Bleak Devotion by Gemma Drazin follows the story of Jessica and her survival after an alien race invades Earth. Jessica has spent nine months hiding out with her childhood friend Cindy, but when Cindy is killed, Jessica decides it is time to leave and try to find other survivors. She finds them, or rather they find her, at a cabin in the middle of no where during a blizzard. A rag tag group of survivors run by a middle-aged woman named Deborah take her in and make her a part of the family. But they have a secret living upstairs.....one of the aliens!

So this book started with a lot of promise. The main character Jessica is with her friend Cindy and they are going to infiltrate the creatures that have taken over by pretending to be one so they can get food. It all goes horribly wrong and Cindy is killed, leaving Jessica to fend for herself. The whole time I'm thinking "Yes! Awesome dystopian, sci-fi thriller in the making!!" I was wrong. The story turned into Jessica fighting her growing feelings for Blade who happens to be one of the aliens that have taken over the planet.



Now don't get me wrong. I still enjoyed this book, it just turned out to be not what I was expecting. This is more a book about paranormal romance than it is about the dystopian aspects of the society. It is more focused on the romance than the survival. It had some funny moments, some suspenseful moments, and some action, but mostly it was about the romance.

Jessica is the only survivor of her family and her character starts out as a strong, independent heroine type. You know the type, the stereotypical female heroine of YA dystopians, well that was Jessica. Then her friend died and she was still that character. Then she found the cabin with other survivors and all of a sudden she had to learn to live with other human beings again. She had to learn how to be emotional again. Ummmmm......does that ever really go away? Anyways Jessica's strong character becomes a girl that has lost her whole family and best friend. She feels rage and....well cries....a lot! But I don't fault her for that. I would too.

Blade is an alien and the love interest of this strangely, not dystopian, paranormal romance. Blade after seeing what his race does to the humans decides to side with them. He finds Deborah, one of the other characters who is kinda the leader at the cabin, and protects her. She teaches him English and in return he protects her and gathers supplies. He becomes a master at controlling the monster inside of him that is until Jessica shows up. And uh-oh....he has feelings. Blade hates the monster within him and hates himself for not being able to be with the one he loves. It's all very weird.

Luckily the other characters of the story alleviate some of the emotional tension between Jessica and Blade making the story and plot move along nicely. However, the plot was just okay. As I mentioned earlier the story is billed as a young adult dystopian and while it is to a degree, the story does not center on it. Instead it focuses on the unfortunate, star-crossed lovers type relationship that develops between Blade and Jessica. While this made for a good read, I think it could have been better. There were many questions left unanswered in my opinion. Why did they invade? This was answered in literally one sentence. Personally I would've liked a little more back story and some flashbacks to the actual invasion. Instead you are dropped into the story around 9 months after the invasion with not much given on the past. Are there more survivors? What are others doing? What does Jessica plan to do in the future? They can't all stay in the cabin forever, can they?

Overall, I felt this story was just okay. It had a lot of good dystopian elements, but they were not seen through out the plot. If this story had been billed as a paranormal romance, I may have felt differently as I did go into it reading with the expectation that it was a sci-fi dystopian. Would I recommend this book? Sure! It's short, I read it in one sitting, and it is decent. It's just not your typical dystopian novel. If you enjoy paranormal romance then I believe you will enjoy this book.

I received a copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

The Legacy by [a:Melissa Delport|7034215|Melissa Delport|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1376566304p2/7034215.jpg] is the first book in an exciting, new dystopian trilogy. The book begins with the haunting lines..

"World War Three began on the third day of September, the year 2016.

The war lasted twelve days. Twelve days was all it took for mankind to destroy a civilization that had taken thousands of years to evolve and to almost eradicate our own species. No victor emerged from the ashes and billions lost their lives..."

Who doesn't want to read this book after that?! Needless to say I was hooked from the first words to the very last. It follows the story of Rebecca Davis and her attempts to overthrow the corrupt president Eric Dane.

I loved Rebecca! She is strong-willed, steadfast, and loyal to her cause. I mean really loyal! She leaves the life she's known to become a super-soldier (a human with traits such as speed, strength, and the ability to heal), marry a dictator so she can infiltrate his government and feed information back to the Resistance. What's not to love?! Then there's Eric Dane, the dictator president of the New United States of America (ten states that he has sectioned off from the rest). Eric is in one word sexy. He's brooding, self-centered, and has his own agenda. He also knows what he wants and how to get it. Rebecca even says in another life she could've loved him. But sadly he is evil, sadistic, and needs to die which Rebecca is trying to accomplish.

Not only is there one man in this book for Rebecca but three. Aidan is the boy that Rebecca has known her whole life, literally he was there for her birth. His father and her mother were found each other after the world went to hell and together kept their children safe. Aidan is the shy, sexy man in the book. He's her best friend, her confidante, her soulmate, but he's not my favorite character or who I'd pick for our Rebecca. No that would be Reed McCoy. Reed is Southern man so of course the drawl gets my vote :lol: but it's his devotion and loyalty to Rebecca that really got me. You see Reed has a bit of a mysterious past (sorry, that's all I can say without giving spoilers) and because of it he's known Rebecca far longer than she's known him. Like her he's a super-soldier and he fights right along side her.

The plot is what you would expect from a dystopian novel. There's lots of action, twists and turns, some tears, and yes a little romance, but what really sets The Legion apart from its predecessors is it's world-building. The author's vivid descriptions of what life is like for Rebecca and those living outside of the New United States is breath-taking. I felt like I was there because I was able to visualize in great detail the world that the characters were living in. And quite frankly that played havoc on my emotions. Not only that but the author does something else that most dystopian authors leave out, she describes in great detail the events that led to this dystopian world. It's usually one of my biggest complaints with post-apocalyptic novels that authors don't really go into the events that led to where the characters are, but Melissa Delport does and she does it with great detail. It flows with the plot well, instead of slowing it down as you may think it would it adds to it and helps you the reader empathize with the characters and their struggles. And the scary part of this whole concept is it is believable, which quite frankly put me on edge!

I read this book in just under 48 hours. I just couldn't sit it down. Oh yes and the massive cliffhanger ending ensured that I purchased book two and read it as well! If I was to compare this book with other dystopians, I would say it is similar to The Hunger Games, but darker with a bit more violence and a little more romance. It is definitely not for the young adult crowd due to its violence, strong language and a few romantic scenes. Overall, this is one of the best books I've read this year and possibly ever! I highly recommend it especially if you are like me and love a good dystopian.

I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Legion by [a:Melissa Delport|7034215|Melissa Delport|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1376566304p2/7034215.jpg] is book two of The Legacy Trilogy and picks up four months after the end of book one. Rebecca's father is missing and hasn't been seen since the attack on the New United States. Eric Dane is dead, but someone is pulling the strings in the NUSA and preventing those in the Rebeldom to fight back. They have super-soldiers, more than originally thought and they are making more, which leads Rebecca to believe her father is working with them, but why? Can Rebecca save her father and can she defeat this unknown foe?

Oh my word I don't even know where to start!?! Usually sequels don't live up to their predecessors, this one does and if I'm honest blew my mind!!!!! It is action-packed with lots of surprises that left me emotionally shattered. Literally!!! It took me several days to get over this book, and that hasn't happened since I read the book-that-shall-not-be-named (:::cough::: Allegiant).



All joking aside, I really did enjoy this book! Rebecca is back and a better character than ever. The book starts with her in a depression and really who wouldn't be?! The love of her life is dead, her father is missing, and she just killed her husband. No matter how despicable Eric was, it still affected her....killing him in cold blood. It takes a mean speech from - of all people - Reed to get her out of her funk. Then she is back to being a woman with a mission. That mission make the United States whole again and out of a dictator's rule. Reed is just one sexy man. There's no other way to say it. He is Rebecca's equal in every way and I feel like he pushes her to be better. He gives her confidence to be a leader and the confidence she needs during a battle. Without him, I don't want to see what happens to her and neither do you!

Spoiler

During the first book, Rebecca watches helplessly as Eric orders his super-soldier to kill Aidan. During the epilogue, we see from Aidan's perspective that Eric gave him the healing ability and if like me it left you reeling and wondering is he alive? Well at around 30% during book two you get your answer. He is alive, but something went horribly wrong during his procedure and he has no memories before waking up from getting his healing ability. So where does that leave his relationship with Rebecca? You guessed it. No where. He doesn't know her and has no feelings towards her. To me, it is the ultimate form of torture. To take your first love, the man you love whole-heartedly and he not remember you?! I would rather he had stayed dead!!! I think Rebecca feels the same. Especially with her relationship with Reed heating up :)

There are some new characters, one being the man Eric named before his death, that I really enjoyed. At first I didn't trust them, like at all, but then I gradually began to as Rebecca did. These new characters bring an exciting diversion from the war the Rebeldom is attempting to start. These characters' mission is to search for survivors that are living on their own, the deranged as everyone calls them. Well, the deranged are not so deranged once they have food and shelter and others to talk to. It's amazing what they do and it reminds Rebecca of her own mission and the importance or it.

The plot of this particular book strays away from the main plot of the trilogy as it focuses more on Rebecca and her own reasons behind her mission to bring down the NUSA. This book focuses on those left outside the fence, their struggles to survive and their overwhelming gratitude towards Rebecca and those that bring them in. I love how this author makes it real! Rebecca and her small team find several deranged and basically - for lack of a better term - rehabilitate them. This book focuses on the human capacity for survival and love. Gives me chills just thinking about it!

But there's a lot of conflict and a lot of loss in this book. Even more so than the first if you can believe it. I thought the first book played with my emotions, I was wrong. This book completely tore them to pieces. I was sobbing at the end and all I can ask is "how much longer before book three?" because I don't think I can handle waiting too long to find out the fate of our characters.



Overall if you read book one, you need to read book two! It's one of the best sequels I've ever read to date. If you enjoy dystopians, action and suspense, and a little romance, do yourself a favor and start this series :D You won't be disappointed!

The Sun Dwellers by [a:David Estes|3167424|David Estes|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1359857929p2/3167424.jpg] is book three of the Dwellers saga and picks up right where book two left off. Tristan, Adele, Roc, Tawni, Trevor, and Ram are on their way to the capital on a mission from General Rose. Their mission: to kill the president, Tristan's father and hopefully stop the war before it's begun.

I love this series! This installment is nonstop action with a little romance thrown in. The author reveals many answers to questions I had asked throughout the series like: what is the mysterious connection between Tristan and Adele? What is Tristan hiding? Overall this is a great conclusion to the series....well almost conclusion ;)

Adele is still the strong-willed, determined girl from the first two books, however she starts this one out quite broken. Her father is dead, her sister is maimed and now her mother, the general, has asked her and her friends to lead a suicide mission into the capital of the Sun Realm to kill the President and hopefully end the war before it begins. No pressure, right?! Despite the overwhelming emotional trauma Adele has endured, she does as asked and I think she holds it together better than I ever could. Tristan is the knight-in-shining-armor. He is ever-present, quick-witted, and one heck of a warrior. It's his devotion...no that's not the right word...his complete love for Adele that gives her the strength she needs to pull off her mom's orders. Roc and Tawni are along for the ride and I just love them. Roc is definitely the comic relief but he is also wise beyond his years. Tawni is the loyal friend that Adele has never had and never knew she needed. Then there's President Nailin...he makes an excellent villain. He's just ruthless and frankly has no heart. His twisted view points make it all the easier to root for our main characters as they embark on this crazy mission.

The plot is streamlined into just a couple of days as Adele, Tristan and their friends infiltrate the capital on their mission to kill President Nailin. Even though this 300, almost 400 page book takes place in a couple of days, there is enough action and suspense, and of course a little drama and romance to keep my attention and me turning the pages. I couldn't sit it down, not even to make dinner for my wonderful husband (sorry honey ;) )! I thought with this being the next to last book in the series that the character building and major reveals were pretty much done with, but I was wrong. The author allowed for incredible growth for Tristan and Adele, in both their relationship and as individuals. It was wonderful to read!

Overall, I highly recommend you check out this series (start with book one though :) ). If you like young adult dystopians, indie authors (which I love), some action and suspense, and of course a little romance, than this series will not disappoint. I can't wait to start on its sister series, the Country Saga so I can finish this one!

My Soul to Keep by [a:Sean Hayden|4634239|Sean Hayden|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1297711408p2/4634239.jpg] is book one of the Rise of the Fallen series and it is a very unique take on Angel mythology. In fact, I think I can say with complete confidence you've never read anything like it! This story is about a teenage boy named Connor Sullivan and how one night he sold his soul for one wish, however idiot that he is, he thinks it's a joke. Well, at least he does until a very beautiful woman riding a motorcycle shows up to grant said wish. To outsmart her, he wishes to become like her. So Connor, average, idiotic, stupid high school sophomore that he is, becomes a Fallen. What does this mean? Well it means that he is no longer human, he is immortal, and he is - for lack of a better word - a demon.

So it's been a while.....no let me rephrase that....it's been a really long time since I read a book from a male perspective and I have to say that not only was it refreshing but absolutely hilarious! I thought going into this book that it probably wouldn't be very funny and it would be more on the serious side. But I forgot to take note that the main character is a teenage boy who is a sophomore in high school no less. So with that in mind, the humor is all guy humor, very dry and very funny, like laugh out loud and wake my husband up in the middle of the night funny! Don't believe me? The below quote is during one of the more serious parts of the book. Connor is trying to learn how to control his image, more on that later, but his teacher tells him to focus on being human. Here's what he comes up with...

"It's not about pretzels, it's about being human. Finding what you really like, doing it, and remembering what it is you love. I just happen to love soft pretzels."

Me too, Connor, me too!

Connor Sullivan was your average high school boy and well he still is despite the fact that he is now an immortal demon. Connor is quick-witted, smarter than he looks, and just your average guy. Clarisse or Clair is a Fallen, and she is the one responsible for teaching Connor how to be one. She's kind of mean, flirty, and from Connor's description very pretty. Then there's Jessica, the new girl at Connor's school who happens to be blind and like Connor. There's a bit of a love triangle going on between the three of them with poor Connor, like every other male his age, completely clueless.

The plot revolves around Connor learning about his new form and what he must learn to do with it. Throw in some mysterious murders into the mix and you've got this book. Lots of action, lots of humor, and a bit of romance (and I do mean just a bit!). Overall I couldn't sit it down. It's a short, quick read that kept my attention from the first word to the last and as soon as I was finished I immediately picked up and read book two! It is that good! If you enjoy angel mythology, urban fantasy with lots of action, then I think you will be pleasantly surprised with this book!

I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Your Soul to Take by [a:Sean Hayden|4634239|Sean Hayden|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1297711408p2/4634239.jpg] is book two of Rise of the Fallen and picks up exactly where book one left off. If you haven't read book one, stop reading my review now and read book one first!!!!! At the end of book one, Connor kills a vampire he turned, but not before the vampire got to his sister Caelyn. Caelyn is dead or at least everyone thinks she is and is in the morgue. Connor is with her and she wakes up scaring the crap out of him in the process. So now Connor's sister is a vampire and his girlfriend is going through transition to become a Chosen, or an angel. After Connor's fight, the elders call him and Clarisse to their city and determine he is to powerful to be a Seeker and they must choose a new path for him. Connor decides to be a Reaper and so his new training begins.

Connor Sullivan is your typical high school teenage boy. He is oblivious to girls who like him, has a very dry sense of humor, loves his family, and happens to be a demon. He is also smarter than he gives himself credit for and will do anything necessary to protect those he cares about. Clarisse is a Fallen, she's thousands of years old, a Seeker, and has the attitude of a teenage girl. She's moody, flirty, and I think in love with our Connor. Jess is a bit of a handful this book. In fact, I'm not sure I liked her. She's a bit catty with Clarisse, has an attitude, and a bit bossy with Connor, though he's clueless. Caelyn is the biggest surprise this book. In book one she is the bratty little sister. Her near death experience causes her character to transform overnight. She's sensitive, wants a good relationship with her brother, and goes from the mean girl to a true sister. I really liked her this go around!

The plot this book revolves around Caelyn. She didn't ask to be a vampire, she was turned against her will, and now someone is trying to kill her. Connor with the help of Clarisse and Darius plan to protect her and find who is responsible. Then you have Jess who is transitioning into a Chosen. Her mood swings are worse than any PMS-prone girl and Connor must keep a watchful eye in case she changes at school. Throw in Shannon, the head cheerleader and a Chosen, who decides she's in love with Connor and well you have one very busy and confused boy-demon.

The humor of this series has me laughing out loud. It's dry and very much "guy humor"! I love it! If you enjoy angel mythology, urban fantasy with lots of action/suspense, then I highly recommend this book. I don't think you will be disappointed. I can guarantee that it is unique and unlike anything you've ever read!

I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Bound Forever by [a:Hanna Peach|6586877|Hanna Peach|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1353805982p2/6586877.jpg] is the exciting conclusion to Bound by Lies. Caden and Kitten (I still cringe with that name) are on the run, hiding from Jacob, the man who started all this madness. At the end of book one, Kitten learns that Caden is an undercover cop, working to bring down Jacob's organization, that he was using her. Or was he? She thinks he was so that's all that matters in her eyes. Caden has secrets, lots of secrets and Kitten plans to uncover them all.

So I was pleasantly surprised with this book. If you read my review of book one, than you know I was on the fence. In fact until I hit almost mid-way through the book, I was ready to give up. I thought it was horrible and just some terrible excuse to write an erotica novel. And that is what this series is, but it is more than just that. The characters are real and the story behind them is what is this series saving grace.

Kitten (which I'm sorry I hate that he calls her Kitten, so from here on out I will refer to her as MC) is a very broken character. She was sexually abused by her first love, Jacob, and until she realized that what he did to her was wrong she just accepted it. She hates herself for ever loving him and she's been in hiding for three years, changing her name and address as often as you would change clothes. She keeps no cell phone, no bank account, nothing that could lead people to her. Until she met Caden, she was fine with this existence. Now she wants more, she wants a shot at having a normal life again. And hell, she deserves it after everything that has happened to her.

Caden is also a very broken character. In book one he is portrayed as a strong, mysterious man, but in this book, the author allows glimpses of his past. And his strength and mystery slips slowly away. Caden is just as broken if not more so than MC. He's a man that has had everything he's ever loved taken....no I need a stronger word here....ripped from him. And well he kinda goes off the deep end in this book. MC and the reader get a chance to see what this man is all about. And quite frankly, it brought me to tears.

The plot focuses on how Caden and MC are tied together by Jacob and the relationship between Caden and MC. It's full of suspense, tears, and some romance as well. Don't be put-off by the erotica label on this book. There are some steamy scenes, but they are easily overshadowed by the main plot and suspense. Overall if you enjoy a quick read, full of romance and suspense, then I believe you will enjoy this book.

The End of Innocence by Allegra Jordan is the heart-wrenching story of Wils Brandl and Helen Brooks, two star-crossed students of Harvard during the beginnings of WWI. This story tore at my heart unlike anything I've read before. Wils, in his last year at Harvard, is a German student and is summoned home by his mother to fight for the kaiser. Unwilling and hoping the war will pass, he stays, but only to see his childhood friend die and German racism and hatred on the rise with his fellow classmates. Helen is seventeen and starting college for the first time. Bright-eyed and following only what she knows, she instantly dislikes the bitter Wils when they first meet at a dance. Forced together during an advanced course, Helen and Wils begin an unlikely friendship that eventually leads to much more.

I instantly fell in love with Wils. He is a bright, young man with his whole future ahead of him. The bitterness he feels at the beginning of the story doesn't last and he becomes this selfless character that puts others before himself. He's caring and kind, a true gentleman. Then there's Helen. At first, I really disliked her (and that's putting it mildly). She's from the upper-class, in other words very rich and it shows. She's spoiled, selfish, and blames her mother (who is like the black sheep of the family) for all her social problems. Then Helen meets Wils, who drunk and mourning his friend, puts her in her place. I totally cheered for Wils on this account. Yes he was a bit callous, but Helen was just so unlikeable at that point. Reading the progression of the characters, you get a feel for how much Helen matures and I really loved this!

Though Helen and Wils are the main characters, there are some great secondary characters. Riley is Wils's cousin and the smooth talker. He brings levity to the otherwise seriousness of the novel and also a great competitor for Helen's affections. Dr. Copeland is the professor of the class that Wils and Helen share, and he reminds me a lot of my own literature professor! Very dry personality, but truly cares for his students.

All gone, he thought. Builders, farmers, teachers, students. Is this how we end? Jumbled parts in a mass grave, swept under a clean white carpet?

The plot deals with the war in Europe but also with the prejudice occurring at Harvard to its German students, and of course a bit of romance with the relationship between Helen and Wils. The war has just begun and the book takes you through the first Christmas and the events after the war. The author does a wonderful job of describing the horrible scenes of the war and one of the most popular references from WWI (the Christmas truce that began with the singing of Silent Night :cry: ). I have to admit that I sobbed during parts and laughed during others. Jordan really captures the essence of the time period.

Overall, I felt this novel was by far one of the best I've read this year. And hands down, the best historical fiction I've ever read! The author drew me in with her characters, their emotions and relationships, and I just couldn't set it down. If you enjoy historical fiction, romance, or just a really good book I highly recommend you check this one out. You will not be disappointed!

I received a copy of this book from Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

Darkness Watching by [a:Emma L. Adams|6563991|Emma L. Adams|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1351185091p2/6563991.jpg] is book one of her new series Darkworld and tells the story of Ashlyn, an eighteen year old off to college for the first time who also happens to see demons. Ash thinks she's crazy, seeing dark voids with purple eyes staring out at her everywhere she goes. She just wants a normal life and believes that living away at college will give that to her. Then she is accepted to some obscure college that she doesn't remember applying to. On a visit she realizes that on campus there are no demons. So she happily accepts. But there's more to this college than she knows. Why can't she see demons while on campus? And once there, why does she feel like something or someone is after her?

So this book was just okay for me. I had a hard time relating to Ashlyn and found myself skimming instead of reading multiple times. Ashlyn is your typical teen, ready to leave home for the first time when she sees her first demon. Then she becomes a bit of a recluse. She doesn't socialize with her friends, she talks to herself (a lot!), and well she handles the whole seeing demons better than I would have. She doesn't break down or anything like that. Instead she internalizes her feelings. She claims she's gone crazy and tries her best to ignore the whole problem.

David, one of Ash's flatmates, becomes the sort of love interest for this story. He, along with two others in the flat, are English lit majors just like Ashlyn (I found this a bit unrealistic, as usually dorm assignments you have nothing in common with your roommates). He's sweet, a little on the uppity side for me, and takes to following Ash around like a puppy. When he finally works up the nerve to ask her out, he has ulterior motives. Sorry can't say more without spoilers. Then there's Claudia and her circle of sinners as they call it. Like Ashlyn they can also see demons. And they have information for Ashlyn about what she is and who might be trying to hurt her.

The Venantium is a secret society of wizards who locked the demons in their world hundreds, if not thousands, of years earlier. But they're not necessarily the good guys either. Claudia describes them as ruthless and power-hungry. With Claudia's and the other's help, Ashlyn tries to hide from them. The Venantium make a really good absent villain. You know, the kind that everyone talks about and tells scary stories about, but no one really knows what they are capable of or who is involved with them.

The plot is really focused around Ashlyn discovering her newfound abilities and whoever is trying to kill her. The writing is good, but as I stated earlier I found myself skimming instead of really reading several times. The beginning of the book was slow to start and it really didn't pick up the pace until about half-way through. I had a really hard time paying attention and some of the characters I had to go back and reread because I wasn't sure who they were.

Overall I give this book 3.5 stars. The ending really picked up the suspense and action, along with a bit of drama, that renewed my interest. Because the book ends without a cliffhanger, it can be read as a standalone, and it makes a good start to the series. There is some world-building, but I believe there will be more as the series progresses. Although this book is classified as young adult, there is some violence and sexual innuendoes (I mean they are in college). I would recommend this book more for the 16+, possibly even new adult. If you enjoy paranormal, wizards, and demons, I believe you will enjoy this book.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.