Goodreads Summary: 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…

My Rating of this Book – 4 out of 5 Stars

My Review:

Though Everneath was more about every day struggles and Nikki’s redemption than any kind of action or real mystery, it was definitely addicting. I found it very hard to put the book down. I wanted to learn more about Nikki both before and after the Feeding (the period of time she was in the Everneath). I also wanted to know about Cole and Jack and the roles they played related to her disappearance. Everneath truly does capture the imagination.

However, when the foundation was revealed, I was not impressed. In fact, it was quite confusing, very disconnected, and lacked understanding. You see, this novel takes several myths as its very core; a blend of Greek and Egyptian mythology. The problem is these myths, in reality, are completely night and day. To combine them into one basic concept would be like trying to force two very different puzzles together, creating a surreal image of the truth.

Even with the mythological distraction and heart ache, the general concept is intriguing and I still want to see how this series ends. So, I’ll be adding the second novel to my 2013 to-read list.

As you can tell, I changed things a bit. It’s the same theme, but I have a new title, new background, new main header image, some new widgets, and a few new pages. I’m also trying to change some of my featured images, but currently having some technical difficulties. I hope to clear this up soon. But in the meantime, let me know what you think:

Goodreads Summary: Katelyn McBride’s life changed in an instant when her mother died. Uprooted from her California home, Katelyn was shipped to the middle of nowhere, Arkansas, to her only living relative, her grandfather. And now she has to start over in Wolf Springs, a tiny village in the Ozark Mountains. Like any small town, Wolf Springs has secrets. But the secrets hidden here are more sinister than Katelyn could ever imagine. It’s a town with a history that reaches back centuries, spans continents, and conceals terrifying truths. And Katelyn McBride is about to change everything.

Broken families, ageless grudges, forced alliances, and love that blooms in the darkest night—welcome to Wolf Springs.

My Rating of this Book – 3 out of 5 Stars

My Review:

Unleashed was one werewolf based novel that didn’t exactly have me rolling over with excitement. Actually, most of the time I was belly up with boredom. *If you pardon the dog puns.* Truthfully, the plotline is every slow moving and is mostly laden with the drama and sorrow surrounding the character Katelyn. The first several chapters were especially hard to push through. I almost divorced the novel, until the first murder finally took place.

It really was the mystery and the wolf attacks that persuaded me to sit and stay with the novel. I wanted to learn more and solve the case. But it was a jumbled mess in some ways. There were several possible links and suspects, yet most of the time Katelyn focused on clues that were either dead ends or clues that left the reader hanging.

However, it did have a thrilling ending, one that actually left me begging for more. So we’ll see how the second book fares out.

Goodreads Summary: Lenzi hears voices and has visions – gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can’t help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she’s a reincarnated Speaker – someone who can talk to and help lost souls – and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn’t make a decision soon.
My Rating of this Book – 5 out of 5 Stars

My Review:

When I first began Shattered Soul, I really had my doubts about it. I didn’t like where Lenzi started or all the shattered pieces of her life. She seemed on the verge of cracking just in the first chapter. And I definitely had my doubts about Zak, her boyfriend. I didn’t like his influence and even though he was trying to take care of her, he was holding her back. It wasn’t until Alden appeared that some hope blossomed. I loved his character, but his connection to Lenzi made him subordinate. He had to follow her lead and her commands, a quality I generally don’t like in male characters. I prefer partnerships.

But as I wandered deeper into the novel’s pages, it turned out to be an amazing book. Lenzi and Alden grew dramatically in their relationship. Also the mystery of who Lenzi was in her past lives and the soul trying to kill her became addicting. I wanted to know more and I still want to know more.

Shattered Soul is a haunting tale and my first favorite novel of the year. I really loved it and I highly recommend reading it!

I’ve recently read a book that sent me into a passionate fit. Why? The author didn’t seem to have done any kind of research for the historical background, or if they had, they took major liberties. It was so stretched from the truth, I just wanted to cry!

Okay, you’re probably asking – “Why would this bother you so much?” “Lots books do this, right?” “It’s fiction!” Yes, it’s fiction. I know it’s fiction. But does that mean you can overlook research?

Look at it from my point of view. As you are probably aware, or just finding out now, I’ve been researching Egyptian culture for a new series I’m working on. It’s set in a modern time, but the clues, the mystery, even the whole book’s foundation rests on my understanding of real cultural beliefs. I’m even currently reading The Book of the Dead, a huge leap considering how much Egyptian customs scare me! But this is how I write. I immerse myself into a subject. Just ask any of my friends or family – I drive them crazy! The reason is that for me history and research make the story. They make it realistic. Even for science fiction or fantasy or books based on myths and legends, research makes the story come alive. It helps the author’s understanding of the world they’re writing about and it helps connect to the reader. How? By bringing the world into context. By helping the reader to look through the character’s eyes and understand the character better.

One of my characters in my new series was raised to believe in many of the old Egyptian customs. The cult is his life, even though he hides it from the modern world. My exploration into ancient Egypt has shown me just how important certain things would be to him and how certain events would affect him. I see life through his perspective and understand his fears. I learned how to challenge his beliefs, which helped him grow. The result is that I have written a better character than the one I began with. It also improved my setting as I built it based on Egyptian artifacts. And I know what ceremonies and rituals would take place. All because of research.

Now, I’m not saying you need to be an expert in historical events. However, some basic research is how I assure my understanding of my novels’ origins. I buy books, watch related television programs (Discovery, History, etc…), surf the internet, whatever I need to piece together the story. All that is needed is to develop and communicate an understanding. I’ll be honest, with the internet and Google, research is not as hard as it used to be. And it doesn’t take as long either.

Rest assured that research is not the only criteria I use to rate fictional novels. Yes, history and research are very important to me, but I also judge a book by its plot and quality. However, I will stress this. Even though the story’s general plotline is good, research can make it so much better!

Goodreads Summary: Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there’s more at stake than fighting. There’s saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay’s wrath. There’s keeping Ansel safe, even if he’s been branded a traitor. There’s proving herself as the pack’s alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers’ magic once and for all. And then there’s deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is.

In the final installment of the Nightshade trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Andrea Cremer creates a novel with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its final pages. A dynamic end to this breathtaking trilogy.
My Rating of this Book – 5 out of 5 Stars

My Review:

I just wanted to howl at the end of Bloodrose. This final chapter of the Nightshade series was awesome and empowering. The characters grew so much in this novel. I applaud Calla’s strength and leadership. How she took charge in a time of war was amazing and complete turnaround to the Calla that first began this epic journey. Even Ren changed significantly, in my opinion, from the Guardian he was in first novel. And Shay, as always, is my main man! He became the alpha Calla truly needed: an equal and a partner.

Yet the end was bittersweet. In my opinion, it’s still a good ending to the series. But I think it took things a little too far, especially when the character’s work seem to unravel a bit in the epilogue. Also after reading it I believe that the author probably should have focused the series in the present tense instead of in the past tense to fit the ending she designed.

Overall, one of best series I have read and I can’t wait to see what Andrea Cremer will create next.

Goodreads Summary: Now that she’s settled in at Shadow Falls Camp, Kylie Galen’s determined to discover the extent of her supernatural abilities.  But with a ghost insisting someone Kylie loves is about die, a rogue vampire on a murdering rampage, and her sixth sense telling her someone is watching her, Kylie’s quest for answers is quickly put on hold. 

To make matters worse, just when she’s about to give her heart to Derek, a half-fairy, he starts pulling away.  When Lucas, a werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past, returns, Kylie’s feels more conflicted than ever. Her weekend with her mom should have been the just the break Kylie needs, but it turns out to be her breaking point.  Someone from the dark side of the supernatural world has plans for Kylie–and it’ll take all her resources to get back to Shadow Falls alive…
My Rating of this Book – 4 out of 5 Stars

My Review:

Awake at Dawn is an intriguing sequel to Born at Midnight. The romance and tension keep you glued to its pages. Throughout the Shadow Fall series, I’ve become really torn between Derek and Lucas. Both have great qualities as characters, and I’m found myself falling for both in Born at Midnight. In Awake at Dawn, though, Lucas is out of the picture and Kylie focuses on Derek, making me love him more. Yet I was hooked on Lucas’s letters and yearned to know where he had disappeared to. I was craving for his return.

Unfortunately, unlike Born at Midnight, this book is focused more on drama than mystery. Kylie is still trying to figure out what she is exactly – Fae, Werewolf, Vampire – but it is becoming more of a guessing game than a mystery. And the spirit haunting Kylie is not as interesting as the spirit that haunted her in the first book. The real mystery in this book is who is watching Kylie and why.

This is a great series and I can’t wait for the third book, Taken at Dusk.

Goodreads Summary: In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky – taken by the Society to his certain death – only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia’s quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander – who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia’s heart – change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.
My Rating of this Book – 4 out of 5 Stars

My Review:

Crossed is an incredible journey of love and survival. In this dual point of view, two individuals take the same path to find each other, but also discover themselves. Cassia’s story was amazing, but it was actually Ky that captured me. In Matched, you never really get to see Ky except through clues and bits and pieces he reveals to Cassia. But, in Crossed, you actually get to see things from his point of view and learn how he became who he is.

I was only disappointed, however, in the final twist. After everything that the characters went through, I really didn’t expect the book to end the way it does. But I am anxious for the next book to come out!

Overall, this is an awesome book and a wonderful sequel to its predecessor, Matched.

Goodreads Summary: Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world… Read More.

#2. Queen of the Dead (The Ghost and the Goth #2)
By Stacey Kade

Goodreads Summary: 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… Read More.

#3. The Ghost and the Goth
By Stacey Kade

Goodreads Summary: After a close encounter with the front end of a school bus, Alona Dare goes from Homecoming Queen to Queen of the Dead. Now she’s stuck as a spirit in the land of the living with no sign of the big, bright light to take her away. To make matters worse, the only person who might be able to help her is Will Killian, a total loser outcast. He alone can see and hear (turns out he’s been “blessed” with the ability to communicate with the dead), but he wants nothing to do with the former mean girl of Groundsboro High.

Alona has never needed anyone for anything, and now she’s supposed to expose her deepest, darkest secrets… Read More.

#4. Hereafter
By Tara Hudson

Goodreads Summary:  

Can there truly be love after death?

Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she’s dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she’s trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but willhim to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.

Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death… Read More.

#5. Divergent
By Veronica Roth

Goodreads Summary: In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine… Read More.

#6. Clarity
By Kim Harrington

Goodreads Summary: When you can see things others can’t, where do you look for the truth?
This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.
Clarity “Clare” Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It’s a gift.
And a curse.
When a teenage girl is found murdered… Read More.

#7. Timeless
By Alexandra Monir

Goodreads Summary: When tragedy strikes Michele Windsor’s world, she is forced to uproot her life and move across the country to New York City, to live with the wealthy, aristocratic grandparents she’s never met. In their old Fifth Avenue mansion filled with a century’s worth of family secrets, Michele discovers a diary that hurtles her back in time to the year 1910. There, in the midst of the glamorous Gilded Age, Michele meets the young man with striking blue eyes who has haunted her dreams all her life – a man she always wished was real, but never imagined could actually exist. And she finds herself falling for him, into an otherworldly, time-crossed romance.
 
Michele is soon leading a double life, struggling… Read More.

#8. Born at Midnight
By C.C. Hunter

Goodreads Summary:

One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever.  Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.”  Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.

Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either.  Or does she? Read More.

#9. Oscar’s Gift: Planting Words with Oscar Micheaux
By Lisa Rivero

Goodreads Summary: The year is 1904 on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, and eleven-year-old Tomas, the son of Swedish immigrants, thinks that life is a game of chance. Now you see it. Now you don’t. His father. School. Dreams for the future. It doesn’t matter how hard he tries or how much he hopes. In the end, everything he loves can disappear with the delivery of a telegram.

Then one hot day, on a dusty street in Bonesteel, South Dakota, he sees a tall, dark, city-slicker of a man… Read More.

#10. Darth Paper Strikes Back (Origami Yoda #2)
By Tom Angleberger

Goodreads Summary: It is a dark time at Ralph McQuarrie Middle School. After suffering several Origami Yoda–related humiliations, Harvey manages to get Dwight suspended from school for being a “troublemaker.” Origami Yoda pleads with Tommy and Kellen to save Dwight by making a new case file—one that will show how Dwight’s presence benefits McQuarrie. With the help of their friends, Tommy and Kellen record cases such as “Origami Yoda and the Pre-eaten Wiener,” “Origami Yoda and the Exploding Pizza Bagels,” and “Origami Yoda and Wonderland: The Musical.” But Harvey and his Darth Paper puppet have a secret plan that could make Dwight’s suspension permanent . . . Read More.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 17,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 6 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.