Book Review: Selected - The Zaratan Trilogy

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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. 

Book Review: The Fall of Arcadia - An Arcadia Wars Novella

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Synopsis

How do you win a war against an enemy you can't touch?

When a group of Arcadian explorers found clues leading to an ancient portal, they believed it would shed light on their past. None of them could have foreseen that their search for knowledge would unleash a powerful and ruthless enemy that sought to destroy everything in its path.

Stranded in a foreign country without means of communication, soulmates Samiah and Malachiax must find a way home. They embark on the most important journey of their lives, travelling through the harsh Arcadian desert where any mistake can be deadly. But the stakes are too high and there is no turning back.

My Review

This is the prequel to The Arcadian Wars Series by M.H. Soars. This book is 100 pages long.

A group of explorers, including soulmates Malachiax and Samiah, go to a foreign country seeking answers from an ancient text that could show them their pasts. What used to be curiosity became full-blown terror in an instant. On minute the explorers were celebrating their findings and the next thing they knew they were being possessed and killed by shadow wraiths that darkened their auras. Now the survivors must get back to their home to protect it from the battle raging outside their home. Making unlikely allies on the way, they learn of the horror that makes up these untouchable demons. Will they survive? Can they keep their home safe? What secrets will the survivors uncover?

This was an AMAZING book!! I loved how the author always kept me on the edge of my seat with her well-written plot. The suspense was unbearable(in a good way) and I always wanted to know what would happen next. The wraiths that are possessing the citizens kind of remind me of a virus inside a zombie. The citizens, like zombies, are crazed, apparently need speech therapy, and are trying to kill. The end was a HUGE surprise that left tears in my eyes. This book is appropriate for all ages and there is no cussing. I can't wait to read "The Prophesy of Arcadia"!! Good job, M.H. Soars for creating a magnificent series.

Book Review: The Dimension Thieves - The Dimension Series

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Synopsis

Free will was a birth right, once upon a time, but now it is a gift from the president. 
If you don’t agree, the president will have you droned.
Having erased an individual’s free will, the droned take on a robotic-like state, controlled by a broadcasted program and operating as mindless servants to society. 
Force Steele, son to one of the president’s highest ranking advisors, has vowed to eliminate Droning, especially after those closest to his heart are affected. But Force’s mission becomes impossible as the president orders the destruction of the Antidote Mechanism—the only machine that can reverse the program. 
In this gripping serial, Force partners with a shifty mechanic and a sketchy crew to travel out of their world and retrieve the parts needed to reverse the loss of humanity. They must journey across lateral dimensions, bartering, begging, and often stealing the materials they need—even from themselves—to fix their diminished society and save the people they love.

My Review

This is book on episode 1 of The Dimension Series by Misty Provencher. This book is 76 pages long.

President Baro has ultimate power over all the citizens of what used to be Earth. Now everyone is marked into categories that signify how important they are and if they should be droned. Not even the high-ranking citizens are safe anymore. President Baro has started mis-using his power to the point of mass-dronings and eliminating anyone that could stand in his way. Force and his friend, Pawl thought that if they became like their fathers, they would end the tyranny of the President, but the President is full of surprises. Force didn't know how involved his father was in all of the deaths and dronings, but he will soon find very disturbing information in the depths of his father's files. Force has to put all of his plans on hold when he finds out about his mother's problems. Will Force be able to win the President over? What is Force's father hiding? Why is Force's mother having problems?

This was a very cool book!! It was very futuristic, but civilization was on the brink of non-existing. I liked the twists at every corner, which only made the maze of the book a lot more fun to find the end. I enjoyed the side romance and I can' wait to read the next book and another of Misty Provencher's book, Cornerstone! There is only mild cussing, so this is appropriate for most ages.

Book Review: Assassin's Blade - The White Mage Saga Prequel

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Synopsis

Renowned for his flawless kills, the Swordsman is one of the most lethal mages on Earth. His reputation for subtlety allows him to command a high price—despite his singular rule. He does not kill innocents. Recently his employer has been a secretive group known as the Harbingers, whose latest target is not who he seems.

Known only as Hawk, the man proves to be an elusive quarry. When stalking his haunts fails the Swordsman baits a trap and settles in to wait. But this prey is also a predator, one who knows a disturbing truth. If the Swordsman believes it, his rage will see no bounds. No mage or man will deprive him of retribution, for when you betray the Swordsman . . .

You invite his blade.

My Review

This is the prequel to the White Mage Saga by Ben Hale. This book is made up of 50 pages and is 10,000 words.

The Swordsman is a well-known name that is feared and respected by many. He may be an assassin, but he lives by a code... No killing the innocent. His latest contract has put him on edge, because of the truth that his target has revealed to him. All of his doubts turn the way of vengeance as he searches for the people lying and manipulating him into killing innocent people. When blades clash, the Swordsman makes an unusual ally and discovers that a prophecy thought to be legend might actually exist and he has a part to play... Protect a VERY powerful and magical innocent.

This was a GREAT book, even though it was short. I would recommend this to anyone that likes Sci-Fi/Fantasy. What really drew me into this book when I went to UTOPiAcon was the cover. The cover had a very gamer graphic vibe and it kind of reminded me of The Assassin's Creed. This book has no cussing and is a good read for all ages. Ben Hale did a great job describing everything that was going on and I found myself a part of the book. Good job Ben Hale.. I can't wait to read more of your books!!

Book Review: Fractured Glass - A Novel Anthology

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Synopsis

What if other worlds existed alongside your own? What if you could travel through them and truly escape reality?

Sloan and Harley Glass were born moments apart; but, despite their differences, the sixteen-year-old twins couldn't be closer. They've held their tongues each and every time their mother has uprooted them--often moving across the country with little notice. They've learned to accept change. But what is Mom running from? They discover they're travelers--half-descendants of those who can traverse an entire universe of parallel worlds known as fractals. When the past catches up, Harley is kidnapped and taken to one of those distant worlds. Now, Sloan must garner her courage and find a way to rescue her sister. Traversing the worlds isn't the hard part; it's surviving the elements and the creatures lying in wait to destroy everything in their path.

Will the Glass sisters be able to save the fractal worlds from the kidnapper, or will everything fracture and crumble around them?

My Review

This is a Novel Anthology called "Fractured Glass" by Tia Silverthorne Bach, Jo Michaels, N.L. Greene, Casey L. Bond, and Kelly Risser. This book is 424 pages long.

The Glass sisters, Sloan and Harley, have always moved around with their mom and didn't even ask questions. When they settle in a place they soon call home, they are surprised by the secrets their mom has kept from them. Not only are they twins, but they have the same dreams and whenever their birthmarks touch a map of new worlds can be formed. These worlds are called fractals and only when Sloan gives her best friend, Diego, a journal of various notes and pictures does he figure out the truth. The twin's father is looking to use them for his own selfish needs of taking over the fractals and there is only two people in the world with enough power to do it... Harley and Sloan's powers joined. Now they must race among the fractals making allies and surviving to find each other again. Elba, ruler over the Castle of Nightmares, has her own agenda, but is willing to help imprison the twin's father. Who are these new allies? Why does the father need the twins? What is Elba's agenda?

This had a very interesting concept... I mean, I don't particularly like the Sci-Fi genre, but it was still a good read. And the way that all of thee authors continued each others stories was great and very well-done. It was pretty slow in the beginning, but it really started to progress. There was also the confusing parts that, to me, weren't explained thoroughly. Like, how exactly Sloan and Harley got home so quickly unlike other times when they had to transverse many fractals. There are a few minor errors, but it was masked with the well-written plot and complex characters. This is definitely a book for all ages and can relate to many teens. I give a round of applause to all of these great authors banding together to create a Novel Anthology!!! 

Book Review: Insanity - The Mad in Wonderland Series

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Synopsis

Her eyes are wide open. Her mouth is knitted into a grin. As if to conceal the truth she was about to speak. She is not the only one.

When a young girl is discovered dead on campus in the University of Oxford, Alice Wonder is called to lead the murder investigation. The girl's mouth has been knitted into a grin, like a Cheshire Cat, with a copy of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland in one hand.

But the problem isn't with the girl as much as with Alice Wonder herself.

After killing everyone in her class, Alice Wonder has been admitted a patient in the Radcliffe Lunatic Asylum. No one ever doubted her insanity. But now a hookah-smoking professor by the name of Carter Pillar claims he needs her to solve the girl's murder.

What dark secrets is the girl in Oxford hiding?

Together they start decoding Lewis Carroll's paintings, photographs, only to confront a terrible enemy. In order to do so, Alice leads a double life: an Oxford university student by day, a mad girl in an asylum by night. The line between sanity and insanity blurs when she meets Jack Diamond, an arrogant college student who believes that nonsense is an actual science.

My Review

This is the first book in a five book series by Cameron Jace. This book is 247 pages long.

Insanity isn't just being mad... It is an art practiced by many, or at least that is what Jack Diamonds thinks. Alice Wonder murdered an entire busload of her friends and her boyfriend and then she was admitted to an asylum. All of the shock therapies take a toll and she forgets about her family and the reason she is in the asylum. Only after meeting Pillar the Killer does she realize her importance and the fact that countless lives are relying on the real Alice to show up and save them from the Cheshire. There have been countless murders committed by one of the Wonderland monsters, the Cheshire, and he wants revenge for the part humans played in the death of his family and countless other cats. The Cheshire wants his grin back and only with the help of Alice and her allies, can she save the world. She has a hard choice to make and it might just be her imagination playing tricks on her. Is this journey real? Who will Alice choose... The world or her friend?

This was a great book! I love this concept. This is Alice and Wonderland, but with many twists and turns that trap you in the book. I feel like I am actually part of the book. Cameron Jace is a great author and I hope to read more of his books, like Figment book 2 in the Mad in Wonderland Series. There was only mild cussing. The only problem I had with this book was confusion. There are so many twists and questions that in the end you just kind of feel lost. It's kind of like being in a never-ending maze. Some of it was cleared at the end, but then you are left with a bigger question... Is Alice just a mad girl or is she a true Wonderlander?

Book Review: Cress by Marissa Meyer

 

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Synopsis

In this third book in Marissa Meyer's bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, now with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they're plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and prevent her army from invading Earth.

Their best hope lies with Cress, a girl trapped on a satellite since childhood who's only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker. Unfortunately, she's being forced to work for Queen Levana, and she's just received orders to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue of Cress goes awry, the group is splintered. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a higher price than she'd ever expected. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai, especially the cyborg mechanic. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has. 

Samantha's Review

 

   

This is the third book in the Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer. I read the paperback book which is 552 pages long.

 

Cress continues the journey of both Cinder and Scarlet. We didn't realize it at the time, but we were actually introduced to Cress back in book one! She's a poor Lunar girl who was born a shell and has spent her entire life in isolation aboard a space ship that looks down on earth.

 

Cress is an excellent adaptation to Rapunzel.

 

Cress joins the adventure after being rescued (or at least an attempted rescue) and has to trek across the desert with the help of her dreamy knight in shining armor.

 

This book series just keeps getting better and better. I'm still mostly team Scarlet and Wolf, but the other love stories are fun too.

 

 

Book Review: Gold Dust

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Synopsis

Alex Lee is a Freshman at Palo Alto High in the Silicon Valley. With no friends and the most ordinary name ever, not to mention a mother who has somehow turned into a mindless zombie, Alex doesn’t know how things could get worse. But when she comes face to face with a leprechaun on her way home from school, she finds out. Armed only with a clarinet and advice from her Buddha-quoting grandmother, Alex is forced into an adventure that will lead her from a high-tech security breach, through an army of griffins to a point where she could save her mom- if she isn’t torn apart by overwhelming magical forces first.
Marked by humor and insight, this fresh take on the classic Spanish romance of the magical Island of California will keep readers turning pages as they try to find the answer to the question, “What will Alex do next?”

My Review

This is Gold Dust by Catherine Weaver. This book is 240 pages long.

Alex Lee is a social outcast birthed by a Japanese banker and a very imaginative and artistic woman. Alex Lee thought she had no imagination until she meets an old, drunken Irishman. She later will learn that she is part of a plan to save a magical realm from chaos. The chaos caused these earthquakes that started closing the portals to her home. The old, drunk is also a leprechaun and he will teach her to use her strong magical abilities. After she enters the realm of magic, looking for a cure for Herman's imagination sucking magic. Herman is a magical figure stealing magical gold from the magic realm and transporting it, through portals, to are realm. Alex Lee is one of the only people with a mind and with the help of Ian, her red-headed friend who is also on a quest, they might be able to save the world. But, not without a cost. How will Alex Lee save everyone if she has no imagination? Will she be able to save the world in time? What are the costs she has to pay?

I really enjoyed this book and I wasn't expecting some of the things that happened. There were many conflicts and it was kind of hard to keep up. It kind of felt like a T.V. series trying to stuff all these conflicts into one book. Other than that it was very enjoyable. This is a book for many age groups, especially teens and tweens. I would like to thank Catherine Weaver for giving me this book to review. It was an honor and I hope to read more of your books.

Book Review: Breaking Fences

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Synopsis

More than fences are mended at the Bar B Ranch. 
With bravado as his courage and sarcasm his shield, eighteen year old Cutter Boone is a boy who lives his life on danger's edge. After being sent to his uncle's ranch to avoid incarceration, Cutter carries a chip on his shoulder the size of the state of Texas. 
Seventeen year old barrel racer Melodie Graham is another tortured soul in need of repair. Hiding her secrets as carefully as the pale bruises she hides under her thin cotton shirt, she doesn't intend to let the reckless cowboy into her life, or her heart. 
But when tragedy strikes, Cutter is the one she turns to. Can he save her in time? Or will their bad choices lead to more heartbreak for them both?

My Review

This is Breaking Fences by Susan Burdorf. This book is 185 pages long.

Cutter has everything he can dream of... A girlfriend, a best bud, scholarships, and family... Until a crash leaves Cutter and his mom to take care of his sister, without having a father figures help. Cutter is falling apart and there isn't much time until he graduates. At 18 years of age, he is the man of the house and a lot is expected of him. When he makes a really bad decision and gets caught, all of his hard work could be ruined. His uncle saves the day by giving him a second chance. Cutter has to learn of his mistakes and gets to meet new people along the way. There is also the conflict on and around his uncle's ranch. There is missing cattle and it is getting to be massive losses of property. Also with a fiery girl with secrets at his side. Melodie doesn't want anyone, especially Cutter, to ruin what is left of her life. When her horse, Honey, gets washed away and possibly bit by a rabid animal, all she has left is time. Will Melodie let Cutter into her life and tell him her secrets? Will Cutter realize his mistakes? Is Honey going to survive?

I, personally, don't usually read this particular genre. Realistic fiction isn't really very entertaining for me, but as far as realistic books go, this was a great read! I loved the concept and the conflicts. The book started a bit slow, but quickly progressed. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen. There was some romantic moments and other moments that left you in a rage. If I were in Melodie's shoes, I would fight back against those who would want to harm her. There was only mild cussing. I would consider this book for all ages(that can read. :) ) 

I would also like to thank Susan Burdorf for letting me review this great book!

Book Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

 

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Synopsis

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of Marissa Meyer's bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison--even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.
Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.     

Samantha's Review

 

   

This is the second book in the Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer. I read the paperback book which is 505 pages long.

 

Scarlet continues where Cinder left off. We are still following Cinder as she tries to escape prison and save Kai from the evil Lunar Queen. But we are also introduced to a new character named Scarlet.

 

Scarlet is a play on Red Riding Hood. Her grandmother goes missing, and in her journey to find her she meets a man named Wolf. Wolf agrees to help her in the search, but he is not all that he appears.

Eventually they cross paths with Cinder and join up with her.

 

It's hard to believe, but I actually found myself in love with Scarlet and Wolf more than Cinder and Kai! There is something just really exciting about their circumstances and the romantic tension between them.

 

 

I love where the story is going and can't wait to start the next book in the series!

 

 

Book Review: Snowbunny - Chronicles of a Wererabbit

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Synopsis

My name is Snow and I am a wererabbit. I was born a bunny and thought my fate was to live and die in a lab until a vampire saved me. Now I am fourteen and I've just rescued a teenage werewolf named Josh from scientists who have been experimenting with a terrible serum which takes away the ability to shift. 
We need to find the people who took him; discover who they are working for and what they are planning so we can stop them. 
The road ahead is scary, full of twists and a new love. But no one ever said becoming a hero was easy... 

My Review

This is the second book in a two book series by M.Y. Zeman and illustrations by Jason Moser. This book is 230 pages long.

After Snow rescues Josh, Edgar and John help Snow get her stuff together to move to a safer building... They move to a prison full of many mysteries and new friends. Josh has been having these horrible nightmares of his time captive with those horrible scientists and the strange shifter serum. Snow is having strange feelings toward Josh and her father is noticing. When the group starts to notice the missing species, mostly werewolves, they start searching for the mysterious captivators. John discovers that his sister is part of the serum plan and she may even be the leader of the whole operation. When they come up with a plan, someone will get hurt...SEVERELY! Who will get hurt? Where is this mysterious serum's origin?

This was a great book! It was definitely an unexpected turn of events. I loved the action and Josh's courageous attitude towards a certain someone... Wink, wink. I love how M.Y. Zeman incorporated historical "accidents" in this book. I hope there is another book soon, because this book ended on a major cliff-hanger. I hope to read the next book soon, when it comes out. There was mild cussing and very little violence. This book is also in first-person point of view. I definitely consider this book for all ages. 

Book Review: Snowball - Chronicles of a Wererabbit

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Synopsis

I wasn't born with a scar on my forehead. I'm not an heir to a distant kingdom. I was born a rabbit. My destiny was simply to die in a laboratory. But becoming a hero doesn't happen overnight and destiny is a funny thing. In one moment the kindness of a stranger- or in my case a vampire - can change everything. 
My name is Snow and I am a wererabbit. 

Snow Everly was born a rabbit and believes that her destiny was to die in a cold laboratory. Then one winter night, a vampire named John breaks in searching for his missing research. When the lab goes up in flames he goes back and rescues her. He names her Snowball and has no idea that she is no ordinary rabbit. John's partner, Edgar tells him that he is now a father but it takes time for John to realize how right he is. When Snow turns three years old, Snow gains the ability to shift into a girl. Why was she created? Who and what are the mysterious figures following her? Follow Snow on her journey as she makes friends with werewolves, a telepathic mouse and searches for answers. Her dream is to one day become a hero and above all else - she wants to be accepted for who she is - a wererabbit. 

My Review

This is the first book in a two book series by M.Y. Zeman and illustrations by Jason Moser. This book is 248 pages long.

Snow is the first of her kind... A wererabbit. One night a vampire named John is in a research lab and it catches on fire. Snow would not have survived that night if John hadn't have saved her. Snow is growing too fast and she might only have a year or so. Edgar, John's partner, has been trying to help take care of Snow. Edgar and John raise Snow to be a strong and confident shifter. Her friend David, another shifter, needs Johns help to be able to shift into a wolf. When David finds a lead on a serum that can help shifters shift easier, he calls Snow. Snow, being the curious bunny that she is, decides to check it out. She doesn't find the serum, though. Instead she finds a injured werewolf, named Josh, and lots of psycho scientists. Where is the serum? Who is the werewolf? Why was Snow created?

I loved this book! I love shifter/paranormal books. I have read many different shifter books, but never about a rabbit shifter. I wasn't expecting most of what came my way. I didn't know that vampires and shifters wouldn't hate each other. This book is for all ages and only has mild cussing. Snow is bullied even though she is beautiful. This book is in first-person point of view, but with different point of views. Edgar and John have some of their feelings in this book, but it is mostly Snow's point of view. I also like the small comic pictures that show up throughout the book.

Book Review: Trial by Charm - The Trial by Charm Series

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Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Julia Wright doesn’t understand her friends’ obsession with boys. She’s never even had a crush, and proudly maintains her composure no matter who is in her presence. In fact, the hotter a guy is to her friends, the more annoying he seems to Julia. When she is blackmailed into being the manager of the men’s swim team, she finds herself face to face with the worst of them all. Team Captain Vander Thelxinoe is the typical self-assured jock, with a not-so-typical ability to change people’s minds at will. It’s a talent he uses often to get what he wants--only his charms don’t work on Julia. Now he’s anxious to figure out why, and the closer he tries to get, the more desperate she is to stay away–especially when he somehow awakens a side of her she never knew existed. 

Their unexpected friendship puts Julia in the middle of a quest she doesn’t quite understand. As her familiar world begins to unravel around her, Julia must partner with the one person who knows how to push her buttons–and, in doing so, discovers the unbelievable truth about who she really is. 

Can Julia and Vander survive the trial set before them, or will they succumb to a more terrifying fate? 

My Review

This is the first book in the trial by Charm Series by Jolene Buchheit. This book is 227 pages long.

Julia has spent her time, after her father's death, in shock and needing any friend she could have at her side. She has always been singled out by Vander Thelxinoe, even though every girl at school worships at his alter. Julia has never really been interested in dating and she has definitely never had a crush. When she learns of Vander's abilities and weird life, she starts to get a new feeling she's not used to. Vander is on a quest to see his mother again, but there are lots of obstacles and he needs to learn how to use his abilities. To top off the ice cream, she is starting to really have the hotties for the guy she thought she hated the most in life. This quest requires Julia's help, since Vander and her have a special bond that is unexplainable. Will Vander's abilities be revealed? Is Julia really falling for Vander? Will they pass the test together?

I really enjoyed this book. Especially since..... There was never a slow or dull moment! The author just kept me guessing and wanting to skip ahead. To be honest, I skipped ahead a few times, because I literally couldn't wait to see what would happen.  It was great and funny at parts. There was really nothing sad about it except the death of Julia's father. There is only mild cussing and some kissing; heart-felt moments. I would consider this a book for most all ages. :p

Book Review: Echo Among Stars - The Echo Among Stars Series

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Synopsis

Would you risk everything you thought you knew about yourself if it meant saving everyone you love? 
In this thrilling debut novel, sixteen year old Eden Huntleigh and her family live within the district of Empyrean. Under the rule of The Renegades, and their tyrant leader Cesar, every aspect of life is controlled. Streets are patrolled by humanoid Enforcers. Necessities are rationed. Disobedience is not tolerated. When Eden receives an omen, and joins a group of Rebels led by the alluring Leo Dillon, her life begins to unravel. 

Just as the Rebels are beginning to understand what they are capable of Cesar has kidnapped their families forcing them to strike before they are ready. Once inside the Empyrean palace they discover the horror of what they are truly facing. Does Eden have what it takes to be the legend she was destined to be? Ready or not she's about to find out..

My Review

This is the first book in a two book series by JoAnna Morris. This book is 219 pages long.

For all of Eden's life, the only thing she has seen is her "refuge camp" for the lessers of Empyrean. She has always wore this black stone around her neck, but something changed and it is now glowing. When she sees her brother's best friend out of "bot mode" she starts to get confused. Bots are brainwashed to carry out the orders of Cesar, the ruler of Empyrean, but this bot is in control of his actions. When she receives a letter, everything changes and not all in a bad way. She meets a group of teens known as the "rebels" they have the ancestors on their side and are given special abilities. What Eden doesn't know is she is in for the ride of her life. Will Eden help the rebels win? How is the bot in control again? Why is her necklace glowing?

I loved the concept of this book and how it was kind of in-between the future and the past. The title definitely fits this book, though. I love the characters' personalities. I hope to read the second book, because it was left at a cliff-hanger. Argghhh.... This is me ripping my hair out. I really want to read the next book. For those of you that are going to read this, be sure you have the second book at hand, as well. There was nothing bad in this book and this book is for all ages.