Ascend by Amanda Hocking

About the Book:

Pages: 326 (including bonus story)

 Series: Trylle trilogy #3

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

 Release Date: April 24th 2012

Source: Bought

GoodReads Summary:

Wendy Everly is facing an impossible choice. The only way to save the Trylle from their deadliest enemy is by sacrificing herself.  If she doesn’t surrender to the Vittra, her people will be thrust into a brutal war against an unbeatable foe.  But how can Wendy leave all her friends behind…even if it’s the only way to save them?
The stakes have never been higher, because her kingdom isn’t the only thing she stands to lose. After falling for both Finn and Loki, she’s about to make the ultimate choice…who to love forever. One guy has finally proven to be the love of her life—and now all their lives might be coming to an end. 
Everything has been leading to this moment.  The future of her entire world rests in her hands—if she’s ready to fight for it.

Review:

This is the finale to Hocking's Trylle trilogy. And, I have to say, the series definitely goes out with a bang! I'm excited cause this is the review where I get to spill all the deets I've been holding in! Wendy is some what, officially running the kingdom now, but she's also going to have to make an official choice between who she wants to be with.....

I have to admit, that the other reviews were really boring. This is mainly because when I read a series in a row I can't remember what happened in each book specifically. I thought dragging Matt into the Trylle thing was a little bit overboard but, Willa and him make a great couple. (That was a totally predictable pair.) I also thought that since Rhy's ends up with Rhiannon, who ever she is, the author should have included her more. I also thought that it was about time she full out rejected Finn.

Now it's time to spill the big things SO IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THIS BOOK DON'T READ THIS PART!!! I thought it was soooooooo obvious that Loki was perfect for her! After Wendy and Tove's wedding night I was on the floor snorting; Loki's hilarious! I liked his sass, charm, intensity, and his unexpected loyalty towards Wendy.

The plot in this book never left you alone. First, it was Oslinna, next it was the wedding, then it was, ah... Loki :), next Elora's death, then the killing of Oren, and last.... COMPLETE OVERKILL!!! Okay the whole plot was really good, seriously, but after a one night stand she's prego? What the poop? That is totallly, ridiculously over the top. I mean I know they love each other and stuff, but was it really necessary to have Wendy get knocked-up? They should have had a "10 years later" thing in the back not "1 year". That's a bad message for younger audiances, it's like saying, "Everyone don't use protection and get pregnant at 19 just like this beautiful princess did!"

PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK YET MAY PROCEED READING AFTER THIS POINT!!!

Sorry, that was a little much, but I think I made my point. The only other bad point in this series was that every thing was very predictable. It was obvious to me that they would attack going to Oslinna, that Wendy and Loki would end up together, that Rhianonanonanrinhan (or who ever that was) and Rhys would be together, that Matt and Willa would be together, etc.

Okay, so I recommend this to anyone who's read the other books in the series, lovers of romance, fantasy, relationships, you know and basically everything else in the universe. That's all folks!

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter

About the Book:

Pages: 355

Series: None

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Release Date: August 1st 2011

Source: Library

GoodReads Summary:

Selene has grown up in a palace on the Nile with her parents, Cleopatra & Mark Antony--the most brilliant, powerful rulers on earth. But the jealous Roman Emperor Octavianus wants Egypt for himself, & when war finally comes, Selene faces the loss of all she's ever loved. Forced to build a new life in Octavianus's household in Rome, she finds herself torn between two young men and two possible destinies--until she reaches out to claim her own.

This stunning novel brings to life the personalities & passions of one of the greatest dramas in history, & offers a wonderful new heroine in Selene.

Review:

This book was exquisitely realistic; I felt like I was there alongside Cleopatra S (Cleopatra Selene). I'm a huge fan of historical fiction and this just renewed my passion for the genre. But it felt more like I was reliving a real story, that's good! I feel like the author new Cleopatra S. and this story was just an interview with her! The characters and plot were so believable that I forgot "fiction" was in the title of the genre.

This book was a breeze to read. Although it's not really short, the story line keeps you hooked. I loved Cleopatra (Cleo S.'s mom). She was so powerful that you could feel her presence through the pages! Cleo S. on the other hand has the most tragic story ever! First her older brother, father, and mother die. Then with Octavianus, her younger brother falls ill an passes and later on her older brother Alexandrios gets poisoned and dies! To say the least, that sucks.

The romance department was another thing this book did not run short on. Of course there is a love triangle! ▲! This type of romantic frustration of choosing between two guys is my fave! In one corner there is Marcellus, a charming player, well known for making even the toughest girls swoon!!!! In the other corner is Juba a scholarly fellow that has had Cleo S.'s attention from the start! Juba may be her true love but Marcellus' power might get her back to Egypt. Which one will she choose?

Although I won't tell you who, I will admit I was a bit disappointed with her choice (well, not her's technically, but you get the point.) The plot was a never-ending maze of twists and turns, whether they be in her relationships or with her actions, you never get bored. This might be a product of all the deaths too. Oh and I loved the facts section in the back of the book. It told you what really happened and what the author added in for effect.

This book seems like it has the potential to be popular. I recommend this book to people who are interested in historical fiction, Egypt, love, sacrifice, and tragedy. So if you think you'd be interested in this book, don't just sit here and re-read the review! NO! Get out there and get this book ASAP!!! Go, go, go!!

Torn by Amanda Hocking

About the Book:

Pages: 324 (including Bonus Story)

Series: Trylle Trilogy #2

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: February 28th 2012

Source: Bought

GoodReads Summery:

When Wendy Everly first discovers the truth about herself—that she’s a changeling switched at birth—she knows her life will never be the same. Now she’s about to learn that there’s more to the story…

She shares a closer connection to her Vittra rivals than she ever imagined—and they’ll stop at nothing to lure her to their side. With the threat of war looming, her only hope of saving the Trylle is to master her magical powers—and marry an equally powerful royal. But that means walking away from Finn, her handsome bodyguard who’s strictly off limits…and Loki, a Vittra prince with whom she shares a growing attraction.

Torn between her heart and her people, between love and duty, Wendy must decide her fate. If she makes the wrong choice, she could lose everything, and everybody, she’s ever wanted…in both worlds.

Review:

WARNING: Spoiler Alert!

Torn isn't just a book, it's a masterpiece. I was astonished (again) by Hocking's amazing writing skills. This book brought the word "sequel" to a whole new level. The plot never failed to please me and kept me up at night. 

The story starts off with a bang! The Vittra kidnap Wendy from her "home" along with Rhy's and her "brother", Matt. They are taken to the Vittra palace where Wendy meets an oddly friendly Vittra Markis named Loki. There is definitely something weird going on with Loki because he basically lets them escape!

Okay, so let's stop here. I fell in love with Loki! The bonus story in the first book had me liking him but at the Vittra palace I was suspicious. His character was like everything a girl could want from a guy. He's sweet, funny, feisty, and he lets you escape from his dungeon.... The perfect man! At that point I wanted Wendy to take him back to the Trylle.

I liked it even more when Wendy got sassy with Finn. In the first book he was easy to love as that guy-she-wants-but-can-never-have kind of way.  Now he should be standing up and taking risks for her, not following the rules for her safety! He's not her dad for Pete's sake! I wanted her to do something more productive at his house. Yell at him or kiss him, there are only a few options! I know he cared for her but really man? Would you rather love and be separated than never love at all?

Her engagement to Tove was expected yet not. I was thinking "Oh she'll have to marry him," but in that way that you just brush it aside. So turns out, what I thought was a random thought was the truth! And then Elora's collapse! That's the thing too. I thought that Elora cared a lot about Wendy but Wendy just hated her too much to see it. When Loki came to whisk Wendy away and marry him, I just about burst! Why didn't she say yes? Why?!?

I've said to much already. I hope I didn't spoil it for you guys, but you were warned! I recommend this book to everyone who read the first one! Also to people who have eyes, a brain, tear ducts, a laughing box (Sponge Bob reference), a smile, and a heart.

Yeah, I love it that much.

In My Mailbox (1)

Hey guys,
I just got these books recently and couldn't wait to share them with you! I hope to read all of these books soon and get you guys they're reviews! SOOOOO EXCITED!!!

Wake

Amanda Hocking

August 7th, 2012

Watersong Series #1

I LOVE Amanda Hocking and am excited to get reading!

Ugly to Start With

John Michael Cummings

October 1st, 2011

No series

Looks good, reading by authors request!

Cleopatra's Moon

Vicky Aivear Shecter

August 1st, 2011

No series

Started reading and love the story so far!

Personal Effects

E.M. Kokie

September 11th, 2012

No series

Looks like a cry-love-laugh book!

Havoc

Jeff Sampson

January 24th, 2012

Deviants #2

I read the first one and loved it so I'm hoping for the same!

Die for Me by Amy Plum

About the Book:

Pages: 341

Series: Revenants #1

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: May 10th 2011

Source: Library

GoodReads Summary:

In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

Review:

Paris is the most romantic city in the world in real life.... and in books. With this charming setting it's easy to fall in love with the book. Kate has been trying to recover from her parents recent death, but she can't seem to shake off her feelings of mourning, unless her nose is shoved in a book or she's gazing in a museum. Then she meets Vincent and it's like and it's like she can live again. Until she realizes that she's falling in love with the undead.

It must really be something about France. I love every book that is set there! Kate's character was astonishingly brave for someone who is completely normal. I liked her because she read like no tomorrow. :) Though I wish in some ways that she could be a stronger character. Or smarter. When she took a break from Vincent I was thinking, "What's wrong with you?" But, yet again, I have to factor in that her parents died recently. I also got frustrated with Vincent when he didn't tell her absolutely everything about revenants. 

But, Vincent, oh Vincent. He was the perfect character for Kate and complemented her in every way. He was so romantic. *Swoons* He just seemed perfectly imperfect. I loved how he got ill when Kate needed her time away from him. Not in that sick way that screams "I like death" but in a way that seems utterly lovey-dovey. Like he couldn't survive without her around.

The action/plot was very well constructed. I felt like every detail had a purpose and they did! I loved the big sha-wham moment (climax of the plot). I though Lucien made a perfect bad guy and that the whole Georgia thing was really well thought out. Except I wish Plum made Georgia unconscious throughout the whole battle scene, because it just seems like a drag to get everyone involved. The possessing part of the battle was also cool, but I wish Kate died.... So she could become a revenant of course! No seriously, I mean it. I want her to become a revenant but we'll see...

I recommend this book to people who liked Switched by Amanda Hocking (they were surprisingly similar), also to people who like drama, romance, suspense, and France. Hey, that rhymes! But on a serious note, I really, really liked this book... a lot! It's up there with the Hunger Games and the Trylle Trilogy.

Switched by Amanda Hocking

About the Book:

Pages: 293 (not including bonus story)

 Series: Trylle Trilogy #1

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: January 3rd 2012

Source: Bought

GoodReads Summary:

When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes.

Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit. But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home.

Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become…

Review:

I really don't know what to say. This book was breathtaking. Hocking's characters were so beautifully created that it was hard not to fall in love with them. I was taken aback by the amount of passion the author put into this book. This book definitely found it's place on my favorites shelf and I have a feeling it will take permanent residency there.

Although Wendy is surrounded by magic and fantastical worlds, she is still utterly normal. For me that was a breath of fresh air. When you read all of these fantasy novels where the main character is ridiculously graceful or painstakingly odd, it's hard to look up to them. Even though Wendy is an outcast, she doesn't exactly fit into the weird-o stereotype. She is still feisty, pretty, and smart. Her strength is admirable and her character is up there with Katniss.

The male characters in this story will definitely whisk your heart away. Finn for one is sweet, protective, and... cold? (I read these books back to back but I won't spill the beans.) Rhys on the other hand is surely someone I would fall for. He's charming, kind, and forbidden, since he's a manks. Yes, he is clearly my type ;). 

The plot of this book was purposely progressive. I felt like I never got bored with whatever was going on; there was always something to prompt me to keep reading! The final pages of these books were packed witht he most action, though I have to say, this part disappointed me a little. The main sha-bing wa-pow action scene seemed a bit lacking, in terms of suspense. But don't worry, it's supposed to be like that. The greatest things come with time!

This book really surprised me, in the sense that I bought them at Wal-Mart to read while I visited family in upstate New York. I actually didn't start these books until I was about to go home and read each book in about two days. I recommend this book to anyone who has access to books in general!

Dark Eyes by William Richter

About the Book:

Pages: 383

 Series: Dark Eyes #1

 Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date: March 15th 2012

 Source: Library

GoodReads  Summary:

Get ready for the vigilante girl detective of the next generation.

Wally was adopted from a Russian orphanage as a child and grew up in a wealthy New York City family. At fifteen, her obsessive need to rebel led her to life on the streets.

Now the sixteen-year-old is beautiful and hardened, and shes just stumbled across the possibility of discovering who she really is. She’ll stop at nothing to find her birth mother before Klesko—her darkeyed father—finds her. Because Klesko will stop at nothing to reclaim the fortune Wally’s mother stole from him long ago. Even if that means murdering his own blood. But Wally's had her own killer training, and she's hungry for justice. 

Review:

Wally lives on the streets. Not because she has to but because she wants to.  Her life at home wasn't necessarily hard compared to her friends'. But the minute she found out she was adopted was the minute she began to hate her parents. Having her parents get a divorce didn't help either. On the streets she survives by stealing and breaking and entering. However, her past from Russia may hold more secrets and threats than Wally expected.

I thought this book was geared to the wrong audience. It seemed like such a boy book but the main character being a girl definitely pushed this book towards more feminine readers. Truthfully, at some parts I wasn't sure why the author had chosen a woman for the main character. Wally seemed less thoughtful and caring than any girl I know. For example, when Tevin says she's pretty in a sentence she doesn't notice, all she cared about was the subject of their conversation. A girl would notice this! A girl who apparently was "interested in a relationship" with this boy would notice these things! We're not blind!


Although this book did offer what it promised.... action. And lots of it. I think the nonstop action took away from the over all affect f the characters personalities and relationships. I also thought that the gangsters in Russia would be more included in the book. But all I got was two guys who miraculously killed everyone in their path without once being caught by the police? This book may have been packed with adventure, but it was unrealistic. It would make sense if this was fantasy or sci-fi but no, this is a crime thriller. No were in that genre description does it say "please write about illogical things." 


The author also seemed to throw in some things that were completely unnecessary. Like the alexandrite? Why couldn't she have gotten cash? Why did that insignificant part have to be thrown in there? Maybe its just me but does anybody understand the meaning of this, other than to have made the story more valuable and cause extra drama that I was already tired of reading about?


Okay, so yes, this was my first crime thriller thingy. And maybe I just have a problem with the excruciatingly masculine genre. But over all, I only somewhat enjoyed the read. This happens very rarely people so get it on tape! I usually pick out books that I end up loving but I just wanted to try something out of the box. I am glad I had the experience though. So even though I majorly dissed this book in my review, I am happy I read this book.


I recommend this to people who love action.... and suspense.... and... uh... crime action thriller thingies. Until next time folks!