lost in the beginning, but really grew a lot as the book progress. I found Rycen to be so mysterious, but at the same time he's super annoying. I didn't find the chemistry between them to be anything but a filler for romance which I promptly ignored. The one thing that I noticed about the dialogue was the modern day swear words when a character would be exasperated. Some of the sentences seemed to be too contemporary, and I had to take note that this was set in the past. Or at least that's how I imagined it to be.
Overall, a good story with magic and adventure starring a girl just trying to save her kingdom from ruin and finding the strength within herself to face it.
RATING 3/5
QUOTES
She was tired of men telling her that her choices were not her own. (45)
The hearts of men are so easily corrupted. (91)
Why did everyone in this godforsaken town think she was a whore? (127)
People are always unhappy with the positions god grants them. (140)
But, my lord, it is the desire of men that drives ladies to such fashions. (179)
Evil is just…so harsh, I prefer ethically unfettered. (211)
Death comes for us all eventually. Let me choose the how and why. (217)...more
An Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes pulled from the ARC may be incorrect and may be subject to change.
Ella is finAn Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes pulled from the ARC may be incorrect and may be subject to change.
Ella is finished school and is interning at her mom's Mental Health Spa. People plug in and they dream about the happiest day of their lives. Ella wants nothing more than to let her mom have peace with her disease and one day when she's trying to help her mom, she adds her own mind to the reverie and something starts to happen. She can control the dream, giving her mother a wonderful memory. The government wants this power of hers so she can stop any future wars from coming and to stop terrorists from hurting people. Then she meets a strange boy at the cemetery. He knows her, but she doesn't know him at all. When Ella starts seeing visions of her dead father and he keeps telling her little clues, she realizes she could be part of something bigger than her alone.
I LOVE the world that Beth created. It sounds so much like the future world that I wasn't surprised at all when people had nanobots directly inside their bodies. It sounded so creepy and cool at the same time. Beth just doesn't write about it, she describes it and you get a bigger and more clearer picture of the world she has set up.
Now I didn't quite understand the relationship between Jack and Ella, but sometimes I wanted to just slap her in the face. The things she would say, the things she would do were incredibly rude and mean. But then when we find out why she is that way, I completely understood. It made more sense too.
The parallels between our government and terrorism rang true in our own society.. I could see that some people might think parts of this fictional world could hold true in real life. And to be thinking about something as deadly as this could be treason. There were a lot of revelations at the end, and all I could think about was BAM! "There goes another truth..Holy will this ever end?" I didn't want it to end because it was insanely gripping. Sure, there was a predictable villain, but that's okay too because it just made it even worse having that person be the "bad guy."
Bonus content at the end with a Q&A, "A Brief History of the Unified Countries" and I also learned this story is what is happening on Earth while "Across the Universe" played out. Nice!
If you like your science fiction with a little intrigue, action and crazy world-building, pick this one up, you won't be disappointed!...more
An Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review.
I knew I had to jump at the chance to support my fellow Canadians and what better wayAn Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review.
I knew I had to jump at the chance to support my fellow Canadians and what better way than to read their books? Janet is a contemporary author that I have been meaning to pick up now and by joining Jean Book Nerd's blog tour, I knew I had a winner. My expectations were right because I really enjoyed this book and I'm not a huge contemporary fan either.
What can I say? It has all the components of a cute story with a dose of the serious, which is ultimately what I enjoy most. Right off the bat there's something Jess is keeping from you and being the determined curious reader you are, you're going to want to know what it is. I wanted to know right away, and I'm really glad it gets revealed in the middle, and not the end, like other books. Janet has this way of writing that makes you forget about reality, and you get sucked up into Jess's story. She's a little spoiled, a little bratty and is incredibly lonely, the ultimate rich girl problem. But there's more to her than meets the eye. Especially when we see her ex best friend arrive on the scene. I loved reading about Jess and her life only because it just seemed so realistic. The portrayals of the rich and the poor. The way both sides can be so judgmental even without meaning to, it's just something people would automatically do because they're not used to it. I love that Jess is a character that is extremely flawed and she doesn't try to be perfect at all. As for the characters? I pretty much fell in love with Kyle, any five year old who is that adorable must be loved. Then there's Wilf! I loved their witty dialogues together. And of course Flynn who seems to be such a jerk at first, but we all know it's his defensive mode. The way Janet portrays the family life is also pretty realistic. A father who works too much and walks away from problems, a sister who is never home and a mother who is trying to handle her own demons.
The Truth About Us is more than just a cute contemporary story. It's a realistic portrayal and I highly recommend this one to anyone looking for more substance in their contemporary collection. I'm definitely going to pick up the rest of Janet's books and I will be even more excited to read them.
RATING 4/5
QUOTES
"It feels like the hole inside my heart is growing bigger instead of healing."
"Sometimes I do stupid things."
"We don't always choose the ones we fall for. Sometimes the chemistry chooses us."
"Why are you talking to her when you could be talking to me?"
"You're going to be amazing when you figure out what you want. And who you can trust."
"Is that who I turned into? A party girl who relies on alcohol to give her a personality?"
"There's no such thing as perfect. It's all an illusion."
"You know when people tell me I can't have something, I want it more."
"No one understood what we saw in each other. But it didn't matter to us. We worked. And people either liked it or they didn't."
"Things that look perfect on the surface are masking flaws. Big fat flaws."...more
Warning: May contain spoilers from previous novels.
I was so glad to have this e-ARC available for the blog tour review. Considering the cliffhanger enWarning: May contain spoilers from previous novels.
I was so glad to have this e-ARC available for the blog tour review. Considering the cliffhanger ending of The Savage Blue, I was incredibly grateful to be a part of this tour. Thanks Sourcebooks Teen!
We start off with Tristan and the realization that the evil silver mermaid has taken the love of his life away from him. Not only does he have to come up with a battle plan to save her and the rest of the kingdom of aquatic creatures, his loyal and faithful guardian Kurt has been brainwashed and is now against him. Will Tristan have the heart to save his people and himself from destruction?
The beginning was pretty slow for me. I know that Tristan had to go through this huge character ARC and realize all his fears and weaknesses before he could defeat Nieve. That also included his quest to find help from other sources including the sleeping giants of the sea. But his journey to defeat her was mostly about him struggling to become this epic warrior and most of it was in his head, and his connection with the silver mermaid. What I wanted was more action. And I did received it, at the end. I loved the ending though. Those “giants� helped him so much and my imagination was trying to piece together their appearance. I also have to say how much I loved Layla’s character. She’s incredibly strong being able to withstand everything that she’s been through and I’m grateful that Zoraida made a female character with no need of rescuing. So incredibly refreshing.
Overall, a wonderful ending to the series and I am happy to say that this is one mermaid story that I wouldn’t mind picking up again. Can’t wait to see what else Zoraida has in store for us....more
An Electronic Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes have been pulled from an ARC and may be subject to change.
Before tAn Electronic Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes have been pulled from an ARC and may be subject to change.
Before the curse every began, there was a promise. This is the novella for the Tiger Saga. I remember reading the first book in the Tiger Saga so very long ago, and loving how everything was written. Colleen writes with such incredible detail and finesse that you feel like you’re plopped right into the character’s world.
You’re in Yesubai’s mind and heart and her life. And what a life it is. She’s the beautiful girl that has the most evil father I have ever read in YA characters. He is abusive and a megalomaniac. He will stop at nothing to achieve what he wants. I admire Yesubai for her courage to keep going for her one and only friend, but I really wanted her to fight back and to get rid of her father’s tyranny over her life. I also happened to roll my eyes when she became lustful in a second of seeing him and I can truly understand why, but when it’s laid out in the open and the character falls in love, I just so happen to roll my eyes. Not everything is about looks, and I did like how Yesubai ended up liking him for his traits instead of his looks.
Overall, a great start to the Tiger’s Saga and I can’t wait to finish this series when the last book comes out soon!...more
An Electronic Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review. Quotes have been pulled from an ARC and may be subject to cAn Electronic Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review. Quotes have been pulled from an ARC and may be subject to change.
Annie, broken hearted from her old high school boyfriend is preparing to race a marathon. A marathon he didn’t get to race. So in his memory, she takes up the challenge and rises up to run for him. Can Annie find it in her heart to get over her first love and start to love again?
Annie is ultimately experiencing survivor’s guilt. What she doesn’t realize is that it’s not her fault. I just couldn’t even bear to think how sad it was when we the reader realize how he died. I wasn’t expecting it and another tear rolled down my cheek. While Annie’s determination to do something she has never done for a person she has loved so much was incredibly awe inspiring, I wasn’t a fan of the romance. She pushes away Jeremiah every time he wants to get close. And I can fully understand why, but as a personal preference, I really dislike relationships that are always on and off again. Their completely lustful beginning to their relationship was probably what turned me off to Jeremiah and Annie’s relationship. Call me traditional, but I don’t think it should be the starting point of a serious relationship. And the reasoning behind Jeremiah’s adrenaline streak was such a let-down. I thought there was going to be so much drama behind why he was seeking death defying sports, but sadly there wasn’t. I also really enjoyed seeing the previous characters in the books.. You can read each of these books as a stand-alone.
There’s a moment in the book where Annie is describing how it feels to lose someone and I just started bawling because of my own terms with loved ones passing away. Miranda gets it. She knows loss, for her writing in Breathe, Annie, Breathe is exactly what it feels like when you lose someone.
A book about friendship, loss and family, Breathe, Annie, Breathe will have your heart running a mile a minute. With its fiery heroine and hottie love interest, it’ll get any contemporary fan to turn its pages....more
I liked the story about how the ghosts came to be and how Chloe was sent to England for a while to get over her mother’s death. I thought her Grandma I liked the story about how the ghosts came to be and how Chloe was sent to England for a while to get over her mother’s death. I thought her Grandma had her best interests at heart and her brother was also a cute addition. The romance felt like it was too instant, too quick and it brought my rating down significantly. This my opinion only because I love books where the romance builds up slowly and not quickly. The ghosts and their stories were probably what I was interested in the most. Though I wanted to know more about them as well.
As for the characters, I thought Chloe was battling so much to be normal and it felt realistic. What her thoughts were doing to her relationships with her family members, especially to her father. Isobel was my favourite character because she lost so much. Her life was indeed tragic and I felt like I got to know her as a person instead of the vengeful spirit that she was made out to be. Alexander also had a pretty intense presence and I don’t blame Chloe for being attracted to him.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good romance with a little bit of history thrown in....more
An Electronic Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes have been pulled from an ARC and may be subject to change.
Eva liveAn Electronic Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes have been pulled from an ARC and may be subject to change.
Eva lives in the Southern city of Jessup where she’s lived since the day she was born. Her classmates are her lifelong friends and everyone knows each other. When she survives a hit-and-run accident, her recovery results in a power that shows how a person dies when they touch her skin. When more of her classmates are turning up dead, it’s up to Eva, her best friend and her crush to find out who the killer is. Told in three point of views, Made for You is a contemporary thriller that is fairly reminiscent of a murder movie with a paranormal twist.
I liked Eva..She wasn’t a mean girl or vulnerable. Her strong personality and the fact that she was a popular girl who was nice made me like her even more. I found it cute that she would think her scars on her face would be the end of the world. (Being a teenager is hard) I also admired her tenacity to find out who it was and to bring them to justice. Finding out someone tried to murder you and giving you flowers with meanings is just plain chilling! I also really liked the supporting characters especially Grace. She had a good head on her shoulders and never cared what anyone thought. The killer’s point of view is the creepiest..I know it’s weird to say, but his was my favourite. Only because I kept guessing as to who it was. He’s chilling and downright crazy. I still don’t understand how someone who grew up with these people turn into a murderer. His thoughts are so disciplined. Eeps.
Pacing and interest kept a steady pace when I read through the entire thing in as little as a day. The writing is decent, and I liked the flashbacks that occur. It added an extra dimension to the characters. I really enjoyed this one and couldn’t wait to see who the killer was. It’s normally a person of interest that is there, but not really. Made for You put me in the mood for Halloween, that’s for sure....more
An Electronic Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review. Quotes have been pulled from an ARC and may be subject to cAn Electronic Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review. Quotes have been pulled from an ARC and may be subject to change.
What do you do when you have have four hell hounds after you? You run like crazy and hope they stop. Not headstrong Nikki who stands her ground and tries to fight them off until three Halflings help her.
Halflings are exactly what they sound like, the offspring of fallen angels and human women. Talk about complicated! They're not allowed in heaven nor do they want to spend eternity in hell, so they opt to stay in the midplane.
No other Halflings know this better than Mace, Will and Vine. Three young angels who are assigned to protect Nikki. The reason is unknown and throughout the novel they try to figure out why.
I'm always one to read angel themed novels, and Halflings is no exception. It had a wonderful combination of mystery and romance that I had to know why Nikki is so special. And the little love triangle and unforgivable sin that Halflings must not do keeps the intensity of their love rising.
This is a great quick read but it lacked answering all the questions that I had in the end. Maybe it will be answered in the next book? I look forward to it....more
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