Book Review: Red Kicks

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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.  

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

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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!

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

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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

Book Review: Tur - The Elsker Saga

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Synopsis

Inga Andersson is the envy of every girl in Asgard. On the surface she has it all -- great friends, a job as Odin’s personal fight choreographer, and a happy ever after with her realm’s hottest assassin. But when evil invades Asgard, her perfect world comes crashing down. Someone is planning to kill off the gods, and Inga’s best friend Ull is first on their list. With the Norse apocalypse a nanosecond away, Inga has to decide how she’ll spend her final moments of freedom. Because from the moment this battle begins, Inga’s happily ever after will be nothing more than a memory.

Some things are worth fighting for.

My Review

This is a novella to The Elsker Saga by S.T. Bende. This is an 80 page book.

Inga has always believed that she had her happily ever after, aside from the fact that she never got the job of her dreams. When a new threat goes after the gods, she must protect not only her life, but also Ull's too. After being captured by giants, no one thought she would be ready for battle, but difficult measures call for difficult decisions. Will the gods trained warriors and routines be enough to save the bloodlines of the gods? Will Inga have her happily ever after? Is Inga truly ready to fight a life and death battle?

This was a good book. If you are wondering why it only has four stars and is labeled as NA, then I will tell you. :) There is more adult content, not sex, but very detailed make out sessions close to sex. Also, there is intentions behind some of their conversations, which isn't teen/tween appropriate. Other than that it is a GREAT book!! Good job, S.T. Bende.

Book Review: Lichgates - The Grimoire Saga

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Synopsis

The final page will leave you breathless. 

When Kara Magari uncovers a secret door in the middle of the forest, she discovers (and trips through) a portal to a hidden world full of terrifying things: Ourea. She just wants to go home, but the natives have other plans for her. She clashes with immortal shapeshifters, is carried off by a dragon, nearly dies on several occasions, and somehow becomes the master of an ancient book of magic called the Grimoire. Every time she thinks she's safe, her new "friends" show their true colors. Kara needs an ally, or she might not survive Ourea's monsters. 
She drops her guard when Braeden, a native soldier with a dark secret, vows to keep her safe. And though she doesn't know it, her growing attraction to him may just be her undoing. For twelve years, Braeden Drakonin has lived a lie. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. Though he begins to care for this stranded girl, there's something he wants more. He wants the Grimoire. 

Welcome to Ourea, where only the cunning survive.

My Review

This is the first book in a four book series by S.M. Boyce. This book is 402 pages long. 

After the death of Kara's mom her life starts to fall apart around her. Getting away is the only thing that helps and when she notices a mysterious gazebo in the middle of the mountains, she can't help but explore. What she finds is she has been transported to a new realm full of magic and what she thought to be a fantasy. While fighting for her life she meets her future self, the Vagabond. Kara must guard the Grimoire that many would kill to have. Kara may have some allies, but she has many more enemies. When Kara meets Braeden, her trust will be tested. Kara doesn't really know who to trust, because everyone's true intentions are being revealed and they aren't all good. All Kara wants to do is wake up and this just be a dream... Will Kara get her wish? Why is Braeden helping her? Why is she worthy of guarding the Grimoire?

This was a good fantasy book. I loved the twists and the characters were complex. It felt like there were a LOT more enemies than allies in this book, though. Having a female heroine that wasn't making the best choices in the beginning only added to her character's experience in the end. I was definitely not expecting the ending and was on the edge of my seat towards the end. This only has mild cussing and I would consider it readable to most ages. The only problem that I had with this book was how the author described some scenes. I was left really confused at a few parts, but other than that I would recommend this book!!

Book Review: Skin and Bones - The Ever Chase Chronicles

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Synopsis

Teens are turning up dead, and it will take a special team to catch a killer. 

Derek Doyle has been a member of the Paranormal Investigations Team since the monsters revealed themselves to the world. Considering that he thinks a monster is needed to catch a monster, he's definitely in the right place. As a lone wolf not used to letting many people in, neither man nor beast was prepared for the effect consultant Dr. Ever Chace has on them. 
Growing up human in a world of supernatural creatures, Dr. Ever Chace has always felt a need to be special, to stand out. When asked to consult on a case where teens are being brutalized, she relishes the chance to make a difference and help stop a monster. But working alongside a wolf who she's so drawn to could be the beginning of something Ever might never have envisioned. 
Fate and Destiny have a funny way of creeping up on you when you least expect it. With a murderer on the loose, Ever and Derek will have to put their attraction to one another aside while the hunt continues. 
Easier said than done… right?

My Review

This is Skin and Bones by Susan Harris. This book is 281 pages long.

Have you ever known deep inside yourself that you had another purpose in life, but it was just out of reach? Well, Ever has always felt that way, but when a series of strange murders cause her uncle to call her into duty at the P.I.T. ,  Ever learns she isn't alone in her feelings. Derek Doyle is a lone wolf that believes that it takes a monster to find a monster. He has tried to isolate himself from his friends until he meets Ever Chace, a studier of all things paranormal. There is a strange bond that is pulling them together, but they can't catch the murderer if they are too busy thinking about each other. They realize this the hard way when a human member of their team is captured by the murderer. With the full moon a few days away, Derek is on edge to find the murderer and get away from humanity for the full day that he will be wolfed-out. Ever is no mere human, but she doesn't know the voices in her head and her dreams are part of her past. She must find her way back to her real family, with the help of Derek. Will they save their friend and end the murders that are killing teens? Who is Ever, really? What kind of secrets are hidden from the P.I.T. ?

This was a great book from the start and it held a steady pace. There was problems with the labeling of the book, though. This book was supposed to be clean teen, but this is more of a New Adult read. Ever has very adult thoughts for Derek and they are explained graphically. There are other implications, as well as the F-Bomb dropped a few times. The thoughts are few, though, so this could be considered Young Adult. I would have definitely gave this a better rating if it had actually been labeled right. I would love to read the next book, if it was actual clean teen. All I'm saying is that parental descresion is advised. I think that's what they say in the movies!?! 

Book Review: Descent - The Gryphon Series Resurrection

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Synopsis

It's been too long since the lion roared ... 
the eagle flew ... 
and the fated Celtic warrior embraced her destiny. 

Now, with an unknown darkness swirling and the body count rising, Gainesboro needs a hero more than ever. A new battle is brewing. Who will answer the call to war? 
The time has come. 
The stage is set. 
And, the Garretts are back in a brand new novella!

My Review

This is the first book in a novella series by Stacey Rourke. This book is 92 pages long.

Rowan finally has Celeste all to himself. Ever sense the mass memory swipe, the Council placed on everyone close or near to Celeste, Rowan hasn't had to deal with a certain handsome Irishman. For some reason the Dark Army Glee Club and himself haven't forgotten of the calling. On campus, murders have been taking place and it is starting to awaken the warrior in Celeste. The only way to keep Celeste safe is to find the killer. That is no small feat, because this murderer isn't human... He is a demon known as a Hellhound. The Hellhound is someone Rowan would never expect and to save his lass, Celeste he might just have to make the sacrifice of his life. Rowan is different and might actually be falling for Celeste. Is Rowan going soft? Who is cursed as the Hellhound? Will Celeste start to remember?

This was a great novella! It was kind of like a sequel of the Gryphon Series. I thought it was cool how it was in Rowan's point of view, because Celeste sort-of paints Rowan as a narcissistic pirate that doesn't give a rat's behind what happens to anyone else. He isn't like that at all... Well except when he is trying to hide his true emotions. This is definitely teen - YA above, because of the language and a bit of vulgar slang. Other than that it was fie. It ended with a cliff-hanger and there was plenty of twists. I can't wait to read the next book in this new sequel series. 

Book Review: Maximum Ride: Nevermore - The Maximum Ride Series

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Synopsis

Maximum Ride and her faithful friends stand ready to face the two greatest threats that humankind has ever known--now combining forces in an unbeatable plot to destroy life as we know it once and for all. And this time, the enemy truly can't be stopped. The danger mounts just as the boy genetically engineered to be her "perfect match", Dylan, has finally worked his way into Max's heart--and just as her beloved Fang unexpectedly returns to the flock. An explosive confrontation between the two boys with a claim to Max's heart ensues, and the entire world hangs in the balance.
In this powerful and moving latest sequel in James Patterson's epic fantasy series, fans will finally get the answers they've been waiting for--and an ending full of shock, surprises, and the greatest conclusion you never saw coming. 
Maximum Ride and her faithful friends stand ready to face the two greatest threats that humankind has ever known--now combining forces in an unbeatable plot to destroy life as we know it once and for all. And this time, the enemy truly can't be stopped.
The danger mounts just as Dylan has finally worked his way into Max's heart--and just as her beloved Fang unexpectedly returns to the flock. An explosive confrontation between the two boys with a claim to Max's heart ensues, and the entire world hangs in the balance.
In this powerful and moving latest sequel in James Patterson's epic fantasy series, fans will finally get the answers they've been waiting for--and an ending full of shock, surprises, and the greatest conclusion you never saw coming.

My Review

This is the eighth book of a nine book series written by James Patterson. This book is 368 pages long.

This is the final chapter. Not all is how it seems and Max has a problem. Fang si in trouble and Ari might not be as dead as everyone thought. Max is falling for Dylan head over heels. When voices return the flock to their mission, Fang comes back to protect Max, but that puts a kink in Dylan's plan. Dylan isn't as he seems and neither is many of the others. Max's mom found a paradise to keep the mutants safe. Max can still save the mutants, but the humans are as good as dead. There is a new virus that will kill everyone. Angel can see Max's death, uh oh!! Will Fang and Max be together again? Is Max gonna die?

It was so unbelievable. The ending was very unexpected and awesome. I always rooted for Fang and Max.I teared up at the end, though. I'm done with this series though so my schedule for indie books is open. 

Book Review: Maximum Ride: Max - The Maximum Ride Series

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Synopsis

James Patterson's bestselling Maximum Ride series is back, with Max and the gang as The Protectors. Someone--or something--is decimating ships and sea life off Hawaii's coast, and Max and her flock find themselves sucked into the Navy's top-secret investigation of the catastrophe. Their objective: Rescue Max's activist mom from a wicked subterranean enemy. The hitch: They must dive deep into dark waters, where gruesome evil dwells... and for high-flying Maximum Ride, could there be anythingmore terrifying than being trapped in the great abyss? This soaring new adventure takes Maximum Ride and the Flock into terrifying new territory--fans, hold your breath!

My Review

This is the fifth book of the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson. This book is 321 pages long.

Max and the flock are doing fine while spending time with Max's mom. Fang and Max are finding love throughout this whole ordeal until Max's mom gets captured. They have to get the help of the US Navy. A new threat is upon the flock called the Uber Director and he won't stop until they get sold to the highest bidder. On top of Max's' mom's kidnapping Angel, Total, and Akila are stuck out in a crevice in below level temperatures. You know how the flock feels about being in tight spaces, well they are in a submarine being attacked by robo-ninjas. Angel was right, Max and Fang really need to learn hoow to breathe underwater. Where is Max's mom? Will Angel and the others get out of the crevice?

I liked this book, but it isn't my favorite. It was still a great read, though. It was full of suspense and very action-packed. I was rooting for Max and Fang all along! I can't wait to read the next books! James Patterson is ery good at making you feel like your in the book.

Book Review: Love & Decay Volume 2 - The Love and Decay Series

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Synopsis

Zombies- as if that wasn’t enough to ruin any girl’s dream of a happily ever after. 
A lot has changed for Reagan in the few months since she stumbled upon the Parker family. 
More specifically, Reagan fell in love with Hendrix Parker, a man determined to protect her. 

While the undead haunt their newfound happiness, Matthias Allen and his obsessive son, Kane, remind Reagan and friends that Zombies aren’t the only evil lurking in this post-apocalyptic world. Kane is on a mission to make Reagan his. He wants nothing more than to take her back to The Colony, where his father reigns as a tyrannical overlord and Kane is second in command. 
While Tyler and Miller Allen adjust to life with the Parkers, the group finds refuge at an isolated settlement that promises sanctuary and community. 

But is anything truly safe at the end of the world? 
Love and Decay, Volume Two, is a compilation of the last six episodes in Season One. This volume includes a bonus episode from Hendrix Parker’s point of view. It is a Dystopian Romance Novella Series about Zombies, the end of the world and finding someone to share it with.

My Review

This is the second book in the first season. It is written by Rachel Higginson and is 375 pages long.

Reagan, Haley, and the Parkers are surviving well, until they go to an abandoned farm house to meet Miller. They go to the Colony to rescue Tyler, when they get kidnapped. Reagan has an admirer, Kane, brother of Miller and Tyler. He locks her up and wants her to be his. Tyler helps them escape the horrid colony. While they keep surviving, the romance between Reagan  and Hendrix becomes more. But, will they be safe for long? With Kane and Matthias searching for them and the continuous threat of zombies. One good settlement is attacked and Kane is left with Reagan. Will Reagan or Kane survive?

I loved this book, as well. There was lots of humor and some romance. The reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because close to the end, there was a mild scene. It is still considered YA, though. I have the whole second season and I'm excited to read it. This is a book series that I would reread again and again. This is a great book and I can't wait to read more. 

Book Review: Zom-B - The Zom-B Series

 

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Synopsis

 

When news reports start appearing of a zombie outbreak in Ireland, B's racist father thinks it's a joke-- but even if it isn't, he figures, it's ok to lose a few Irish.

B doesn't fully buy into Dad's racism, but figures it's easier to go along with it than to risk the fights and abuse that will surely follow sticking up for Muslims, blacks, or immigrants. And when dodging his fists doesn't work, B doesn't hesitate to take the piss out of kids at school with a few slaps or cruel remarks.

That is, until zombies attack the school. B is forced on a mad dash through the serpentine corridors of high school, making allegiances with anyone with enough gall to fight off their pursuers.

 

My Review

 

This book is written by Darren Shaun also known as one of the "Bestselling Author of Horror". It is 175 pages long, too.

 

A news report came in about a town close to Ireland where zombies have attacked people. A lot of the teens in Ireland thought it was a hoax, but later come to find out that it was very true. During a game of soccer in the gym people started running in through the doors. They were getting eaten by the zombies. B, his friends, and others started running toward the exit, only to find out that it was blocked. They lost a lot of people on the way and sacrificed others. What will they learn and how will they survive? Who will live, who will die, and who will be feasting on the others??

 

I thought the book was very graphic and gory. It was definitely horror. I hated how graphic it was. I would have liked the book more if it was a little less graphic. What's worse is I told myself that I wasn't going to read any more of the series, but at the end of the book is a major cliff-hanger that will make it to where you don't have any choice but to read the second book. Also, it was very confusing at points. I did like how the cussing was sort of lesser, because they used and Irish accent. So instead of saying the "A word" they said arse. I would have gave it a better rating if there was less gore, though.