Category Archives: Reviews

Taking back Forever by Karen Amanda Hooper

Posted on August 6, 2013 | 4 comments

Taking Back Forever (The Kindrily, #2) Taking Back Forever (Kindrily #2) by Karen Amanda Hooper.  Published May 29, 2013 by Starry Sky Publishing.  CDN $3.97 Kindle edition.

Forever is worth the fight.

Maryah erased all memory of her past lives, but she couldn’t erase her soul mate Nathan, or his undying love. Now, Maryah and Nathan have a second chance at a future together, but first Maryah must remember the person she used to be and embrace her supernatural gifts—more than one kindrily member’s life depends on it.

Maryah’s power is Harmony’s best hope of finding her kidnapped soul mate, Gregory. But Harmony isn’t big on asking anyone for help, and she’s tired of waiting, so she’s taking matters into her own hands. Heaven help anyone who stands in her way. (Goodreads excerpt)’

This book continues right after the first book, however instead of the POV being Maryah and Nathan, you get Maryah and Harmony.  I found this a little confusing at first since I read the books back to back.  It didn’t take long to fix in my mind however and it totally makes sense once you read it.

The story is mesmerizing and addictive.  I love the originality.  I love the characterization.  Ok I just love everything about this book!  One thing I will say is that there are a lot of characters in this story that play a key role in development.  At first it is hard to keep them all straight, but each one is unique and contributes to the story in their own way and you fall in love with the whole clan.

I love the sexual tension between Nathan and Maryah and the author does a wonderful job of showing Maryah as a naive seventeen year old girl and Nathan as a much older soul if not in body.  It is very realistic and I love Nathan all the more for protecting Maryah the way he does.

I love the ending to the story.  It is very interesting that the author leaves us a choice towards the end of the book noting that some people love a cliff hanger and others do not.  Personally I like my stories to end and then the next book start again.  (not a cliff hanger type it makes me frustrated)  She included an alternate ending with a cliff hanger after her warning that if you don’t like cliff hangers stop reading here.  This was so cool and original.  Of course I couldn’t resist and dang it now I need the next book now!  Which is why I don’t like cliff hangers…lol

5 stars for me!

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Grasping at Eternity by Karen Amanda Hooper

Posted on July 29, 2013 | 6 comments

Grasping at Eternity (The Kindrily, #1) Grasping At Eternity by Karen Amanda Hooper.  Published May 21, 2012 by Starry Sky Publishing. CDN $3.06 Kindle edition.

Leave it to Maryah Woodsen to break the one rule that will screw up eternity: Never erase your memories.

Before entering this life, Maryah did the unthinkable—she erased. Now, at seventeen years old, she’s clueless that her new adoptive family has known her for centuries, that they are perpetually reincarnated souls, and that they have supernatural abilities. Oh, and she’s supposed to love (not despise) Nathan, the green-eyed daredevil who saved her life.

Nathan is convinced his family’s plan to spark Maryah’s memory is hopeless, but his love for her is undying. After spending (and remembering) so many lifetimes together, being around an empty version of his soulmate is heart shattering. He hates acting like a stalker, but has no choice because the evil outcast who murdered Maryah in their last lifetime is still after her.

While Maryah’s hunter inches closer, she and Nathan make assumptions and hide secrets that rip them further apart. Maryah has to believe in the magic within her, Nathan must have faith in the power of their love, and both need to grasp onto the truth before they lose each other forever—and discover just how lonely eternity can be.

X-MEN meets MY NAME IS MEMORY in Karen Amanda Hooper’s latest young adult release. (Goodreads Excerpt)

Original, thought provoking and wonderful to read are the first words that come to mind when I finished this book.  I mean I was blown away with how well this story was put together.  The beginning of the story is a little confusing with the many characters that are introduced and the first chapter on Nathan is a little vague, however after about chapter four it all made sense and I loved every minute of reading.  I couldn’t put it down I was so mesmerized by the characters, the development and the unique story.

I loved the tension between Nathan and Maryah and felt the characters were true to form.  I was so immersed in the story that I felt sorry for Nathan and his predicament of being unable to tell Maryah what they mean to each other.  He is so sweet and kind and I love the romantic gestures and old world charm that befits his many years of reincarnation.  All of the characters were unique and very true to the story.  Maryah, being erased is still very young and immature and very confused by the events in the story.

Reincarnation is something that I have always been fascinated with and Karen has done an amazing job with her version of what happens when we die.  I love the idea of the Kindrily and all it represents.  I don’t want to give anything away but this was a fantastic read and I can’t wait to get started on the next book, Taking Back Forever.

I really enjoyed the uniqueness of this story as well.  I love stories about magic or supernatural powers.  The Kindrily all have special powers and reasons for them.  The bad guys have power too and the conflict is real and believable.  There are still a lot of unanswered questions in the story but I knew going in that it was a series so I assume they will be answered in the next book.  I am looking forward to a big showdown of supernatural powers.

5 stars for me.

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Pure – Jennifer Armentrout

Posted on July 22, 2013 | 6 comments

Pure (Covenant, #2) Pure by Jennifer Armentrout.  Published April 3, 2012 by Spencer Hill Press.  CDN $9.48 Kindle edition.

There is need. And then there is Fate…

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn’t exactly awesome–especially when Alexandria’s “other half” is everywhere she goes. Seth’s in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom–so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do–and sacrifice–for her.

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies–lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon… and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn’t blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude… or killing her.

When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone. (Goodreads Excerpt)

What can I say but WOW and HOLY CRAP!  I loved this installment of the series.  I am not a fan of love triangles but I have to say this one really works.  On one hand you have Aiden, smoking hot, forbidden who is trying to do the right thing.  On the other is Seth, equally hot, but arrogant and smug who I believe is actually more underneath.  His friendship with Alex shows his vulnerable side.

This book is full of tension and intrigue.  You never know who is on which side, who is good or evil, friend or foe.  I love that you are kept guessing throughout the whole book.  The oracle makes me laugh as she gives clues that don’t make sense until after the fact.  Very frustrating…lol

I have to say Alex is one tough kickass fighting machine.  I love how strong she is internally.  So much happens to her (I won’t spoil it with details) that would leave most people curled up in a ball, but she manages (with help from friends like Aiden and Seth) to rise above and keep on fighting.  It seems so many people are out to see her fail but she keeps going.

And the ending…OMG!  that is all I have to say on that other than I can’t wait to read the next book!

5 stars for me!

 

 

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Everything Left Unsaid – Jessica Davidson

Posted on July 15, 2013 | 1 comment

Everything Left Unsaid by Jessica Davidson Everything Left Unsaid by Jessica Davidson.  Published Aug 1, 2012 by Macmillan Australia.  $9.44 Kindle edition on amazon.com.  (not available in Canada yet)

“I wait for him, the cold seeping through my clothes, until it finally dawns on me that he’s not coming back. And I wonder why he chose her instead of me? Why he went looking for her when I was right there.”
Tai and Juliet have been best friends forever – since they met at kindy and decided to get married in first grade.

They understand each other in the way that only best friends can.

They love music, beach walks, energy drinks and, they are slowly discovering, each other.

As they dream of adventures beyond the HSC – a future free of homework, curfews and parents, a life together – their plans are suddenly and dramatically derailed.

For Tai is sick.

And not everything you wish for can come true.

A poignant story of first love, hope, grief, family, and the twistedness of life. (Goodreads excerpt)

OMG this was a truly amazingly riveting and heart wrenching story.  Make sure you have the tissue box on hand when you read it.

What I liked most about this book is that it is told from both Tai and Juliet’s point of view.  You get to empathize with both characters and understand how they feel and see the world.  I found the story realistic and true to the characters.   The beginning is much like any young adult book and it is endearing to see the characters move from being friends to being more.  Once you get into the heart of the book and Tai’s illness you get an understanding of how both characters deal with what fate has brought them.  It felt real to me and I was able to empathize with both as they struggled with the issues.

I was reminded of The Fault in our Stars when I read this but I found this to be more of an emotional read and I admit that I was in tears at the end.  I found I really connected with the characters making it more emotional for me.

Jessica is a truly amazing writer and I would love to read more of her work.

5 stars for me.

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Opal – Jennifer Armentrout

Posted on July 15, 2013 | Leave a comment

Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout Opal by Jennifer Armentrout.  Published Dec 11, 2012 by Entangled Teen.   CDN $10.33 Kindle edition.

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well… There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different… And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger… and they know it. (Goodreads excerpt)

First off…HOLY CRAP what an ending.  This is what I hate about reading a series.  I don’t want to spoil it so I will just say…wow that was quite a cliff hanger there!

I really enjoyed the book.  It didn’t disappoint.  Each book just adds more and more and never gets old or boring or repetitive.  I like how the relationship between Katy and Daemon is evolving and growing.  I love the kick ass powers that she has.  I mean who wouldn’t want to meet a drop dead gorgeous alien and then get powers to boot!

I think what I liked most about this book is that it keeps getting more evolved and more interesting.  The action in this one is phenomenal and I loved every edge of your seat moment.  I was worried that it would get boring and repetitive but I was pleasantly surprised and am looking forward to the next book.  I can’t wait to see what Jennifer has dreamed up next.

5 stars for me.

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Half Blood (covenant #1) by Jennifer Armentrout

Posted on June 19, 2013 | 5 comments

Product DetailsHalf Blood (covenant #1) by Jennifer Armentrout.  Published Oct 2011 by Spencer Hill Press CDN $3.99 Kindle Edition.

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi pure bloods have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals–well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she’s crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn’t her biggest problem–staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck. (Goodreads excerpt)

I have to say hands down this is on my top ten list of favorite books right now.  The whole story was amazing and captivating and thrilling and…I digress.

First off, I love the connection between Alex and Aiden.  It pulls at the heartstrings.  The forbidden love the desire and longing…OMG it is awesome; Much more than a crush and you have no idea if it will work out in the end or not.  There is nothing predictable about this story.

Alex is the best heroine, she is kick ass, feisty, rebellious and everything in between.  She knows what she wants and goes after it.  She is fiercely loyal and will protect those she loves at all costs. Aiden is everything she could want in a partner, strong, sexy, hot…and of course forbidden.  But who says love can’t conquer all right.   Well I guess we will have to wait and see because you also have Seth thrown in the mix who might give Aiden a run for his money.  Seth is hot, sexy, strong and has a connection to Alex that she can’t deny.  Of course being the ultimate being has some strings attached.  Seth comes off as being arrogant and pig headed and everything else but I have a feeling there is more to him than he is letting on.

I have read other books by this author and so far she doesn’t disappoint.  I love the action and storytelling that keeps this moving.  It is engaging and interesting and not typical of other books.  I was enthralled by the culture that surrounded the story, the half bloods, the pure bloods, and the interaction between the two, the forbidden relationships, the sentinels and the guards.  I am not usually fond of stories about gods, zues, appollo etc but this one kept me reading until the last page.  I liked it so much that as soon as I finished I downloaded the next book PURE (covenant #2) on my kindle.

5 stars for sure.

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The Fault in Our Stars

Posted on May 17, 2013 | Leave a comment

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.  Published Jan 2012 by Dutton Juvenile.  CDN $15.99 Kindle Edition.

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumors in her lungs… for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumors tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind. (Goodreads excerpt)

Let me start off by saying this is not the kind of book I normally read. I prefer fantasy or sci fi or something with magic and weird stuff going on. Having said that my daughter told me I absolutely had to read this and we often like the same stuff so I gave it a try. I am really glad I did.

The writing style of John Green was such that I was truly able to get into the story and empathize fully with Hazel. I enjoyed her character immensely. She was fun and quick and full of life. Her insight was much older than her years but this was explained with the fact that she got her GED early and is taking University courses. She is a very likable character and I was dreading anything bad happening to her.
Augustus is awesome and so much her equal the interaction between the two was fantastic. I really enjoyed the story and was blown away with the twist in the end. I won’t give anything away but suffice it to say my emotions overwhelmed me.

What I enjoyed most about the book was how deeply Augustus loved his Hazel Grace. It wasn’t the fact that he told her, it was the fact that he showed her through his actions., especially the gesture at the end of the story. (Again no spoiler). For two people so young to feel so much for another person is not normally believable, but in this story I believed every word through their actions.

Truly amazing book! 5 stars for me.

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Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

Posted on May 13, 2013 | Leave a comment

Product DetailsMagic Bites by Ilona Andrews published by Ace Mar 2007.  CDN $8.99 Kindle edition.

When the magic is up, rogue mages cast their spells and monsters appear, while guns refuse to fire and cars fail to start. But then technology returns, and the magic recedes as unpredictably as it arose, leaving all kinds of paranormal problems in its wake.

Kate Daniels is a down-on-her-luck mercenary who makes her living cleaning up these magical problems. But when Kate’s guardian is murdered, her quest for justice draws her into a power struggle between two strong factions within Atlanta’s magic circles.

The Masters of the Dead, necromancers who can control vampires, and the Pack, a paramilitary clan of shapechangers, blame each other for a series of bizarre killings—and the death of Kate’s guardian may be part of the same mystery. Pressured by both sides to find the killer, Kate realizes she’s way out of her league—but she wouldn’t have it any other way.  (Goodreads excerpt)

I had a difficult time getting into this book.  Mostly I think because there was a lot of information that left me having to pause and reflect and go “oh yeah ok I remember that now”.  Once I got about 20% in (I have a kindle so I read in % rather than pages) the story picked up and I was able to continue without going back to remember things like who characters were.

Once I got into the story I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.  I love the attention to detail that makes the story so believable.  It was very consistent when the magic/technology was up and everything was explained.  I loved the main character Kate, her kick ass no nonsense attitude kept me cheering her on.  She kicked butt, got hurt in return, fixed herself up and continued on.  I loved the vulnerable side she showed on rare occasions showing she is human and not just a machine.  Love this character.

The world building was fantastic, even though it slowed it down in the beginning it is what made the story so believable.  All of the characters were unique and engaging, even the bad ones.  I got a kick out of the vampires in this story and how they were not portrayed as typical gorgeous swoon worthy creatures that every girls falls for.  I won’t describe them to avoid any spoilers.  Suffice it to say it was different!

I am usually a sucker for romance in my novels, but the lack of love scenes/swoon worthiness actually made this story better.  It seems like the author is saving it for the next book in the series as she set up the tension between the two main characters in this one.  (Just an observation).  I am looking forward to reading the next book.

4 1/2 stars for me.

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Breathless – Brigid Kemmerer

Posted on May 8, 2013 | 2 comments

Product DetailsBreathless by Brigid Kemmerer Published April 2013 by Kensington Books.  $1.99 CDN Kindle Edition

Nick Merrick is supposed to be the level-headed one. The peacemaker. Since it’s just him and his three hotheaded brothers against the world, that’s a survival tactic.

But now he’s got problems even his brothers can’t help him survive.

His so-called girlfriend, Quinn, is going quick as mercury from daring to crazy. Meanwhile, Quinn’s dancer friend Adam is throwing Nick off balance, forcing him to recognize a truth he’d rather shove back into the dark.

He can feel it—-the atmosphere is sizzling. Danger is on the way. But whatever happens next, Nick is starting to find out that sometimes nothing you do can keep the peace.  (Goodreads excerpt)

What is there to say?  I love this series, all of it.  This short novella is just a tease for me.  I am anticipating Spirit the next book in the series and it’s driving me nuts.  I am a huge fan of Brigid Kemmerer.  The Breathless Novella is a little different from the others with a bit of a twist in terms of personal relationships and interactions among the characters.  I don’t want to give anything away but it is very well done and left me wanting to read the full story on Nick Merrick.

5 stars for me.

 

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Mockingjay – Suzanne Collins

Posted on May 6, 2013 | Leave a comment

Product Details MockingJay by Suzanne Collins Published 2010 by Scholastic Press.   $5.99 CDN Amazon Kindle edition.

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Kat, her family, friends, and entire District 12. (goodreads excerpt)

I have to say that I was not disappointed in this third book in the Hunger Games trilogy.  Suzanne Collins does an amazing job of keeping the reader engaged and on the edge of your seat.  The characters remained true to form, that is flawed and real.  I was both frustrated and intrigued with Peeta’s character after he was rescued from the Capital.  I won’t give anything away but suffice it to say I wanted to scream at someone.

I like that Suzanne is not afraid to get her hands dirty, she delivers a story that is truly believable in all its glory and gory, depending on what is going on.  There is no coddling in this one.  No one is safe.  The story is very emotional and heart wrenching.  I was a little surprised at the ending but not unhappy with it.  I loved the short epilogue at the end showing an insight into the future for Katniss.

I have read mixed reviews for this book and thought I would be disappointed but it was as fantastic as the others.  5 stars for me.

 

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Shade – Jeri Smith-Ready

Posted on April 30, 2013 | Leave a comment

 Shade by Jeri Smith Ready. Published by Simon Pulse  $5.69 CDN Amazon Hardcover.  $10.99 CND Kindle edition

I have to start off by saying ‘Wow’.  I can’t believe how much I loved this book.  The book takes place in a time after ‘the shift’ in which everyone born after this event can literally see ghosts who have unfinished business and remain on earth to fix something.  There are also Shades, ghosts that get so bitter and twisted that they turn bad, thus become dangerous to post shifters. 

I loved the originality of the story in that every person born after the shift can see ghosts.  It is pure genius how she creates the post shift world that includes ‘black boxes’ that keep ghosts out of certain places, the color red that repels them, lawyers that sue on their behalf, and the government agency that is created to study and capture them if necessary, recruiting post shifters to help them.  She leaves nothing out.  You can sink your head into the story and it becomes believable. 

The main character Aura is 16 and a shifter.  At the beginning of the story you are entangled into the relationship between her and her boyfriend Logan.  At the height of their relationship Logan is suddenly killed leaving Aura devastated.  However, since Aura is a shifter and Logan remains behind as a ghost, their relationship continues, albeit a bit twisted.

Aura has never understood why she and others like her can see ghosts.  Aura always thought it was annoying to have ghosts hounding her but now that Logan is a ghost she will do whatever she can to keep him with her. 

I don’t want to give too much of the story away but suffice it to say that this story packs a wallop of a punch.  I couldn’t put it down.  The reader is so intricately woven into the story that I needed to know more and more.  Each new piece of the puzzle left me on the edge wanting to find out more. 

The characters were believable and stayed true to form.  You instantly felt sorry for Aura and her predicament, even when a new love interest, Zachary shows up.  The author does an amazing job of staying inside Aura’s head sweeping the reader up in the compelling drama of Aura’s need to do whatever she can to keep Logan.  

The only thing that gave me any pause was that the reason for the ‘shift’ was never revealed.  I kept waiting for the explanation; however about half way through I realized that it was part of the intrigue of the story.  The characters don’t have an explanation either, not even the government agency responsible for policing ghosts and shades. 

Definitely 5 stars for me.

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