Seirs (Soul Guardians #5)

Seirs (Soul Guardians #5) – Kim Richardson

I am still in the middle of this book so I will refrain from rating it just yet.  I just wanted to give an update of where I was.  I am about halfway through.  It is taking me a little longer to get through it because I just don’t feel this one.  😦  I am hoping the ending makes the book.  I will give a final review once I am finished!

**UPDATED**

Synopsis:

Having only just accomplished her last mission, Kara learns that the evil Seirs are slaughtering Sensitives that refuse to swear an allegiance to Lilith—the Netherworld’s princess and her diabolical half-sister. While on assignment, Kara discovers that Lilith is searching for an ancient weapon that can destroy mankind.

The Seirs’ army grows with every Sensitive they recruit— the odds of victory are grim. With the help of her friends, Kara finds herself on another dangerous mission entrusted to her. But can Kara find the weapon before Lilith annihilates the entire human race?

Review:

Ok, I finished the book last night, finally.  I did not enjoy this one as much as the others.  It felt a little drawn out and like the author was grasping at straws.  I much prefer a series to take the ENTIRE series to tell one big story and not have every book be an “episode”.  I don’t know if that makes sense or not, it is kind of hard to explain.

I still enjoy the series in the long run it is just this one was a little bit of a let down.

There are still some grammar and spelling errors but it was not too bad.  I am still a little annoyed that the love story between “Kara” and “David” is still not developed.  “Kara” feels like “David” is her soul mate yet nothing has eluded to that at all.  They have only kissed once, that I can remember and there has been no hugging, holding hands, ect.  It feels like that part of the story has been forgotten.

There’s one more book to go so….HERE I GO!

List of Books in Order:

Marked

Elemental

Horizon

Netherworld

Seirs

Mortal

Related articles

• Marked (Soul Guardians #1) (jjjernigan1.wordpress.com)
• Elemental (Soul Guardians #2) (jjjernigan1.wordpress.com)
• Horizon (Soul Guardians #3) (jjjernigan1.wordpress.com)
• Netherworld (Soul Guardians #4) (jjjernigan1.wordpress.com)
• Great new 3D animated trailer for Marked by Kim Richardson author of YA Soul Guardian series (booktrailers4kidsandya.wordpress.com)

Netherworld (Soul Guardians #4)

Netherworld (Soul Guardians #4) – Kim Richardson

Synopsis:

Kara had only just begun to enjoy her life as a mortal with David—when they are pulled back suddenly into the world of the supernatural. The Legion has made an important discovery: a new Elemental child, whose whereabouts are unknown. Kara immediately prepares herself for battle, and comes face to face with the evil Seirs—a group of mortals devoted to the Netherworld.

What’s worse, someone close to her is taken. Kara and her friends embark on another dangerous journey to seek out this child. But is this being really an Elemental—or something else entirely?

Review:

I was slightly disappointed with this book because I feel if “David” and “Kara” are so in love, soul mates, there should be more emotions between them.  There is nothing and it leaves me feeling as though they are only good friends.  There should be more passion, more stealing kisses when no one is looking, ect.  It is a little irritating.

The other thing that was a little disappointing was that it felt like “Kara” was along for the ride and only reacting to the things that were happening and not taking the lead to be the heroine she is supposed to be.

It is still a good continuation of the story but in someways it feels like the next episode in a tv series…kind of like in Charmed, how there was always something bigger and badder than the last bad guy.

On to the next!

List of Books in Order:

Marked

Elemental

Horizon

Netherworld

Siers

Mortal

Related articles

• Marked (Soul Guardians #1) (jjjernigan1.wordpress.com)
• Elemental (Soul Guardians #2) (jjjernigan1.wordpress.com)
• Horizon (Soul Guardians #3) (jjjernigan1.wordpress.com)
• Great new 3D animated trailer for Marked by Kim Richardson author of YA Soul Guardian series (booktrailers4kidsandya.wordpress.com)

Horizon (Soul Guardians #3)

Horizon (Soul Guardians #3) – Kim Richardson

Synopsis:

Much to Kara’s horror, a horde of demons is released into the mortal world, through the Mirror of Souls. Thousands of human souls are dying every day. The Guardian Angel Legion works relentlessly at trying to secure the mortal world from Demons.

But when Kara discovers the truth behind the Demon Lord’s plans, can she return to Horizon safely and warn the Legion before it’s too late?

Review:

The best so far!  I just finished reading this one…I could not put it down.  The pace of this one is fast and even throughout the book.  Emotions run high through “Kara” inadvertently releasing demons all the way through to the epic battle of Heaven and Hell.  I don’t want to spoil anything so it’s hard to give examples.

Still a great read for teens and up…there is still explicit language and some of the descriptions of the battles can be a little gruesome.

NOW ON TO BOOK 4 🙂

List of Books in Order:

Marked

Elemental

Horizon

Netherworld

Seirs

Mortal

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• Marked (Soul Guardians #1) (jjjernigan1.wordpress.com)
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Elemental (Soul Guardians #2)

Elemental (Soul Guardians #2) – Kim Richardson

Synopsis:

Kara is struck by lightning, dies (again) and once again ends up back in Horizon.  She accidentally hurts a fellow angel while training to use her new elemental power which gets her banished.  Her mother’s soul has been stolen by demons and Kara and her friends have to find it along with trying to save the mortal world.

Review:

I am still enjoying this series!  The author keeps up the pace with this book which holds your attention.  The plot twists are well thought out and well written.  It is definitely a page turner.

I wish though that the romance between “Kara” and “Daniel” would present itself more often than it does.  I just wish I could hear what the main characters were thinking.  I want there to be a little more passion and tension.  I am hoping since this series is so long that it will get there, I just hope it’s sooner rather than later.

Grammar and spelling still needs a little work but it doesn’t detract from the story.  The ending is a cliffhanger so be prepared to get the next book!

List of Books In Order:

Marked

Elemental

Horizon

Netherworld

Seirs

Mortal

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Marked (Soul Guardians #1)

Marked (Soul Guardians #1) –  Kim Richardson

Synopsis:

Sixteen year-old Kara Nightingale’s ordinary life is suddenly turned upside down when she dies and wakes up in a strange new world with a new career—as a rookie for the Guardian Angel Legion. Kara is pulled into the supernatural, where monkeys drive the elevators, oracles scurry above giant crystal balls, and where demons feed on the souls of mortals.

With the help of her Petty Officer and friend, David, Kara hurtles towards an adventure that will change her life forever…

Review:

I loved this book.  It is a very original story.  The characters are very easy to fall in love with and root for.  I loved “David” and his smart-ass remarks to the Archangels, it was hilarious.  I also loved the creativity of the way the author envisioned “Horizon”.  The elevators are controlled by monkeys, chimps, baboons and apes (who by the way are very sarcastic and a little angry)…the sky cars are driven by birds (don’t forget to tip them, anything you have on you…a button will do).  The hierarchy of the legion is easy to understand.  At least in this first book there is not much understanding of the demon ranks or what exactly they do.

The story, to me anyway, kept a fast pace throughout the book.  Everytime “David” and “Kara” went on assignment the demons showed up.  In no way am I saying this book perfect but I think it’s a fun and easy read.  It kept my attention throughout.  I will definitely be finishing this series…it is a very entertaining read!

The only thing I had a small problem with was the 3rd person narrative mode.  It took a little getting used to since a lot of the books that I have been reading lately have been first person.  It wasn’t hard though and it definitely wasn’t a deal breaker.

**This would be fit for teenagers…there is only some mild language.

List of Books In Order:

Marked

Elemental

Horizon

Netherworld

Seirs

Mortal

You can get the Nook version (Marked: Soul Guardians #1) FREE (as of 05-13-2013) here

*The author is a retired 3D Animation Supervisor so she made a trailer for the book

Until I Die (Revenants #2)

Until I Die (Revenants #2) – Amy Plum

Until I Die picks up with “Kate” and “Vincent” still trying to find a way to be together.  They continue their search for a way “Vincent” can resist the urge to die for humans.  “Vincent” begins a dangerous experiment and “Kate” goes off on her own trying to find someone who can help.

It keeps the same steady pace as the first book.  There is very little build up to anything, which is kind of a let down.  I am hoping the 3rd book (which is on it’s way to me now) will pick up the pace.

I am still enjoying the story it is just very mellow.  I prefer on fire passion, danger, sexual tension, LOTS of paranormal happenings, mythical worlds and I am just not getting any of that so far.  This series is probably only worth one read through and it will definitely not give me that “book hangover” feeling.

List of Books in Order:

Die For Me

Until I Die

If I Should Die

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Die For Me (Revenants #1)

Die For Me (Revenants #1) – Amy Plum

**MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS**

I have to say that I am enjoying this series.  It is a very easy read at a steady pace. I finished book #1 in one night.  It is not overly exciting but it is a great story line.

I only have a couple of complaints but they are not deal breakers.

First…the main character “Kate” is not your typical strong heroine.  She is a human who has fallen for a “Revenant” named “Vincent”.  She is a little more demure than I like my main characters to be.

A “Revenant” is kind of like the undead/zombie/ghost but not really.  It’s kind of difficult to explain.  They are immortal beings that have a compulsion to die in place of humans.  They save their lives.  In return, they live forever.  If their original death occurs at the age of 17 then everytime they die afterward, they revert to that age.

Second…there is SOME conflict in the story with an opposite faction. “Revenants” save lives, “Numa” takes lives.  The “Numa” leader is named “Lucien” and he has apparently been “Vincent’s” nemesis for a VERY long time.  It just seemed to me that if this hatred between them has been going on for a LONG time and if it was as bad as “Vincent” made it out to be then it would be an extremely hard battle.  It just seemed to be way to easy and it made me wonder why it had taken decades to overcome the threat.  I think the author could have fleshed out the conflicts better and made them more epic.

The story is far more about the romantic relationship problems and how “Kate” and “Vincent” can overcome the issues of immortal and mortal.  It is very well thought out and you can identify with them easily.  It’s easy to put yourself in “Kate’s” shoes because I think everyone has, at some point, been interested in someone who might not be good for them.

It does remind me a little of Twilight (I never read the books and I probably never will, I just saw the movies)

If you are looking for an easy read or are looking for something for your teens then give this a try.  I don’t remember any bad words (at least in this first book) and there is only light kissing.

Books In Order:

Die For Me

Until I Die

If I Should Die

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Evanescent (The Countenance Trilogy Book #2)

Evanescent (Countenance Trilogy Book #2)- Addison Moore

If you have seen my review of the first book (Ephemeral) you know that I was very confused and a little irritated that the main character “Laken” was a little too willing to rollover when anyone gives her any kind of explanation.

This book continues to follow “Laken” as she is continuing to infiltrate the Countenance’s inner workings.  She is still in love with “Wes” but she is also in love with “Coop”.  She is manipulating “Wes” with the help of “Coop” and “Fletcher”.  “Laken” has her secrets and she is trying her hardest to keep them from “Wes” which is becoming more difficult.

First let me say, I am glad I kept reading.  It takes a little getting used to because Addison Moore takes a different writting style.  In the second book each chapter is from one of the 3 main characters point of view…”Laken”, “Wes” and “Coop”.  It was very satisfying to to be able to hear each ones thoughts.   It gives you the feeling that you are omniscient.  I felt the 2nd book was fleshed out much better and “Laken” finally decides to step up.

There is still alot bullying from some of the other girls which is kind of irritating.  The behavior is just way over the top, which I can not identify with.  It ultimately just makes you hate those secondary characters.

The pace of the book is great, I never felt like it was dragging.  Questions do get answered and some new questions pop up (but they are good questions 🙂 ).

I still can’t imagine some of the places that are described which I think probably could have been done better and the fact that there are so many different places makes it difficult.

Overall, I feel the 2nd book was sooo much better than the 1st and I can’t wait for the 3rd book to be released (which is supposedly coming late 2013).

If you enjoy paranormal young adult romance then give it a try.  If you are looking for something for your teens to read, keep in mind that there is language and some graphic sexual situations.

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Random Post

This is just a random post because I felt like it 🙂

I saw Star Trek: Into Darkness this past weekend and I thought it was fantastic.  They had a little bit of each of the original movies in there.  It was fun to see how they maneuvered those in there and still kept with the alternate timeline.  I don’t want to put too many in here so if you haven’t seen it yet you can try and find the similarities but I will say one thing….Tribble.

I liked Benedict Cumberbatch as a bad guy, if only for his fantastic voice LOL.

I know a lot of people did not like the reboot of the series but I really enjoyed them.  It’s not about trying to re-create the same-ol-thing, it’s about trying to update it and have it have it’s own entertainment value…I think they did it with these movies.

IMHO…you should see it but then again this is coming from someone who has seen all the original episodes/movies and has watched the 2009 reboot at least 15 times…take it for what you will 🙂

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The Time Machine

The Time Machine (H.G Wells)

First let me start off saying that I saw the original movies YEARS ago and have loved the story since.

Second, reading the story is an entirely different task altogether.  For me, it was a difficult read.  I am not a big fan of the way H.G uses the 2 point narrative.  The first couple of chapters is narrated from “Hillyer” who introduces us to others but he doesn’t know anything that people are thinking and then it switches to the point of view of “The Time Traveler” who tells of his journey (which is much easier for me to follow).  I don’t like not knowing what the main character is thinking in a novel so it was hard for me to follow “Hillyer.”  I felt like a big secret was being kept from me.

Don’t get me wrong H.G was a genius and he rightfully earned the title “The Father of Science Fiction” but The Time Machine was difficult for me.

Random Fact: It is widely thought he based the character of The Time Travel on himself.  In the original movie you can see The plaque on the control panel of time machine reads “Manufactured by H George Wells.”