Review: The Sweetest Dark

Title: The Sweetest Dark

Series: No
Genre: Young Adult-Paranormal/Fantasy
Author: Shanna Abe
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Book: Netgalley

“With every fiber of my being, I yearned to be normal. To glide through my days at Iverson without incident. But I’d have to face the fact that my life was about to unfold in a very, very different way than I’d ever envisioned. Normal would become forever out of reach.”
Lora Jones has always known that she’s different. On the outside, she appears to be an ordinary sixteen-year-old girl. Yet Lora’s been keeping a heartful of secrets: She hears songs that no one else can hear, dreams vividly of smoke and flight, and lives with a mysterious voice inside her that insists she’s far more than what she seems.
England, 1915. Raised in an orphanage in a rough corner of London, Lora quickly learns to hide her unique abilities and avoid attention. Then, much to her surprise, she is selected as the new charity student at Iverson, an elite boarding school on England’s southern coast. Iverson’s eerie, gothic castle is like nothing Lora has ever seen. And the two boys she meets there will open her eyes and forever change her destiny.
Jesse is the school’s groundskeeper—a beautiful boy who recognizes Lora for who and what she truly is. Armand is a darkly handsome and arrogant aristocrat who harbors a few closely guarded secrets of his own. Both hold the answers to her past. One is the key to her future. And both will aim to win her heart. As danger descends upon Iverson, Lora must harness the powers she’s only just begun to understand, or else lose everything she dearly loves."

This is a completely different book that what I thought. I liked that! I enjoyed going on a journey that is not what I thought it would be. Nice plot twist :)

Now, what I enjoyed the most is the plot twist. With a young girl holding secrets, as the reader, I am excited to see what her destiny holds for her. The plot alone of a new girl at a boarding school always intrigues me. Not to mention that right off the bat, she is interesting. Once in her shoes, I knew I liked her.

There is a love triangle in the book. Both guys are honorable and completely different. Each guy brought a whole new aspect to what is really going on and what secret they held as well. As the reader, they each hold a part of this girl in who she is to become. Of course, I did lean toward one guy. He got me from the very beginning.

The ending of the book was quite...unexpected. I was sure it would end one way, but no. The author threw in a different spin that made me want more!

The Sweetest Dark is a great story that can captivate any reader! With amazing world building and great characters, I enjoyed it very much. Beautifully written, The Sweetest Dark is great!

I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Personal Effects

Title: Personal Effects
Series: No
Genre: Young Adult- Contemporary
Author: E. M. Kokie
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Book: ARC sent by publisher

"After his older brother dies in Iraq, Matt makes a discovery that rocks his beliefs about strength, bravery, and honor in this page-turning debut.
Ever since his brother, T.J., was killed in Iraq, Matt feels like he’s been sleepwalking through life — failing classes, getting into fights, and avoiding his dad’s lectures about following in his brother’s footsteps. T.J.’s gone, but Matt can’t shake the feeling that if only he could get his hands on his brother’s stuff from Iraq, he’d be able to make sense of his death. But as Matt searches for answers about T.J.’s death, he faces a shocking revelation about T.J.’s life that suggests he may not have known T.J. as well as he thought. What he learns challenges him to stand up to his father, honor his brother’s memory, and take charge of his own life. With compassion, humor, and a compelling narrative voice, E. M. Kokie explores grief, social mores, and self-discovery in a provocative first novel."

Loosing someone you love is hard. Loosing someone who has left behind secrets is harder. Why? Well, they left something behind. A part of them they never told you. If you had to chance to find out the secret would you?

What I enjoyed most about this book is the searching for the secret. The reading of letters. The searching through a room that has not been touched for over a year. The elation of finding what your sibling has been hiding this whole time. While reading this, lots of emotions go through me. I feel excited yet scared. I feel angry yet happy.

While this is going on, there is a love interest that is forming. I enjoyed watching this friendship flourished. Trusting each other with what you found, breaking all the rules and doing what you've always wanted to do. Really, this part of the book touched my heart. I so loved watching them argue yet sacrifice for one another.

Personal Effect is deep heart-felt tale. One of loss and a new found love, Kokie weaves a powerful story. A phenomenal plot from start to finish, Personal Effects is brilliant!

I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Throne Of Glass

Title: Throne Of Glass

Series: Throne Of Glass # 1
Genre: Young Adult- Fantasy/Historical
Author: Sarah J. Mass
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Release Date: August 7, 2012
Book: Netgalley

"After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.
Her opponents are men—thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the kings council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.
Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.
Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined."

Now, this is one amazing book. Jammed-packed with action, revenge, and a girl who is yearning for her freedom, it only took a few paged before I was done for.

The plot of the book is the best part of the book. A girl, who is taught by the best of the best, who is a threat to anybody, finds her way into the royal court. From the very first page, Celaena is intrigued. Raised harshly, trained vigorously, Calaena is not your average girl. She speaks her mind. She's not afraid to stand up for herself or for others. She is rare. So rare that she catches the eyes of lots of people who are just waiting for her to fall.

The characters of the books all have twisted lives in which they are playing by the rules. You know, doing what you have to do just because is it your position to do it. How can you truly be happy in what you are doing? Each character is build up carefully to come into their destiny in their own time. I like who all the characters come to the realization of who they really are and who they want to be. I can't wait to see them take that stand.

The love interest is frustrating yet so addicting. As the reader, you want it to happen so bad. But, there are too many circumstances playing  against them right now. The reader will have to wait for other parts of the story to play out before they can claim their love. As of now, their foundation is set and so ready to go!!

Throne Of Glass is a thrilling read! Satisfying and engaging, each chapter is filled with more action, more anger, more love until you are ready to combust. The key elements of a fierce warrior is written fantastically. I can't begin to tell you the amount of emotions I felt within my heart. Ms. Mass painted a wonderful picture, enough to make me want more. Throne Of Glass is an epic story that will dazzle the reader!

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Monstrous Beauty

Title: Monstrous Beauty

Series: No

Genre: Young Adult- Fantasy/Paranormal

Author: Elizabeth Fama

Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Release Date: September 4, 2012

Book: ARC sent by publisher

"Fierce, seductive mermaid Syrenka falls in love with Ezra, a young naturalist. When she abandons her life underwater for a chance at happiness on land, she is unaware that this decision comes with horrific and deadly consequences.
Almost one hundred forty years later, seventeen-year-old Hester meets a mysterious stranger named Ezra and feels overwhelmingly, inexplicably drawn to him. For generations, love has resulted in death for the women in her family. Is it an undiagnosed genetic defect . . . or a curse? With Ezra’s help, Hester investigates her family’s strange, sad history. The answers she seeks are waiting in the graveyard, the crypt, and at the bottom of the ocean—but powerful forces will do anything to keep her from uncovering her connection to Syrenka and to the tragedy of so long ago."

With all the amazing books coming out lately, I am especially excited about this one. I love a good mermaid story that has a special twist on it.

What I enjoyed most about this book is the great back round history to it. Stories that flow back to the past, leaving the reader piece by pieces only intrigued me more. I love seeing the present as well as getting that flashback to the past matching it with what is going on today. Lots of the back round history in the book has affected generation after generation. It's good to see one person in the family seeking out the answers that were never found.

With that said, the plot twist in the book is awesome. Most mermaid stories follow the same rules, but this world played by their own rules. I enjoyed the different circumstances of being a mermaid. The consequences that followed them is harsh. Yet, as the reader, all I wanted to do is bring them some kind of peace.

The love interest as well played out differently than what I thought. Unique and entertaining, I was no other but hooked to follow to the end. I am amazed of how well the past flowed to the future. It weaved beautifully, leaving me giddy.

Monstrous Beauty is a an well constructed story. Beautifully woven, Monstrous Beauty is written wonderfully. The stunning world building with great plot, Monstrous Beauty is great.

I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: The Raft

Title: The Raft Series: No Genre: Young Adult- Contemporary/Thriller Author: S.A. Bodeen Publisher: Fiewel & Friends Release Date: August 21, 2012 Book: ARC sent by publisher

"Robie is an experienced traveler. She’s taken the flight from Honolulu to the Midway Atoll, a group of Pacific islands where her parents live, many times. When she has to get to Midway in a hurry after a visit with her aunt in Hawaii, she gets on the next cargo flight at the last minute. She knows the pilot, but on this flight, there’s a new co-pilot named Max. All systems are go until a storm hits during the flight. The only passenger, Robie doesn’t panic until the engine suddenly cuts out and Max shouts at her to put on a life jacket. They are over miles of Pacific Ocean. She sees Max struggle with a raft.
And then . . . she’s in the water. Fighting for her life. Max pulls her onto the raft, and that’s when the real terror begins. They have no water. Their only food is a bag of Skittles. There are sharks. There is an island. But there’s no sign of help on the way."

An amazing book from start to finish, I loved it. So many emotions of fear, uncertainty, guilt, etc flowing through the reader. 

What I enjoyed most about this book is the great plot line of being out on sea, ALL ALONE. No food, no water, no cell phone, no ONE! And the worst part, the thought that you could possibly die a slow death if no one finds you. I admit that, that thought right there makes me shiver. I think I'd go crazy or worse kill myself so that I don't have to do it slowly. How Robie manged to endure all this terror is beyond me.

There's no love interest but there is a great friendship. Being out there with one other person to share the stress that you are going through is helpful. Max is great at keeping Robie calm as well as sane. There are times where she wants to break down, then Max comes in, bringing her back to the surface.

There is an awesome twist in the end. It made me smile. I had no seen that last bit coming and have to admit that the author did a great job, investing in the reader in the character.

The Raft is an brutal, emotional story that steals the reader away. Skillfully blended emotions, allow the reader to fully put themselves in Robie's shoes. An enjoyable moving story, The Raft is highly recommended!

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Happy Birthday To You

Title: Happy Birthday To You
Series: Birthday Trilogy # 3
Genre: Young Adult- Paranormal/Supernatural

Author: Brian Rowe
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: December 2, 2011
Book: E-copy sent by author

"Newlyweds Cameron and Liesel Martin aren't able to celebrate their wedding bliss for long. Not only is Liesel unexpectedly pregnant... they're also facing the end of humanity!
Liesel's evil witch sister Hannah has cast a spell to make all humans on Earth age a whole year with every day. It's up to Cameron and Liesel to stop her... and save the world! Who will survive? And who will perish?
Here it is at last... the third and final epic chapter of the Birthday trilogy... Happy Birthday to You!"

Following from the very first book, I'm sad to see this series end. I loved how different this story is, yet exciting.

What I enjoyed this book is the epic battle. The author has greaty build up this battle with the first two books and I couldn't wait to see how it ends. Once again, there is rapid aging. Only this time it is not happening to Cameron but to the WHOLE world. People are aging fast and chaos breaks loose. People who where already old, aged with days and died. Baby's become teens and soon it's crazy! This part of the story is awesome. The reader see the effects of Hannah (evil sister) spell. She is angry and bitter, running rampage on anything and everyone.

The love interest gets stronger. I enjoyed watching them fight for each other and the ones they love. The both make selfless sacrifice that only makes me sheds tears. I just could not believe it! Nevertheless, their love is one of a kind.

The ending is exactly what I hoped for and more. Bittersweet, the ending is selfless in all what they done. They fought and won. I believe they won even something greater in the end. And that is love.

Happy Birthday To You is an epic ending! The tensions runs high with battles raging through magic. Exciting with a rich plot line, Happy Birthday To You is  amazing.

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: What A Boy Needs

Title: What A Boy Needs
Series: What A Boy Wants # 2
Genre: Young Adult-Contemporary

Author: Nyrae Dawn
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: June 2012
Book: Bought

"Jaden Sinclair knows he'll never amount to anything...so why would he deserve a girl like Priscilla Mendoza? 
Since last summer, things have been screwed up between Jaden and Pris. He knows it's his fault, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting to go a few rounds with her new boyfriend. He also knows he’s the loser his dad calls him, but it doesn’t stop him from wanting her.
After getting a huge bomb dropped on him, Jaden lashes out and lands himself in jail. Everything in his chaotic life is turned upside down and to make it worse, his mom kicks him out in order to side with his dad. Yeah, he’s totally a prize for a girl like Pris. 
Sebastian, Aspen, and Pris are all going places in their lives...and he knows he can't keep tagging along for the ride.
The group has one last chance for The Epic Adventure they've been looking for: a road trip to New York, where Jaden's friends will be going to college. Unfortunately, the more time Jaden hangs around Pris, the harder it is to keep the carefully constructed walls between them so she doesn't find out what a train wreck he really is. 
When the trip ends, Jaden has to decide if he's ready to say goodbye to his friends, and the girl he loves. He knows what he needs, but will he be man enough to go for it?"

After gobbling up the first book, I need I had to read the second right after. Which, I did. LOL. This book is just as good as the first, even better, yet darker. Jaden intrigued with his quite nature in the first book. Sure he was there, but he wasn't there. You get what I mean? I could tell he is hiding something and I definitely needed to know what is up.

As much as I love Sebastain, I have to admit that Jaden is my favorite. Jaden has some deep demons that he is fighting. Broken and hurt, Jaden faces this trouble everyday. Have you or anyone you know, been verbally abused? To be told everyday that you are worthless. That you will own up to nothing. That your friends aren't really your friends. Jaden goes through that everyday. And it follows him. In his mind, Jaden is fighting a very hard battle that has kept secret for years. Jaden strenghth to stand up, to fight for himself, leaves me breathless. He is an amazing guy!!!

The love interest is worth the wait as well as enduring. After fighting for so long, Jaden feels like he doesn't deserve anyone. Even if it is right before his eyes. He is loosing time and must quickly decide if he is going to let this take over him or choose to go the other way. This part of the book is heartbreaking yet the best part. The battle happening right before the readers eyes, you can't help but get invested in the characters. You root him on. You chant," YES! Keep going. Ignore that thought." I don't even remember all the words I muttered under my breathe, but I was totally into the story and not coming out till Jaden won.

What A Boy Needs is an amazing companion! Nothing like the first book, Ms. Dawn takes the reader on a dark path that consumes your every thought. Beautifully woven into a tale of heart-break and love, What A Boys Needs is exhilarating!

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: What A Boy Wants

Title: What A Boy Wants
Series: What A Boy Wants # 1
Genre: Young Adult- Contemporary

Author: Nyrae Dawn
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: April 16, 2012
Book: Bought

"Courtesy of watching his mom’s relationships, Sebastian Hawkins knows what girls need to do to get a guy. He has what he considers a PHD in hooking up. When he needs extra cash for a car, Sebastian starts up an online venture as The Hook-up Doctor, to anonymously help girls land the guy of their dreams. Of course, his services don’t offer a happily-ever-after guarantee. He’s seen firsthand getting together never means staying together. 
And then he falls in love… 
With the last girl he would expect…
Totally not in his game plan. 
Suddenly, Sebastian finds himself muddled in the game he’s always prided himself on. He can’t even pick up girls at parties anymore! Why would anyone want to be in love when it turns you into a stuttering, screwed-up, mess with really lame stalker tendencies? Stalking? Totally not his gig. 
But the Hook-up Doctor won’t let himself go down easily. He’s always known how to give a girl what she wants and now it’s time to figure out what a boy wants… and he definitely plans on getting it."

One word. AMAZING! Holy crapola!! I bought this book off of Amazon because it was recommended to me by Amazon.  I clicked, read and liked the synopsis, for .99 cents, I figured why not? This has got to be one the best book choices I have made. Not only did it set a record for me, but it is soo good. The record. I was 5 pages in. F I V E pages, before I put my iphone down to get back on Amazon to purchase the second book. 5 PAGES! That's all it took.

The reason I loved this book so much is that this book has a great plot line. The reader meets Sebastian, a young boy who has been through a lot. He runs a blog anonymously as the "Hook-Up Doctor." From there, you can only imagine how deep he is in. I loved that with each chapter Sebastian becomes more aware of himself and who he thinks he is. He knows who he doesn't want to be, but doesn't realize he is acting that way. He faces many challenges and I admire him courage to fess up.

The love interest is so amazing. I like that Sebastian is able to open his eyes and see what has been in front of him the whole time. I love their flirtatious moments as well as the sweet enduring moments of falling in love. Their love is not built over night, but slowly builds before the reader, letting the reader fall in love as well. Thank you Ms. Dawn for writing their love strong yet slowly. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that! 

And of course their love is not perfect. Meddled with fears and expectations, Sebastian must learn that not all mistakes as his. And this part really touched my heart. Despite what you grow up with, you always have a choice.

What A Boy Wants is a fantastic story! Ms. Dawn moves this story with wonderful pace and great admiration. It's like a beautifully written love letter that everyone needs to read. Delivering a wonderful yet beautiful love story, What A Boy Wants is off the charts!

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Dante's Girl

Title: Dante's Girl
Series: The Paradise Diaries # 1
Genre: Young Adult-Contemporary

Author: Courtney Cole
Publisher: Lakehouse Press
Release Date: June 24, 2012
Book: E-copy sent by author

"I have spent every summer since I was ten years old with my father in London. Every summer, since I was ten years old, has been uneventful and boring.
Until this year.
And this year, after a freak volcanic eruption strands me far from home, I have learned these things:
1. I can make do with one outfit for three days before I buy new clothes.
2. If I hear the phrase, “You’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto,” even one more time, I might become a homicidal maniac.
3. I am horribly and embarrassingly allergic to jellyfish.
4. I am in love with Dante Giliberti, who just happens to be the beautiful, sophisticated son of the Prime Minister of a Mediterranean paradise.
5. See number four above. Because it brings with it a whole slew of problems and I’ve learned something from every one of them.
Let’s start with the fact that Dante’s world is five light-years away from mine. He goes to black-tie functions and knows the Prime Minister of England on a first name basis. I was born and raised on a farm in Kansas and wear cut-off jeans paired with cowboy boots. See the difference?
But hearts don’t care about differences. Hearts want what they want. And mine just wants to be Dante’s girl.
My heart just might be crazy."

Sweet and sassy, this book is awesome. I love a good heart-felt romantic. Ms. Cole knew exactly how to write it and how to capture my heart.

This book is fluffy but the good kind. It's starts off as two strangers  in the middle of chaos being thrown together by fate. I like who easily these two fell in step with each other. The easily made each other laugh, smile and taught each other some great life lessons.

The plot itself is typical yet different. The plot flows nicely along with some great plot twist and turns. Like adding small cat fights as well as parent pressure. Choosing the one you love is not always the easy choice yet in the end, it is worth it. With all the choices the characters make, it easy to step into their shoes and become one with them.

Nevertheless, the romantic aspects of the book really got me. I loved the sustaining of the infusion of what you want and what others want you to do. Taking that next step, is brave and impressive. I admired this element of the book so much.

Dante's Girl is an great romantic book. The kind that fills you heart with love and joy. Ms. Courtney achieves a comfortable balance between all the emotions of love, confusion, and anger. Impressive and witty, Dante's Girl is awesome!

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Happy Birthday To Me Again

Title: Happy Birthday To Me Again
Series: Birthday Trilogy # 2
Genre: Young Adult-Paranormal/Supernatural

Author: Brian Rowe
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: September 22, 2011
Book: E-book sent by author

"Cameron Martin has a huge problem: he's aging a whole year of his life with each passing day... again. And this time... he's going backward!
When Cameron proposes to his beloved witch of a girlfriend Liesel, he thinks life can't get any better. But when he reluctantly breaks off the engagement just days before the wedding, Liesel angrily unleashes another curse on the unlucky guy, this time making him age backward, from eighteen, all the way to zero.
Making matters worse, Liesel mysteriously disappears, leaving Cameron with no options, except watching himself rapidly shrink into a helpless child. Will Liesel be able to save his life again? Or will Cameron ultimately fall prey to his girlfriend's wicked spell? "

 This is the second book in the trilogy and I loved it. I like who the story only intensifies to something awesome.

What I enjoyed most about the book is the plot. Cameron is once again aging only this timebackwards. He is getting younger with each passing day. Cameron does a better job at not reacting freaked out but instead is helping the love of his life. Each chapter open ups more secrets about Liesel and who she really is. There were secrets that she is carrying that really surprised me.

Their love grew stronger. I like that Cameron and Liesel has to count on each other. Even in revealing Liesel hurtful past, Cameron saw past all of that and just yearned to help her. Cameron is so selfless in his actions. 

The characters both grew well. They dealt with life opportunities as well as what is going on around them. Both of them fear much but you can tell that as a team they totally rock!

Happy Birthday To Me Again is a great sequel. The plot is filled with much drama as well as lies and betrayal. Strong and entertaining, Happy Birthday To Me is great!

I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Interview with Laura Powell

 Hello! Today I have a wonderful interview with author Laura Powell.

"Glory is from a family of witches and lives beyond the law. She is desperate to develop her powers and become a witch herself. Lucas is the son of the Chief Prosecutor for the Inquisition - the witches' mortal enemy - and his privileged life is very different to the forbidden world that he lives alongside. And then on the same day, it hits them both. Glory and Lucas develop the Fae - the mark of the witch. In one fell stroke, their lives are inextricably bound together, whether they like it or not ..."

Where did you come up with the idea for Burn Mark?

It struck me that a witches' coven is rather like the Mafia: they're both secret criminal organizations hunted by the law, hated and feared by many, yet seen as quite cool and glamorous by some. So once I had the idea of modern witch-gangsters, that led me to creating a 21st century Inquisition who still hunts and burns witches at the stake.

How much research goes into what you write?

I did a lot of research for Burn Mark, mostly into the witch-hunts and trials that took place in Europe and North America from the end of the 15th century to the middle of the 18th. There's a book called "Hammer of the Witches" that was published in Germany in the 15th century by two Inquisitors, and is basically "Witch-hunting for Dummies". For the magical bits of the novel, I read about old British folk-lore and the African-American magical practices of Hoodoo.

 Are there any of the characters your write about similar to you?

I'm quite stubborn, like Glory, but there the similarity ends - she's a bit trailer-trash, and her dearest ambition is to become a top gangster.

 What is the easiest/hardest part to write?

I loved doing the contrast between Glory's criminal, scuzzy family and Lucas's life of luxury as the son of one of Britain's top Inquisitors. I didn't enjoy writing the witch-ducking scene near the end of the book - I based it on accounts of water-boarding, and found it quite upsetting to research.

 What books do you look forward to reading this summer?

Lots of crime thrillers, plus the winner of the Carnegie Prize  - "A Monster Calls" by Patrick Ness.

Thanks for the interview Ms. Laura!

Happy Reading!

Blog Tour: Review: Chaos

Title: Chaos  Series: Agent of Evil # 2 Genre: Young Adult- Dystopian/Fantasy Author: Megan Duncan Publisher: Self-Published Release Date: January 29, 2012 Book: E-copy sent by author
  

"Is any shot at living, worth dying for?
They thought they’d be safe, but a world ruled by chaos doesn’t die easily.
When Max turned on the radio transmissions assuring safety, they came. But, it wasn’t just survivors of the demon apocalypse that crawled their way into the abandoned military base. A myriad of beastly demons unlike any they’ve ever seen, came as well. Abby, and her companions, struggle to survive as the evil around them grows. Desperate to endure, and to defend their fellow survivors, Abby and a squad of fierce fighters, take on a dangerous mission that has deadly consequences."

Buy the book: 

Amazon | B&N

This is the second book in the Agent of Evil series and it ROCKED! Loved it so much.

The beginning automatically sets the tone for a darker book. After surviving months on their own they are trying to find a safe place. They issue out a radio plea offering a safe place and instead found themselves much more deeper than what they thought. I like that they plot  had lots of twist and turns. The great world building of the demise around them is awesome.

The characters have once again, grew so much. They learned more about each other and about the world they live in. As much as they want to save the world, they must learn how to survive in it first.

They love interest progressed as I thought it would. Great friendship, stolen peaceful moments as well as self sacrifice to save one another. Totally loving and joyful to read! I'm glad that their grows stronger with each other. Their passion is uniting and lovely to read.

Chaos is an exhilarating sequel. The never ending action thrusts the reader into a great thrilling read. The moment when Abby raises her gun to defend the ones she loves, the story explodes! Exciting yet strong, Chaos is amazing!

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: The White Glove War

Title: The White Glove War 
Series: Magnolia League # 2
Genre: Young Adult-Supernatural
Author: Katie Crouch/Grady Hendrix
Publisher: Poppy Release Date: July 3, 2012 Book: FC sent by publisher

"Every society has its secrets.
The members of Savannah's Magnolia League have it all: money, beauty, power, and love. Some may call them lucky, but we know better. Spells, potions, and conjures are a girl's best friends, and thanks to the Buzzards -- a legendary hoodoo family -- the Magnolias never run out of friends.
Golden girl Hayes Anderson would never dream of leaving the League or Savannah, where there's no problem that can't be fixed with a cup of Swamp Brew tea -- served in a bone china cup, of course -- and no boy who can't be won over with a Conjure Up a New Love spell.
But when danger lurks and family secrets are unearthed, Hayes discovers that her life may not be charmed after all.
Don't miss the second novel in Katie Crouch's enchanting and mysterious Magnolia League series."

Magic. Lies. And heavy burden all laid on one girl. I admit that this book took me by surprise more than what I thought. I was expecting more catty girl drama, not all THIS!

What I enjoyed most about the book is the great plot. Once settled in, Alex falls into her place nicely. She is still trying to solve the mystery of what really happen to her mother as well as play her part. I admit that this girl has her acting on good. She asks right questions. Sneaks around and is doing everything she knows to find the truth. I admire her strength and her ability to go on. There are some major secrets in the end that make your mouth drop. Seriously, I was like," Holy crap, this crazy chick!"

There are point of vie switches between Alex and Hayes. These switches flow nicely between each chapter as well as providing good insight on what both characters are feeling and thinking. Hayes is completely different from Alex. I like that as the reader, you can tell you are in someone else's shoes right away.

The love interest didn't quite go where I expected it but still the friendship that followed is great. I like that despite what happen between them, they were they for each other. I am hoping that more will happen in their relationship as the series progresses.

The White Glove War is much more explosive than the last book.The author presents a great opportunity to  show another side of the Magnolia ladies.  Dark and deceptive, the Magnolias are much scarier and crazier than what you think. The White Glove War is awesome!

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Shift

Title: Shift
Series: No
Genre: Young Adult-Fantasy
Author: Kim Curran
Publisher: Strange Chemistry Release Date: September 4, 2012 Book: ARC sent by publisher 

"When your average, 16-year old loser, Scott Tyler, meets the beautiful and mysterious Aubrey Jones, he learns he's not so average after all. He's a 'Shifter'. And that means he has the power to undo any decision he's ever made. At first, he thinks the power to shift is pretty cool. But as his world starts to unravel around him he realises that each time he uses his power, it has consequences; terrible unforeseen consequences. Shifting is going to get him killed. In a world where everything can change with a thought, Scott has to decide where he stands."

I love these types of books. The chance to change something you want. To change something that went wrong or to makes something happen. Hmm, the things I would change...

Anywho, this book is awesome. The thrill of flashing back and changing things is awesome. Then again the fear of coming back to see if the change is real and how it effected your future is also spine chilling. I was nervous while reading the Scott going back and forth changing things. It's tempting to know you can do it but I am not sure that I can face consequences.

The characters are really well written! I enjoyed getting to know Scott and being in his shoes. He took everything with stride. He learned quickly. With shifting, Scott learns both side of it, the good and the bad. He makes friends as well as enemies. I like that Scott is an all around good guy. He doesn't use his power as an advantage, instead he uses it to help others.

There wasn't much of a love interest yet, but a nice friendship formed. I like that they counted on each other. Even though at times they forgot each other, (cause of the effects of shifting LOL) they always find there way back to each other. I adore that.

Shift rises to excellent sci-fi story. With each heart-pounding chapter, the reader is bombarded with premise of shifting with an unsure future. Fueled with great action and excellent characters, Shift is an great read!

I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Blackwood

Title: Blackwood
Series: No
Genre: Young Adult- Paranormal/Fantasy

Author: Gwenda Bond

Publisher: Strange Chemistry

Release Date: September 4, 2012

Book: ARC sent by publisher

"On Roanoke Island, the legend of the 114 people who mysteriously vanished from the Lost Colony hundreds of years ago is just an outdoor drama for the tourists, a story people tell. But when the island faces the sudden disappearance of 114 people now, an unlikely pair of 17-year-olds may be the only hope of bringing them back.
Miranda, a misfit girl from the island’s most infamous family, and Phillips, an exiled teen criminal who hears the voices of the dead, must dodge everyone from federal agents to long-dead alchemists as they work to uncover the secrets of the new Lost Colony. The one thing they can’t dodge is each other.
Blackwood is a dark, witty coming of age story that combines America’s oldest mystery with a thoroughly contemporary romance."

When a author can take a fantastic tale of mystery, magic, and a real story combinne them all, making it an awesome story.

What I enjoyed the most is the plot. The story of The Lost Colony has always intrigued me. To see a good story unfold with the author making a new spin on the tale delighted me. I enjoyed learning the facts, watching the characters become more aware of their surroundings, but mostly enjoyed the all the puzzles pieces coming together.

The characters of the book grew well with the pacing. I like that along with the characters, the reader is kept out of the loop. Each new chapter, they gai more knowledge about their history. The back round history to each character is well explained as well as entertaining.

With the love interest, it didn't quite form the way I thought. To kids growing up to dislike each other, all of the sudden thrown together to solve another mystery of disappearance. I enjoyed their rattling nonsense, but also loved how well they worked together. With their knowledge combined, they are able to solve the mystery and destroy the evil.


Blackwood is an thrilling read. With the foundation of The Lost Colony, Blackwood is a dark hauntingly take that spins the reader out of control. All of the elements in Blackwood keep the reader entertain till the end. Blackwood is a great read!

I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: Over You

Title: Over You Series: No Genre: Young Adult- Contemporary Author: Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus Publisher: HarperTeen Release Date: August 21, 2012 Book: ARC sent by publisher

"After the grand explosion of her relationship, seventeen-year-old Max Scott developed what every girl in the history of the world has been waiting for: a way to get over being dumped. Now Max is the go-to guru for heartbroken high-school girls all over NYC. But when her ex unexpectedly shows up in her neighborhood, Max’s carefully controlled world starts to unravel. With her clients’ hearts hanging in the balance, Max will have to do the seemingly impossible: get over him once and for all.
Brilliant at bringing humor to the trials and tribulations of the lovestruck, #1 New York Times bestselling authors Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus have crafted a tale that will resonate with any girl who has ever been in love or had her heart broken. It brims with smart observations, features a pitch-perfect teen voice, and will attract fans of Jenny Han, Sarah Mlynowski, and Lauren Barnholdt. Readers are sure to fall head-over-heels for this sharp spin on breaking up, making up, and getting even."

 I love a story of girl sticking together through heart ache. At first, I wasn't real sure how this self-made heart break guru is going  help others. As I read the through the story, the author painted a bigger picture that what I saw.
What I enjoyed most about this story is the guru herself, Max. After a heart-break she had come up with methods to help the grieving process as well as the self esteem. I loved this parts the most. It showed Max's compassionate side to helps others what she had been through. She is devoted and loyal to every client. The profound affect she has as a person is amazing. 
The best part about this story is the guru falling in love herself. She is totally blindsided by it, yet it made the story so much more entertaining. The way she fought her feelings, bottled them up, yet to to her "ah ha" moment is awesome. I like the way how things seem like it is all over when really it is just the beginning.
Over You is an powerful story that shows the in's and out's of heart ache. Alas, a great story of that is funny yet satisfying. Hugely appealing to teens everywhere, this is one book you don't want to miss. 
I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Review: The Blood Keeper

Title: The Blood Keeper  Series: The Blood Journals # 2 Genre: Young Adult- Paranormal/Fantasy Author: Tessa Gratton Publisher: Random House Release Date: August 28, 2012 Book: Netgalley 

"Paranormal romance fans who are looking to up the ante will be drawn to this tale of horror, fantasy, and romance. For Mab Prowd, the practice of blood magic is as natural as breathing. It's all she's ever known. Growing up on an isolated farm in Kansas with other practitioners may have kept her from making friends her own age, but it has also given her a sense of purpose—she's connected to the land and protective of the magic. And she is able to practice it proudly and happily out in the open with only the crows as her companions. Mab will do anything to keep the ancient practice alive and guard its secrets. But one morning while she is working out a particularly tricky spell she encounters Will, a local boy who is trying to exorcise some mundane personal demons. He experiences Mab's magic in a way his mind cannot comprehend and is all too happy to end their chance meeting. But secrets that were kept from Mab by the earlier generations of blood magicians have come home to roost. And she and Will are drawn back together, time again by this dangerous force looking to break free from the earth and reclaim its own dark power."

Alright, I went into this book expecting a continuation of the story from the first book Blood Magic.

That is not the case. This is the same world different characters. After a while and finally getting into it, I was able to get into the story and enjoy it. Because I was under the wrong impression, it took my a while to understand where the characters are coming from and how they relate to Silla and Nick. The connection is made but not till the end. Still, as the reader I was still a but confused through the story.

Now, the plot flowed nicely. Once I was in the story, I was able to fall into the plot quickly. Here we have a girl who knows her magic, with a boy who is messing with it and has no idea what doors he is opening. I like that Mab is feisty yet loyal. She helps Will despite her warnings to him and even figures out what is wrong with him. In the mean time, there is another story being told from the past that relates to the current situation. I enjoyed this part the most. I like how well it came together in the end.

Their love and friendship is built over trials that made them stronger. I liked them watching them fight for each other no matter what the cost. 

The Blood Keeper is simple yet amazing. With loads of secrets and magic lurking around every corner, the story held my interest. The Blood Keeper is great read.

I give it 3 BITES!

Happy Reading!