Take a photo of a barcode or cover
1.18k reviews by:
momwithareadingproblem
I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
As Black as Ebony by Salla Simukka is the explosive conclusion to the Lumikki Andersson (Snow White Trilogy) series. Lumikki is back at school and moving on with her life. She has a new guy, and instead of sitting on the sidelines she's living. But then her ex drops back into her life and if that wasn't bad enough, she's gained a stalker.
So this book was just okay. Lumikki is back in school, she has a lukewarm relationship with a guy she says she loves, and a whole heap of questions for her parents. Lenka opened Lumikki's eyes. She had a sister but where is she and why do her parents not speak of her? She's a woman obsessed with finding the truth.
The plot of this relatively short book revolves around Lumikki's past. The stalker is not only obsessed with Lumikki but opening her eyes to her "true self" by revealing truths that were hidden. I found this aspect interesting! And as more and more is revealed the author kept me guessing. I thought I had who the stalker was figured out but I was wrong on all counts and never would've been able to guess it!
Overall this book was a nice conclusion to the series. Lumikki (and the readers) get answers about things that have haunted her throughout the series AND it's a great suspenseful read. Personally though I could have done without the romance aspect. There was a love triangle of sorts and it just didn't work for Lumikki because that's not who I picture her being. However if you enjoy crime/thriller novels I suggest you read this one!
This book fulfills #34 on the 2015 COYER Summer Scavenger Hunt
As Black as Ebony by Salla Simukka is the explosive conclusion to the Lumikki Andersson (Snow White Trilogy) series. Lumikki is back at school and moving on with her life. She has a new guy, and instead of sitting on the sidelines she's living. But then her ex drops back into her life and if that wasn't bad enough, she's gained a stalker.
So this book was just okay. Lumikki is back in school, she has a lukewarm relationship with a guy she says she loves, and a whole heap of questions for her parents. Lenka opened Lumikki's eyes. She had a sister but where is she and why do her parents not speak of her? She's a woman obsessed with finding the truth.
The plot of this relatively short book revolves around Lumikki's past. The stalker is not only obsessed with Lumikki but opening her eyes to her "true self" by revealing truths that were hidden. I found this aspect interesting! And as more and more is revealed the author kept me guessing. I thought I had who the stalker was figured out but I was wrong on all counts and never would've been able to guess it!
Overall this book was a nice conclusion to the series. Lumikki (and the readers) get answers about things that have haunted her throughout the series AND it's a great suspenseful read. Personally though I could have done without the romance aspect. There was a love triangle of sorts and it just didn't work for Lumikki because that's not who I picture her being. However if you enjoy crime/thriller novels I suggest you read this one!
This book fulfills #34 on the 2015 COYER Summer Scavenger Hunt
I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Initial Reaction:
Blood Tree - Part One by Scarlett Dawn is the first in a new adult paranormal romance series about a completely different world!! Kenna Julius thought her mother was overbearing and crazy until one night her mother sends her to follow the path of white roses and music to safety. The crazy part is there is music and there is a path straight to another world....the world of the light fae. And so Kenna's normal-ish life becomes crazy.
I like Kenna, even if she is a bit misguided. She knows who she is and what she believes and no one is going to tell her differently. She loves, she hates, and she follows all the rules laid out by her mom and the light fae with no question, but maybe a bit of impatience ;)
Julius is the king/creator of all the light far and happens to be the main love interest. Not much is really known about him other than what is shown from Kenna's brief/intense encounters with him. If I'm honest I suspect there is more to him and I hope to see that in the coming book!
So I really liked this book, I wouldn't say I loved it though. I felt like the plot had a ton of potential, but it was rushed. Hence the reason I give it four instead of five stars. Kenna's entire story is placed into just over 80 pages, roughly 20000 words. It starts when she is 13 and spans until her 20th birthday when she will face her blood tree ceremony. The whole book is really centered around this ceremony and the events that lead to it. Will Kenna be a light or a dark fae? Every time I got hooked into the story, it would skip ahead a few years. Like when she was 13 and had just entered the fae kingdom and is learning all about it, the next chapter skips to when she is 16 and already knows everything. Ummm.....I want to know what all she learned please :D
Overall I'm a big fan of Scarlett Dawn and so I enjoyed this book! It's a quick read, one that you will not want to sit down and if you need something (as I did) to get you out of a reading slump, this is it. There's some amazing world building which is essential for fantasy literature and you really don't want to miss this world Dawn has created! Just keep in mind that even though the character starts at 13, she ages quickly to 20 and this is a new adult book (sorry no kiddos under 18 please). If you enjoy fantasy, paranormal romance, or are just looking for a quick read, this is the book you are looking for!
Initial Reaction:
Blood Tree - Part One by Scarlett Dawn is the first in a new adult paranormal romance series about a completely different world!! Kenna Julius thought her mother was overbearing and crazy until one night her mother sends her to follow the path of white roses and music to safety. The crazy part is there is music and there is a path straight to another world....the world of the light fae. And so Kenna's normal-ish life becomes crazy.
I like Kenna, even if she is a bit misguided. She knows who she is and what she believes and no one is going to tell her differently. She loves, she hates, and she follows all the rules laid out by her mom and the light fae with no question, but maybe a bit of impatience ;)
Julius is the king/creator of all the light far and happens to be the main love interest. Not much is really known about him other than what is shown from Kenna's brief/intense encounters with him. If I'm honest I suspect there is more to him and I hope to see that in the coming book!
So I really liked this book, I wouldn't say I loved it though. I felt like the plot had a ton of potential, but it was rushed. Hence the reason I give it four instead of five stars. Kenna's entire story is placed into just over 80 pages, roughly 20000 words. It starts when she is 13 and spans until her 20th birthday when she will face her blood tree ceremony. The whole book is really centered around this ceremony and the events that lead to it. Will Kenna be a light or a dark fae? Every time I got hooked into the story, it would skip ahead a few years. Like when she was 13 and had just entered the fae kingdom and is learning all about it, the next chapter skips to when she is 16 and already knows everything. Ummm.....I want to know what all she learned please :D
Overall I'm a big fan of Scarlett Dawn and so I enjoyed this book! It's a quick read, one that you will not want to sit down and if you need something (as I did) to get you out of a reading slump, this is it. There's some amazing world building which is essential for fantasy literature and you really don't want to miss this world Dawn has created! Just keep in mind that even though the character starts at 13, she ages quickly to 20 and this is a new adult book (sorry no kiddos under 18 please). If you enjoy fantasy, paranormal romance, or are just looking for a quick read, this is the book you are looking for!
Nashville by Inglath Cooper is a serial series about a young woman who heads to Music City to make her dreams come true. Along the way she meets two men with the same dream and together they make a great team!
So I've had part one of this serial series sitting on my Kindle for well over a year and when I came across the boxed set for free* I couldn't pass it up. And let me tell you I'm SO glad I didn't! The first four parts of Nashville focus on CeCe, Holden and Thomas as they set out to make their dreams of being country music stars come true. And of course a little romance on the side ;)
*I bought my version on Amazon. It is currently (as of writing this review on 8/24/15) free on Amazon Kindle, Kobo, and iTunes. I DO NOT know how long this promotion will last so as always be sure to check before you buy!
CeCe is fresh out of high school with big plans and even bigger dreams, but the good news for her is that she has the look and sound to make those dreams come to life. The bad news, everything works against her. First her car along with all her possessions burn on the side of I40. Then she has to deal with two guys from Georgia with the same dream and talent as herself. And one of the guys is a total butt to her from the get go. I like CeCe. She's a bit naive, but hey she's only 18. I couldn't imagine living the life she does at that age.
Holden is the handsome, aforementioned butt. He has his own reasons though. He and his best friend Thomas finally decide to go to Nashville permanently, which means he leaves his girlfriend (or ex?) behind. He's upset then Thomas has to go and pick up the stray girl on the side of the highway. Holden is talented at what he does - playing guitar and writing songs - and he knows it. BUT what makes him likable is the fact he doesn't flaunt it. AND then there's his big heart. Despite his nonchalant, brusque attitude towards CeCe, he's kind, caring, and very rarely puts his own needs first.
The plot of the first four parts of this serial series really revolves around Holden and CeCe, even alternating chapters between their POV. This just enhances the story for me! It's a story about falling in love but also what it takes to follow your heart, follow your dreams. There are subtle Christian influences throughout the story so perfectly interwoven with the characters' lives that as a reader you don't question it and if you aren't looking you may not even notice it. It's uplifting and encouraging. Plus who doesn't love a story about the underdogs?!
Overall, if you can't tell, I enjoyed the book! It can easily be read alone without continuing the serial series (BUT WHY would you want to do that?!) as it tells Holden and CeCe's story in completion. The next parts go on to tell Thomas's story which I'm excited to read :D One of the draws to this story for me was reading about a city in my own state. I love Nashville! And it was neat to read about places I've been in real life because I could easily imagine it and how it affected the characters. And BONUS it's a clean read with very little curse words or romantic entanglements ;) If you enjoy new adult, contemporary romance, or you're looking for a light-hearted read, this is it!
So I've had part one of this serial series sitting on my Kindle for well over a year and when I came across the boxed set for free* I couldn't pass it up. And let me tell you I'm SO glad I didn't! The first four parts of Nashville focus on CeCe, Holden and Thomas as they set out to make their dreams of being country music stars come true. And of course a little romance on the side ;)
*I bought my version on Amazon. It is currently (as of writing this review on 8/24/15) free on Amazon Kindle, Kobo, and iTunes. I DO NOT know how long this promotion will last so as always be sure to check before you buy!
CeCe is fresh out of high school with big plans and even bigger dreams, but the good news for her is that she has the look and sound to make those dreams come to life. The bad news, everything works against her. First her car along with all her possessions burn on the side of I40. Then she has to deal with two guys from Georgia with the same dream and talent as herself. And one of the guys is a total butt to her from the get go. I like CeCe. She's a bit naive, but hey she's only 18. I couldn't imagine living the life she does at that age.
Holden is the handsome, aforementioned butt. He has his own reasons though. He and his best friend Thomas finally decide to go to Nashville permanently, which means he leaves his girlfriend (or ex?) behind. He's upset then Thomas has to go and pick up the stray girl on the side of the highway. Holden is talented at what he does - playing guitar and writing songs - and he knows it. BUT what makes him likable is the fact he doesn't flaunt it. AND then there's his big heart. Despite his nonchalant, brusque attitude towards CeCe, he's kind, caring, and very rarely puts his own needs first.
The plot of the first four parts of this serial series really revolves around Holden and CeCe, even alternating chapters between their POV. This just enhances the story for me! It's a story about falling in love but also what it takes to follow your heart, follow your dreams. There are subtle Christian influences throughout the story so perfectly interwoven with the characters' lives that as a reader you don't question it and if you aren't looking you may not even notice it. It's uplifting and encouraging. Plus who doesn't love a story about the underdogs?!
Overall, if you can't tell, I enjoyed the book! It can easily be read alone without continuing the serial series (BUT WHY would you want to do that?!) as it tells Holden and CeCe's story in completion. The next parts go on to tell Thomas's story which I'm excited to read :D One of the draws to this story for me was reading about a city in my own state. I love Nashville! And it was neat to read about places I've been in real life because I could easily imagine it and how it affected the characters. And BONUS it's a clean read with very little curse words or romantic entanglements ;) If you enjoy new adult, contemporary romance, or you're looking for a light-hearted read, this is it!
So I really wanted to like this book! The synopsis, the concept, the whole idea of A made me want to jump inside the book immediately and start reading....but it was such a letdown!
Every Day by David Levithan is about A, a sentient being who wakes up each morning in a different body. He/She/It has no idea how this happens, why it happens, or what he/she/it is. A lives someone else's life each day, passing through, observing, but not making any waves until he meets Rhiannon. Then A's entire existence is finding a way to be with this girl he knew for all of 1 day while he pretended to be her boyfriend.
This book really revolves around A's obsession...erhm I mean love for Rhiannon. It's a bit on the creepy side. A believes that love can overcome any obstacles including those associated with his body jumping ability. Rhiannon doesn't quite see it that way. I mean what normal 16 year old girl would?! And A doesn't take to kindly to this. He's upset that she can't see past the skin to who is inside the body.....
So yeah, this book started strong with a good paranormal, sci-fi feel and of course the touch of romance with A's crush. However it quickly devolved into pushing an agenda. Or at least that's how it felt to me. Instead of focusing on the big issue of A - what he is, how to stop the body jumping, etc - the book focuses on Rhiannon's inability to love A no matter what body he was in - girl, boy, fat, skinny, nerd, hot, gay, etc. It focuses so much on this point that by the end I was hoping she wouldn't stay with him. He didn't try to sympathize with her struggles at all.
Let's be serious for a sec....could you be physically attracted to someone if they were in a different body every single day? Be honest with yourself....I couldn't. I love my husband but if he showed up as a sexy super model tomorrow I'm 100% positive I wouldn't be attracted to him (Sorry honey). But the beauty of this is that he wouldn't expect me too. A expected Rhiannon to love him no matter what body he showed up in.
Overall this book had SO MUCH potential but it was wasted on A's fixation on Rhiannon. The author didn't even attempt to dive into what A was, how he was able to body jump, or any of the paranormal elements I expected. This book should really be classified as a young adult contemporary romance with a dose of paranormal on the side. It just wasn't for me, especially towards the end when it felt like I was being preached at over and over again that the outside doesn't matter. People we can kid ourselves all we like, but ALL relationships start with a physical attraction of some kind before evolving into a deeper connection. It's just a fact, sorry not sorry.
Unhinged by A.G. Howard picks up almost a year after Alyssa and Jeb went down the rabbit hole to save Wonderland from Queen Red in Splintered. I split this book in two: I was traveling when I decided I needed to to know what would happen to this beautiful world Howard created. So I listened to half of the book and then read the last half. This was a good choice on my part because the first half of the book is a bit on the slow side.
Oh Alyssa....I didn't care much for her in the beginning, but she grew on me this book. She's still shallow, still concerned with herself, BUT she makes better choices AND she lets her Wonderland side come out to play. It's kinda awesome! My biggest problem with her is her inability to choose between Morpheus and Jeb..
Alyssa, girl....we need to talk!!! Jeb is not right for you. Run to Morpheus! Run as fast you can and never leave Wonderland :D Ok that's me on my soapbox. Now onto the love triangle...
Jeb has no memory of their trip to Wonderland, a side effect of Alyssa saving him. Yet somehow the two still managed to become a couple in the last year. Jeb however doesn't give Alyssa the same attention as he does his art. He puts his fledgling career first instead of Alyssa who he claims to love.
Morpheus....OMG!!! WHY do I even need to explain why Alyssa should be with him?! Morpheus is Howard's version of the caterpillar from Carroll's original. He's dark, uses Netherling logic and EVERY choice he makes is for the good of Wonderland. He also happens to love Alyssa, in his own Netherling way.
The plot of this book revolves around Alyssa's failure to kill Queen Red in the first book. Queen Red is now destroying Wonderland and Alyssa needs to stop her, she's the only one that can. Yet she refuses to answer Morpheus's call. So Morpheus comes to her. Basically Wonderland has crossed into the human realm and now Alyssa finds herself with even bigger problems than before.
Personally I LOVED this installment. Give me more Morpheus any day of the week :D I could have done without the love triangle, but it worked in this book, giving drama and a bit of levity in otherwise dark plot. If you enjoyed Splintered, love Wonderland, and want more, pick it up asap!
Oh Alyssa....I didn't care much for her in the beginning, but she grew on me this book. She's still shallow, still concerned with herself, BUT she makes better choices AND she lets her Wonderland side come out to play. It's kinda awesome! My biggest problem with her is her inability to choose between Morpheus and Jeb..
Alyssa, girl....we need to talk!!! Jeb is not right for you. Run to Morpheus! Run as fast you can and never leave Wonderland :D Ok that's me on my soapbox. Now onto the love triangle...
Jeb has no memory of their trip to Wonderland, a side effect of Alyssa saving him. Yet somehow the two still managed to become a couple in the last year. Jeb however doesn't give Alyssa the same attention as he does his art. He puts his fledgling career first instead of Alyssa who he claims to love.
Morpheus....OMG!!! WHY do I even need to explain why Alyssa should be with him?! Morpheus is Howard's version of the caterpillar from Carroll's original. He's dark, uses Netherling logic and EVERY choice he makes is for the good of Wonderland. He also happens to love Alyssa, in his own Netherling way.
The plot of this book revolves around Alyssa's failure to kill Queen Red in the first book. Queen Red is now destroying Wonderland and Alyssa needs to stop her, she's the only one that can. Yet she refuses to answer Morpheus's call. So Morpheus comes to her. Basically Wonderland has crossed into the human realm and now Alyssa finds herself with even bigger problems than before.
Personally I LOVED this installment. Give me more Morpheus any day of the week :D I could have done without the love triangle, but it worked in this book, giving drama and a bit of levity in otherwise dark plot. If you enjoyed Splintered, love Wonderland, and want more, pick it up asap!
Brilliant Conclusion even if I HATED the ending! Ensnared by A.G. Howard is the conclusion to the Splintered series. Alyssa has to go to the looking glass world to find her mother, Jeb, and Morpheus after they were taken during the disastrous battle with Queen Red at prom a few weeks earlier. The problem is that she has been locked up in the same asylum her mom spent the last ten years at. Alyssa has to convince her father to take her through the looking glass and save her family and her kingdom.
Alyssa is now more Netherling than human, she's embraced it. And I have to say I LOVE her this way. She's the best of both worlds. Her human side is her conscience and the Netherling side is her strength. She's fought hard in the last two books, now it is up to her to finish the fight before her time runs out.
There is so much I love about this book and SO much that I can't even talk about without spoiling it for you! First off the little twist with Alyssa's dad is perfection :D I didn't see it coming AND it fits the story just right. The looking glass world that Jeb and Morpheus are trapped in is even more twisted than the Wonderland Howard has created. Seriously though the imagery in this series is reason enough to read it! It's beautiful and haunting and this installment in particular will give you nightmares ;) Then there's the battles! Honestly this series has been building up to the ultimate battle and it is a success! So much action and angst :D
Now lets talk about the ending for just a sec. I'm putting it in spoiler tags so if you haven't read this book yet, don't read the spoiler! (unless you don't mind knowing the end of the book before you read it)
Overall I LOVED this series! I love Wonderland and Howard does a fantastic job of bringing Wonderland to life. Honestly her version is a bit scary but beautiful in its madness. I highly recommend it for anyone that enjoys fantasy and young adult.
Alyssa is now more Netherling than human, she's embraced it. And I have to say I LOVE her this way. She's the best of both worlds. Her human side is her conscience and the Netherling side is her strength. She's fought hard in the last two books, now it is up to her to finish the fight before her time runs out.
There is so much I love about this book and SO much that I can't even talk about without spoiling it for you! First off the little twist with Alyssa's dad is perfection :D I didn't see it coming AND it fits the story just right. The looking glass world that Jeb and Morpheus are trapped in is even more twisted than the Wonderland Howard has created. Seriously though the imagery in this series is reason enough to read it! It's beautiful and haunting and this installment in particular will give you nightmares ;) Then there's the battles! Honestly this series has been building up to the ultimate battle and it is a success! So much action and angst :D
Now lets talk about the ending for just a sec. I'm putting it in spoiler tags so if you haven't read this book yet, don't read the spoiler! (unless you don't mind knowing the end of the book before you read it)
Spoiler
Okay so we've dealt with this long, drawn out love triangle for three whole books and then Howard sums it up in a two page epilogue! REALLY?!?! WHAT A COP OUT!!!! I don't see how this is okay. Alyssa gets both guys!!!! She lives a human life with Jeb and then fakes her death so she can be crowned in Wonderland and return to the immortal age of 17. REALLY?! AND she marries Morpheus AFTER she has a mortal life with Jeb. Seriously?! PICK ONE GUY!!!!! Preferably Morpheus....but only one!!!!Overall I LOVED this series! I love Wonderland and Howard does a fantastic job of bringing Wonderland to life. Honestly her version is a bit scary but beautiful in its madness. I highly recommend it for anyone that enjoys fantasy and young adult.
WHY?! Why did I wait so long to read this book?! I've had Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout on my Kindle since July of 2014. I picked it up during a free promotion because honestly aliens are cool ;) AND I've heard a told about the author but have never read any of her work. Well that's been corrected and I'm happy to say the hype is well deserved.
Obsidian is an urban fantasy lover's dream, mixing in a blend of sci-fi and romance that should not be missed. Katy moves to a small town in Virginia during her senior year of high school with her mother after the death of her father. She doesn't want to be there any more than she wants to make new friends (at the insistence of her mother). Lucky for her, there are twins living next door her age *insert sarcasm*. Katy meets Daemon and it all goes down hill from there!
Okay so I LOVED and HATED Katy! She encompasses everything that I love and hate about YA books. I loved that she is independent, smart, a quick thinker, and doesn't need a guy. This makes an awesome MC in my opinion. BUT she is also whiny, self-obsessed, loves/hates the boy next door, and just can't make up her mind. It's kinda annoying.
Overall I REALLY loved this book! So much so that when BookOutlet(dot)com added the entire series to their site for cheaper than the ebooks I was getting ready to purchase I got the whole series. And let me tell (because I've already read them all!) IT WAS SO WORTH IT! Seriously I love science fiction, I love urban fantasy, and I love a little romance and this book/series has it all! GO READ IT if you haven't all ready :D
Obsidian is an urban fantasy lover's dream, mixing in a blend of sci-fi and romance that should not be missed. Katy moves to a small town in Virginia during her senior year of high school with her mother after the death of her father. She doesn't want to be there any more than she wants to make new friends (at the insistence of her mother). Lucky for her, there are twins living next door her age *insert sarcasm*. Katy meets Daemon and it all goes down hill from there!
Okay so I LOVED and HATED Katy! She encompasses everything that I love and hate about YA books. I loved that she is independent, smart, a quick thinker, and doesn't need a guy. This makes an awesome MC in my opinion. BUT she is also whiny, self-obsessed, loves/hates the boy next door, and just can't make up her mind. It's kinda annoying.
I thought people in small towns were supposed to be nice, not act like the son of Satan.Daemon....Daemon....Daemon! Oh how I love to hate you! Daemon is Katy's next door neighbor and all around jerk. He is purposely cruel to her, or at least that's how it seems, and did I mention he's HOT?! Oh yeah, and smart and totally devoted to his twin sister....so there are a few redeemable qualities in him. Also he knows how to push Katy's buttons, to the point that even I want to come through the pages and slap him silly! Then he says stuff like this:
I've always found that the most beautiful people, truly beautiful inside and out, are the ones who are quietly unaware of their effect...The ones who throw their beauty around, waste what they have? Their beauty is only passing. It's just a shell hiding nothing but shadows and emptiness.Okay so the synopsis of this book kinda spoils the plot. The book's main focus is Katy and her discovering that her neighbors are aliens. In fact this doesn't occur until almost the half way point. AND because I read the synopsis and knew he was an alien I felt like it was super drawn out, BUT I loved it nonetheless. For once I didn't mind the high school drama, the insta-love/hate relationship between Daemon and Katy, and the BFF vibe between Katy and Dee (Daemon's sister who I adore!). I even didn't mind the mean girl Ashley (Daemon's ex and also alien). Seriously the author accomplished a feat making me enjoy the things I usually hate in YA literature!
Overall I REALLY loved this book! So much so that when BookOutlet(dot)com added the entire series to their site for cheaper than the ebooks I was getting ready to purchase I got the whole series. And let me tell (because I've already read them all!) IT WAS SO WORTH IT! Seriously I love science fiction, I love urban fantasy, and I love a little romance and this book/series has it all! GO READ IT if you haven't all ready :D
THAT WAS INTENSE!!!! Oh my word I think I've never read a book faster than I did this one. It was one, intense read from start to finish! Katy now knows Daemon's secret, she's a part of the Lux club so to speak, and now she is harboring her own secret. After the Arum attack at the end of book one and Daemon's quick thinking healing her, Katy and Daemon are connected, their hearts beat as one. AND if the government finds out, it could mean big trouble for the both of them.
Katy's grown on me. She isn't as self-centered or dramatic as she was last book. She's still independent, doesn't need a guy, and smart which works in her favor as she begins to develop this connection with Daemon. She's also a bit freaked. She was just starting to come to terms with what Daemon and his family are, and now she's more like them than human. Add to that Daemon's confession of love for her, she's all kinds of confused.
Daemon is the same guy I love to hate, but at the same time....awe man! He'll make your heart melt. I believe he truly does love Katy. This doesn't excuse his behavior last book, BUT he is trying and Katy just can't (or maybe refuses to) see it. Daemon loves Katy, but he is also devoted to his family and protecting them if he can which means hurting Katy in the process. Stupid Luxen!
And enter Blake :D This guy is sweet, cute, and has a thing for Katy. He's the new kid, AND Katy takes it upon herself to welcome him. BUT he's not all he seems to be and he adds quite a bit of drama to the book.
The plot centers around the connection between Katy and Daemon and what it could mean to the government if they found out. Honestly it's intense! There's a lot of lying between Katy and her friends and Katy and Daemon and Katy and Blake and Blake and Daemon (do you get the picture ;) ). On top of this is the government's involvement with the Luxen. They come to investigate the battle that occurred at the end of book one and their presence in the community is enough to put everyone edge.
Overall I ADORED this book. It was an edge of your seat thrill read! As I write this I've already read the rest of the series and can tell you it only gets better, which I didn't think possible at the time BUT IT DOES! If you enjoy a good sci-fi/fantasy with a bit of romance thrown in, this is it.
Katy's grown on me. She isn't as self-centered or dramatic as she was last book. She's still independent, doesn't need a guy, and smart which works in her favor as she begins to develop this connection with Daemon. She's also a bit freaked. She was just starting to come to terms with what Daemon and his family are, and now she's more like them than human. Add to that Daemon's confession of love for her, she's all kinds of confused.
Daemon is the same guy I love to hate, but at the same time....awe man! He'll make your heart melt. I believe he truly does love Katy. This doesn't excuse his behavior last book, BUT he is trying and Katy just can't (or maybe refuses to) see it. Daemon loves Katy, but he is also devoted to his family and protecting them if he can which means hurting Katy in the process. Stupid Luxen!
And enter Blake :D This guy is sweet, cute, and has a thing for Katy. He's the new kid, AND Katy takes it upon herself to welcome him. BUT he's not all he seems to be and he adds quite a bit of drama to the book.
The plot centers around the connection between Katy and Daemon and what it could mean to the government if they found out. Honestly it's intense! There's a lot of lying between Katy and her friends and Katy and Daemon and Katy and Blake and Blake and Daemon (do you get the picture ;) ). On top of this is the government's involvement with the Luxen. They come to investigate the battle that occurred at the end of book one and their presence in the community is enough to put everyone edge.
Overall I ADORED this book. It was an edge of your seat thrill read! As I write this I've already read the rest of the series and can tell you it only gets better, which I didn't think possible at the time BUT IT DOES! If you enjoy a good sci-fi/fantasy with a bit of romance thrown in, this is it.
I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Destiny Rising by Siobhan Davis is the final book in her True Calling series that follows the story of Ari, Zane and Cal as they fight for freedom on Earth under the tyranny of Novo. Ari and Cal are safe in an underwater facility after Novo bombed their headquarters in Florida. Zane having been left behind in the Connecticut facility in a coma after being shot, his heart failing him. Can Ari save everyone she loves AND free Earth?
Please note that if you have not read the previous books in this series that there are minor, unavoidable spoilers in this review!
Oh Ari! What am I to do with you? She grew up SO much this book. I had found her a bit annoying with her immaturity during the last two books, BUT that changes in this one. She makes huge headway with her psychic ability and she finally chooses between the two guys. Her memories are back too and boy does that not help her decision or her heart! I ached for her in this book and the choices she had to make.
Cal, who if you've followed my reviews you know he's not my favorite, grew on me as well. He's got a better hold of his temper as his hormones start to settle after everything that was done to him on Novo. On top of that his memories are back as well. His love/obsession for Ari is still there, along with his insecurity in her love for him. BUT he does a big thing, or maybe a rash thing when he tells her he's making the decision for her. Read the book and you decide ;)
Zane....oh Zane. I shipped you from the beginning :D Zane has a rough go in this book. And I feel like he gets the short end of the stick as well. Maybe that's just in my head though. His love and devotion to Ari and her family come first in ALL his decisions, but a choice that Ari makes at about halfway will change his character drastically!
So the plot of this book is more romantic than action I felt. It centered on Ari and the two guys and then during the last chapter you get the explosive all-out action scene. One thing I do like, even if I personally didn't agree, is that the author has Ari choose between Zane and Cal early on (at like 30-40%) so the love triangle is gone and there is more focus on the other guy rebuilding his life AND the actual romance between Ari and her choice. This I liked! I hate it when a triangle is dragged out too long.
My only dislike, and this is why it received 4 instead of 5 stars, is that I felt like there wasn't enough explanation to the war between the rebels and Novo. Also there really wasn't much on the actual rebellion. There was a lot of information about the romance, but little focus on the war and what led to it. As I already stated, the last two chapters of the book are explosive (figuratively and literally) and are the only time the book focuses solely on the bigger plot point.
Overall I love the series and this is a good conclusion....even if I didn't agree with Ari's choice ;) I do wish the battle between the rebels and Novo was explained more but really all in all it's a great book! If you're a fan of the series, I doubt you'll be disappointed. If you enjoy sci-fi, fantasy, and dystopians go get the books!
Destiny Rising by Siobhan Davis is the final book in her True Calling series that follows the story of Ari, Zane and Cal as they fight for freedom on Earth under the tyranny of Novo. Ari and Cal are safe in an underwater facility after Novo bombed their headquarters in Florida. Zane having been left behind in the Connecticut facility in a coma after being shot, his heart failing him. Can Ari save everyone she loves AND free Earth?
Please note that if you have not read the previous books in this series that there are minor, unavoidable spoilers in this review!
Oh Ari! What am I to do with you? She grew up SO much this book. I had found her a bit annoying with her immaturity during the last two books, BUT that changes in this one. She makes huge headway with her psychic ability and she finally chooses between the two guys. Her memories are back too and boy does that not help her decision or her heart! I ached for her in this book and the choices she had to make.
Cal, who if you've followed my reviews you know he's not my favorite, grew on me as well. He's got a better hold of his temper as his hormones start to settle after everything that was done to him on Novo. On top of that his memories are back as well. His love/obsession for Ari is still there, along with his insecurity in her love for him. BUT he does a big thing, or maybe a rash thing when he tells her he's making the decision for her. Read the book and you decide ;)
Zane....oh Zane. I shipped you from the beginning :D Zane has a rough go in this book. And I feel like he gets the short end of the stick as well. Maybe that's just in my head though. His love and devotion to Ari and her family come first in ALL his decisions, but a choice that Ari makes at about halfway will change his character drastically!
So the plot of this book is more romantic than action I felt. It centered on Ari and the two guys and then during the last chapter you get the explosive all-out action scene. One thing I do like, even if I personally didn't agree, is that the author has Ari choose between Zane and Cal early on (at like 30-40%) so the love triangle is gone and there is more focus on the other guy rebuilding his life AND the actual romance between Ari and her choice. This I liked! I hate it when a triangle is dragged out too long.
My only dislike, and this is why it received 4 instead of 5 stars, is that I felt like there wasn't enough explanation to the war between the rebels and Novo. Also there really wasn't much on the actual rebellion. There was a lot of information about the romance, but little focus on the war and what led to it. As I already stated, the last two chapters of the book are explosive (figuratively and literally) and are the only time the book focuses solely on the bigger plot point.
Overall I love the series and this is a good conclusion....even if I didn't agree with Ari's choice ;) I do wish the battle between the rebels and Novo was explained more but really all in all it's a great book! If you're a fan of the series, I doubt you'll be disappointed. If you enjoy sci-fi, fantasy, and dystopians go get the books!
I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Initial Reaction:
A Whole New World by Liz Braswell is the first in a new series from Disney Press that takes classic Disney films and asks the question "what if." In this book, the question is "what if Jafar got the lamp instead of Aladdin?" Honestly I was intrigued from that synopsis alone. I LOVE the original cartoon from Disney, I grew up watching it! I can even remember my mom taking me to the theater to see it, so when I saw this book I was all like
Then I started it....
Don't get me wrong. It wasn't terrible. If it was I wouldn't have bothered to rate it. I just found it....boring for lack of a better word. The writing was great, the imagery was beautiful, the characters were flat. The story line was blah and even with this great twist in the story it was utterly predictable.
Aladdin is the street rat that if you were a Disney kid you know and love. Some of his lines and actions were like I was reading the movie! It's that closely related. He is the street rat with morals, he looks out for the other street rats and only steals what he needs to survive, nothing more. His insta-love with Jasmine is present when he saves her during their first meeting in the marketplace. And of course the book has to have Abu, his little monkey who is more of a nuisance than comedic relief in this retelling.
Princess Jasmine takes a more central role in this version. After her initial meeting with Aladdin and then Jafar's betrayal, she isn't the sweet princess we know. Instead her heart is hardened, she's fierce, and her ultimate goal is to save her kingdom from the evil sorcerer no matter what it takes. She has a backbone in this book and doesn't rely on Aladdin for much, not that she did in the original either.
The plot really centers around the twist, Jafar getting the lamp instead of Aladdin. It's interesting but at the same time I felt it was very predictable. I expected it to be darker, though a zombie army and his penchant for killing is dark. Instead it is appropriate for the middle grade/young adult crowd that it is written for. It alludes to more than it actually shows. The romance is lacking as well, though it is there. Jafar is still the ultimate baddie in my opinion. He's just as scary as he is in the original if not more so with his newfound power.
Overall, I could take or leave this book. If you aren't familiar with the film, you may enjoy it more as it's predictability is based on your knowledge of the movie. However if like me you love the movie, I think you'll still enjoy the book, at least once you get to the twist (at more than 40% in). What I did enjoy though is that the book is appropriately written for the age group that it is advertised for. This got it big bonus points. If you enjoy young adult literature and retellings or you were a Disney kid, I highly recommend you give it a try!
Initial Reaction:
A Whole New World by Liz Braswell is the first in a new series from Disney Press that takes classic Disney films and asks the question "what if." In this book, the question is "what if Jafar got the lamp instead of Aladdin?" Honestly I was intrigued from that synopsis alone. I LOVE the original cartoon from Disney, I grew up watching it! I can even remember my mom taking me to the theater to see it, so when I saw this book I was all like
Then I started it....
Don't get me wrong. It wasn't terrible. If it was I wouldn't have bothered to rate it. I just found it....boring for lack of a better word. The writing was great, the imagery was beautiful, the characters were flat. The story line was blah and even with this great twist in the story it was utterly predictable.
Aladdin is the street rat that if you were a Disney kid you know and love. Some of his lines and actions were like I was reading the movie! It's that closely related. He is the street rat with morals, he looks out for the other street rats and only steals what he needs to survive, nothing more. His insta-love with Jasmine is present when he saves her during their first meeting in the marketplace. And of course the book has to have Abu, his little monkey who is more of a nuisance than comedic relief in this retelling.
Princess Jasmine takes a more central role in this version. After her initial meeting with Aladdin and then Jafar's betrayal, she isn't the sweet princess we know. Instead her heart is hardened, she's fierce, and her ultimate goal is to save her kingdom from the evil sorcerer no matter what it takes. She has a backbone in this book and doesn't rely on Aladdin for much, not that she did in the original either.
The plot really centers around the twist, Jafar getting the lamp instead of Aladdin. It's interesting but at the same time I felt it was very predictable. I expected it to be darker, though a zombie army and his penchant for killing is dark. Instead it is appropriate for the middle grade/young adult crowd that it is written for. It alludes to more than it actually shows. The romance is lacking as well, though it is there. Jafar is still the ultimate baddie in my opinion. He's just as scary as he is in the original if not more so with his newfound power.
Overall, I could take or leave this book. If you aren't familiar with the film, you may enjoy it more as it's predictability is based on your knowledge of the movie. However if like me you love the movie, I think you'll still enjoy the book, at least once you get to the twist (at more than 40% in). What I did enjoy though is that the book is appropriately written for the age group that it is advertised for. This got it big bonus points. If you enjoy young adult literature and retellings or you were a Disney kid, I highly recommend you give it a try!