Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Reading Level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover: 362 Pages
Release Date: January 31, 2012
Publisher: Tor Teen
Narration: First Person: Ember
Genre: Dystopian
Challenge: Dystopian
Source: The Strand Bookstore

Article 5 Series
Book One: Article 5
Book Two: Breaking Point
Book Three: Unknown (2014)

Order On Amazon: Paperback
                              Kindle
Order On Barnes & Noble:
Paperback and Nook

Author's
Goodreads  Website  Twitter  Facebook

Goodreads Synopsis:

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren't always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it's hard for her to forget that people weren't always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It's hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings—the only boy Ember has ever loved.

My Review:

I've heard about this novel here and there but never payed much attention to it, because although it had a pretty cool looking cover, the synopsis didn't draw me in. Sure, it was well written and summed up the story pretty well, but it lacked individuality and ended up sounding just like any other Dystopian synopsis I've read, albeit with a few meager variations. I wasn't planning on reading Article 5 anytime soon, but after I found a paperback copy in The Strand (Which is the best bargain bookstore EVER, of course that might not mean a lot, considering it's the only bargain bookstore I've ever been to.), I thought, "Ehhh, why not?" Partly because I loved the cover.....and mostly because it was such a good deal that I couldn't resist. xD

It seemed like every single time I was beginning to like Ember as a protagonist, willing to set my annoyance at her petty thoughts and stupid actions behind me, she did something, once again, to make me want to fling my book across the room. Actually, there were a couple of times when I did slam it on the floor, taking advantage of the fact that I was holding a physical book in my hands for once, instead of my fragile Kindle. Anyways, I digress. Ember seemed to contradict herself every other line. At one moment, she would call Chase a monster, someone she didn't even recognize anymore, and in the next, she was pleading with him to help her and her mother escape, screaming at him when he didn't, even when there was absolutely no possible way he could accomplish what she was asking of him. One minute she trusted him and felt nothing but safe in his arms, and then all of a sudden she was afraid of him, flinching at every move he made towards her. Make up your mind, woman!

She seemed to think that the whole world revolved around her, that everything would end up working out in the end if things were done her way. Ember never thought out her plans nor did she think about the consequences that would follow soon after. She ran on instinct alone, and because of that she wound up running face first into trouble more often than not. Although she did fight back when she was in danger, she reminded me a lot of the damsel in distress type that I despise so much.

Luckily, there was only one love interest in this novel. Thank God! I don't know if I could take the angst level if there were two men vying over her affections. Chase was logical; he thought things through before executing his plans, unlike the impulsive Ember who failed to see the bigger picture. He knew when the odds were in his favor, but he also knew to surrender and fight another day when there was no possible way of winning, or a very low chance of escaping with his life and Ember's intact. I can say with the utmost certainty that Ember did not deserve Chase, at all. If she changed her...well...entire personality, then maybe. But the childish, jumping to conclusions way she acts right now? Definitely not. 

This first sixty or so pages were pretty slow paced. I probably picked the book up and set it down dozens of times. The plot, the characters *Cough,Cough Ember*, and the world building just couldn't hold my attention. Everything was very Blah, and I even found myself falling asleep in a couple of scenes. However, once I passed the sixty page mark, the novel picked up speed gradually, and I soon found myself enjoying the storyline, despite the difficulties I had with the protagonist. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed the plot after that mark, the world building left a lot to be desired. I couldn't, and still can't, imagine the world there living in.

Overall, Article 5 had weak world building, a great plot once you reach a certain point, a very yummy love interest, and an annoying, impulsive protagonist who I hope will grow in character throughout the next installment. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves dystopians, is in the mood to drool over a swoon worthy guy, and who doesn't mind a whiny, self-centered protagonist.

Heroine- 2/5
Romance- 4/5
Would've been a five if there was a better protagonist.
Action- 3/5 
Slow at first, but the action gradually increased as the novel progressed.
Comedy- N/A
Overall- 3/5

Percy Jackson: The Sea of Monsters Movie Trailer

I know, I know. First thing I thought when I saw this title, was "What? Pshh, this has got to be one of those fakes or fan made trailers." And although I don't mind watching fan made trailers, I think we can all agree when I say that the real deal is always better. Anyways, I am SO HAPPY that my inner fangirl decided to click the link! Demigods and Demigoddesses (Is that even a word? :O), I present to you the first trailer for Percy Jackson: The Sea of Monsters....*Ques dramatic music.

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

My Thoughts:

The first time I finished watching this trailer, I literally ceased breathing. It looks so freaking epic! Finally, someone beat some sense into the movie director, and he/she has decided to follow the book! I can't wait to see how there going to incorporate Kronos into the story. How about you guys? What did you think about the trailer? Do you like the castings for the new characters Tyson and Clarisse? Do you like Percy's new haircut? (Personally, I like it longer, but that's only my opinion. xD)

Note: This trailer does not belong to me and all rights go to their original owners.

Feature and Follow (27)

Feature and Follow is a weekly meme hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee!

Preferred Follow Method: Either Networked Blogs or GFC. :D 

If you could follow me on Facebook or Twitter, I would be happy to return the favor.

Just leave your links below! :D

Question:

Tell us about the most emotional scene you've ever read in a book

 - and how did you react?

Answer:

The most emotional scene I've ever read was in one of the books in the Mythos Academy series by Jennifer Estep. Dark Frost I think it was? If you haven't read the series yet, then I wouldn't read anymore of my answer, because it'll contain spoilers. 

You have been warned! 

When Nott sacrificed herself for Gwen.....my heart literally stopped. You see, I have a soft spot for animal companions, and to be honest, I cry more for them when they die, rather than the human response to cry for a dying main character. Sad, I know, but it's just the way I am! Don't judge me! I was crying hysterically, and every time I thought I had myself in check, I would start bawling all over again. Of course part of the reason could probably be because I was PMSing and my emotions were all out of whack. xD Ladies, you know what I'm talking about. And if there are any guys reading this at the moment.......awkward.

How about you? What was the most emotional scene you've ever read?

Cover Reveal: Frigid by Jennifer Armentrout

Goodreads Synopsis:

For twenty-one-year-old Sydney, being in love with Kyler isn't anything new. They'd been best friends ever since he pushed her down on the playground and she made him eat a mud pie. Somewhere over the years, she fell for him and fell hard. The big problem with that? Kyler puts the 'man' in man-whore. He's never stayed with a girl longer than a few nights, and with it being their last year in college, Syd doesn't want to risk their friendship by declaring her love. 

Kyler has always put Syd on a pedestal that was too high for him to reach. To him, she's perfect and she's everything. But the feelings he has for her, he's always hidden away or focused on any other female. After all, Kyler will always be the poor boy from the wrong side of tracks, and Syd will always be the one girl he can never have. 

But when they're stranded together at a posh ski resort due to a massive Nor'easter, there's nothing stopping their red-hot feelings for each other from coming to the surface. Can their friendship survive the attraction? Better yet, can they survive at all? Because as the snow falls, someone is stalking them, and this ski trip may be a life-changer in more ways than one.

Frigid will be available in digital formats on July 30^th 2013

Print release of Frigid will be November 5^th 2012

Find The Book:

( Goodreads )

About The Author:

J. Lynn, also known as Jennifer L. Armentrout, is a # 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author. She lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russel Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn.She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Find The Author:

( Website ! Twitter ! Facebook )

Author Interview: Jessica O' Gorek

1. Have you always dreamed of becoming an author? 

If not, what inspired you to become one? 

Since I was twelve I've been hand writing novels. My first one was 2000 pages. My dad was a writer and he died of lung cancer in Oct. 2012. I told him in the hospital I would be famous. He turned to me and said, "I don't doubt it." Now I am even more determined.

2. Did you enjoy reading books as a child? 

If yes, what books were your all time favorites? 

I didn't start reading until I was 12. I never understood how my parents could spend hours and hours with their noses in books. It seemed so boring. Little did I know I would develop the same passion and then some.

3. Are any of your characters based off of people in real life? 

Like yourself or friends? 

No, not really. They are totally different than me and everyone I know. More courageous, more intense and more dedicated to their causes than any real person could ever be.

4. I'm pretty ignorant to the whole process of publishing a book, but one thing I do know is that writing one takes a whole lot of effort and time. Have you ever just wanted to give up? 

If yes, what gave you the inspiration to keep going? 

I never once wanted to give up on my friends, and I mean, they are literally some of my closest friends. I listen to their advice, they tell me where to go, what to say and how to say it. I love them! To give up on my series would be like abandoning my children at this point.

5. Why did you decide to write about Mother Nature and Gemini? 

I wanted to convey the human race's abuse of the planet and make her a living, breathing, vengeful force. Since so many crazy things are happening with the earth, like earthquakes, tsunamis, and super storms, I wanted to come up with an explanation. Perhaps it's not scientific but maybe it will motivate our youth to think carefully about how they treat the earth and what the future holds.

6. The Apocalypse has arrived and you have a zombie beating down your door. You pick up the first thing you see to use as a weapon. What is it? xD 

Fire poker... and/or my husband's large tin cup.

Speed Round:

Winter or Summer? Summer

Black or White? Black

Stripes or Dots? Dots

Cupcakes or Cookies? Cookies

The Hunger Games or Twilight? 

TWILIGHT, TWILIGHT, TWILIGHT, did I say TWILIGHT? 

That concludes our interview! 

Thanks for stopping by Jessica and good luck with your book. :)

About Her Book: 

Mother Earth, wounded by the human race and its disregard for her resources, will recruit human souls to serve Her and turn against humanity. A rising force festers; Gemini, a clan of paranormal beings will systematically possess and destroy towns, cities, and states. Amidst the chaos, a forbidden relationship between Onyx, a lead Gemini, and Violette, a human, begins. They will both find themselves in the middle of a revolutionary war that will either save, or destroy our world.

About The Author:

I was born in Chesapeake, Virginia on April 19th, 1979. I was raised within the American Indian religion and was taught great respect for the earth and all its living beings. Powwows, sweat lodges, vision quests, you name it, I’ve done it. I was the weird kid who would confront kids on the playground in elementary school when they squished a bug. I would very sincerely tell them what they were doing was morally wrong and then I would pray for the bug to come back as a butterfly in its next life.

​​I grew up admiring my father, Barry Weinstock, as an author. He took me around the country to different places so he could research and write his Wilderness Survival books. One of his greatest works, “The Path of Power,” was written with a great medicine man, Sunbear. When I was twelve I started hand writing novels. My first one was two thousand pages. My dad always encouraged me and would rave about my writing. He gave me the confidence I needed to keep writing and follow my dream. My daughter, who is twelve, is currently working on her first novel. I hope to continue the legacy. 

Find The Author:

( Website ! Blog ! Twitter ! Facebook )

Blog Tour + Giveaway: Fraction of Stone by Kelley Lynn

Reading Level: Ages 13 and up
Paperback: 293 Pages
Release Date: March 21, 2013
Publisher: Sapphire Star Publishing
Narration: Third Person: Akara & Rydan
Genre: Fantasy/Superpowers
Challenge: Debut
Source: Xpresso Book Tours

Fraction Series:
Book One: Fraction of Stone

Order On Amazon: Paperback

Order On Barnes and Noble:
Paperback

Goodreads Synopsis:

There is only one among the Tarmack nation with the ability to wield magic, eighteen-year-old Rydan Gale. He lives like a prince, cherished for his talent to bend the fabric of the universe to his will. In the war against the Liasam, he is their ultimate weapon.

The Liasam have a source of magic as well, but Akara’s mastery of her power is rudimentary at best. With a brilliant display of fire-rain Rydan’s side wins the war, giving the Tarmack sole control over dwindling resources due to the natural disasters ripping apart the earth.

When Akara is sentenced to death, Rydan questions the motive, and discovers the leaders of the newly unified nation fear magic above all else. With war a memory, his skills no longer needed, Rydan suspects he is next. Throwing away every comfort, he pulls Akara from the flames of her execution and their lives as fugitives begin.

Both have a tattoo on the back of their neck, the mark of an extinguished tribe. They discover the natural disasters plaguing the world are due to the tribe’s demise and only Rydan and Akara can save the crumbling world.

But the greatest obstacle for saving mankind isn’t the bizarre creatures and determined men hunting them.

It’s that Akara doesn’t believe the world is worth saving.

My Review:

*Some minor spoilers may be included.*

I don't know what I was expecting to find when I first started Fraction of Stone, but it certainly wasn't this. The summary intrigued me with talk about the fate of entire civilizations, the entire world, hinging on the decision of one single girl. In most YA stories, the hero or heroine always does whatever it takes to save all of humanity, but in Fraction of Stone.....that was certainly not the case. Instead, our heroine doesn't believe the world is worth saving. 

Of course I wanted to read more about this magic filled world Kelley created, but I wasn't overly excited about it. Like how desperate I am right now to read Apollyon by Jennifer Armentrout. xD However, after reading the novel, I'm wondering why I pushed it so far back on my TBR pile. Fraction of Stone makes you really stop and think from the characters' perspectives instead of immediately labeling them as heartless people.

Although Rydan and Akara are the only people with the ability to wield magic, they had two entirely different upbringings. Rydan was seen somewhat like a crown prince of his nation. He had everything he could ever want growing up as a child. All the best clothes, all the nicest weapons, and of course, all the prettiest girls. In the beginning of the novel, we see him as a pompous, arrogant, and overly optimistic guy who is used to being treated as the hero. But under that superficial exterior, we also see a quieter side. A side that craves someone who understands the strain of using magic. Someone who fills the undeniable loneliness he tries so desperately to hide. 

Akara, on the other hand, got the short end of the stick. Although she is a very talented sorceress who can wield unfathomable amounts of power, she is treated as no more than a filthy piece of property to be used as a weapon when needed and thrown into the corner to rot when not. Ever since she accidentally lost control of her power and injured her teacher as a child, she was condemned and locked in a cell where she would never see the light of day. Since she's constantly drugged, she can barely even remember her own name, and when she's in the state of mind to think, she craves nothing more than her own death. A way to escape the constant pain she endures from her torturers and the deadness she feels inside.

Fraction of Stone has an immense amount of character development, that rivals even that of The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson. Both Akara and Rydan learn from each other and become better people in result of it. When Rydan saved Akara from being burned alive, some of his reasoning was because he knew it was wrong and iniquitous. However, the majority of it was for his own personal gain. For the opportunity to figure out who he really was and where he really came from. When he did discover that his true calling was to rescue the world from it's ultimate collapse, he treated the quest as if it was a game. A way to be welcomed back into his city as a hero instead of a fugitive. As the story progresses, he learns that life and death is in fact not a game to be played, but something to be taken seriously. Rydan realizes that the weight of the entire world is literally resting on his shoulders.

After Akara is saved by Rydan, she still remains distrustful of all those around her, including her savior. Which is understandable, considering all of the hardships her people put her through. To Rydan, she has little more personality than a husk of corn. Throughout the novel, she begins to open up, little by little, to her travelling companions and learns that there are things in the world, no matter how small, worth saving. I loved the way that Kelley described the outside world in Akara's eyes. She saw beauty in the littlest things, because beauty was a luxury absent in her prior life of dungeons and dank cages. Akara was a great protagonist who challenged me to look at the world in a totally different light. She was a strong and intelligent character that may very well be one of the best written female heroines of 2013 so far.

The action had me completely absorbed in the story. Although the majority of the plot was of them travelling to remote places in order to gather the different fragments of the Gia stone, there was never a dull moment! Every time I even contemplated getting bored, some sort of high speed chase or magic flinging battle ensued to keep my mind occupied.

The romance had to be one of the best aspects of this novel. Thankfully, there was no Insta-Love connection where the two main characters felt that they were destined to be together, because the fates said it was so. In the beginning, they actually hated each other in a way, or if not hate, at least secretly despise. But as they journeyed on into uncharted waters, their trust in each other grew and they learned to rely on each other if they ever came across trouble. Their once acquaintance labeled relationship turned into friendship which gradually morphed into love.

Overall, Kelley is a truly talented author that I will be looking out for in the future. I can't believe that this is only her debut novel! With the style of writing she used and the amount of character development she incorporated into her story, she could be mistaken for a much more experienced author. I would recommend Fraction of Stone to anyone who enjoys strong protagonists, magic filled adventures, and thought provoking stories.

                           *An ebook copy was provided by Xpresso Book Tours 

                                                    in exchange for a honest and thoughtful review.

Heroine- 5/5
Hero- 4.5/5
Romance- 5/5
Action- 5/5
Comedy- 3.5/5
Overall- 4.5/5                                

                                        Click to Watch Book Trailer

About The Author:

During Kelley Lynn’s last year at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, while pursuing her degree in Chemical Engineering, the voices in her head got the best of her. Surprisingly, they didn’t want to talk about process flow diagrams and heat capacity. They preferred the fantastical. So instead of turning to her Thermodynamics book, Kelley brought up a blank page on her computer screen and wrote.

Come graduation, not only did Kelley have a diploma and, thankfully, a wonderful job, but she had a new obsession as well. Amidst the order and exactness that came with the nine to five, Kelley found a way to create; to determine the rules of a world and take her characters to the limits of what was possible. Perhaps she has a slight control complex.

The first in the series, Fraction of Stone, was born on an airplane and took ten days to write. It probes the question, should the world be saved if there’s no one in it worth saving?

When briefly managing to quiet the voices, Kelley participates in softball, soccer and volleyball. (You probably don’t want her on your volleyball team. Unless you want to laugh.) She lives with her sister and her dog who can attest to the chair that has Kelley’s butt print permanently pressed into it. Depending on the weekend, you might be able to hear Kelley sing for an area classic rock band.

Kelley Lynn is a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators.

Find The Author:

( Goodreads ! Website ! Twitter ! Facebook )

Giveaway (5 Ebook Copies)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

Reading Level: Ages 13 and up
Hardcover: 446 Pages
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Narration: First Person: Allie
Genre: Paranormal/Dystopian
Challenge: Paranormal & Dystopian
Source: Netgalley

Blood of Eden Series:
Book One: The Immortal Rules
Book Two: The Eternity Cure
Book Three: Unknown

Order On Amazon: Hardcover
                              Kindle
Order On Barnes and Noble:
Hardcover and Nook

Author's
Goodreads  Website  Twitter  Facebook

Goodreads Synopsis:

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

My Review:

I really really wished the publishing company stuck to the original cover for The Immortal Rules, but despite all my constant begging and pleading, they ended up changing it anyways. And now, since they decided to change the entire theme for the series, we were left with this...

I guess it actually isn't too bad as far as covers go, but I have a difficult time seeing how it pertains to the dark and savage world in which Allison resides. All I see are a bunch of knobby trees, which in no way makes me think of bloodthirsty vampires or dystopian novels. Whatsoever. The other reason I don't like this particular cover is because it's so plain and bland. If I was just some random teenage girl who had never read anything from the fabulous author known as Julie Kagawa, I would've never given this cover a second glance. Which would've been quite a pity, considering that Blood of Eden is one of the best vampire series out there, rivaling even that of the renowned Vampire Academy.

The Eternity Cure pretty much begins where The Immortal Rules leaves off. Allie is on the search for Kanin, her sire, the one who gave her a second chance at life and taught her how to survive as a vampire. However, finding Kanin isn't exactly an easy feat to accomplish, considering the fact that Kanin is being held hostage by the sadistic, psychotic, creepy as hell vampire, Sarren. To make matters worse, instead of feeling one distinctive pull to her sire like she's supposed to, she feels two. Unsure of which lead to follow, she decides to choose the pull that's stronger and closer to her current location. 

Unfortunately, she chooses wrong. Instead of finding her sire, she stumbles across Jackal, her blood brother. The vampire who enjoys watching humans kill each other for sport, who wholeheartedly believes that vampires are, and always will be, the superior race, and the one vampire Allie just happened to stab in the eye. Needless to say, there not exactly the best of friends. However, since they both share the same goal and need each another to reach it, they create an alliance, albeit an unstable one considering the circumstances. Together, they embark on a treacherous journey, finding unlikely faces along the way, searching for their sire and the rumored cure that has the ability to save them all.

Allie, short for Allison, was a great character to read about. In The Immortal Rules, she desperately clung to the last vestiges of her humanity and struggled to remain human by starving herself, hoping that she wouldn't have to become the monster that everyone claimed she was. However, in The Eternity Cure, she has come to terms with her vampiric side and has finally accepted the fact that she was a monster. However, she took comfort in the fact that although she was a monster, she had the power to choose what kind of monster she would be. Allie wanted to rip the throats out of her enemies a countless number of times throughout the novel. But the one thing that made her different from other vampires was that she chose to fight against the demon within, instead of succumbing to her primal instincts. 

Jackal....was a very intricate character. At first, I had absolutely no idea who he was, because I read The Immortal Rules a pretty long time ago. But Julie saved me the hassle of having to dig out my old copy by recapping the most important details of the last novel. I really tried my best to hate him because of his immoral actions in The Immortal Rules, but I just....couldn't. Although he did act like a arrogant jerk the majority of the time and made no effort to conceal his "ulterior" motive, I still fell in love with his sarcastic attitude as well as his attempts to lighten the mood with his own unique type of humor. Along with Allie, I found myself trusting him more and more as the story progressed. I hope he changes his opinions sometime in the future and doesn't turn out to be one of the bad guys. >.<

The first fifty or so pages focused more on recapping the past than furthering the plot. From the reviews I've read, it seems like a lot of people found this section slow moving and tedious. Although I wasn't gripping the edge of my seat or bouncing up and down in excitement, I really enjoyed the way Julie helped us remember characters and significant events in the last book, in subtle ways. If she hadn't done that, I would've probably been confused for the rest of the book, because I would've been to lazy to reread what I forgot. However, once I passed the 50th page, the plot picked up and once again I found myself caught up in the violent Dystopian world Julie created.

I really hoped that there was going to be some sort of romance between Kanin and Allie, but after reading The Eternity Cure, I'm pretty sure that that's not going to happen. The way Allie interacted with Kanin reminded me of the way a daughter would act with her father. And if that's not enough evidence for you, she also stated several times throughout the book that she saw Kanin in a fatherly light. I know I'm probably heartless to say this and that I'll be bombarded with angry emails after this review is published, but I don't really care for Zeke. I mean sure, he's a great guy who sacrificed a lot to be with his one true love, but their relationship never brought butterflies to my stomach and never had me screaming, "Just kiss him, you idiot!" Don't get me wrong, I think Zeke is an awesome character with a whole lot of depth, but as a love interest? Meh.

Overall, The Eternity Cure was a worthy sequel to The Immortal Rules. Although this installment had a slightly darker feel than that of it's predecessor, Jackal's sarcastic, blunt, and sometimes downright sadistic humor lightened the otherwise gloomy atmosphere. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading up on the Paranormal and is attracted to books with darker themes.

*An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.
Favorite Quotes:
"I don't believe in fate," he said carefully, "but... I do believe everything happens for a reason. That there is some plan, some meaning to this darkness we live in."  -The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa
Cover- 2/5 
By itself, it's alright. Compared to the previous cover, there's no competition.
Heroine- 4/5

Romance- 3/5

It was a well written romance, but I didn't care for it, because I had hoped it would be with a different person...
Action- 4/5
Comedy- 4/5  Those 4 Stars are for you Jackal. xD
Overall- 4/5

Trailer Reveal: Fallen Stars by Stephanie Keyes

The Fallen Stars by Stephanie Keyes
Release Date: April 12th, 2013
Publisher: Inkspell Publishing
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Series: The Star Child #2

Kellen St. James was just your average seventeen-year-old prodigy, until he eighty-sixed the Lord of Faerie and proposed to the Celtic Goddess, Calienta. But then everything in Kellen’s life gets turned upside-down when he and Cali end up on the run from a seriously irritated group of faeries. The worst part? They have zero idea why they’re being hunted.

Suddenly, Kellen is stuck in the middle of another prophecy that foresees him turning away from Calienta and embracing the dark. He’ll be forced to take sides in a struggle to claim his birthright, while discovering secrets about his father’s past. Meanwhile, his passion for Cali grows stronger, even as the prophecy threatens to tear them apart.

In the end, will Kellen and Cali survive the fates? 
When the ultimate power is within reach, which side will he choose?

Find The Book:

( Goodreads )

 The Fallen Stars from Stephanie Keyes on Vimeo

About The Author:

Stephanie Keyes has been addicted to Fantasy since she discovered T.H. White as a child and started drumming up incredible journeys in her head. Today, she's still doing the same thing, except now she gets to share those ideas with readers!

When she's not writing, Stephanie is also a graphic designer, international speaker, teacher, musician, avid reader, and Mom to two little boys who constantly keep her on her toes. In addition, she's best friend to her incredible husband of eleven years.

Mrs. Keyes holds an undergraduate degree in Business and Management Information Systems from Robert Morris University and a M.Ed. from Duquesne University. She is a member of the Society For Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), as well as a featured author in the global group of writers, Love a Happy Ending.com.

Keyes is the author of the YA Fantasy series, The Star Child, which currently includes The Star Child (September 2012) and The Fallen Stars (April 2013), both released by Inkspell Publishing. She is currently hard at work on the third book in the trilogy, The Star Catcher.

Find The Author:

( Goodreads ! Website ! Twitter ! Facebook )

Shooting Stars by H. D. Gordon

Reading Level: Ages 12 and up
File Size: 435 KB or 303 Pages
Release Date: March 15, 2013
Publisher: ShareARead
Narration: Third Person: Omniscient
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Challenge: Paranormal
Source: ShareARead

Surah Stormsong Series:
Book One: Shooting Stars

Order On Amazon: Kindle

Order On Barnes and Noble: Nook

Author's
Goodreads  Website  Twitter  Facebook

Goodreads Synopsis:

Once upon a time, a common boy fell in love with a princess. It was a hopeless, forbidden love, grown in a world where sorcery and magic rule over all. Now, dark times are brewing, and destiny will bring them together, while fate works to keep them apart. Extraordinary battles will be fought, and extraordinary choices made. Join the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga for the beginning of a tale of star-crossed lovers and magic, of hope and love and loss, of desperate wishes made on stars. 

My Review:

I have to admit, when I first started reading Shooting Stars, I had absolutely no recollection of anyone named Surah Stormsong in Gordon's Alexa Montgomery series. (*Cringes* I'm a horrible person, I know.) I'm guessing that the majority of bloggers experience this as well. Not specifically for this book, but in general. Because once you've reached a certain number of books, plots blend, and characters, some more than others, blur together until there unrecognizable. However, there are some characters that leave such a strong impression behind that they become unforgettable. I was surprised that Surah wasn't one of them for me, because she made quite the dramatic entrance in Redemption. But in my defense, it wasn't completely my fault for not recognizing her from the start, because she did seem like an entirely different person compared to who she was in Redemption. 

In Redemption, we saw her as a vengeance seeking, sari wielding, blood spilling, stubborn young sorceress who had the tendency to act before thinking about the repercussions that would follow soon after. However, in Shooting Stars, she was a heck of a lot more controlled and dignified. Through the time gap between Redemption and Shooting Stars, she's learned to keep her composure, wear a steady and blank expression on her face at all times, and to smile her "princess smile" when needed, to assure her people that everything was just dandy even when the kingdom was quite literally tearing itself apart. 

I admired her restraint and control in difficult situations, but there was just some part of me that wished she would whip out her Sari Swords and kick some ass once in a while. To this very moment, I don't understand why she couldn't have taken out her enemies in combat if she could easily keep up with the legendary Blood Warrior in Redemption, who was supposedly the deadliest, and most lethal killer in their era. Maybe I'm missing something, but from my standpoint, it doesn't make sense.

Another factor that makes Shooting Stars starkly different from Blood Warrior is Samson, Surah's animal companion and loyal best friend. She saved him from certain death when he was just a young cub, and ever since, they've been inseparable. He was everything you could ever want in a best friend. Loyal, Loving, Wise, Kind, albeit furrier than most, but still, friendship knows no boundaries. Don't you agree? For some reason, I'm a complete softie when it comes to animal best friends. To be honest, I would cry, and have cried, a lot more for animals when they die, rather than the normal human response to cry for the death of a main character. 

The romance between Charlie and Surah was more based off of feelings and affection rather than the scorching, almost explosive relationship Alexa and Kaydan had. Both of these types of romances are unique in their own way, but I found the snarky comebacks constantly being thrown between Alexa and Kaydan to be much more intriguing and entertaining than the sweet, adorable moments with Charlie and Surah.  

The action took me a while to get into and even when I did finally get into the flow of things, I wasn't completely enthralled with the story. I was never bored per say, but I wasn't chomping on the bit to find out what happened next either.

Overall, Shooting Stars is completely different from the Alexa Montgomery series, something I definitely wasn't expecting. Although they take place in the same world, they both have two very contrasting atmospheres with two very different protagonists. It doesn't really matter which series you read first, because there aren't many connecting factors, but I would suggest that you read Alexa's story before Surah's so you could be privy to the entire background story. Although I did enjoy reading Shooting Stars, I prefer Blood Warrior more, because I'm drawn to darker, action driven novels. However, if your more interested in star-crossed lovers, romance driven novels, and lighter themes, Shooting Stars would be a great read for you.

*An ebook was provided by the publishing company 

in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.

Heroine- 4.5/5
Romance- 4/5
Action- 3/5
Writing- 4/5
(Gordon has a very epic & dramatic style of writing, but some things she wrote for the purpose of effect alone grew repetitive.)
Overall- 3.5/5

Click to Watch Book Trailer

Feature and Follow (26)

Feature and Follow is a weekly meme hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee!

Question: 

What is your guilty pleasure as far as reading? 

Is it a genre, or is it a certain type of book?

Answer: 
Hmmmm...Guilty Pleasure. I have to say that I gravitate more towards the Paranormal genre than any other. Don't get me wrong, I'm not afraid to try new, unique, or sometimes downright wacky novels, but I tend to get more excited about books that are paranormal based, because it's a genre I'm familiar with. Something that has a less likely chance of disappointing me. It's just something about star-crossed lovers, destiny and fate, badass superpowers, and goose bump raising prophecies that intrigues me to no end.

How about you? 
What's your guilty pleasure?

Cover Reveals: Surrender & Justice by Rhiannon Paille

Surrender by Rhiannon Paille
Release Date: November 9, 2012
Series: The Ferryman & The Flame #1

Kaliel was warned about her love for the Ferryman. One day he will marry the land and leave Avristar forever. She doesn't listen, and because of what she is-- a Flame-- one of nine apocalyptic weapons, she sparks a war. In a desperate attempt to save her home and her love, Kaliel tries to awaken Avred, not knowing she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Find The Book:

( Amazon )

Justice by Rhiannon Paille

Release Date: January 16, 2013

Series: The Ferryman & The Flame #2

Krishani always knew he would have to go to the Lands of Men, but he never thought it would be like this. Enemies everywhere, an ancestor he can't respect, elders he can't trust, a curse he can't stop and friends he can't help but hate. Desperate to end the pain, he sets out on a quest to find the other Flames and face the enemy that took everything from him.

Find The Book:

( Amazon )

Note: Surrender and Justice will be free on Amazon 
ONE day only on March 19th.

About The Author:

Rhi was never a normal girl. Her life was an urban fantasy wrapped in a paranormal romance and served with a side of horror. To escape her everyday weirdness she began writing fantasy. She studied at U of Sedona and MIMT, obtaining a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. She's married to a chef/comic book shop owner and has a fondness for architecture. She frequents twitter and facebook, but if you really want to get to know her you should visit her site: www.yafantasyauthor.com

Find The Author:

( Goodreads ! Website ! Twitter ! Facebook )

Blog Tour: Shooting Stars by H. D. Gordon

Once upon a time, a common boy fell in love with a princess. It was a hopeless, forbidden love, grown in a world where sorcery and magic rule over all. Now, dark times are brewing, and destiny will bring them together, while fate works to keep them apart. Extraordinary battles will be fought, and extraordinary choices made. Join the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga for the beginning of a tale of star-crossed lovers and magic, of hope and love and loss, of desperate wishes made on stars.

Find The Book:

( Goodreads ! Amazon ! Barnes and Noble )

1. Have you always dreamed of becoming an author? 

If not, what inspired you to become one?

I have always been a writer, if that’s what you mean. I love to write, and feel like it’s in my DNA. I wrote before I ever even considered making money off of it. My mother always told me I could do it for a living, but I thought nothing of that, because to me it was like telling me I could make money from breathing- what I mean is that I thought, yea sure, that’d be great, but I’m gonna do it with or without being paid for it anyway. So yes and no. I was already an author, and have never felt the need to be validated by others. I just recently found out that I could make a living doing it. It was a nice surprise, to say the least.

2. What were your favorite books growing up as a child? 

Have your tastes in books changed since then?

I loved the Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine, and the works of Edgar Allen Poe. My mother didn’t believe in restricting reading material, so I was handed very mature works at a very immature age. I think I gravitate toward the macabre, and still do, as my all-time favorite author is Stephen King. I like any story that is told well, though. I like love and heartache, pain and peace, just as long as the words fall right.

3. Are any of your characters based off of people in real life?

 Like yourself or friends?

All of them. Many of them are just different parts of me, as we all go through so many changes in our lives that we can be a completely different person than we were a year ago, or a month ago, or a day. I pick out interesting people, and study them in an almost creepy manner. I take traits from everyone I know, and my family who reads my books notice it all the time. Everyone is subject to end up in a book, myself included.

4. When you get writer's block, if you get it at all xD, 

what do you do for fun to get inspired?

I call my mom first. I complain to her about how depressed I am, tell her that I’m not built for this, that the world is ending and for her to cry for me when I fade away into horrible oblivion. She listens, then tells me how I’m always this way and she’s worried. To which I become indignant, saying I’ve given her no reason to worry, I’m perfectly fine. Then she tells me to go write, that writing is the only way to fix it, and I listen to what I’m told. She helps me through all of my stories. She helps me so much that I’m not sure I could do it without her. She is my Ideal Reader. The one I still call from across the country and make listen to whatever I’ve written. She never steers me wrong. She reads more than anyone I know-and I know a lot of readers- and she reads everything. I’m probably gonna help her self-pub a book soon, and you should look out for it if you like my work at all, because she is the one who nurtured my writing.

If that doesn’t work, I go watch shitty TV shows and kill zombies on Call of Duty. And I read, of course. Reading is a sure way to recharge creative batteries.

5. I've heard that the Surah Stormsong novels are a spinoff of your bestselling Alexa Montgomery series, is that true? 

If it is, can you tell us the differences and similarities between the two?

It is true. And it would be easier to list the similarities, because the two are nothing alike. Surah has a lighter feel, one that’s not so heart-wrenching from start to finish, maybe not as dark. I really wanted to give my readers a breather, let them lick their wounds before I shoved my hand through their chests and ripped their hearts out again. Shooting Stars is a love story at its core. And this book is just the beginning. I wanted it to be about two people whose love was so great that they could (hopefully) overcome incredible odds. I think the readers will be pleased with this one, especially as the story continues into book two and three.

As far as the main character goes, Alexa and Surah are very different. Surah is more controlled, wiser, thinking before acting, but she is no less strong or fearsome. I’ve grown very fond of her already.

6. If you could only eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It would have to be American food. I love steaks and burgers and hotdogs and simple stuff like that. Also, American food is really just a melting pot of all the other cultures, so I would still get everything.

Speed Round:

Werewolf or Vampire? Depends on personality.

The Hunger Games or Twilight? 

Oh, hard one. I loved Twilight when I first read it, and Hunger Games too..Hmmm, tie.

Day or Night? Night.

Winter or Summer? I need both. By the middle of each, I always miss the other.

Rainy Day or Sunny Day? Again, both. I love to be out in the sunshine, but there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book on a rainy day.

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. :D

Can't wait to read Shooting Stars!

Thank you for having me! 

It was a pleasure!