BOOK REVIEW: 4 STARS for INCARNATE by JODI MEADOWS

Title:  INCARNATE (Newsouls #1)
Author:  JODI MEADOWS
Publisher: HARPER COLLINS
Pages: 384, hardcover 
Acquired:  Ebook received from Publisher for Review




RATING:    4 SOULFUL SAM STARS! 

Goodreads Description:

NEWSOUL
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL
Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART
Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.

REVIEW:

IT'S GOT DRAGONS!!!!!!

OK...so I have that out of my system now!  I have thoroughly enjoyed INCARNATE by Jodi Meadows.  It's a story of transformation on many levels. From the struggle of Ana growing up being taught by a horrible mother that she is a nothing - a Nosoul - the cause of a another souls' death.......To leaving home in search of her reason for being and finding Sam along the way.  Ana becomes a part of a world she never knew was possible - a world where people liked her for her .

Sam is a beautiful old soul that has reborn into teenage body....one close of age to Ana. He is passionate yet very reserved and leaves Ana wondering many times does he actually feel anything for her or just feel sorry for her. He is talented and at times struggles with being in his current young form. 


The relationship between Sam and Ana grew at an "elegant" pace that did not over shadow the story of Ana finding herself and uncovering a few hidden mysteries about the city.


Sitting back and rethinking the whole reincarnation basis behind Incarnate.....my head does start to boggle out a little......though the bottom line is that souls are attractive feature for each individual - not the physical body - and you will always find and love your true soul mate no matter what.

ENJOY!

MARISSA

BOOK REVIEW: 4.5 Stars for EVERNEATH by BRODI ASHTON

Title:  EVERNEATH
Author:  BRODI ASHTON
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (Harper Collins)
Pages:  384 pages (hardcover)
Acquired:  Received for review from Publisher via NetGalley
Release Date:  January 24, 2012



RATING:  4.5 CONNIVING COLE STARS!

Description:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.


As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

Trailer:

Review:

Well this one caught me by surprise!  And it was certainly a fantastic surprise at that.   I was intrigued, enthralled and kept highly entertained as every page went by.

Nikki Beckett (Becks) is our leading gal!  She's been curled up in a cocoon for a hundred years (6 months in human time) with the Everliving Cole.  Cole feeds off her emotion to sustain his own life form.  Once out of the Feed, Becks wants back to normal - even if it is just for 6 months - so she can mend things with her father, say goodbye to her brother and see Jack Caputo.....just once more.  After 6 months is up....the Tunnels will come for her and she will no longer exist as Becks.

She is a shell of her former sell when she returns. And Becks struggles with her passion for Jack and her connection to Cole.  Does she have the strength to make a stand?  Delving into the stories of Greek Mythology, an answer awaits her and Jack.

Jack Caputo is Becks' love and oh yes.....her ex. She left on highly emotional circumstances with Cole - he could take her pain away.  Jack isn't sure what's happened to Becks but intends to find out....one little bit at a time. He hasn't given up on them even if he was "broken" when she left. He'd thought she was missing - even kidnapped......but then she came back.....  Jack still loves her but can he believe the story about who she now is and where she has been?

Cole...Cole....Cole.........you rotten scoundrel. Feeding off the emotions of humans to sustain yourself - no regrets - no concerns - no nothing!  Until he went into the Feed with Becks.....now he finds himself tied a little to tightly to his need for Becks and will do whatever it takes to make sure she chooses him in the end.

Brodi Ashton has delivered a fantastic debut novel.  Her chapters are set in the "Now" and also prior to the Feed.  Even though the story jumps back in time to give us more detail and understanding of Becks' circumstances......the forward motion and great pace of the overall story is kept up and adds to the complete enjoyment of Everneath.  This was a definite "Can't put down till finished" read!

Oh and yeah.........GREAT ENDING!!!

ENJOY!

MARISSA

BOOK REVIEW: 4 Stars for RADIATE by MARLEY GIBSON

Title:   RADIATE
Author:  MARLEY GIBSON
Publisher:  Graphia (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
Pages:  416 pages (paperback) 2mb file (ebook)
Publish Date:  Ebook and Paperback due out Apirl 03, 2012
Acquired:  Ebook for review from publisher via NetGalley


RATING:  4 out of 5 Inspiring Hayley Stars!

Goodreads Description:

Hayley Matthews has one dream: to make it onto the varsity cheerleading team her senior year of high school. Odds are against her, but she doesn't let that stop her from trying. So she works hard for months, perfecting her gymnastics and dancing moves. And despite the odds, she makes the squad.
In an instant, Hayley's life changes. Now she's part of the popular crowd at school, dating a football player, and going to parties. And she's working hard to be as perfect on the squad as her captain expects them all to be.
But then one day Hayley notices a lump on her left leg and the steady throb she's been feeling has gotten much worse. She can barely walk. When Hayley goes with her mom to get it checked out, the diagnosis is cancer. The doctor can't say how bad it is or what the prognosis will be. At the minimum, she'll have to have surgery. At the most it could mean loss of her leg or even her life.
Once again Hayley's life changes in an instant. Now she must face the odds again and show everyone, including herself, just how strong she is. And through it all--three surgeries, chemo, radiation, rehab, and just getting back to a normal life--it's cheerleading that keeps Hayley focused and positive.
All she wants to do is cheer, and nothing, including cancer, is going to stop her.

REVIEW:

I went out on a limb and read something that is just "normal"! No vampires, zombies, were's, fae creatures, etc!!!  And I really really enjoyed RADIATE.

As the mother of a Cheerleader, Radiate caught my attention as there aren't too many cheerleader based fiction books available in Australia.  And if something is going to get my 14yo to read a book - it'll be something with Cheerleaders in it!!

Radiate brings us the story of Hayley Matthews - "band geek" and desperate to be a somebody.....what better way than to be a Cheerleader.  Hayley tries out for the Cheer squad in her Senior year and after getting in, claiming instant notoriety.....this is set to be a Senior year she will never forget. 

Gruelling cheer training and a cheer captain that could make them run rings around P90Xers (!) Hayley soon discovers she has a lump in her leg....and it's painful. When it won't go away Hayley is checked out at the doctors and yep....it's the big C - Cancer.  But hey....she's a cheerleader and NOTHING will stop her from cheering out Senior Year.  

She's one tough cookie and powers through with total determination that would have any athlete in awe and any parent proud.

Oh yeah.....being cheerleader also snags her the football star boyfriend that she's been crushing on for years.  But will he stick around or is it just the "cheerleader" status that he's interested?  

with  many obstacles to overcome Hayley is an inspiration to many.....and at the end of the book (no spoilers here!) - Marley Gibson shares what her inspiration was for the story....making it all the more worthwhile for anyone to read.

I highly recommend this book to anyone!  Out of this book I got not just entertainment....but inspiration and hope....and a few tears along the way!

ENJOY!

MARISSA

BLOG TOUR # 8 - BOOK REVIEW - PYXIS: THE DISCOVERY by K.C. NEAL

BLOG TOUR - BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

Title:   PYXIS: THE DISCOVERY

Author:   K.C. NEAL

:: Young Adult/Teen Paranormal Fantasy
:: Pyxis Series, Book 1

:: Ebook available on Amazon

:: Paperback released December 2, 2011

:: Published by StoneHouse Ink

DESCRIPTION: 

Corinne lives an average teenage life working at her dad’s cafe, hanging out with her best friend, and trying to forget a falling-out with her almost-boyfriend Mason. Things take a strange turn when she uses her late grandmother’s food dyes for a bake sale, and her customers suddenly find her irresistibly alluring. Then she discovers she and Mason are haunted by the same dreams of a dark force that consumes everything in its path. Pursued by shadowy figures and a crazy woman with secrets from the past, Corinne must find out who her grandmother really was. In her quest to unravel her family’s history, she learns she is destined to protect this world--and the dark world of her dreams. She races to find the answers she seeks before her nightmares break free.

REVIEW:

pyxis   [pik-sis] 

noun, plural pyx·i·des  [pik-si-deez]

1.

A small box used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to hold medicines, etc

 

A special box left behind by Corinne's deceased Grandmother.......containing small vials of coloured liquid. Now as granny loved to bake - these just must be her special food colouring or ingredient she uses - you know....like a family secret recipe?!  So for the school bake sale Corrine adds a touch of this one and a dash of that one and soon the people at school can't get enough of them and those that always snubbed Corinne now think she's really cool and can't get enough of her - for a short while anyway!!

Now comes along the crazy woman that desperately wants this box - now known as a Pyxis - and the box's contents.  She's aggressive and scares Corinne and BFF Angeline.  There must be more to this box than just food colouring.

Mason is Corinne's maybe/couldbe/wouldbe-boyfriend! They connected for a brief moment but then something happened at the Winter Solstice Festival that has plagued Corinne's thoughts about Mason ever since. He's not really sure what the problem is but will find out in time after having been away for quite a while. 

Before he returns though, they each start having bizarre dreams - with each other in it.  Corrine's dreams are getting darker and darker each time with the dangerous feeling spilling out into reality.....and Mason co-featuring in them.

Mason, Corinne and Angeline discover the truth behind the Pyxis and are piecing together how each fits in to it....though there is a fourth member their group that they are still to identify. Who could it be?  I have a bad feeling I know who and oh boy will that make for an interesting sequel (Alight)l!!

K.C. Neal has give us a great read with Book 1 and written a story that promises to grow and keep us enthralled as it goes.  Pyxis: The Discovery has painted a great background to it's characters and future plot direction. 

Thanks to K.C. Neal for providing me a copy of her ebook to read and review. I have enjoyed it and will definitely be waiting to read book 2 - Alight.

ENJOY!

MARISSA

*******COMPETITION TIME ****

K.C. Neal is giving away a $45 gift card

To be in the running for this awesome prize, complete the raffle-copter form below

BOOK REVIEW: PRIZED by CARAGH O'BRIEN

Title:   PRIZED (Birthmarked #2)
Author:   CARAGH O'BRIEN
Publisher:   Simon Schuster
Pages: Paperback, 356 pages
Acquired: Review Copy received from Simon & Schuster


RATING:   4 out of 5 SINISTER SYLUM STARS!!

Goodreads Description:

Striking out into the wasteland with nothing but her baby sister, a handful of supplies, and a rumor to guide her, sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone survives only to be captured by the people of Sylum, a dystopian society where women rule the men who drastically outnumber them, and a kiss is a crime.  In order to see her sister again, Gaia must submit to their strict social code, but how can she deny her sense of justice, her curiosity, and everything in her heart that makes her whole?

REVIEW:

I absolutely LOVED Birthmarked.....so I was very anxious to gets my hands on Prized to continue the saga that became Gaia Stone's life - and of course a bit a Leon!!

Though Prized wasn't as fresh and fast paced as Birthmarked, I certainly enjoyed it. 

Gaia grew further as a woman in Prized.  She became strong willed and definitely a force to be reckoned with. Her stubborn side was very evident!  

At times it felt a little slow within the story - though this can be attributed to the story being set wholly and solely in Sylum.  With Birthmarked we were on a constant run with Gaia and Leon. 

In Prized, Gaia was having to adjust to life under a fairly strict rule that was very different to life belonging to the Enclave (or outside the Enclave walls!).   A guy could barely look in your direction without it being a punishable offence in Sylum. You see, the men outnumber the women by a huge percentage - and "breeding" seemed to be producing more and more boys than girls. 

With this issue of guys to girls ratio......we are given not just a love triangle - but a love square/box...did it work??  Well, to me Leon is the only one for Gaia.  With the introduction of Peter and his brother Will I am not too sure if it was pulled off correctly.  Out of the brothers I felt Gaia had more a connection with Will, though all briefs on the story had Peter as the possible new love interest.

Overall, I enjoyed Prized - I look forward to Promised (Birthmarked #3).

ENJOY!

MARISSA

BOOK REVIEW: EVE by ANNA CAREY

Title:  EVE
Author:  ANNA CAREY
Publisher: HarperTeen/Harper Collins
Page/Format:  ebook ARC 336pages
Acquired: From HarperTeen via NetGalley


RATING:   3.5 out of 5 STARS

Goodreads Description:

The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve’s graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust...and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

REVIEW:

EVE has received very mixed responses from bloggers - but I only read the reviews of others once I had finished reading it myself.  I am happy to say that I did enjoy it and look forward to the sequel Once.

Carey takes us on an adventure journey that focuses primarily on Eve - an orphan that has been housed in a "School" and who grows up with the knowledge that (in a nut shell) men and boys are evil dirty minded and vulgar humans that should never be trusted. The only man to trust is the King.  The world succumbed to a plague that wiped out 98% of the population and the King is on a mission to re-populate the earth starting with the City of Sand - the place where all the girls are striving to be after they graduate.

Eve learns of a different version of life to what she has been brain washed into believing as reality.  She escapes and embarks on a mission to reach Califia - the only known sanctuary for those not wanting to be under the rule of the King.  Along her travels she is tested physically and emotionally time and again as she scavenges for food and places to hide so she is not found by Soldiers and taken to the City of Sand.

Eve comes across Arden, a fellow School attendee that had escaped before her.  Arden is a hardened soul who has a resentment for Eve and is not ashamed to act on it. Their friendship changes along the way and are forced to make hard decisions for the safety of each other.

Caleb brings Eve and Arden into his world of boy orphans living in dugouts.  Here we meet some adorable characters that will hopefully make an appearance in Once - just so we know what happened with them! We also meet Leif - the maybe villain/possible future hero - I'm not decided on him yet - I think he has a chance to do good!

Eve has learnt all her life at School that boys and the emotions they wield upon girls are evil.  They only want one thing....and this knowledge makes it hard for Eve to not just trust Caleb - but to get her head around the feelings that have surfaced within her towards Caleb.  Is absolutely EVERYTHING she knew to be true a big fat lie?? Is it OK to be drawn to Caleb or is this one of man's powers of manipulation?

One the run and possibly in love.....Eve must survive and make it to Califia for a shot of any future.  Though the character of Eve sometimes needs a darn good slap - it is realising that she is up against a lifetime of brain washing and no knowledge of the "real world" that makes me stop and think - "Hey....she probably feels like a foreigner in a city where she can't speak the same language!".

ENJOY!

MARISSA

BOOK REVIEW: 4 Stars ! QUEEN OF THE DEAD by STACEY KADE

Title:  QUEEN OF THE DEAD (A Ghost and The Goth Novel)
Author:  STACEY KADE
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages:
Acquired:  Review Ebook from NetGalley


RATING:    4 out of 5 Snarky Alona Stars !!


Description from Goodreads:

After being sent back from the light, Alona Dare - former homecoming queen, current Queen of the Dead - finds herself doing something she never expected: working. Instead of spending days perfecting her tan by the pool (her typical summer routine when she was, you know, alive), Alona must now cater to the needs of other lost spirits. By her side for all of this - ugh - “helping of others” is Will Killian: social outcast, seer of the dead, and someone Alona cares about more than she’d like.
Before Alona can make a final ruling on Will’s “friend” or “more” status, though, she discovers trouble at home. Her mom is tossing out Alona’s most valuable possessions, and her dad is expecting a new daughter with his wicked wife. Is it possible her family is already moving on? Hello! She’s only been dead for two months! Thankfully, Alona knows just the guy who can put a stop to this mess.
Unfortunately for Alona, Will has other stuff on his mind, and Mina, a young (and beautiful) seer, is at the top of the list. She’s the first ghost-talker Will’s ever met—aside from his father—and she may hold answers to Will’s troubled past. But can she be trusted? Alona immediately puts a check mark in the “clearly not” column. But Will is - ahem - willing to find out, even if it means leaving a hurt and angry Alona to her own devices, which is never a good idea.
Packed with romance, lovable characters, and a killer cliffhanger, Queen of the Dead is the out-of-this-world sequel to The Ghost and the Goth.

Review:

Next in line to the Ghost and The Goth Series is Queen of The Dead......I enjoyed this just as much as the first book. Thanks Stacey Kade for writing a thoroughly enjoyable read yet again. 

We continue with Alona Dare, newly crowned Queen of The Dead (and deceased herself!) and Will Killian, seer of the dead and the mortal half to Alona's dead entity!  Together they aim to put to rest the insecurities or wrong doings of the ghosts that haunt them - helping them all to "cross over into the light"!

A straight continuance from the ending of The Ghost and The Goth was great - no lengthy gap with a quick infill of what took place between the two books.  We get to read in both Alona and Will's POV which Kade has done really well.  We get a great personal feeling for each individual and even get to watch Alona grow and ever so slightly mature in her own self-absorbed kind of way!! 

Alona's family seems to be moving on now she's been dead 5 minutes!!  and Alona's not coping too well with it.  She must take matters into her own hands seeing as Will has crossed paths with a fellow seer - and yes it's a girl!!  A little green eyed monster starts to sneak out of Alona with the mere mention of Mina. 

Will and Alona have some separation time which helps us with connecting further with the characters as individuals - not just a YA paranormal "couple" needing to accept they like each other and "make out"!! There's a little more to their lives and Stacey lets us delve into each character and get to know them and above all enjoy them. 

The ending.....oh yes.....another POW that is making me wait till the next book! Oh the torture of being held to ransom by an author!!  (I'll say it again......If only Disney Channel would check their own publishing groups book list - they would see a total gem here to direct!! - I'm just saying.......!!!)

So thank you Stacey Kade for another fun, funky and enjoyable read.  I look forward to reading your next in line to the Ghost and The Goth series.

p.s..... I know authors don't have much of a say with regards to the covers of the books.....but Will is just PLAIN - I really picture a better looking guy than what we have been given :) !

ENJOY!

MARISSA

BOOK REVIEW: 4.5 STARS for HUNTING LILA by SARAH ALDERSON

Title:   HUNTING LILA

Author:  SARAH ALDERSON

Publisher:  SIMON & SCHUSTER
ISBN: 9780857071958

Pages:  317 paperback

Acquired:  Rcvd for review from Simon & Schuster
$16.99 when purchased in Australia

RATING:  4.5 OUT 5 HOT ALEX STARS!!!

Description from Goodreads:

17-year-old Lila has two secrets she's prepared to take to the grave. The first is that she can move things just by looking at them. The second is that she's been in love with her brother's best friend, Alex, since forever. Or thereabouts.After a mugging on the streets of South London goes horribly wrong and exposes her unique ability, Lila decides to run to the only people she can trust - her brother and Alex. They live in Southern California where they work for a secret organisation called The Unit, and Lila discovers that the two of them are hunting down the men who murdered her mother five years before. And that they've found them. Trying to uncover the truth of why her mother was killed, and the real remit of The Unit, Lila becomes a pawn in a dangerous game. Struggling to keep her secrets in a world where nothing and no one is quite as they seem, Lila quickly realises that she is not alone - there are others out there just like her - people with special powers -and her mother's killer is one of them..

REVIEW:

A huge thanks to Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this FANTASTIC debut novel to read and review.

Let it be known.....Sarah Alderson has arrived!! YAY!  Hunting Lila is Sarah's debut novel and what a way to debut as an author.

I whipped through Hunting Lila in a night.....not because it was simple and short - far from it......Hunting Lila had me hooked from the start.  A beautiful love story mixed in with action, heroes, secrets and some wicked super powers.  It's been described before as a mix of X-Men and 24 rolled into one love story - it certainly is just that.

Lila has a super power....but she doesn't want it - she doesn't want to be special with something she can barely control.  Just ask the guy whose eye she nearly cut out!!

Life for Lila started on a downward spiral when her mother died and her father packed himself and her off to London to get away and keep her safe.  They left behind Jack, Lila's older brother who went to live with his best mate Alex - who is the hotty love interest for Lila....a candle of love she has held since a little child.

Back to the guy who nearly lost his eye.....this little incident had Lila running (ok she caught a plane!) from London to California to be with Jack (& Alex).  She hated London, missed Jack terribly and just wanted to be back on home soil.

Little did she know of the secretive world her brother was living in - and what impact it would have on her own life. Lila starts out as a tormented teen and evolves into a strong willed individual that begins to embrace her power and tries become the protector to Jack and Alex.

Jack is the typical older brother.  Being older by a few years as well!!  He is very protective of Lila, but at the same time wary of her motives to pay him a visit.  Without giving reason he wants to ship her back to London and needs Lila to just accept it!  That is so not going to happen! For one...she would need to tell him about her telekinesis....two - she hates London.....Three - leaving would mean not seeing Jack or more importantly Alex!

Now we get to Alex.....we get some interesting thoughts of Alex from Lila (fresh from the shower with no shirt!!).  He's Jack's best friend since childhood. They joined special ops together and are on a mission to avenge the murder of Jack and Lila's mother. He's been a constant in all their lives and obviously made the biggest impression on Lila's.  Alex is by all elements the hot male lead - with and without a shirt! I am thankful that Sarah did not write him as so many male leads lately have.....soppy and gooey and lovey dovey!!  Alex is strong, determined and focused.  There is a sweet side but one that is not constantly revealed (hmmm like a normal 22yo male!).

Let's bring in the other characters....Demos, Suki, Nate, Key, Harvey, Bill, Alicia, Ryder and Amber - the original group of hunted that The Unit (Jack and Alex's spesh ops team) are seeking out.  The information the unit work on is that Demos is the one who killed Jack and Lila's mum.  Each one has an x-men ability - all of which are pretty cool and would be rather handy in most situations!!! My favorite out of this bunch would be Suki - sneaky mind reading Suki!  Gotta watch your head around her. Her conversations will make for humorous reading - especially when she answers out loud to questions she hears from within someones mind!!

So overall..........I thoroughly enjoyed reading HUNTING LILA by SARAH ALDERSON. It was nicely paced, complete with romance, action and super powers!  It wasn't a "heavy" read where I was exhausted afterwards - just the right blend of everything and the right speed to leave me wanting more of what Sarah has to offer.

ENJOY!

MARISSA

BOOK REVIEW: 5 Stars for THE IRON KNIGHT by JULIE KAGAWA

Title:   THE IRON NIGHT (The Iron Fey Series Book 4)
Author:   JULIE KAGAWA
Publisher:  Harlequin Teen
Pages:  386 (ebook)
Acquired:  Ebook from NetGalley


RATING:   5 out of 5 "MELTING ASH MOMENTS" STARS !!!


Description from Goodreads:

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.


To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Review:

Well Julie Kagawa.....THANK YOU!  Not only have you written yet another awesome book for The Iron Fey series, given me more Prince Ash than I could know what to do with......but you've also left me WANTING MORE - AND NOW!!!! AAARRGGGHHH!!!

Julie's theory of Faery existence fading away when forgotten weaves throughout the series - but is certainly prominent within The Iron Knight. It brings together an eclectic mix of characters to aid Prince Ash on his endeavor to earn a soul and return to the Iron Realm to be with his true love - Meghan Chase, Iron Queen.  With the inclusion of The Big Bad Wolf - and he is bad - Julie's theory is really brought to light.

The banter between Ash and Puck is at an all time high! As we read The Iron Knight from Ash's perspective we can feel the inner turmoil that Ash wrestles with constantly.....will he continue to despise Puck and finally fulfil his "promise" to avenge Ariela's death....or will circumstances present him with a new option?  Will he earn his soul or die trying? Will Puck mellow out and stop being a prankster? (AS IF!!)  And what of Meghan? How has ruling the Iron Realm changed her?

I could hint at so much more - but I don't write spoilers!!! You'll just have to read the book (it's so worth it)! Seriously - I want to discuss so much more but it will give so much away.

In true Julie Kagawa style, imagery is abundant and overflowing.....my mind was tantalised over and over visualising such an epic adventure.  It never rested for a moment and I enjoyed every twist, turn and End of The World moment I was presented with.

ENJOY!

MARISSA

BOOK REVIEW: 4.5 Stars - RAISING DEMONS (Hex Hall #2) by RACHEL HAWKINS

Title:   RAISING DEMONS (Hex Hall #2)

Author:  RACHEL HAWKINS

Publisher:  Simon Pulse / Simon & Schuster

Pages:  359 paperback

Acquired:  Purchased from The Book Depository

RATING:    4.5 out of 5 DEMON STARS

Description from Goodreads:

Sophie Mercer's first term at Hex Hall turned out to be quite eventful. First the ghost of her evil grandmother haunted her every move, then her best friend was accused of murder and of course there was the discovery that Archer Cross, aka the boy of her dreams, was actually an undercover demon hunter - which would probably be something she could have worked on, if she hadn't also discovered that she was actually the demon Archer was hunting…
So, despite their issues, Sophie is actually relieved to be spending the summer in London with her father. But when your father is Head of The Council of Prodigium and your summer is being spent at the headquarters of everything magical, then a quiet holiday isn't really that likely. And, as Sophie struggles to come to terms with her new found demon powers, she finds herself thrust once again into a world of dark magic and conspiracies. The only thing that could possibly make things more complicated would be for Archer Cross to show up again, which of course he wouldn't, would he?

REVIEW:

Well Rachel, you witty little vixen!! Thanks for a continuation of the sarcastic, snarky and rough edged characters you delivered in Hex Hall.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading Raising Demons (others will know it as Demonglass).

Once again I was caught up in the world of Sophie Mercer.  She is tough, sarcastic and quite the powerful little demon!

Raising Demons is set in London at the headquarters of The Council of Prodigium - which her father heads up. Along with Sophie we are entertained with Jenna (Vampire best friend), the ever loyal and dependable Cal (also Sophie's betrothed!), Archer - Demon Hunter (and Sophie's smexy), plus the introduction of Nick and Daisy (Demons).

We get to see the relationship between Sophie and her father grow from nothing to a great connection. Sophie tries it on as any daughter would and yes she gets herself in a bit of trouble!!  Never too demon to be sent to your room for the rest of the day!! 

And for Archer and Sophie or is it gonna be Cal and Sophie?????? Well we see Archer and Sophie connect like wildfire - yet there is still this lingering best boy buddy connection that grows with Cal.  These are our teams to choose from people - uber smexy bad boy Archer......or trustworthy yet hot good guy Cal!!! What's your choice? 

Sinister master plans have been drawn up by those wanting the prodigium obliterated - among them The Eye. And of course the centre and main target is Sophie. 

We are of course left with a monster of a cliff hanger - true to Rachel Hawkins writing skill!!  Spellbound (Hex Hall #3) can't come out quick enough.

ENJOY!

MARISSA

BOOK REVIEW: ENTICE by CARRIE JONES (Need Series #3)

Title:  ENTICE (Need Series Book 3)
Author:  CARRIE JONES
Publisher:  Bloomsbury Publishing
Pages:  Paperback 264

RATING:   3.5 out of 5 "Please Pick Astley!" Stars!



Description from Goodreads:

Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever.
But that's not quite how things have worked out.

For starters, well, Nick is dead.
Supposedly, he's been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla, so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it's taking time, and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla?

And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there's that other small problem: Zara's been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn't just turned...she's Astley's queen.

REVIEW:

I have to say that Entice is definitely my favourite in the Need Series.  Carrie has written us a fantastic interaction between Zara and Astley......I knew at the end of Captivate that Astley would be my hotty of choice!!!  And I wasn't wrong.....I am officially Team Astley !  Oh Zara....please see the light and choose him....who needs a brooding Nick- he isn't even a King!  

The connection Zara and Astley has surpassed anything she has had with Nick - it may just be King to Queen - but I would like to think it is Astley to Zara as well !  The relationship of Nick/Zara pales in comparison and I found myself wondering why on earth she was still obsessed with saving Nick.

Entice gives us a more powerful, focused and stronger Zara than we have seen in Need and Captivate.  She has truly grown as a character - though at times a good shake up wouldn't hurt !

Astley almost certainly is wielding some magical connection with Zara - and I have a feeling that he may just reveal a sinister side in Book 4 - though I hope if he does....Zara still picks him!!!  I just love the bad boys!

Carrie Jones has grown as an author throughout this series and reading Entice is testament to this.  She has delivered a very enjoyable read and I look forward to Need #4. 

ENJOY!

MARISSA

p.s.......mmmmmmm Astley ! 

4.5 Stars BOOK REVIEW: BIRTHMARKED by CARAGH O'BRIEN

Title:   BIRTHMARKED
Author:  CARAGH O'BRIEN
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Australia
Pages: 361 pages Paperback
Cost: $16.99 (AUD)


RATING:  4.5 out of 5 "Advanced" Stars!!

Description by Goodreads:

After climate change, on the north shore of Unlake Superior, a dystopian world is divided between those who live inside the wall, and those, like sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone, who live outside. It’s Gaia’s job to “advance” a quota of infants from poverty into the walled Enclave, until the night one agonized mother objects, and Gaia’s parents are arrested.
          Badly scarred since childhood, Gaia is a strong, resourceful loner who begins to question her society. As Gaia’s efforts to save her parents take her within the wall, she herself is arrested and imprisoned.
          Fraught with difficult moral choices and rich with intricate layers of codes, BIRTHMARKED explores a colorful, cruel, eerily familiar world where one girl can make all the difference, and a real hero makes her own moral code.

REVIEW:

What a FANTASTIC read Birthmarked is!  I highly recommend grabbing a copy, sinking into your comfy sofa and be drawn into a fairly fast paced ride of ambition, love, turmoil and deception.  The speed of the story reminded me a bit of reading The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (my favourite series).

Gaia Stone is a great character that has her eyes opened to the split world she lives in....the only life she has known outside "the wall" and "inside the wall" that people on the outside are curious and at times jealous of.  To this I say....."The grass isn't always greener"!

Gaia is scarred on her face - and as a result she was purposely overlooked by those controlling the other side of the wall - she just didnt fit into their idyllic physical and genetic image.  So she has been left with her family to live a life of struggle. She continues in her mothers' footsteps as that of a "midwife".  To deliver the babies outside the wall - and "advance" the first 3 born to the insiders.

One night her parents are taken - arrested by authorities on the inside and taken inside the wall. From here Gaia is thrown into a tornado of decisions, emotions and personal growth in a very short time. She becomes strong and determined - though at times  she clearly questions her physical ability to cope. 

Whilst "inside" searching to rescue her parents, Gaia teams up with Leon and they forge a unique bond of trust and love with each other.  the likes of which are sure to be tested time and again in the sequel "Prized".

Birthmarked has some fantastic POW's - one of which had me crying out "What the???" !

We are left with a great ending that totally succeeds in leaving the reader wanting more - and wanting it NOW!

ENJOY!

MARISSA

BOOK REVIEW: THE GHOST AND THE GOTH by STACEY KADE

Title:  THE GHOST AND THE GOTH
Author: STACEY KADE
Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books
Format:  EBook 


RATING:  4 OUT OF 5 ALONA & WILL STARS !

Description from Goodreads:

Alona Dare–Senior in high school, co-captain of the cheerleading squad, Homecoming Queen three years in a row, voted most likely to marry a movie star… and newly dead.

I’m the girl you hated in high school. Is it my fault I was born with it all-good looks, silky blond hair, a hot bod, and a keen sense of what everyone else should not be wearing? But my life isn’t perfect, especially since I died. Run over by a bus of band geeks—is there anything more humiliating? As it turns out, yes—watching your boyfriend and friends move on with life, only days after your funeral. And you wouldn’t believe what they’re saying about me now that they think I can’t hear them. To top it off, I’m starting to disappear, flickering in and out of existence. I don’t know where I go when I’m gone, but it’s not good. Where is that freaking white light already?

Will Killian–Senior in high school, outcast, dubbed “Will Kill” by the popular crowd for the unearthly aura around him, voted most likely to rob a bank…and a ghost-talker.

I can see, hear, and touch the dead. Unfortunately, they can also see, hear and touch me. Yeah, because surviving high school isn’t hard enough already. I’ve done my best to hide my “gift.” After all, my dad, who shared my ability, killed himself because of it when I was fifteen. But lately, pretending to be normal has gotten a lot harder. A new ghost—an anonymous, seething cloud of negative energy with the capacity to throw me around—is pursuing me with a vengeance. My mom, who knows nothing about what I can do, is worrying about the increase in odd incidents, my shrink is tossing around terms like “temporary confinement for psychiatric evaluation,” and my principal, who thinks I’m a disruption and a faker, is searching for every way possible to get rid of me. How many weeks until graduation?

REVIEW:

Well, if ever a book was destined to be the next Disney Channel teen movie or series.....The Ghost and The Goth by Stacey Kade is it !

My rating of 4 stars is well earned within the age category of young teen.

It's a quirky, light and easy read and I found myself often imagining turning on Foxtel to find it as a new series. It has "light" and innocent romance, social tiers, a hidden background, a supernatural secret and some fun moments speckled through. I can honestly say that I finished the book and didn't "dislike" a character.

Alona - nasty pasty elite "first tier" queen!  She has it all - until the geek bus wins the collision!   She is the image all things typically portrayed in teen movies with a head cheerleader/homecoming queen character.  Not a lot of depth to her initially....but a hint of something rears its head at the end. Some would see her as opinionated, selfish and self-absorbed - but hey....brutal honesty kind of looks that way too!!

Will - I really liked his character. Again a typical character - "misunderstood individual" . He is far from what he appears on the surface. His ability to see and hear dead people/spirits and the desperate need to block them out has him appearing to others as a brooding, dark goth style guy who is constantly in trouble at school.  He belongs to the low rung students of the high school - and he's kind of OK with that!  Dealing with the ghost of Alona Dare will be his biggest challenge yet! 

The Ghost and The Goth is written in alternating perspectives between Will and Alona. It allows us to be in the head of each and Stacey has successfully written the story in this way. It is very easy to change from one character to another with the change in dialogue style and phrasing. 

The Queen of The Dead is the second book and I look forward to seeing where our characters end up.

ENJOY!

MARISSA

NOVELLA REVIEW: PASSING by NANCY HOLDER & DEBBIE VIGUIE

Title:    PASSING: A CRUSADE SERIES STORY
Authors:  NANCY HOLDER & DEBBIE VIGUIE
Publisher:  SMASHWORDS

Format:  E-Book download from Smashwords ($0.99)


RATING:   4 OUT OF 5 VAMPIRE HUNTING STARS!


Description from Goodreads:

The vampires have declared war on humanity--and they have won. Now it's New Year's Eve in Salamanca, Spain--and the Academy's graduating class of vampire hunters are taking their final exam--stake the Cursed Ones attacking in the fog, or die. Jenn has a fighting partner named Antonio de la Cruz...and he has a big secret...but Jenn's got a secret, too, and it nearly takes them both out. "Passing" is the short story that launched the smash dark fantasy series, CRUSADE.

REVIEW:

As the novella/lead in to their new Crusade series, Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie have given us a fleeting yet very intriguing look at what is to come.
The brief glimpse we see of each character is enough to ignite immense curiosity. The pairing of each vampire fighting duo is clever and will obviously give us some fantastic adventure, suspense, some love and without a doubt some devastation (if you've read the Wicked Series by Nancy and Debbie, you'll understand that not everything will be an immortal bed of roses!).

ENJOY!

MARISSA

SERIES REVIEW: WICKED SERIES by NANCY HOLDER & DEBBIE VIGUIE

TITLE:  WICKED SERIES  (Witch, Curse, Legacy, Spellbound & Resurrection)
Authors:  NANCY HOLDER & DEBBIE VIGUIE
Publisher: Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster)
Pages/Format:  Paperback
Acquired:  On Loan from Ellenbrook Library

RATING:    

4 OUT OF 5 

SUPREME MOTHER COVEN! STARS

These books are set out as 3 combined books containing 5 individual books in total. So......

Book 1 = Witch & Curse

Book 2 = Legacy & Spellbound

Book 3 = Resurrection

I read them as one wickedly enjoyable long book!!! So I will review the whole series as such.

DESCRIPTIONS FROM GOODREADS:

BOOK 1 - WITCH & CURSE

Holly Cathers's world shatters when her parents are killed in a terrible accident. Wrenched from her home in San Francisco, she is sent to Seattle to live with her relatives, Aunt Marie-Claire and her twin cousins, Amanda and Nicole. In her new home, Holly's sorrow and grief soon give way to bewilderment at the strange incidents going on around her. Such as how any wish she whispers to her cat seems to come true. Or the way a friend is injured after a freak attack from a vicious falcon. And there's the undeniable, magnetic attraction to a boy Holly barely knows. Holly, Amanda, and Nicole are about to be launched into a dark legacy of witches, secrets, and alliances, where ancient magics yield dangerous results. The girls will assume their roles in an intergenerational feud beyond their wildest imaginations...and in doing so, will attempt to fulfill their shared destiny.

BOOK 2 - LEGACY & SPELLBOUND

Holly Cathers is not the same person she was almost a year and a half ago. After discovering her connection to an ancient legacy of witches, Holly has accepted her destiny as a descendant of the House of Cahors. She is determined to end an intergenerational feud that has plagued her family for centuries.
Holly will have to overcome unworldly obstacles as she battles to protect her loved ones -- including Jer, a member of the rival House of Deveraux and her one true love. A war of magical proportions is being waged, and Holly is at the center of it all.
Lives will be lost, and sacrifices will have to be made...

BOOK 3 - RESURRECTION 

(Description from Book)

The time for waiting is over.

what the Cahors witches though was the end of their troubles was only the beginning. A threat more powerful and more frightening than anything they have faced has been watching and waiting. The Cahors witches must come together and find Jer and Eli as both the Deveraux and the Cahors family lines face eradication.

All the secrets of the Cahors will be revealed, forcing them to overcome their greatest weaknesses in order to achieve their most powerful strengths. And only united do they have any chance at victory.  Before the end, sacrifices will be made, alliances forged, and old friends lost forever.

REVIEW:

WOW!!!  This was a very impressive series from Nancy & Debbie.  They have certainly initiated me into a wider and more knowledgeable world of witches and warlocks.  They gave me understanding of the world of Covens that I had not read before.  Nancy & Debbie also delved on the more dark side of witchcraft in this series....It was refreshing to read a lead character dealing "with the devil" in order to save her own coven - bit by bit selling of parts of her soul each time.  Though don't be fooled.....the dark side isn't always made up of evil beings - sometimes dedication to those in white comes at a price!

Holly Cather's is our leading lassie!  She didn't know she was a witch - let a lone one of the potentially most powerful ever.  Naive to begin with.. Holly slowly evolves into a force to be reckoned with - but as I said above....it comes at a price.  Thrust into the top position within the coven Holly doesn't get a users manual or workplace practice guide - she has to think quick on the spot and after a few pleads with the almighty Goddess....she realises that each time she receives assistance to save the lives of her coven members.....she loses a part of her soul.....or a loved one.  To top it off, poor Holly is the vessel that her long deadish ancestor Isabeau shows up in.

Jer (Jeraud) Deveraux.....Holly's possible love interest.  He's from the opposing family and he's a warlock. Jer has a connection with Holly from the minute they meet. His family have been waring with Holly's family (originally known as the Cahors) for generations. An accident happens in the series (ok one of many!!) and regardless of it's outcome - I still see him as hotly handsome.  He's a bad, bad boy and has the added affliction of being the Deveraux that his ancestor Jean channels through.

Within the story of Jer and Holly also resides the recurring story of the tortured love between Jean de Deveraux and Isabeau Cahors which started centuries ago. They vowed on their own deaths to kill the other so they may be free.  They burden Jer and Holly with this continuing saga - they love each other and hate each other at the same time - their desire to fulfill their own dying wish becomes so overpowering that Jer and Holly must fight through Jean and Isabeau to find their own feelings.

Amanda and Nicole Anderson are Holly's cousins that she is to live with upon the death of her parents.  They are twins with a difference. One the popular rebel and the other fairly straight-laced and average.  They have a dislike and love for each other which is tested over the series time and again. In the beginning they are also not fully aware of the witching abilities.

Eli Deveraux = BAD BAD BAD BAD right to down to the core..... he's the creation of his ultra evil father Michael Deveraux.  Together they are hell bent on extinguishing the Cahors Witches (Holly, Amanda and Nicole).  Eli will surprise you - and his evilness will not dissappoint at times either.  He is Nicole Anderson's rebel boyfriend (the one to annoy the parents with!).  Micheal is just so evil words fail me to describe how utterly horrible a being he is.  He will stop at NOTHING to kill Holly.

There are so many characters within the 5 books - all of which play pivotal roles......you don't often find minor characters being so prominent within a story that they just about become lead characters in their own right.

I had an awesome action packed, dark magic ride with The Wicked Series.  The fight between good and evil is certainly not what it is always depicted in most novels and Nancy and Debbie have given us a roller coaster series filled with despair, grief, joy, happiness, suspense, action and shock!!!

ENJOY!

MARISSA