Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Awakened (Few Are Angels 2) by Inger Iversen


Awakened picks up right where Few Are Angels ended. This one however starts with Helene having a vision of the events that happened to Ella.
I liked this book better than the first one. That in itself is a rarity. Where Few Are Angels was solely Ella's point of view, Awakened has multiple points of view. This of course gives the reader a better understanding of the events unfolding without there being many holes.
Other than the point of view and the missing quotes at the start of each chapter, the writing style is very much the same as it was in Few Are Angels. This writing style is good for younger readers (roughly in the mid teens) and still holds that Stephanie Meyers feel to it.
I feel the characters are bit more differentiated in this book as well. They've each evolved a bit since book one and their defining qualities stand out better.
Ella's situation is now a dire one. Alex, Mia, Kale, and Jace are risking hell to fix the situation but of course everything is working against them from the Council, to the Chory, and even the local police department.
The lines of good and bad blur badly in this story and you're left feeling much like Jace for awhile and he struggles to understand why his father is sounding a lot like Laurent when it comes to the Arc.
This book's ending comes as even more of a shocking surprise than the end of the first book.
I give this book 5 of 5

Monday, April 8, 2013

My Review of Few Are Angels (Few Are Angels 1) by Inger Iversen


Ella can see the past. I'm not sure if it's ALL the past or just her own. She seems to me to be a beacon for trouble. It's almost as if she looks for it, as she follows unknown guys into the woods.
The conflict in Ella's heart is heart wrenching really. She'd been through so much already. Mia's attitude was a bit irritating, but very easy to understand once you know her story. I'm sure everyone of us knows a Mia.
I was iffy about Kale... His role was a bit Twilightish. He reminded me a lot of Edward Cullen.. Minus the sparkles. I think the twilight fans will absolutely love this book.
I haven't figured out what to make of Jace, but I'm sure I haven't seen the last of him or the council.
This book is well written. The plot is solid. There's very little if any holes in it. The characters are written in such a way that you can't help but lost in the story that is woven in your mind's eye.
This story will grab you at unexpected moments, and cause your heart to race more than once. I honestly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading book two.
I give this book 4 of 5

Review by Cu'Anam of Faebooks.co.uk

Monday, April 1, 2013

Of Gaea (Of Legacies 1) by Victoria Escobar


Of Gaea starts out just like any other book with a teenage girl for the main character. There is one difference, Ari, the main character of this book is in wheelchair and very much hating this fact.
Aside from Ari's bitterness and deprecation of her situation, I think she's an outstanding role model for children, who like herself, are disabled, even if that disability is different from Ari's.
Like most people in high school, Ari has a bully, Damia, the girl who is the reason behind Ari's current situation. Couple that with Damia's apparent obsession with Ari's best friend and hotty Sasha and it's a disturbing outcome.
A lot of people may have some trouble with the names.. Though they aren't too hard to pronounce even if the spelling throws you off.
Lyris is fun character. I can almost picture the fun Victoria had in creating her unique brand of "crazy" She will definitely throw the reader for a loop or two.
As things start to piece themselves together for Ari, you can sense the inner struggle she deals with. People who she's trusted her entire life she's unsure of whether or not she can still trust them. That's something every reader can relate to.
Ghita reminds me of my grandparents, always pushing their beliefs on me when it wasn't the path destined for me. I felt every shred of hurt from Ari as Ghita tried again and again to force hers on Ari.
I am very impressed with this author's knowledge of Gaea and the Pagan ways. She's got our ways down to a tee which is a rarity, though I suspect you may have pagan blood in her veins if she doesn't openly practice.
This book is not only a fascinating fictional read, it's also a great way to gain some inside into those of us who follow the old ways.
This book is amazingly written nd I eagerly await the next installment of it.. I give this book 5 of 5...Victoria keep coming out with books of this magnitude and you'll go far >^.^<

To Kiss A Ghost (The Hungry Ghost 2) by Becky Pourchot


The Quick Of It - A great story that will make you laugh, smile, and cry as you cheer for Gala in her new mission

Long of it -

First things first. I love the prologue. Since I haven't gotten to read the first book, I'm at least not totally clueless due to the short yet detailing explaination of the first book.
I also like the apparent time and research Becky put into learning aura color meanings and other aspects most people don't notice.
I can sympathize with Gala more than I'd like to in the aspect of ghost communication.
I really started getting into the book around chapter four. The part with the Captcha really had my skin crawling!
Gala at first comes off as annoying and a little selfish. I get that the ability is annoying. I get that more than I should, but she seemed to make a whole lot of decisions she shouldn't have and for selfish reasons. Luckily she got into the swing of things rather quickly.
I loved the ghosts being tied to their places by their own things. From what I've researched on spirits some actually do get bound by objects and will be forced to go where the object is.
I really liked Roy. He was clumsy and funny but really sweet at heart.
I loved how the story can send chills up the spine..but at the same time still be okay with letting your tween read it.
I promise any lover of the paranormal will laugh, smile, and cry while reading this book.. I give it 4 of 5.. It would probably 5 if I'd had a copy of the first book.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

The White Swan (Enchanted Fairy Tales 5) by Cindy C.Bennett


As a lover of Fairy Tales, I was immediately drawn to this one. It's an interesting take on an old story. This story is absolutely modernized, but the element of the original still remains.
A girl who turns into a swan at the first light of day. Only this story has two, Odette and Odile.
Odile's self pity of herself is something anyone with siblings that are more popular than they are can relate to, as is the oblivion Odette has of the entire situation.
The fact that Odile shares Odette's situation in this story opens her eyes to all the things her self loathing prevented her from seeing.
I liked how the story is told from multiple points of view while still remaining in the third person. The chapters are labeled by the character starring in that part. It was a refreshing change from the norm.
I never really understood Benno's actions, but I understood Odile's ultimate decision. I do hope Cindy will write a sequel, a brand new fairy tale in which the White Swan and the Black Swan will be together again.
I give this book 5 of 5.  Gallataea (My 6 year old) said to give it a 10 >^.^<

Thursday, March 28, 2013

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games Book 1) by Suzanne Collins


The Hunger Games is a fascinating read, even if the concept of a corrupt government abusing it's control over its citizens has been done in similar ways before, this book is certainly the most detailed and memorable one of the lot.
Katniss is a warrior even if she refuses to acknowledge this fact in herself. She has qualities most of the other tributes lack, her compassion being the biggest difference there is.
The things the tributes have to endure and do are horrifying in our world. None of can imagine the fear and heartache of having to pit our children against each other to the death for the amusement of a bunch snobbish rich people.
Personally I think Katniss teaming up with Rue was a good thing. And regardless of the reasoning behind it, it was very strategic on both their parts. Both girls can move quickly and silently, and both accompany each other nicely in terms of food.
The Careers' trap is simple ingenious really. what better way to eliminate the competition? They however didn't factor in how cunning Katniss is, too bad for them really.
Katniss' closeness to the little girl Rue really made me cry. In my opinion a child that young should no way have been forced to compete with kids much bigger than she was. I like and respect Katniss for how she not only friended the little girl but honored her as well.
The gesture in District 11, when they gave Katniss the loaf of fresh bread after what she'd done for Rue doesn't go unnoticed by Katniss, and certainly by the reader either. I assure you my heart broke a second time in that small gesture of gratitude from the struggling district.
I'm unsure how believable Peeta still being alive when Katniss finds him is. Then again, like the tributes, the reader loses track of the days as well. What seemed like two or three weeks of events could very well have only been a few days.
Katniss overcoming her fears and distaste for playing the role of healer is remarkable, though I don't understand how Peeta had received no gifts from the sponsors while Katniss did.
Peeta and Katniss play the role of lovers almost flawlessly, though how Katniss can still think that Peeta is playing a role is beyond me.
I was sad at Foxface's fate. That girl was truly as clever as a fox. I think the biggest shocker for me were the Muttations. That totally blew me away and broke my heart all at the same time!
The last few chapters of the book were totally new for me. I've seen the movie and these chapters were surprisingly absent from the film. I look forward to getting my hands on book two
I give this book 5 of 5 paws

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Reborn: The Book of Dain by Casse Narome

Amazon ][ Amazon uk

This book caught my interest very quickly. Tara is so sure Dylan is her friend Dain it nearly breaks her heart and his when he says he isn't who she's looking for.
I'm not sure what to make of Missy. I get the whole jealous girlfriend thing but seriously there's a fine line between relationship and possession.
Tara is definitely a unique character. She seems so child like an innocent, but I can't help to think that she's anything but.
Dylan's skepticism of Tara's words make absolute sense, as does the curiosity that's gnawing away at him.
I love the notion of reincarnation very much. and the Romeo and Juliet type lives Dain and Tara have had is beautiful. Even when they don't remember each other, they still know each other.
This is a powerful story. This is only the second book I've read this year that has brought tears to my eyes.. I can't wait for the next book, just to see if all the pain and hurt will ease even if just a little
I give this book 5 of 5 paws


Sunday, March 24, 2013

Back to War (Corps Justice 1) by C.G.Cooper



I want to begin by saying. I am glad I'm a member of i Love eBooks ARC. If it hadn't been for them, I would never have found C.G.Cooper or his books. I normally don't read "modern" themed books (unless they'reparanormal) but since I'd joined the ARC I find myself reading all kinds of books I normally wouldn't.
Even as I dislike military and modern novels, I promise my review is non discriminitory, and very honest.
I love the format of this book. I'm a huge fan of screenplays and absolutely enjoyed the movie-esque feel while reading this.
This book starts with violence. It's written so vividly you can see it, you can feel each wound inflicted on the fighters, you can smell the blood. C..G definitely has a way with the written word, so much so you get lost in the world he's created right away.
(I could have done without the image of gauged our eyeballs though lol)
I also liked how the military slang terms (for instance, "Gunny") had the actual names in parenthesis for those of the civilian type.
The story line was well thought out. It's clear C.G.Cooper did his homework when it comes to how the Marine branch of the Military is run. I can see Cal as every bit the calculated weapon he was trained to be. Even while Incapacitated he knew there would be trouble and insisted on being prepared for anything.
The book and more than likely the entire series was written with a military mind. Of that I have no doubt. I honestly believe this book would make a great action movie. One to rival Jason Bourne in it's detail and plot line.
The only gripe with the novel, are the flashback stories they aren't bad, quite the opposite actually. I wish it wasn't so short. Maybe Mr. Cooper will consider lengthening them into little novellas as he did with God-Speed.
Cal's history is quite interesting. The way he strove to avenge his parents and uphold everything his father had made SSI into is amazing. MSgt Trent's backstory is very relatable to anyone that grew up in the hood. Ghettos are a nightmare regardless of your size. I really liked his back story a lot.
I also think I'm not the only one who would enjoy seeing a short story as to how Dante got himself all twisted into what he was made to be.
The action scenes are well thought out. So much so I was able to picture the darts and the confusion. This book was beautifully written.
Although a little slow to start since this isn't my normal genre to read.. I did enjoy the story very much. I give Back to War 4 of 5


Monday, March 18, 2013

Mohawk Moon (Mohawk Series 1) by N Kuhn

$0.99 in the US ][ £1.02 in the UK
 
I enjoyed this book. The whole “cowboys and indians” thing intrigues me a lot. I love how the story is written from two Point of views.
If you’re like me and used to books written in the past (ex. I held his hand.) You may get a little confused at first since this book is written in the present tense, (ex. I hold his hand). This of course didn’t slow me down for very long in the least.
I was hooked from the opening the page and eagerly ate up every bit of this family feud between the Mohawk people and the Sunderlands.
The sexual tension between Jany and Damien is magnetic really, The thoughts that run through Jany’s head whenever Damien is near her brought many smiles to my face, at times I’d chuckle loudly enough to have my husband look at me weird!
There is sex woven into this tale, but relax it’s pretty much still pg-13. It’s written so beautifully that you can’t help but to see every touch and kiss in your mind’s eye, without the need for explicit words or scenes. While Jany and Damien fight the love they have for each other, which one would swear has been there since before they were, you can feel it in every nuance given by them both.
This book is the perfect blend of Romance and Action.
All in all, I give Mohawk Moon 5 out of 5 stars. My only regret is that it’s not long enough and that I don’t own Mohawk Sunrise to see what happens next. Excellent Job Nicole. I expect to see more from you than just these two works >^.^<

Witch Weigh by Carolyn Mickelson


I'll begin by saying When I first started this book, I did not like Tessa at all. I wanted in fact to slap the arrogant, spoiled brat in the mouth for her insolence toward the older witches.
I do however give praise to Ms. Mickelson for being creatively capable to bring a character to life in such a magnitude. Its a lost art among the older more recognized authors, but this book brings hope to us book lovers as indie writers are reviving the craft.
Many applause to the council on how they handled Tessa! I can't say I would have been as lienient though lol.
Enter Liam.. Can you say meow ladies? A fairy of the hottest order. I was very amused at Tessa's first reaction to her "fairy godmother".
The "lessions" Tessa endures from Liam had me laughing out right the whole time. I could only wish those us real witches had the capabilities to do even half the things in this book!