Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Book Review: Red Kicks




Synopsis

Caley’s new home is much different than the disciplined but comfortable life he was used to. As a rising martial arts champion whose adoptive father produces martial arts movies, Caley’s danger comes in the form of formal competitions not the daily fear of gang violence. But the change also brings new opportunities. For the first time, Caley has a real friend, Quinn, and he is attending school instead of his usual on-set tutoring. As their friendship grows, Quinn guides Caley through the maze of gang wars and rivalries while trying to discover his own place in his world. Among the people that Caley befriends, six year old Nicky strikes a chord in Caley that he can’t explain. He feels like he needs to protect the child from the brutality of his life. Nicky’s sudden disappearance brings Caley full circle to confront his own forgotten past as Quinn learns the real meaning of loyalty and friendship. jerjonji’s new novel exposes the realities of gang life without stereotyping characters.

My Review


This is "Red Kicks" by jerjonji. This book is 352 pages raising awareness about gang violence.

When Caley transfers locations, because of a terrible mistake he made the pressure is all on him. That is, until he meets Quinn, a young gang member, having the same problems as him, but more extreme. They become friends after a teacher makes them work together to bring up their grades. Then there's little Nicky that takes an instant liking to Caley and Quinn. What Caley and Quinn don't know is that what used to be gang rivalry is now turning into a bloodbath with secrets on both sides of the war. Nicky doesn't know that him existing is dangerous to everyone, including himself. Why is there a war between gangs? Is Nicky safe? What will happen to Caley and Quinn's forbidden friendship?

This was a very good book!! I definitely recommend you read this book to raise your awareness of gang violence, which is why jerjonji wrote this book. I applaud you, jerjonji, for your great job on this book. I will warn you guys that it is quite sad, but it has a great ending. I would recommend this for young adults, because of sexual themes and graphic violence, but teen can read it if their parents allow.  

These Last Few Months and Pentatonix


I know it has been a few months of silence from my side and for that I am really, truly sorry. You must remember that I am a teenager with lots of homework, stress, etc. and I am also a high school swimmer, which makes it difficult to blog when practice takes up my time everyday after school. I have been going through a really tough time and my family and friends have been trying to support as I hope all my readers will too. I would like to thank Tara Benham, Erin Hayes, and Susan Burdorf for all their support and, of course, my mom. So I have a story that really scared the crap out of me and inspired me at the same time and I would like to hope that it would inspire you too.

When I learned of the acapella group, Pentatonix, I was ecstatic, because I have always wanted to do what they do so well. They are truly good at what they do and it has always inspired me to be my best. Lately I haven't been listening to them, because I became lost in thoughts and actions of bad people, like my bullies. Then, I was listening to a random playlist and Pentatonix singing "Hallelujah" started to play. I realized how much I needed that boost of confidence that it brought me and started to break out of my funk. Then mom scared the crap out of me by saying Mitch was thinning out and had lost his hair. She said he looked like he had cancer and I, legit, started to scream and was in tears, because I enjoy all of Pentatonix equally, but if I had to choose a favorite it would have to be Mitch. I frantically started to search the internet, trying to see if it was true and luckily he just decided to shave his hair and he's naturally just skinny. 

What does this have to do with my blog and author's books, you ask? Well, every author you will meet will tell you about what inspired them to be an author, blogger, or anything really. I love hearing about how someone came to realize something about themselves and it is really inspiring. Pentatonix inspired me in many ways and this isn't just me fan-girling either. They helped me through some of my roughest times and they helped me get over my fear of singing in front of others. I may even start a separate youtube channel specifically for singing and singing my own written music(I'm still figuring that part out, but I have ideas). I would really appreciate it if you would at least listen to the song I named and I even have the video below, so please check it out.  

I know this would never happen, but I do hope that Pentatonix will eventually see this post. I've thought about doing this post for weeks, but I've been extremely busy, so I never thought it would be happening. I hope you enjoy this post even though it isn't a book review. I will have a post up later today or tomorrow, so stay tuned. I would like to thank you all again for sticking with me even though it has been pretty rough. Until next time, check out the video below please.



Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Book Review: Air Awakens - The Air Awakens Series




Synopsis


A library apprentice, a sorcerer prince, and an unbreakable magic bond...

The Solaris Empire is one conquest away from uniting the continent, and the rare elemental magic sleeping in seventeen-year-old library apprentice Vhalla Yarl could shift the tides of war.

Vhalla has always been taught to fear the Tower of Sorcerers, a mysterious magic society, and has been happy in her quiet world of books. But after she unknowingly saves the life of one of the most powerful sorcerers of them all--the Crown Prince Aldrik--she finds herself enticed into his world. Now she must decide her future: Embrace her sorcery and leave the life she's known, or eradicate her magic and remain as she's always been. And with powerful forces lurking in the shadows, Vhalla's indecision could cost her more than she ever imagined.

My Review



This is the first book in a five book series by Elise Kova. This book is 342 pages long.

Hated and feared by many, the sorcerers live in the confinement of the Tower to study in peace. That is, until a library apprentice grabs the attention of one of the most powerful sorcerers ever and the crown prince. The apprentice, Vhalla, isn't just a normal girl, though. She not only saved, the prince, Aldrik's life, but created a magical bond that lead to the discovery of her very rare and special magic. There is a war raging and no one can be trusted. As Aldrik and Vhalla grow closer more enemies try to tear them apart. What is so special about Vhalla? Will war tear the bonded apart?

This is a GREAT book!! Using Affinities as magical elements is a cool change. For example, Elise Kova chose the name Waterunner for a sorcerer using the element of water. I loved Vhalla's character as a whole. She was very strong(not physically) and her personality made her very easy to follow. I love this book and can't wait to read the next books in the series. I would definitely recommend this book for most ages. 

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Book Review: Arms of Anu - Arrow of the Mist Series




Synopsis

LIA yearns for the magic of trees, for freedom from the icy grip of prison, and for the loved ones she believes are lost to her forever. But more importantly, she knows that without her freedom, her people will be doomed from a tyrant king, the rage of war, and the demon's spell now worming its way inside her . . . 

KELVEN hides in the slums of Anu, striving for a way to save his beloved Lia and friend Wynn. A kingdom of despots, a city going mad, and deceit lurking in every shadow have become his world, but nothing compares to the nightmare he faces when darkness takes root inside Lia . . .

My Review

This is the second book of the Arrow of the Mist Series by Christina Mercer. This book is 252 pages.

After all of the White Haired Wonders time in Brume she was finally home, well... Until the Royal guards collected Wynn, he cousin, and her, taking them to the dungeons for spreading their magical tales across the land. Now Kelven and Holly must take many risky paths to sneak into the city and save the two heroes. With the demon residing in Lia, all she can do is fight with Kelven, her lover, by her side. Danger doesn't just spawn from the demon though. Their is a war raging between the Hawks, an army of rebels working to kill all the Royals, and the Royals. Will Lia survive her fight to keep her magic and body? Who will win this war? 

This book was AMAZING!! I loved the incorporation of the demon's hold on Lia and her thoughts on this demons pull. There was so much conflict, which made it all the more entertaining. The battle scenes were epic and unexpected. I felt part of the book and actually kinda wish I was. This book is a great book for all. Congratulations, Christina Mercer!

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Book Review: The Prophecy of Arcadia - The Arcadia Wars Series




Synopsis

"Would you sacrifice friendship and love in order to save your planet?"

Being a teenager is tough, especially when you have to pretend to be something you're not, and you're in love with someone you shouldn't. 115 years ago, a small planet called Arcadia was invaded by a vicious alien race and nearly destroyed. Cut off from their resources, the Arcadians turned to Earth for help. A group of Arcadian explorers discovered a Prophecy that claimed their salvation lay in the hands of two children from Earth. To ensure their safety, the Arcadian Council sent their most gifted youngsters to Earth to act as protectors. Samantha is one of them. To succeed in her mission she must learn to control her Arcadian powers and keep her true identity from her best friend, and the girl she swore to protect, Alexia. But Samantha will soon realize that nothing is as it seems. Someone is trying to prevent the Prophecy from taking place and the prophecy boy hasn't been found yet. There is also a new drug circulating at school that is turning students into freakishly strong menaces. 

To make matters worse, distractions keep getting in her way. Such as her love/hate relationship with her "cousin" Matthew. Or her confused feelings toward popular and mysterious Julian. She wants nothing more than to be free to live her life. But the survival of Arcadia depends on her and her friends. Free will is not an option.

My Review


This is the first book in the Arcadian Wars Series by M.H. Soars. This book is 416 pages long.

After the fall of Arcadia, a group of the most important Arcadian teens must protect their charge, Alexia, from all. Alexia is oblivious to the dangers and the Prophecy, her Prophecy. Sam is Alexia's best friend and "cousin", but these secrets just keep piling up. The Promised Boy is still no where in sight and Alexia is starting to get suspicious. After meeting Ethan, Alexia becomes otherwise occupied, so that give her "cousins" time to come up with a way to find the Promised boy. The Council is lying to the young Arcadians, though, and disobedience is what they must do to protect each other. It doesn't help that Sam is in love with her "cousin" Matthew and is having weird feelings towards the mysterious and popular boy, known as Julian. To make matters worse, a new drug is making super humans that go out of control, which is even more dangerous for the Arcadians, seeing as it makes it easier for Earthlings to be possessed. How long until the truths are revealed? What happened to Sam in that accident? Who is after Alexia? How does Ethan fit into the equation?

This book was AMAZING!! I guess this would be considered Sci-Fi because of the fact that they are Arcadians, but to me, this book is more of a paranormal/supernatural book. The abilities M.H. Soars uses in this book are so cool, like the incorporation of the Phoenix. I knew from the beginning that Alexia wasn't normal, but the Prophecy, WOW! That's definitely different. This book received four stars, because of the few times the F-Bomb was dropped and the fade-to-black sex and implied sexual content. This would be mostly for YA, depending on if the parent is okay with a teen reading this. In my opinion, this wouldn't be terrible for a teen to read, but parents might wanna still read the book. Great job, M.H. Soars and it was nice meeting you at UTOPYA!

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Book Review: Falling - The Soul Collectors Series




Synopsis

An earthquake is coming, soon. A small town in Kentucky is set to be destroyed. Bayla, Heaven's Soul Collector, has been given two tasks; make sure the earthquake happens according to plan, and also make certain Gray Ellison, a teenaged human, survives. Bayla has a perfect record for completing missions; so, when another angel is added into the mix, she begins to question the Head Council's faith in her. Just as she is getting used to working with Hadraniel, her unasked for back-up, she has to face another hurdle. When Declan shows up with the mission to make sure Gray doesn't survive the earthquake, he starts to challenge all of Bayla's beliefs and plans. Declan isn't your typical demon. He's gorgeous and arrogant, but there's something about him that Bayla can't quite put her finger on. Declan's presence threatens the mission to save Gray, and Bayla herself. Will she be able to complete her assigned mission successfully despite these new obstacles, or will Gray be lost to Hell forever?

My Review


This is Falling by Tara Benham. This is a 230 page book of Greatness!

Bayla is the most skilled Soul Collector, aside from the demon Meph, in the world. When Elder Michael himself shows up to give one of the most important and dangerous missions Bayla will ever complete, she has to have backup. Han, a Blue-in-training, is assigned to help her along with a demon, Declan, that she is supposed to save. Her mission is to protect Gray, who is somehow important to future events, and keep him away from an earthquake that will kill everyone in the town. Bayla has always been distant when doing missions because of all of the death, but somehow this is different. She is starting to realize that being human isn't so bad. Her and her team need to come up with a game plan before this strange earthquake hits. Why is Gray important? How does Declan fit in? Will they win this battle between angels and demons?

This was a GREAT book full of beautiful landscapes and amazing characters!! I felt like I was part of the book and I loved Declan. His character was so confusing, but he had a GREAT personality. This book was full of many twists and new conflicts that left my head spinning(In a good way). This is a book for most ages. Great job, Tara Benham!!

Monday, September 26, 2016

Book Review: I'm Not Afraid of Wolves - The Cotton Candy Quintet



Synopsis

Christine would do anything to get away from it all.

After escaping an abusive marriage and heading up a group of brand new performers, she's tired and in need of a vacation. So when her sister Sara wants her to go camping out in the mountains of Georgia with the girls, she packs her bags for some rest and relaxation. Not even meeting a gorgeous park ranger like Colton Donnelly is going to distract her. Except Sara didn't tell her the real reason for the trip: she's running away from a terrible secret. One that puts all of their lives in danger.

Now the vacation that Christine so desperately needed is ruined, but that's the least of her worries. She has to use her wits and skills to save them all. Because she soon finds out that werewolves are very real. And they'll stop at nothing to get their claws into her sister.

My Review


This is the fourth book in the Cotton Candy Quintet by Erin Hayes. This book is 130 pages long.

Christine has just gotten out of an abusive relationship and decided to join Poseidon and the mermaid-dancing crew. After working non-stop for years, her sister, Sara, decides a surprise vacation camp trip is in order. After a long trip and meeting the hot park ranger, Colton Donnelly, she expects to just relax. When the house gets attacked by werewolves that want Sara, Christine must dive into a part of herself that she wanted to forget. Now that the real reason for the trip is revealed and she learns of who the werewolves are; she has to figure out who she can trust. Why did Sara lie about the trip? What is Christine's secret? Who can they trust?

This book was AMAZING!! It was very surprising and incorporated shifters that aren't used a lot Erin Haye's book is definitely unique in many ways. I recommend this book for all ages. 

Also, I would like to congratulate Erin on this book getting labeled as:
Winner of the 2016 Penned Con Best Novella Series Award

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Book Review: Selected - The Zaratan Trilogy




Synopsis

Destruction.... A show of force... And a warning... 

Three isolated towns across the world have been destroyed in a show of force by alien invaders. It is a clear warning of what will occur if their demands are not fulfilled. The fulfillment: Human children between the ages of twelve through fifteen years. Kara Harper is an unremarkable fourteen-year-old girl who is selected by the aliens. She will be physically and socially orientated during the six months it will take to arrive at the planet Zaratan. The girl who liked the safety of being invisible, cannot help but stand out. Matt Sparks, the boy next door, is also selected. Kara has had a crush on him for as long as she can remember. He vows to safeguard her. The closer they get to their destination, the more difficult it becomes to live up to his promise. 

Kara is unsure if she has the strength to withstand the trials and physical changes she is forced to go through. In a new life, Kara will be torn. Will she be drawn in by an alien boy who has shown interest in her or by the powerful patriarch who sees her as the future of his race?

My Review


This is Selected by Evelyn Lederman. This book is 200 pages long.

Kara lives in a small town, goes to a small school, and has always thought her life was small in the long run, but when she finds out aliens exist her life will change forever. The aliens gave humans a choice... Send their younger teens on an adventure or humanity dies. Everyone of the right age, including Kara and her crush, Matt, are being forced to take tests to see if they have alien DNA present in their blood. When Kara learns that her and her crush are to be taken; they start to think of what this adventure means. The series of tests they must complete just keep getting more difficult, but Kara and her team are powerful enough to make it. What tests need to be passed? Will Kara survive? What do the aliens really want?

This was a GREAT book!! I don't normally read Sci-Fi, but this was a pleasant surprise. I loved all of the different challenges that had to be faced by Kara and her crew. Kara is a strong heroine that has a good backstory, but survives hard times. There is mild cussing, so this is a book for most ages. I would definitely recommend this book for Defiance, the show, fans to read. 

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Book Review: Cinnamon and Sunshine - The Sage Springs Series




Synopsis

Lexi Alamont’s been looking for love for years. But living in the small town of Sage Springs, Mo., means the search has not been fruitful. Sure, there are ghosts galore in town, but the selection of living men isn’t anything to write home about. She’s happily watched her two best friends meet their matches, and she can’t help but think that maybe she’ll have her chance before long. 

When Cruz Drakov comes back into town to do some work for his paranormal TV show, Lexi’s called in to sweeten up the crew with her baked goods. With her growing business being praised from the mouths of celebrities, Lexi’s happy to oblige. What she isn’t expecting is to gain the attention of the guy who’s everything she’s shied away from. Cruz is a self-assured witch, a realist, and not afraid to play the field with his charismatic demeanor. Lexi’s optimistic, sweet, and looking for the one who will make her heart whole. 

Sometimes love is hiding in places you’d least expect. Just ask Lexi and Cruz. 

My Review


This is the final book in The Sage Springs Series by Hollie Westring. This book is 259 pages.

Lexi has always loved the idea of love, but has yet to actually find it. Both her friends, Ivy and Eliza, are in successful relationships and she's happy for them, but she just wishes that she could find love and quit wasting her time on online creeps. When Cruz Drakov comes back t Sage Springs for a filming of his tv series; he decides to employ Sweet Stuff, Lexi's bakery, as his employees main source of food. Cruz has always gotten all of the beautiful celebrities he's wanted, but his unfazed demeanor isn't fooling the little blond spitfire, Lexi. Lexi and Cruz might have just found that love that leaves you breathless. The only problem is they are so different, with Cruz traveling a lot and Lexi not being able to travel ever again. Her duty is in Sage Springs, but will Cruz give up his career to be with her? Will love overcome all? Has Lexi found her love?

This was an AMAZING book!! If I had to choose which book I liked more it would probably have to be this book or Ivy's. This book is full of happy tears and insane love. I didn't even know a love like that existed, but Hollie definitely changed my perspective. If you haven't read any of Hollie's books; you need to grab a copy now! I would definitely recommend this book to all ages. It is rated NA, but that is because the characters are in their 20's. There is some cussing, but no F-Bomb and slight impressions(Some hints at sexual activity, but no detail). Great job, Hollie!

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Book Review: Wings of Shadow - The Underground Trilogy




Synopsis

Meghan's graduation gift is one that any eighteen-year-old would dream of: traveling abroad to England. Her journey turns into more adventure than expected when Meghan meets the mysterious Kiernan and accepts his invitation to a secret club, hidden beneath the streets of London. The eclectic dress of the club-goers is not the only unusual thing she discovers in the Underground. Kiernan's father has developed a warped set of rituals, and he targets Meghan as his next victim. Instead of the fun date she imagined, Meghan finds herself imprisoned and in a fight for her very survival.

My Review


This is the first book in a three book series by Anna Kyss. This is a 219 page book.

Now that Meghan has graduated and is free to do as she pleases;she decides to live a little. When she meets the very charming Kiernan, he pulls at her heartstrings and she can't help, but accept his date proposal. This date isn't the normal dinner/movie, but it is full of adventure and the quest for freedom. Kiernan isn't just your normal person and Meghan soon realizes that when Kiernan is forced by his father to drink her blood. After escaping the horrible Underground, she is forced to seek shelter in a Fae village. As she starts to fall deeper in the web of Fae and lies she learns the truth. Who are the Fae? Will the truth be her undoing?

This was a GREAT book! It had some romance, but it was mainly on Meghan's trials and errors as she tries to blend in amongst the Fae. I was definitely not expecting the ending, which ended, sorta, on a cliff-hanger. This is a book for all ages and I would definitely recommend this book to Fantasy lovers. 

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Book Review: Army of the Winter Court - The Skeleton Key Series




Synopsis

The heart and blood of life will give rise to the final army. 

Evvie Hewett is human. Or at least she thought she was. An encounter with a handsome stranger turns her world upside down in an impossible way and everything she thought she knew about herself has changed. Her history holds the key, not only to her future, but to the future of the darkest kingdom in existence. Thrust into the middle of a rivalry between two brothers for the Unseelie throne, she must decide who to trust, and who not to. However, knowing who to trust has never been more difficult when one brother wants her heart, the other, her blood. 

She holds the key to the creation of the ultimate army. Threatened at every turn, she must find the truth before she loses her heart, and her life. Can she see past the lies and deception to stay alive, or will she fall victim to an ancient feud?

My Review


This is a book that is part of the Skeleton Key Series by Ali Winters. This is a 207 page book.

Evvie is now at college with her friend and roommate, Silvia. When she meets the mysterious Ian, she instantly feels a connection. After their date, she falls very ill and find a skeleton key with a mysterious note. After she realizes how to use the key, she finds herself in a realm beyond anything she could imagine. She meets Ian, later known as Auri in this strange realm and learns that not only are the fae real, but they aren't the cute, winged creatures of fairy tales. Everyone is only giving her half-truths, but one thing is for certain... She has to choose between two brothers to be king... One wants her heart and the other wants her blood. Who will she choose? Why her? Is this all just a dream?

This is a GREAT book!! The twists and turns are awesome and the characters are very developed. The ending was very unexpected and the key definitely made this whole adventure of a book possible. I'm very excited to read more books from the Skeleton Key Series. This is a book for all ages and I would definitely recommend this book... I take that back, I recommend reading every book by Ali Winters. I love you, Ali! :)

Monday, September 12, 2016

Book Review: Deadly Crush - The Deadly Trilogy




Synopsis

Dog Mountain is just like any other small town — peaceful and uneventful. Well, that is if peaceful means wolves howling all night, and uneventful means it’s overrun by pesky werewolves, then yes, Dog Mountain is just your average small town. Jade Shaw has spent the last two years avoiding the pack. But when Aidan Collins moves to town, avoiding the dogs doesn’t seem possible. The pack wants him just as much as she does.

Determined to keep him out of the pack’s grasp, Jade does everything she can to gain his attention. Little does she know, Aidan is in deeper with the pack than she could have imagined, and competing for his attention is a deadly game, one she may not want to win.

My Review


This is the first book in a three book series by Ashley Stoyanoff. This is a 260 page book.

Jade Shaw lives in a place called Dog Mountain, probably because it is full of werewolf with only a few humans, including Jade. She has always hated the pack, but somehow she always ended up stuck in between them and a fight. This time is no different when a new alpha takes over the pack and a new guy comes to town. Aidan's life hasn't been the best, but all of his father's abuse only made him stronger. When he meets Jade his whole world will change around and his status won't stay secret for long. A new alpha couple needs to be picked before the werecougars find their way into Dog Mountain. A battle is eminent and Jade finds herself making hard choices and actually starting t care for the alpha. Who is the alpha? What secrets are hidden from Jade?

This was a GREAT book!! This was a romantic drama with twists and turns. When you thought something was happening you would soon realize that there was a different angle instead. It was a bit difficult to follow with different points of view, but that isn't too bad. This is a book for most ages, with only mild cussing and kissing scenes. I would definitely recommend this for Teen Wolf fans.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Book Review: Catch You - Love Me, I'm Famous Series



Synopsis

Pride and Prejudice meets Veronica Mars in this romantic comedy about the feisty nerd and the cocky jock. 

Kimberly
I had always thought Owen Whitfield fit the mold of the brainless jock perfectly. Group of idiot friends? Check. Vapid girlfriend? Check. Ego bigger than the moon? Check. As long as he stayed out of my way, coexisting with his kind was doable. Until one day our worlds collided, changing everything. He pissed me off so badly that I had no choice but to give him a taste of his own medicine. Little did I know that my act of revenge would come back to bite me in the ass. How was I supposed to know Owen would turn out to be the best partner in crime I could hope for?

Owen
I never paid much attention to Kimberly Dawson, but I knew who she was. Ice Queen was what we called her. She was gorgeous, no one could deny that. But she was also a condescending bitch which was enough reason for me to stay the hell away from her. She thought I was a dumb jock and that was okay until she came crashing into my life. Against my better judgment, I let her embroil me in her shenanigans, forcing us to spend too much time together. It was my doom. She got under my skin, she was all I could think about. I never thought I would be the knight in shining armor to anyone, not until she came along.

My Review


This is a novella to the "Love Me, I'm Famous" series by M.H, Soars. This book is 185 pages.

Kimberly has always had a boring life, a boring boyfriend, and all she thought about was studying and doing homework. She always thought Owen Whitefield was just a stupid jock with a big ego and he always thought she was just a heartless witch, but when their worlds collide they learn how similar they really are. They can't stop thinking about each other and when they must join forces to prove the innocents of a friend that got framed by another, they have to work together. Kimberly and Owen have been playing the jealousy game and they still don't realize their love for each other. Will they realize that they care for each other? Who framed Kimberly's friend? Will their little adventure bring them closer or tear them apart?

This was a good book!! The plot was interesting and I think the author did a GREAT job explaining the lives of teenagers and their daily struggles. I definitely felt a part of this book and it was a good feeling. I don't usually review NA books, but when I was given the chance to review this book at UTOPYA I had to. This does have the F-bomb in it and a few scenes... WARNING: They aren't total fade-to-black!! I would have given it five stars, but it is NA and that isn't what my blog is about. This book would be recommended for 17 or older. YA falls under the category as 16 and older, so that's why it is labeled as YA.

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Book Review: Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter - The Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter Series




Synopsis

If there is one thing eighteen-year-old Aurora Sky wants, it's to get off the iceberg she calls home. Being kissed before she graduates wouldn't hurt either.

Then a near-fatal car wreck changes everything. Government agents step in and save Aurora's life in exchange for her services as a vampire hunter. In Alaska. Basically she's a glorified chew toy. All thanks to her rare blood type, which sends a vampire into temporary paralysis right before she has to finish the job . . . by hand.

Now Aurora's only friends are groupies of the undead and the only boy she can think about may very well be a vampire.

My Review


This is the first book in a six book series by Nikki Jefford. This book is 260 pages long.

Aurora Sky's life hasn't been the best an eighteen year old could have. The people who she thought were her friends aren't actually her friends at all. She hasn't even had her first kiss, but everything will change when she is killed in an accident. The government has been looking for people with special blood and when they find a dead Aurora, they will do everything in their power to save her. But saving her might just do more damage than good. When Aurora finds that the price for her being brought back was to kill the living dead, she becomes conflicted. After she learns of her fate, she decides to make a resolution. When she meets Fane, she is instantly drawn to his bad boy demeanor. Will Aurora survive all of the tests and killing? Who can she trust? Why was she saved?

This was a GREAT book!! The book had a good plot with conflicts and twists. It only took me two hours to finish this book, because I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The reason this book is labeled a four-star is because it is NA. I wasn't aware that it was NA until I started reading it. I wouldn't recommend this to teens. It has the F-word a lot and it has a sex scene. The scene isn't very detailed, but it isn't recommended for teen viewers. I would consider this for YA readers, but be warned. If I didn't just review clean teen/ YA books this would be five-stars. It was a GREAT book that ended on a huge cliff-hanger. Great job, Nikki Jefford!

Friday, September 2, 2016

Book Review: Heirs of War - The Heirs of War Series




Synopsis

Seventeen year-old Zelene has never believed in magic or been one to trust fate. Prophecies about princesses and long lost families were the stuff of fairy tales and had no place in her life. But then magic-wielding assassins attack claiming she is one of the five Duillaine Ainnir, the next generation of the most powerful women who rule over the worlds. Together, the five girls are prophesized to save the worlds from the war that has been raging for years. As their enemies strike, the girls are taken back to their world and discover the ties binding them together. Rhaya has always had an uncanny knack for reading people, but can’t seem to unravel the mystery tying her to Isauria, the new friend she bonded with instantly. For years, Isauria has been dreaming of Terrena, a girl living her life on the run in a magical world ripped apart by the tragedies of war, but Isauria is completely unaware that she is psychically linked to the world she was born in.

Zelene views them all, especially the elders, with a distrustful eye, familial bonds or no. When she learns that her long-lost twin Ariana has been captured by the rebels, Zelene’s attitude changes. She doesn’t know what she can do when her own magic is still locked within her, but can she trust the elders to rescue Ariana when it seems their medieval politics are what brought about the war in the first place? With all that is at stake, the answer becomes clear to Zelene.

Screw the worlds. She’s getting her sister back.

My Review


This is the first book in a two book series by Mara Valderran. This is a 295 page book.

Zelene had a normal life with normal friend. She never knew of her powers or her family that was spread out along Dhara, Earth and even other planets. Her opposite, Terrena is in another world wishing she could trade places with her kidnapped sister. When Zelene learns of her part in a different world as one of five princesses to rule the world, she must learn to cope. Kyle saves her life, but Zelene doesn't understand the half of him and his feelings. Being brought into a world she knows nothing about, she must rely on her sisters and friends to help her survive. How does a princess know to protect herself if she doesn't even know she is one? Does Kyle still have feelings for Zelene? Will the sisters help each other save their lost family?

This was a GREAT book!! The story was switched between all of the princesses and their stories. This is a book for most ages and only has mild cussing. The only real problem that I had with this book was how I started to mix the princesses' stories up, because they changed so much. There was a small;cute romance on the side, but it was mostly fantasy. Great job, Mara Valderran! I am excited to read the second book to this series!