DNF: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Published September 18th, 2012

Scholastic

416 pages (Paperback)

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“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore. (From Goodreads)

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Stopped reading at page 290 of 408.

I tried really hard with this one, but just couldn't get into the story.  I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters.  It's not that there was anything wrong with them, but rather that they just didn't fit my tastes.  I felt confused, and not in the good, can't-set-it-down way.  I had no clue what was happening, and, again, felt no connection to the story.  

That being said, I do understand why so many people love this book.  The writing is solid and I can see where the story would appeal to many people.  There is a maturity to the book that stands out.  There is also that complexity that I talked about above.  There was a brief period about midway through the book that I really enjoyed, and a plot twist that I thought was awesome.  Ultimately though, it just wasn't for me.

Review: Alice In Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Published September 25th, 2012
Harlequin Teen
404 pages (Hardcover)

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She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real….

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies….

I wish I could go back and do a thousand things differently.
I'd tell my sister no.
I'd never beg my mother to talk to my dad.
I'd zip my lips and swallow those hateful words.
Or, barring all of that, I'd hug my sister, my mom and my dad one last time.
I'd tell them I love them.
I wish... Yeah, I wish.  (From Goodreads)

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This book has been sitting on my shelf for so long.  Let's just say I am glad that I finally gave it a shot.

Alice in Zombieland was NOT what I expected.  I was expecting it to be more of a Alice In Wonderland retelling, but besides the references to the original story, it is an entity of it's own.

The world-building was great.  There is this complexity to the world that felt very straight-forward.  We've got these zombies that only certain people have the ability to see.  After her parents death, Ali gains the ability to see these zombies and eventually joins a crew of zombie fighters.  There are complexities in how the zombies are seen and killed, as well as the visions, that left me semi-confused, but the world just worked for me.

This book is engaging from the very first page.  The first chapter/prologue thing drew me in and I never turned back.  I also liked the balance here of action, development, and sexytime.  The action wasn't spectacular, but I truly enjoyed it.  The development of the plot and characters throughout the book worked really well.  As for the sexytime, you can tell this isn't the first rodeo for Gena Showalter.  I felt interested and engaged throughout the novel.

I was a fan of these characters.  The only issue I really had was with Emma, and it was that the dialogue didn't fit with an eight-year old.  Clearly, that is a very minor issue.  I'm really excited to see Ali develop through future books.  She has the potential to be a kickass heroine and I'm excited to see her character grow and reach her potential.  Even more though, I loved Kat.  Snark.  Snark snark snark snark SNARK.  I just love the humor and level of sincere friendship her character brings.  Finally, let's just take a moment to acknowledge the pure hotness that is Cole.  Like I said, this isn't Gena Showalter's first rodeo.  Cole is a hot douchebag at times, but then he does something and I just could not hate him.

I really enjoyed Alice In Zombieland, despite it not being what I expected whatsoever.  I love the characters and the plot and cannot wait to see what happens next!

Review: The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

Published November 19th, 2013
Razorbill
438 pages (Hardcover)

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Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure — and re-education — looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this smoldering fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe. (From Goodreads)

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Oh, Adrian.  The Fiery Heart stepped up a series that I was never really engaged in.

The Fiery Heart continues from where The Indigo Spell left off.  There were aspects of The Fiery Heart that I really did like.  The romance between Sydney and Adrian really heats up.  That was something lacking previously in the series.  There was lots of kissing time, so yay for that.  There was also a brief appearance by my favourite Vampire Academy crew. 

With all the Sydney and Adrian time, there was a lack of other characters.  Where was Eddie the whole book?  I was a little disappoint in this.  Yes, we get to see some Rose and Lissa.  I enjoyed that.  Until the end of the book, we barely saw any of the others.  It slowed the book down a lot, and began to get a little repetitive.

The other issue I had was WHERE WAS ALL THE ACTION?!  Again, until the climax not a lot of anything happened.  The climax was good, and I really enjoyed the twist, but the lack of action slowed the book down further.  There really isn't a lot of drama either, beyond that in Sydney and Adrian's relationship.  In addition, I ended up so confused over a lot of the details brought forward from past books.  Holy complicated plot.  Some action may have helped my brain relax.

If it weren't for the addition of Adrian's perspective, I don't know how I would have taken this book.  Adrian is a far more emotional and insightful narrator than Sydney, who is far more analytic.  Adrian's artistic way of looking at the events of the story made the book for me. 

The Fiery Heart has been my favourite of the Bloodlines series, but has yet to meet the love I have for the Vampire Academy books.  I'm hoping the next book brings the action and the Eddie.

Review: Unbreakable by Kami Garcia

Published October 1st, 2013

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

320 pages (Hardcover)

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I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.

When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way. (From Goodreads)

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I LOVED THIS BOOK.  LOVED IT.  LOVED IT!

I love secret societies and I love the paranormal.  Integrating the two was perfection.  Not going to lie, as excited as I was, I was skeptical as to how it would actually turn out.  The paranormal aspects were well founded in actual beliefs.  It was clear that Kami Garcia put some research into her novel.  I will say that the Shift idea confused me a bit, but this didn't take away the overall story.

I loved the pacing of the book.  I think I only sat it down once, and not out of choice.  From the start, I was completely engaged in the plot.  The action starts fast and is spaced well.  The book almost progresses in stages, with the bursts of action and drama.  This created a nice flow.

The characters were great.  Each had their own distinct personality and complemented one another.  I know this is predictable, but Jared was my favourite.  Sigh, damaged and  angsty Jared.  I really enjoyed the interaction and tension between him and his twin brother.  I also liked the relationship that developed between him and Kennedy.  No insta-love here.  We've got a nice slow-building and satisfying romance to go along with the story.  But beyond this, the friendships between the group as a whole develop throughout the story.  I felt Kennedy's emotions as the story progressed, although I do question why she trusted the boys so quickly.  I mean, if two unknown (attractive) boys show up in my bedroom, I'm not hopping a van with them. 

I loved Unbreakable and cannot wait for book two.  Fans of the paranormal will adore this book, but I would recommend it to anyone.  Go get it now.

Review: Obsession by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published May 31st, 2013
Entangled Publishing
370 pages (eBook)

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He’s arrogant, domineering, and... To. Die. For.

Hunter is a ruthless killer. And the Department of Defense has him firmly in their grasp, which usually doesn’t chafe too badly because he gets to kill bad guys. Most of the time he enjoys his job. That is, until he’s saddled with something he’s never had to do before: protect a human from his mortal enemy.

Serena Cross didn’t believe her best friend when she claimed to have seen the son of a powerful senator turn into something... unnatural. Who would? But then she witnesses her friend’s murder at the hands of what can only be an alien, thrusting her into a world that will kill to protect their secret.  Hunter stirs Serena’s temper and her lust despite their differences. Soon he’s doing the unthinkable—breaking the rules he’s lived by, going against the government to keep Serena safe. But are the aliens and the government the biggest threats to Serena’s life… or is it Hunter? (From Goodreads)

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Hunter wears leather pants.  That is all.

This series continues on the world built in JLA's Lux novels.  It's a world I love, and Obsession gives us a fresh perspective.  I was a little leery, but it was actually interesting to see the world from the side of the Arum.  If you're already a fan of the Lux series though, a lot of this book is just refresher.  Since this is NOT a Lux novel, much of that world is explained again for new readers.

These are my type of characters.  Snarky with some serious attitude.  I didn't love Serena, but I liked her enough to enjoy her narration.  I loved Hunter, and I loved the banter between the two.  The both obnoxiously stubborn, and that really drives their relationship.  I kind of felt insta-love-y, but could have been a lot worse.  There wasn't a lot in the way of secondary characters involved here.  Most end up dead or only involved for a brief period.

I enjoyed Obsession and thought that it was a great addition to the Lux/Arum tale.  Remember, this is an ADULT title.  If you're into that, I recommend giving this book a read. 

Review: Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published November 2nd, 2013
Spencer Hill Press
360 pages (Paperback)

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It's a beautiful day for a war.

As the mortal world slowly slips into chaos of the godly kind, Alexandria Andros must overcome a stunning defeat that has left her shaken and in doubt of their ability to end this war once and for all.

And with all the obstacles between Alex and her happily-ever-after with the swoonworthy Aiden St. Delphi, they must now trust a deadly foe as they travel deep into the Underworld to release one of the most dangerous gods of all time.

In the stunning, action-packed climax to the bestselling Covenant series, Alex must face a terrible choice: the destruction of everything and everyone she holds dear… or the end of herself. (From Goodreads)

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My love of this series is no secret.  I love the Covenant books.  The journey has been a roller coaster of emotions.  One minute you're swooning, then in action-overload, then curled up and crying...

If you're new to the game, I loved Half-Blood, Pure, Deity, Elixir, and Apollyon.

Sentinel is a fantastic conclusion.  It definitely did not go in the way I had expected or really hoped, but this was so much better.  I was engaged from the first page, and finished the book in under 5 hours.  The story is just that good.  I think the influence of Greek mythology is what keeps it so engaging and appealing.  Greek myths have the same qualities.  Add that with JLA's great storytelling.  Seriously, I just want to sit in her mind for a few minutes because her writing appeals to me so much.

If you've made it this far in the series, you likely love the characters.  Alex is still a badass.  Aiden is still perfect.  Seth actually had my mind racing in crazy directions.  I don't hate him anymore.  That's all I'll say about that.  Then characters start dying and you're just reeling and trying to tell yourself it's okay.  But it isn't.  What you just read cannot be undone.  I might need counselling.

Sentinel was a great conclusion to a great series.  It's that simple.  I would recommend the Covenant books to anyone.  

Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Published May 7th, 2013
Putnam Juvenile
457 pages (Hardcover)

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After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up. (From Goodreads)

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Overall, while The 5th Wave did not meet my expectations, it was a great book with an admirable originality.

This is a fresh take on aliens.  There is so much room to go when writing about aliens, but minus a couple of exceptions, I've never really gotten into alien stories.  The originality here is awesome though.  It keeps you guessing about these aliens until the very end, and that definitely draws the reader into the story.  The integration of the alien apocalypse adds another dimension to this complex story.  

I really enjoyed the alternating POVs used in this story.  Here's yet another dimension to the story.  Each character had an interesting way at looking at this world around them, and, frankly, the story is way to complex to not have multiple perspectives.  I think Ben's was my favourite perspective to read.  I found myself excited to get back to his story.  Plus, Ben is 50% action, 50% deep emotional turmoil.  I likes this.

So, why did The 5th Wave not meet my expectations?  I think this is an example of how too much hype can be a bad thing.  There was so much hype surrounding this book that I expected to completely love it.  There are slow parts though, and that discouraged me a bit.  It's a solid book, but the pace dragged it down a bit on me.

Ultimately, The 5th Wave is a great book that has the makings of being the next epic series.  If you haven't already done so, I suggest giving The 5th Wave a try!

Review: Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published August 27th, 2013

Entanglement Publishing

364 pages (Paperback)

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Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.
After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.
Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything. 
But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on? And will they even be together? (From Goodreads)

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JLA strikes again!  While I wouldn't call Origin my favourite book in the Lux series, it is definitely a great read!

The dual POV was a necessary addition here, given the circumstances Katy and Daemon found themselves in.  Origin  would have been pretty boring from only one of their perspectives.  I enjoyed being in Daemon's head.  Sometimes his actions seem a little psychotic, so understanding what he is thinking was a nice touch.

There was lots of action in this one, including a big fight in Vegas and some crazy new supernatural beings that I think of as the ultimate shit disturbers.  I love my action, and Origin did not disappoint.  However, in between all this action, there were some slow points.  These weren't overwhelmingly slow put-the-book-down-forever moments, and may have just been downtime after the action high, but they were there.

Add the romance and BAM, I was happy.  I've said it before, and I will say it again.  Jennifer is the QUEEN of sexual tension.  I love it.  That's all I have to say about that.

If you haven't started this series yet, WTF are you doing?!  READ THIS!

Review: Pivot Point by Kasie West

Published February 12th, 2012

HarperTeen

343 pages (Hardcover)

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Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without. (From Goodreads)

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The question here is what took me so long to read this?  

I was skeptical at first.  My hatred of flashbacks is well documented, and while Pivot Point does not contain flashbacks, the strange POV had me seriously worried.  It's a single perspective that alternates between what I'm going to call two different realities.  It's strange, but original and very well done.  

The characters were fantastic.  It was really cool to see how the different scenarios dictated how Addie developed.  Then there are Trevor and Duke that are similar but oh-so different.  I liked seeing the different relationships, and how Addie changed with each.

And there was a love-triangle type thing that I didn't hate!  Me like!  I want to say that there was a moment between Addie and Trevor that actually made my heart flutter.  I wanted more Trevor the whole way, but even Duke gave me some swoon moments.  I call this madness!

Overall, I just loved Pivot Point.  It had it's slow moments, but was an original read with a crazy ending that has left me desperate for more.  Jump on this book now, and you will not be disappointed!

Review: Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

Published June 18th, 2013
Putnam Juvenile
384 pages (Hardcover)

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With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.

Cate doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.

In the highly anticipated sequel to Born Wicked, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess's quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternate history of New England.  (From Goodreads)

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OH MY GOD I HAVE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE MY LOVE/PAIN RIGHT NOW !!

Born Wicked was one of my favourite books of last year, and Star Cursed didn't let me down!  I enjoyed ever single page of this book, minus the last couple, and that was only because my heart was ripped into a million little pieces.

Set in the late 1890's, Star Cursed continues on the world of witches in New England that Born Wicked created.  The world-building here is fantastic.  I was drawn in from the first page.  The idea that there are witches posing as students at a convent and religion extremist brothers felt real, as if it were actually happening around me.

The characters are simply fantastic.  I cannot complain about a single one of them or the development that occurs.  Cate is still one of the strongest protagonists out there.  Finn was probably my favourite to follow through the story, as he strays far away from his simple book-loving-gardener roots.  I also stand by what I said in my review of Born Wicked.  He is a refreshing change in a love interest, and isn't your typical panty-dropping-hott guy, but rather a quiet and reserved guy with glasses.  I LOVE IT!  

Jessica Spotswood also makes a great character that you want to hate so badly but cannot, also known as Maura.  If you don't feel for her, I don't know what to say to you.

The plot here is crazy engaging.  I don't know how many times I've said it here, but this book draws you in from start to finish.  If the politics and women-hating aspects of this society don't piss you off, the ending definitely will.  I don't mean that in a bad way.  It was a fantastic ending, but in an incredibly torturous way.  But back to the politics, there is such a deep message ingrained in here about equality, fate and the power in each of us that does not go missed.  This book isn't just fluff.  Star Cursed has layers and depth that move the reader.

With fantastic characters, awesome world-building and an ending that will leave you reeling, I cannot recommend Star Cursed enough!  This is by far one of the most underrated series out there!

Review: If I Should Die by Amy Plum

Published May 7th, 2013
HarperTeen
405 pages (Hardcover)

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I will not lose another person I love. I will not let history repeat itself.

Vincent waited lifetimes to find me, but in an instant our future together was shattered. He was betrayed by someone we both called a friend, and I lost him. Now our enemy is determined to rule over France’s immortals, and willing to wage a war to get what they want.

It shouldn’t be possible, none of it should be, but this is my reality. I know Vincent is somewhere out there, I know he’s not completely gone, and I will do anything to save him.After what we’ve already fought to achieve, a life without Vincent is unimaginable. He once swore to avoid dying—to go against his nature and forsake sacrificing himself for others—so that we could be together. How can I not risk everything to bring my love back to me? (From Goodreads)

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Was it flawless?  No.  Did I devour it?  Yes.

I was about half way to three-quarters of the way through If I Should Die when I had a thought.  This book felt so much like I was reading Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer, minus vampires and teen pregnancy.  There was some unrequited love (which I should have seen coming) and a strange, epic-style battle among a species.  After I noticed this, I couldn't get it out of my head.

The ending also left something to be desired.  My suspicion is that it is being left open for the possibility of future novels.  If not, we have have a problem.  It was very abrupt.  Nothing was really left hanging, but it didn't feel like a conclusion.  I was shocked that it just ended.  I expected at least one more chapter to round everything out.

Despite this, I did devour this book.  I got so wrapped up in the story and plight of Kate and Vincent, that I barely put it down.  If you are a fan of the series, I think you'll still enjoy If I Should Die, but beware of the ending.  If you haven't checked out this series, check out my review of Die For Me.

Also, the leather pants reappear.  :)

Book Review: Betrayals by Lili St. Crow

Published November 17th, 2009
Razorbill
304 pages (Paperback)

She’s no angel...

Poor Dru Anderson. Her parents are long gone, her best friend is a werewolf, and she’s just learned that the blood flowing through her veins isn’t entirely human. (So what else is new?)

Now Dru is stuck at a secret New England Schola for other teens like her, and there’s a big problem—she’s the only girl in the place. A school full of cute boys wouldn’t be so bad, but Dru’s killer instinct says that one of them wants her dead. And with all eyes on her, discovering a traitor within the Order could mean a lot more than social suicide...

Can Dru survive long enough to find out who has betrayed her trust—and maybe even her heart? (From Goodreads)

I read this book as part of an omnibus of books one and two.  You can read my review of Strange Angels here.

This is one of those book where I wanted o know what happened, without having to actually read it.

I really to like the blunt, to-the-point, snarky writing style.  If Dru and I were having a conversation, that is how it would sound.  However, if she refers to Christophe as smelling like apple pie one more f**king time...  That was almost enough to make me never look at the book again.  I get it.  Move on.  Geez.

Then there is the romance.  Okay, it's starting to build, but I'm still not impressed.  The love triangle feels weak, and is going nowhere fast.  Let's just pick Graves and move along.

Somehow, despite how many little things irritated me, I still wanted to know what would happen.  The premise of the book is interesting to me, but the less exciting scenes really drag on and on.  I want to read the next book, and find out what happens, but I don't want to actually read it.  Congrats Betrayals, you have successfully frustrated me.

Much love, Samantha

DNF: Velveteen by Daniel Marks

Published October 9th, 2012
Delecorte Books for Young Readers
464 pages (Hardcover)

Velveteen Monroe is dead. At 16, she was kidnapped and murdered by a madman named Bonesaw. But that’s not the problem.

The problem is she landed in purgatory. And while it’s not a fiery inferno, it’s certainly no heaven. It’s gray, ashen, and crumbling more and more by the day, and everyone has a job to do. Which doesn’t leave Velveteen much time to do anything about what’s really on her mind.

Bonesaw.

Velveteen aches to deliver the bloody punishment her killer deserves. And she’s figured out just how to do it. She’ll haunt him for the rest of his days. 

It’ll be brutal... and awesome.

But crossing the divide between the living and the dead has devastating consequences. Velveteen’s obsessive haunting cracks the foundations of purgatory and jeopardizes her very soul. A risk she’s willing to take—except fate has just given her reason to stick around: an unreasonably hot and completely off-limits coworker.Velveteen can’t help herself when it comes to breaking rules... or getting revenge. And she just might be angry enough to take everyone down with her. (From Goodreads)

Gave up at: p. 276 (57%)

I tried really hard on this one.  I was sent this one from The Fake Steph as part of her monthy TBR Intervention giveaways, which makes it even harder to DNF, but I got too bored and too lost.

I was confused from the start, and not in the good way of plot-building.  This book just makes no sense to me.  It also doesn't match what I expected.  I'm lost on the characters roles and what the **** they are doing.  After a while, I got bored of being confused.

This is a book that I may try again, but there are just too many other titles that I would rather be reading to keep going here.

Much love, Samantha

Review: Until I Die by Amy Plum

Published May 8th, 2012
HarperTeen
384 pages (Paperback)

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I wish there was only today, just right now, and no forever.

It seems fitting that I fell in love in Paris. Under the city's glamorous surface there's a battleground of immortals.

Vincent, too, is an illusion. Handsome, chivalrous, and witty, he's got everything a girl could want . . . except mortality. But when I chose Vincent, I chose love over reason and safety.Vincent swore to resist his very nature so that we can be together. But I refuse to stand by and watch him suffer. I'll do whatever it takes to fight against his fate. (From Goodreads)

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I'm surprised that I waited so long to continue this series, but with book three of the trilogy out, I figured I should give it a go.  I'm glad I made this choice.

They're basically zombies!  How fun is that?!  While not technically "zombies" the idea of revenants is a refreshing change within the paranormal genre I already adore.  I still can't quite wrap my head around the idea of dying and coming back to life.  Intriguing, but a little weird.

As far as characters go, by far my favourites this time round are the secondary ones.  Jules, Ambrose and Georgia add a lightness to the book.  They're the humour, which a book about dying needs.  Vincent and Kate continue on with their undying love thing.  It's fine.  There's a little tension, but nothing major until a good chunk of the way into the book.  I really wanted Kate to do something "epic".  Her dialouge started to get a little predictable, and she really needed a spark in the plot to get her going again.  As I said though, the secondary characters really kept this book going for me.

The Parisian setting is likely my favourite part.  It makes me wish I was sitting there right now, drinking coffee on a patio to the scent of fresh bread.  I have never had such an urge to go to Paris in my life!  Kudos, Amy Plum.  My other favourite part was the ending.  Some of it was predictable, but parts of it were also completely unexpected, and have set up for an exciting third book!

While I really enjoyed this book, it was missing a little something.  Until I Die is a good sequel, but I hope for a little something more from the conclusion to this trilogy.

Much love, Samantha
PS.  I don't recall any leather pants in this one.  This makes me sad but hopeful...

Top Ten Tuesday: Paranormal Characters

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful ladies over at

The Broke And The Bookish!

This week, the topic is...
Top Ten Characters in the "Paranormal" Genre

Fun fact: I watch a lot of ghost hunting shows.  I've loved the paranormal since a young age.  To this day, I would love to be a paranormal investigator or cryptozoologist (I'd specialize in Bigfoot and his cousins).  Here are my fave characters from paranormal books (most of these will shock no one).

Rose Hathaway

Vampire Academy - Richelle Mead

Daemon Black

The Lux Series - Jennifer L. Armentrout

Isabelle Lightwood

The Mortal Instruments series - Cassandra Clare

Magnus Bane

The Mortal Instruments series - Cassandra Clare

Sabine

Soul Screamers series - Rachel Vincent

Vishous

The Black Dagger Brotherhood series - J.R. Ward

Rhage

The Black Dagger Brotherhood series - J.R. Ward

Ethan Chase

The Lost Prince - Julie Kagawa

Kaidan Rowe

Sweet Evil - Wendy Higgins

Michael Glass

The Morganville Vampires - Rachel Caine

How do you feel about all this epic-ness?  Anyone you would have added?

Much love, Samantha

Book Review: When Blood Calls by J.K. Beck

Publication Date: August 31st, 2010
Published By: Bantam
388 pages (Mass Market Paperback)

Attorney Sara Constantine is thrilled with her promotion—until she finds out that she must now prosecute vampires and werewolves. The first defendant she’ll be trying to put away? Lucius Dragos, the sexy stranger with whom she recently shared an explosive night of ecstasy.

When Lucius kisses a beautiful woman sitting next to him at the bar, he’s hoping only to avoid the perceptive gaze of the man he’s planning to kill. But what starts as a simple kiss ignites into an all-consuming passion. Charged with murder, Luke knows that Sara is determined to see him locked away—unless he can convince her that he’s not a monster. And that might mean making the ultimate sacrifice.  (From GoodReads)

 I can sum this book up in one word:  Meh.

That's really all there is to say.  I just don't understand how a book that mixes the paranormal with a legal drama could be so dull.  Even the sex was boring!  Seriously, I'm actually struggling to find words right now to express my disappointment.

It wasn't all bad.  The character of Ryan Doyle was actually pretty entertaining.  If the whole book had been about him, you'd have had me sold.  And Tasha had this Dru a la Buffy the Vampire Slayer feel going on that I liked.  Waiting for those two to pop in and out of the story is likely what kept me going.

Overall, I was disappointed.  Sorry, but that's about it.  I will not be continuing on in the series.

Much love, Samantha