Torment (Fallen #2)

Torment (Fallen #2) – Lauren Kate

Synopsis:

Hell on earth.

That’s what it’s like for Luce to be apart from her fallen angel boyfriend, Daniel.

It took them an eternity to find one another, but now he has told her he must go away. Just long enough to hunt down the Outcasts – immortals who want to kill Luce. Daniel hides Luce at Shoreline, a school on the rocky California coast with unusually gifted students: Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans.

At Shoreline, Luce learns what the Shadows are, and how she can use them as windows to her previous lives. Yet the more Luce learns, the more she suspects that Daniel hasn’t told her everything. He’s hiding something – something dangerous.

What if Daniel’s version of the past isn’t actually true? What if Luce is really meant to be with someone else?

Review:

I am so in love with this story 🙂  It is a fantastic story of possible soul-mates.  The pace of this book is alot faster and better planned than the first book.  I started reading and couldn’t put it down.  I finished it in 1 day LOL.  I’m glad I purchased the boxed set of these books so I don’t have to wait to get the next 🙂

It is a little irritating how no one will give “Luce” any answers.  If I were “Luce” I would have gotten pissed off a long time ago and left everyone involved.

I have never been able to spot something coming a mile away but I really can’t figure out where this story is going which is very exciting.

I would put these books in the same category as Hush,Hush or The Watchers Series (Lynnie Purcell).

Recommend for teens and still no language to speak of.

List of Books in Order:

Fallen

Torment

Passion

Rapture

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Fallen (Fallen #1)

Fallen (Fallen #1) – Lauren Kate

Synopsis:

There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce – he goes out of his way to make that very clear. But she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, Luce has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret…even if it kills her.

Review:

I really enjoyed this book.  It does take a little while for it to get going but when it does, it really sucks you in.  I enjoy series that take multiple books to tell the story and this seems to do that so far at least.  It also took a little getting used to, on my part, to the 3rd person POV.  Those always make me feel like I’m missing something.  I was very happy with the way the author chose to reveal certain truths to the main character “Luce”.   There have been very few times when I could actually say those kinds of things were actually done right and it WAS done right with Fallen.

The pace is kind of slow to begin with but you get a feel for all the characters involved.  I can’t say too much without giving spoilers so I will do my best not to give anything away.

There have been a lot of bad reviews of this series but I say as long as you are entertained then it was worth it.

I love the fact that everyone in the story is someone different.  It makes for very interesting reading and it keeps the pages turning.

I would recommend this for teens who enjoy paranormal/nephilim romance.  I don’t remember any language so if there was any it was mild.

List of Books in Order:

Fallen

Torment

Passion

Rapture

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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

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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Ephemeral (Countenance Trilogy #1)

Ephemeral – Countenance Trilogy #1 (Addison Moore)

Ok, I am still reading this first book but I felt like I needed to put my thoughts up here now so I don’t forget.

First, there is no way for me to relay when things happen in this book…I bought the Nook addition and according to the Nook there is 2564 pages and I’m on page 624.  I have no gauge of where I am LOL.  Everytime I turn the page it jumps up by 3-6 pages.

Second, I am having a really hard time with this book.  I don’t understand anything that is going on but neither does the main character “Laken”.  It takes FOREVER (at least that what my internal gauge is telling me) to get anywhere…there are no answers and it’s irritating that “Laken” doesn’t ask more questions.  She doesn’t have memories of dying but she does know that she was hit by a car.  She keeps seeing people that had previously died but are now flesh and bone but with slightly different names and memories.  I am only able to read a chapter or two before I have to put it up so I don’t get frustrated.

I will finished the book and update this review once I’m done.

**UPDATED 05-19-2013**

I finished reading this book…I don’t know if I can give a review.  I still don’t understand what is going on and there is really only 1 character that I have any feeling toward and it’s not the main character “Laken.”  It’s not necessarily bad…I mean the author does a wonderful job describing things (except that I cannot picture what anyone looks like) and putting across feelings.  I just have no words.  It’s a very dark series, it comes across a little schizo and it almost makes me a little uncomfortable being in that world (which maybe what the author was aiming for since that’s the way “Laken” feels).

I will finish the trilogy because I cannot leave off in the middle and I WANT MY QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

The Hunter (Guardian Series #1)

The Hunter (Guardian Series #1)~(Lynnie Purcell)

First off let me say, if you haven’t read The Watchers series by Lynnie then you will need to do that first.  The second series picks up 3 years later with the same characters.

Second, I LOVED IT!  I am a huge fan of Lynnie and look forward to all she does in the future.

The natrual progression from one enemy to the next is natural and doesn’t come out of nowhere.  The book is paced evenly and keeps you engaged.  The characters retain their same humor and wit as the previous series which was wonderful to come back to.  I actually laughed out loud during some of the banter back and forth between Clare and Daniel.

I am still in love with the Clare character because she is a strong female heroine and you don’t get that too often.

Oh, and by the way….HOLY CLIFFHANGER, BATMAN!  I can’t wait until #2!!!

I recommend this to anyone who loved The Watchers series and if you haven’t read those yet…what are you waiting for?

Books in Order…

The Hunter (Guardian Series #1)

(Guardian Series #2)….Anticipated late 2013 but that could change

The Watchers Series by S.J West

The Watchers Series (S.J West)

I think the story is a good story but it takes awhile for anything to happen and grab your attention. I am not one for outright romance and some of the things that Brand says/does kinda creeped me out. I am not a touchy feely kind of person. You can definitely tell that when a chapter is from Brand’s POV that a woman wrote it. It did not feel natural.I am glad that I finished the series because the pace does pick up and the story is great.  It was a little mirrored from other stories but the characters are what make the story and it was an entertaining read.

There were a few grammar errors but it didn’t detract from the story.  The other thing that bothered me was that they treated Lilly like she was breakable and she couldn’t do anything.

The relationships were a little immature for them being in college.  It was more like they were in high school.

It was a relatively fast read…I think I got all three done in three days. 

I suggest you take a chance if you like Angel stories

List of Book in Order:

Cursed

Blessed

Forgiven

The Watchers Series by Lynnie Purcell

The Watchers Series ( Lynnie Purcell)

I loved this series and wholeheartedly believe it should be made into a movie.  This is going to be one of my favorites and I will probably read it over and over again.

I downloaded this book (at least the first book) because it was free on Barnes and Nobel and I am so glad I did.

I loved every character in the series, they are easy to identify with and easy to fall for.

The story follows Clare Michaels who follows her mom back to her mom’s childhood home.  Clare already knows she is half angel and that there are two sides vying for her to join them.  She is not your typical heroine.  Clare is a punk chick who pretty much sticks to herself.  She is a character that relies on herself more often than not.  She doesn’t take crap from anyone and does what she has to, to get the job done.

The ache that she and Daniel feel for one another is palpable and their witty banter back and forth is hilarious.  They are so well matched as a couple.

The romance in the book was heartwarming, the story is very well developed and the secondary characters a very likable as well.  Lynnie has a remarkable gift for storytelling.

Highly recommend!

As of right now (May 12th 2013) the first book is a free Nook download on Barnes & Nobel…you can get it here

List of Books in Order:

The Watchers

The Seekers

The Saints

The Last

Hush, Hush Series

Hush, Hush (Becca Fitzpatrick)

**May Contain Spoilers**

I know alot of people who did not enjoy this book but I have to say I did even with some of the flaws it contained.  I love the fallen angel premise.  I am a sucker for forbidden romance.

Nora is a normal everyday girl if not a little strange and distant.  She is paired with a boy in her school biology class who seems to know alot about her and she thinks there is something fundamentally wrong with.  He is the complete opposite of her…he’s dark, mysterious and dangerous.  He is a Guardian Angel and she becomes Nephilim, they are both on opposite sides of a coming war but they are meant for each other and must trust one another to get the job done.

It is a story of trust/distrust, of forbidden love, of Guardian Angels/Arc Angels/Fallen Angels/Nephilim.

I found the book very entertaining and the storyline sound.  I was irritated a bit by Vee who was very reckless and always trying to peer pressure Nora into things to which Nora didn’t really stand up for herself.  Nora was very impressionable.  I also was not fond of Nora’s mother either, it’s hard to explain why but it was like she was way to overprotective or something but it bothered me.  She was not a character who was easy to identify with and I’m a mom.  I wish there had been a bit more “legend” or “backstory” incorporated with the Angels.

I absolutely loved the Patch character, I mean who wouldn’t.  He’s handsome, dark, sexy, mysterious, funny and off limits.  Every girl, at some point in their lives, wants a bad boy.  The banter they share back and forth is fun to read.

There were alot of things in the story that did not track completely but I didn’t mind so much.

If you are a fan of Twilight then you will probably find these books entertaining.

Never stop reading!

List of Books in Order:

Hush, hush (has been optioned for movie rights)

Crescendo

Silence

Finale

*Nora quote

Read a sample of Hush, hush here

The Infernal Devices

The Infernal Devices (Cassandra Clare)

A prequel to The Mortal Instruments Series

Cassandra does it again in this prequel to the popular Mortal Instruments.

I was afraid I would not be able to get attached to these characters the way that I did in Mortal Instruments but boy was I wrong.  I did have a hard time getting started on this series because I just came off of reading The Mortal Instruments and I kept wanting to compare the characters.  My advice is don’t jump directly to this series…there should be a “hangover” period after being in the world of The Mortal Instruments.

In this series we follow a girl who is a Downworlder named Tessa who must come to grips with who she is and the world she has been thrust into.  It takes place in London in the late 1800’s.  Tessa is a major component to a plot that could turn the Shadowhunter world upside down.  Her ability is very rare…she is able to shape shift into anyone alive or dead.  She retains their memories and personality, making her a very valuable asset to both good and evil.

I read this series after reading The Mortal Instruments and it does help explain some of the histories and family trees but it is not necessary to read this first.  It is a stand alone series and it is done perfectly.

Again Cassandra masters the love triangle and actually does it in a way that you, as the reader, have feelings for everyone involved.  Which is both satisfying and irritating because there is almost no way you can choose who Tessa should be with.  There is Jem, the romantic and Will, the sarcastic and standoffish both of whom love Tessa fiercely.

If you loved The Mortal Instruments, give this series a shot.  It is worth it!

List of Books in Order:

Clockwork Angel

Clockwork Prince

Clockwork Princess

Read the first 23 pages of Clockwork Angel Here

*A quote from Jem

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