Katie's Book Blog

Dark Inside (Dark Inside #1) by Jeyn Roberts

2012-02-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Dark Inside (Dark Inside #1)
Author: Jeyn Roberts
Release date: November 1, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 329
Source: Publisher

Since mankind began, civilizations have always fallen: the Romans, the Greeks, the Aztecs…. Now it’s our turn.

Huge earthquakes rock the world. Cities are destroyed. But something even worse is happening. An ancient evil has been unleashed, hooking on to weakness, turning the unwary into hunters, killers, crazies.

Mason: His mother is dying after a terrible car accident. As he endures a last vigil at her hospital bed, his school is bombed and razed to the ground. Everyone he knows is killed.

Aries: A school bus, an aftershock and a crash. Pulled out of the wreckage by a mysterious stranger, she’s about to discover a world changed forever.

Clementine: An emergency meeting at the town hall that descends into murderous chaos. Outside the rest of their community encircle with weapons. How can those you trust turn into savage strangers?

Michael: A brutal road rage incident. When the police arrive on the scene they gun down the guilty and turn on the by-standing crowd. Where do you go for justice when even the lawmakers have turned bad?

Dark Inside is a very gritty post-apocalyptic novel. I was shocked at how brutal and gory it was. It took a little getting used to but by the end I loved it!

Dark Inside is told from 4 different points-of-view. Michael, Mason, Clementine, and Aries are four teens who survived the massive earthquake and subsequent attacks. They lost pretty much everyone they loved and now they are just trying to survive. All four of them were very unique characters and I ended up really liking them all. They were all faced with very tough situations but they pulled through and they were stronger because of it.

The plot was very fast-paced. From the very first page I had a hard time putting this book down. It was seriously non-stop action. My one issue with this book though was how dark and depressing it was. It was also very creepy at times. Normally I can handle it but this one was so realistic that it really started to scare me. I couldn't read this one right before bed. =P

Overall, Dark Inside has it's flaws but the good things definitely outweigh the bad. I do think that it will creep some people out so you might want to keep that in mind when deciding whether or not to read this one but if you like darker books definitely give this one a shot!

Rating: A-

Books By Their Covers (5)

2012-02-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

Books By Their Covers is a new feature here on Katie's Book Blog. It is created by me and it is a chance for me to share my love of book covers. In this feature, I will pick one book cover and give you guys my opinion of it. =)

My opinion: This cover has so many things going for it. It shows a glimpse of what the story is about, it can appeal to both guys and girls, and it is very eye-catching. It is a dark cover but in this case that is a good thing. The font could be a little bolder to help it stand out but it really doesn't detract from the awesomeness of the cover.

Rating: A+

Fever (The Chemical Garden #2) by Lauren DeStefano

2012-02-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Fever (The Chemical Garden #2)
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Release date: February 21, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 341
Source: Publisher

Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but danger is never far behind.

Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago - surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.

The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous - and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can’t seem to elude Rhine’s father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion...by any means necessary.

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read Wither, do not read this review!

I didn't think it was possible but Fever is even better than Wither. Fever was gripping and heart-pounding and I was hooked from the very first page. This series is so unique and I can't believe where Lauren DeStefano took the story in this book.

Rhine is a strong heroine. She does not sit by while people hurt her and the ones she loves. She takes action! Still, she isn't afraid to show weakness to the people she loves. She is smart, strong, courageous, and vulnerable. She is practically the perfect heroine and there is a lot of development of her character in this book. Gabriel is also a lot more developed in this book. He is brave yet scared, strong yet weak, and always great to Rhine. He grows so much throughout Fever and my heart broke for both him and Rhine at times. Some new characters were also introduced, both good and bad. And speaking of bad characters: daddy dearest is back and even crazier than before! Vaughn is one sick man with pretty much no redeeming qualities. He pretty much scares the crap out of me. Lauren DeStefano has done a great job making him a realistic villain.

The story in Fever is a lot darker than that of Wither. Rhine and Gabriel may have escaped but they are definitely not safe. The trials that face them in Fever threaten their lives, their sanity, and their love for each other. Things never turn out quite right for these two but I seriously hope there is a happy ending for them.

Lauren DeStefano's writing has only gotten better since Wither. Her prose is beautiful and lyrical and impossible to stop reading. Read this book for the writing, if nothing else.

Overall, Fever is by far, one of the best books I have ever read. It is dark and gritty but there is always a small ray of hope. Fans of Wither will not be disappointed by this one!

Rating: A++

Blog Tour: Trafficked by Kim Purcell + Giveaway!

2012-02-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Trafficked
Author: Kim Purcell
Release date: February 16, 2012
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

Hannah is an ordinary teenager growing up in Moldova until her parents are killed in a terrorist bombing. While she’s still mourning the loss, she gets an offer that sounds too good to be true: a job as a nanny for a Russian family in Los Angeles.

At first, it seems like her luck has finally turned around, but life with the Platonovs quickly spirals into a nightmare. Lillian, the mother, forces Hannah to work sixteen-hour days cleaning, and won’t let her leave the house. Sergey, the father, is full of secrets. And they refuse to pay Hannah.

Stranded in a foreign land with false documents, no money, and nobody who can help her, Hannah has become a modern-day slave. And the more Hannah unravels this family’s terrible secrets, the more her life—and her family back home—are in grave danger. Desperate and lonely, she reaches out to the boy next door. But in the end, the only one who can save Hannah is herself.

Trafficked is a unique book not just for the YA market but for the fiction market. It's a haunting story of a girl looking for a future who instead gets trapped in a nightmare. Hannah's story is a very real one that I think should be read by everyone.

Hannah goes to America to earn money to help her grandmother, learn English, and go to school to become a doctor. She never thinks about herself, only the ones she loves and people she can help. Even though her trip to America started terribly she doesn't let if affect her and she looks forward to the opportunities America presents her. She is brave, kind, funny, and strong. No matter what happens to her she continues to think of how she can help her grandmother and anyone else who might need her help, including the neighbor boy, Colin. Hannah's relationship with Colin doesn't really develop until close to the end of the book so it's hard to feel like you know him. Either way, he is a nice guy who just needs a friend, like Hanah.

The family that Hannah "works" for is not what you would expect. They are a nice family of four with some dark secrets and quite a few insecurities. They don't seem like the type of people who would force a teenage girl to slave for them and that is the scariest part. On the outside they are just another normal family but on the inside, things are so much darker.

My one complaint is that the book does drag a little. There are brief spurts of suspenseful chapters and then it goes back to Hannah's everyday chores. It got a little dull at times and I sometimes had to force myself through some of the less interesting parts. Luckily it wasn't often and the end of the book just killed me. Those last chapters are impossible to stop reading.

Overall, Trafficked is a heavy story but one that has a great message. This book is a raw account of one girl's harrowing ordeal but all throughout there is a little ray of hope that keeps Hannah going. You must check this one out.

Rating: B

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Sequels Giveaway!

2012-02-19T14:50:00.000-05:00

Since there are so many series that I haven't read, I want to giveaway a few of my sequels to people who have actually read the first books. I have eight sequels to giveaway today and there will be two winners!

The choices:

All books are ARCs and will be shipped from me to the winners. Winner one will get their choice of two sequels from the list and winner two will get to choose one of the remaining sequels.

Details:
-Open to US/CA residents only.
-Giveaway ends on March 11.

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Blogger Interview: The Dancing Reader!

2012-02-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today I have a new blogger for you guys to meet: The Dancing Reader! She has only been blogging for a little while but I love chatting with her on Twitter and she has great taste in books!

What are you like outside of blogging?

Outside of blogging, I’m a generally quiet person, and I’m fun when I’m around people that I’m comfortable with. I love meeting new people though. I’m also a dancer, which is something that I love as much as reading.

What book changed your life?

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that has changed my life, I’m still waiting for it. No book has really changed my perspective on how I see the world, really.

What made you decide to start your blog?

One of my old friend’s moms blogged about her personal life, and I thought that was pretty cool. I decided to start my own personal blog, and somehow, it merged into a book blog. When I found out about the real book blogging community, I started over with a fresh new blog for book reviews.

What blogs/bloggers inspire you?

As mentioned in my About page on my blog, several blogs /bloggers inspire me. I have been following all of these blogs by email for quite some time now.

1. Obviously, Katie’s Book Blog. Her blog is just amazing, her reviews are completely honest and well written. I know I can rely on her reviews when I’m thinking about reading a book. Whenever I get a new update from her blog in my inbox, I’m always eager to check out what it is. Katie is a hard-working blogger and I can’t wait to continue following for many years to come.

2. Lauren @ Lauren’s Crammed Bookshelf: Lauren is an awesome blogger. She recommends me books, and her reviews are very informative, which I love. If I have any questions, I can always depend on Lauren!

3. Grace @ Wordslikesilver: Before I ramble about her fantastic blog, can I just say, Grace’s reviews are so thoroughly written that it forces me to take more time to write each review. I don’t know how she has so much patience to write such a long, yet honest and worth-reading review. Aside from that, Grace is also a dancer, like me. And she reads. Super. Fast. Lastly, she’s my best blogger friend. J

4. Melina @ Reading Vacation and H.D. @ Reading Writing Breathing: These two. Do I even need to say? They are one of the youngest bloggers out there, and yet they are so mature and I look up to them. I really do. Their posts are fun to read and I am always intrigued. When I have questions, I always go to them for help. Awesome, awesome bloggers.

Those are just SOME of the bloggers whom inspire me :P

What are your goals for your blog in the future?

My goals for my blog in the future: well, being a new blogger, I would just like to get my blog out there. Right now, it’s still a tiny blog, and I just want people to know about it, and enjoy my posts.

Do you love or hate your mailman?

I actually have never met my mailman before. =P I’m not allowed to receive or ship anything out, so I’m afraid I will never have a decided opinion on my mailman!

Favorites:

-Book of all time: I can’t decide on one! But I can narrow it down to 3 books. I recently read The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. While I didn’t completely understand it, it’s still definitely one of my favorites, a genre I have never experienced before. Another favorite has got to be Divergent and Anna and the French Kiss. No words. Just go read them if you haven’t already.

-New release: I actually am quite behind on new releases, but they new-ish ones that I REALLY liked are The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin and Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick.

-Genre: My favorite genre would HAVE to be romance. If there is no romance, there is a HIGH possibility I won’t like the book. There has to be some type of romance in every book I read.

-Place to Read: I like reading on my comfy armchair (which I usually fall asleep on while reading) or my bed. =)

-TV show: Dance Academy. No doubt. Shoutout to Grace @ Wordslikesilver for recommending it to me. Us crazy dancers and our obsessions. And Pretty Little Liars. Gah, SO intense.

-Candy: Do Lindor truffles count?

-Drink: Mango Pineapple Smoothies from McDonald’s!

So there you have it, guys! Check out her blog at The Dancing Reader and on Twitter!

In My Mailbox 143 (week of February 18)

2012-02-18T20:01:00.000-05:00

In my mailbox is a meme created by Kristi at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie. It is a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either for review, from the library, from the bookstore, or from trades.

For review:

-Shadow & Bone (The Grisha #1) by Leigh Bardugo

-The Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Myers

-My Favorite Mistake (The A Circuit #2) by Georgina Bloomberg & Catherine Hapka

-Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby

-Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

-A Want So Wicked (A Need So Beautiful #2) by Suzanne Young

-Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer

-Balthazar by Claudia Gray

-A Touch Morbid (A Touch Mortal #2) by Leah Clifford

-Arise (Hereafter #2) by Tara Hudson

-For Darkness Shows The Stars by Diana Peterfreund

-The Gathering Storm (The Katerina Trilogy #1) by Robin Bridges

-The Nightmare Garden (The Iron Codex #2) by Caitlin Kittredge

-Gil Marsh by A.C.E. Bauer

-Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale

-Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Born Wicked (Cahill Witch Chronicles #1) by Jessica Spotswood

2012-02-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Born Wicked (Cahill Witch Chronicles #1)
Author: Jessica Spotswood
Release date: February 7, 2012
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Pages: 326
Source: Publisher

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship - or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood - not even from each other

Born Wicked has everything a reader could possibly want: magic, forbidden romance, prophecies, lies, and betrayals. It's hard to pick one favorite thing about this book. Everything about it is just fabulous!

One of the best and most unique things about Born Wicked is the setting. It is set in an alternate New England of the 1890s. Jessica Spotswood took some bits of real New England and added her own magical touch. The town itself is beautiful as is Cate's own home. The setting only adds to the beauty and the wonder of the book. It's a very unique ability to be able to blend history with fiction but Jessica Spotswood has done it with Born Wicked.

Cate is a strong character that is easy to like even though she has some flaws. She is brave, smart, kind, and a great sister. Her biggest flaw though is that she is unwilling to rely on others. She trusts very few people (with good reason) and the few people she does trust she doesn't want to endanger. Her sisters were sometimes harder to like. They didn't listen to Cate very often even though she was just looking out for them. I still managed to completely fall in love with Tess but I can't say the same about Maura. She was very selfish and immature. She needs to do a lot of growing in the next book. Finn, on the other hand, was perfect the way he was. For once the love interest wasn't someone typically handsome or popular with the ladies. He was a real guy that you still can't help but fall for.

It does take a little time to get into the story but once you are in, you are hooked! Secrets keep being revealed and each one is more shocking than the last. By the end of the book you will be on the edge of your seat dying for the Cahill sisters to get a happy ending. I know I was!

Overall, Born Wicked is one of the strongest debuts I have read. Jessica Spotswood has a gift and I can't wait to see what she does with it next. The sequel to Born Wicked just moved to the top of my wish-list!

Rating: A++

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing: Houghton Mifflin Edition! (19)

2012-02-17T00:00:00.002-05:00

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing is a meme based off of The Story Siren's Books To Pine For and other posts such as that one. There are so many books out there that I want to read and this is a good way to spotlight some of them. This weeks theme is books being published by Houghton Mifflin in 2012!

Click on the books title to be taken to the Goodreads page.

Title: Deadly Pink
Author: Vivian Vande Velde
Release date: July 10, 2012

Grace Pizzelli is the average sister. She’s nothing like her brilliant older sister, Emily, who works for Rasmussem, creators of the world’s best virtual reality games. They seem so real that you can taste the food and smell the flowers.

The games aren’t real, though—or at least they weren’t. Now that Emily has hidden herself inside one , it’s clear that the technology can only keep her safe for so long. Something must have gone terribly wrong for Emily to retreat into the pink and sparkly Land of the Golden Butterflies, but no one seems to know what.

Grace may consider herself average, but she’s the only one who can save Emily. So Grace enters the game, hoping to find her sister and talk her out of virtual suicide. There isn’t much time left before sustained exposure to the technology will have dire results. Unless Grace can find her sister soon, Emily will die—for real.

Title: Enchanted

Author: Alethea Kontis

Release date: May 8, 2012

It isn’t easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.

The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past—and hers?

Title: First Comes Love
Author: Katie Kacvinsky
Release date: May 8, 2012

Like his name, Gray is dark and stormy. Dylan, a girl always searching for what's next, seemingly unable to settle down, is the exact opposite: full of light and life. On the outside, they seem like an unlikely couple. But looks can be deceiving and besides, opposites attract.

What starts as friendship, turns into admiration, respect and caring, until finally these two lone souls find they are truly in love with each other.

But staying in love is not as easy as falling in love. If Dylan and Gray want their love to last, they're going to have to work at it. And learn that sometimes love means having to say you're sorry.

Title: Ladies In Waiting

Author: Laura L. Sullivan

Release date: May 8, 2012

Eliza dreams of being a playwright for the king’s theater, where she will be admired for her witty turns of phrase rather than her father’s wealth.

Beth is beautiful as the day but poor as a church mouse, so she must marry well, despite her love for her childhood sweetheart.

Zabby comes to England to further her scientific studies—and ends up saving the life of King Charles II. Soon her friendship with him becomes a dangerous, impossible obsession. Though she knows she should stay away from the young, handsome king, Charles has a new bride, Queen Catherine, and a queen needs ladies in waiting.

And so Zabby, Beth, and Eliza, three Elizabeths from very different walks of life, find themselves at the center of the most scandal-filled court that England has ever seen.

Title: The Wicked And The Just
Author: J. Anderson Coats
Release date: April 17, 2012

Cecily longs to return to her beloved Edgeley Hall, where her father was lord of the manor. But now he has completely ruined her life. He is moving them to Caernarvon, in occupied Wales, where he can get a place for almost nothing, since the king needs good strong Englishmen to keep down the vicious Welshmen. At least Cecily will get to be the lady of the house at last—if all goes well.

Gwenhwyfar knows all about that house. Once she dreamed of being the lady there herself, until the English came and destroyed the lives of everyone she knows. Now Gwenhwyfar must wait hand and foot on this bratty English girl who has taken what should have been hers.

While Cecily struggles to find her place amongst the snobby English landowners, Gwenhwyfar struggles just to survive. And meanwhile the Welsh are not as conquered as they seem. Outside the city walls of Caernarvon, tensions are rising ever higher—until finally they must reach the breaking point.

What are you waiting, wanting, wishing for this week?

Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne

2012-02-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Harbinger
Author: Sara Wilson Etienne
Release date: February 2, 2012
Publisher: Putnam
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

When sixteen-year-old Faye arrives at Holbrook Academy, she doesn't expect to find herself exactly where she needs to be. After years of strange waking visions and nightmares, her only comfort the bones of dead animals, Faye is afraid she's going crazy. Fast.

But her first night at Holbrook, she feels strangely connected to the school and the island it sits on, like she's come home. She's even made her first real friends, but odd things keep happening to them. Every morning they wake on the floors of their dorm rooms with their hands stained red.

Faye knows she's the reason, but what does it all mean? The handsome Kel tries to help her unravel the mystery, but Faye is certain she can't trust him; in fact, he may be trying to kill her - and the rest of the world too.

Harbinger is a book unlike any I have read. It was not at all what I expected and in this case that only made it better. It was creepy, suspenseful, and at times, confusing (but in a good way!)

Holbrook Academy is a place for kids who need help. Some of them have mental issues, some have anger issues, some have issues with authority, and some have issues that they would rather keep hidden. Holbrook, however, does not plan on helping them. The headmaster of the school has a different agenda, one that is much more sinister. Holbrook is a dark and twisted place that holds many secrets that tie the kids together. It's a unique boarding school type of setting but in this case it's a boarding school you wouldn't want to go to, even in your worst nightmares. Even though it was such a horrid place it was a beautiful setting.

The characters were both the best and worst part for me. Even though their situations are unlike any I (or anyone really) have ever been in they are very easy to relate to. They are alone, scared, vulnerable, and just trying to find their places in Holbrook and the outside world. Their problems are much bigger than most teenager's problems but they are just like regular teens. Well except for the occasional waking nightmare and the random outbursts at the authority figures at Holbrook. My only real issue was how uncaring Faye seemed at times. She was very focused on what was happening to her and not the other kids even though they were going through the same thing. She was even worse at the end. I just felt that there were times when she was selfish and almost acted like a villain.

The story was one of the most dark and twisted, suspenseful stories I have read. So many things happen that seem unexplainable but they are eventually explained. Everything ties together remarkably well at the end of the book. There is also some very fascinating history in Harbinger and it only added to the awesomeness of the book.

Overall, Harbinger is an amazing debut novel and Sara Wilson Etienne holds a lot of promise as a YA author. On and another great thing about Harbinger is that it is a standalone! =)

Rating: A

2012 YA Contemporary Challenge: Month Two Reviews + Giveaway

2012-02-16T00:00:00.001-05:00

So, somehow we are halfway through the second month of the YA Contemporary Challenge. How did that happen? Anyway, I hope you guys managed to read and review some great contemporaries this!

As for the giveaway, this month you have the chance to win a hardcover copy of The Queen Of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker and an ARC of The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour (thanks to the lovely Angela!)

If you posted a review of one of the contemporary challenge books (remember, it has to be published in 2012) on your blog, Goodreads, and/or Amazon, link to it in the linky below. Link each review only once even if you posted it on multiple sites.

The linky is only open until March 1. Every review entered in the linky will count as one entry into a giveaway for a hardcover copy of The Queen Of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker and an ARC of The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour (thanks to the lovely Angela.) The winner will be chosen on March 2 after the linky closes. Once you add your review to the linky, fill out the form so we have your contact info!

Also, just so everyone knows, the linky on my blog is the same as the one on Angela's. You only need to link your review to one of them and it will show up on both!

Fill out the form here!

Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy #6) by Richelle Mead

2012-02-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy #6)
Author: Richelle Mead
Release date: December 7, 2010
Publisher: Penguin
Pages: 594
Source: Bookstore

Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa first in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them.

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read the previous books in this series, do not read this review!

Last Sacrifice is the perfect end to the Vampire Academy series. I'm not happy that there are no more books in the series but I am very satisfied with the way things ended. Richelle Mead pretty much tied everything up, leaving just a few loose ends that I am sure will be addressed in the Bloodlines series.

It's really hard to explain how I felt about this book without going into spoilery things. As far as the Rose-Dimitri-Adrian love triangle, I think we all knew how that was going to end. I didn't really like how long it took to reach that ending but the end was very sweet and romantic.

Another thing I liked about this book was Lissa. She finally stopped relying on Rose and grew some semblance of a backbone. Don't get me wrong, I liked her in previous books but she has never really done anything. She definitely did something in this book and I loved her for it.

The plot of Last Sacrifice was fabulous! There was so much going on at all times. It was hard to put this book down. It seemed like one problem would be resolved only to have another one pop up. It was very gripping.

Overall, Last Sacrifice is the perfect end to the Vampire Academy series and I can't wait to read Bloodlines now. I am so glad that there will be more books set in the VA world and hopefully more Rose, Dimitri, Lissa, Christian, Adrian, and the rest.

Rating: A++

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

2012-02-14T00:00:00.001-05:00

Title: Bittersweet
Author: Sarah Ockler
Release date: January 3, 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 378
Source: Publisher

Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life, and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances… a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been.

So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life…and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done.

It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last…

Sarah Ockler is quickly becoming a big name in YA contemporary and Bittersweet may be her best book yet. Bittersweet is the perfect mix of fun, fresh, romantic, and angsty. It definitely has a little something for every reader.

Hudson is not a perfect main character. In fact, she is very flawed. She is selfish, rude, and sometimes mean. However, these are some of the main reasons why I loved her. She is a typical teenager yet she is forced to grow up early in life. She pays bills, she watches her little brother, she works, and she goes to school. She is very responsible, loving, caring, and sometimes sweet. She is a multi-faceted character who you can't help but root for.

Hudson's brother, Bug, was my favorite. He was so odd and cute! I dare you not to fall in love with him. Hudson's mom and dad aren't as easy to love. Her dad left them when he divorced their mom and he very rarely gets in touch. Their mom is always working and always forcing Hudson to miss out on things so she can watch Bug or work at the diner. Hudson's best friend, Dani, is fun and quirky but she has her bad moments. Admittedly, Hudson probably deserved those moments. As for the boys, I loved them all. Each hockey boy was unique in his own way and totally hilarious. Then there were Will and Josh. Will was a lot more vulnerable than he let on and he was a good guy. Josh, though, stole my heart. He was sweet, caring, funny, nice, and a little mysterious. He was one-of-a-kind. He and Hudson has some pretty funny interactions throughout the book that cracked me up.

The story doesn't immediately grab your attention but it really does take very little time for you to get into the book. The first 30 or 40 pages set up the backstory and from then on the book is very gripping. There wasn't a ton of stuff going on but that doesn't mean it wasn't a 100% awesome story that will keep you reading late into the night.

Overall, Bittersweet has earned a place on my favorites shelf. This super cute contemporary is one that you will want to read over and over again.

Rating: A++

Safe And Sound Music Video!

2012-02-13T23:40:00.000-05:00

I promise this is the last post for the day but I just couldn't resist. Check out the awesome music video for Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars! I can't wait for The Hunger Games!

Get More: Taylor Swift, Safe & Sound, Music, More Music Videos

Event Recap: Becca Fitzpatrick Signing!

2012-02-13T22:47:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday I was lucky enough to get to attend Becca Fitzpatrick's signing here in Colorado. Admittedly I didn't really need to go to the signing since I have all her books signed from previous signings but I just couldn't pass up the chance. Becca is such a nice person and I love listening to her talk about her books and she always shares new things at her events.

The signing had a great turn-out! There were no empty seats! There were so many teens at the event and they were all super excited to meet and talk to Becca. Becca was open to pretty much any questions during the event and like I said, I learning some exciting new things.

First off, Hush, Hush started off as a contemporary novel. Yeah, totally didn't see that coming. Becca wanted Patch to be the perfect bad boy and what better way to do that than make him a fallen angel, as she called them "the original bad boys." I definitely think she succeeded in her goal. I love Patch even though there are times when he is a total ass.

Second, after Finale, Becca's next book is going to be a thriller with no paranormal elements! Yay! I am a huge fan of thrillers and I'm a huge fan of Becca's as well so I can't wait to read it. She said it was about a girl who has to track down a killer before he tracks her down. =O

Also, one thing I learned from Becca is to never ask a guy to a dance using a hot dog. Totally not a good idea. Oh and don't try to write your friend's name on the hot dog plate in place of your own, especially not when that friend already asked someone to the dance.

I think the best part though was just getting to hang out with some awesome bloggers and authors. I had a great time chatting with my fellow Colorado bloggers. Seriously, get us all together and we can talk for hours! It's so much fun!

Jen (Book And Latte), Valerie (Stuck In Books), Nina (Lost In The Pages), ME, Jessi (Otherwhere.co)

Overall, Thursday was an awesome night. I had a blast at the signing and I can't wait for the next chance to hang out with these lovely ladies.

Also, if you are in Colorado and what details about the blogger lunch, email me (katieb206@gmail.com). Any bloggers are welcome and I would love the chance to meet more Colorado people.

Arcadia Awakens by Kai Meyer

2012-02-13T12:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Arcadia Awakens
Author: Kai Meyer
Release date: February 14, 2012
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Pages: 451
Source: Publisher

To Rosa Alcantara, the exotic world of Sicily, with its network of Mafia families and its reputation for murder and intrigue, is just that—exotic and wholly unknown. But when her life in Brooklyn begins to fall apart, she must travel there, to her family’s ancestral home, where centuries of family secrets await her.

Once there, Rosa falls head over heels for Alessandro Carnevare, the son of a Sicilian Mafia family, whose handsome looks and savage grace both fascinate and unsettle her. But their families are sworn enemies, and her aunt and sister believe Alessandro is only using Rosa to infiltrate the Alcantara clan. And when Rosa encounters a tiger one night—a tiger with very familiar eyes—she can no longer deny that neither the Carnevares nor the Alcantaras are what they seem.

Hidden caves, dangerous beasts roaming the hills, and a history of familial bloodlust mean that Rosa can’t trust anyone. Torn between loyalty to her family and love for their mortal enemy, Rosa must make the hardest decision of her life: stay in Sicily with her new love…or run as far and as fast as she can.

Finding the words to describe Arcadia Awakens is kind of impossible. It's a book unlike any other and that is not all about it that is awesome. Arcadia Awakens is a thrill ride that will have you on the edge of your seat and leave you begging for more.

Arcadia Awakens is set in Sicily and while I have never been, now I kind of feel like I have. The decriptions are so lush and vivid that it isn't hard to imagine being there with Rosa. Sicily is this crazy beautiful place but what makes it so beautiful are all the things that make it so different. Sure there are dead animals on the sides of the roads, trash piles all over the place in certain areas, and unfinished construction sites in odd places but those things only add to the beauty and mystery of the place. It's a wonderful setting!

I'm the first to admit that I don't care for stories about were-animals but clearly I was reading the wrong books. The transformations of the characters in the book weren't awkward. It was more like comfort. Either form, human or animal, was normal for them and the transformations weren't painful but beautiful. I think another thing that added to the awesomeness of the were-animals was the history. Greek mythology mixed in? Hell yes!

As if the book couldn't get any better, the characters were strong and very human. Sometimes their paranormal sides come out but only at times of extreme emotion. Their mafia sides also came out at times and let me tell you, those were the real scary sides. What those people were willing to do to protect their secrets was just yikes. Human life was taken pretty lightly by the mafia families. (As a warning to readers: yes there is some gore and death.) Rosa and Alessandro were definitely the best characters but they were all fabulously well-developed and some were love them or hate them characters. I will say this: the book has a great cast of villains! Yikes! Do not get on the bad side of those guys.

The romance is accurately described as a Romeo and Juliet romance. Rosa and Alessandro are from enemy mafia families and their love will never be accepted. However, it's clear that they are meant to be together, both from how they act around each other, and some interesting discoveries they make about their clans. The romance is a great mix of sweet, sexy, and a little dangerous. It's a kind of subtle romance but one that keeps you smiling whenever you read about Rosa and Alessandro together.

The plot is not immediately engrossing but it's worth it to get through the first 40 or 50 pages. That part is mainly just backstory and set up for the rest of the book so it is a little dull but once you get past that there is not another dull moment in the book. The last 200 pages especially will have you biting your nails and hoping for the best. All that build-up leads to a suspenseful ending that answers just enough questions to have you satisfied but leaves enough open to have you dying for the next book.

Overall, Arcadia Awakens is one completely fabulous book that I highly recommend. If I knew how to read German I would totally order the other two books in the series but sadly I will have to wait until they are translated to English.

Rating: A++

Books By Their Covers (4)

2012-02-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

My opinion: There are very few things I like about this cover. The people don't look natural to me. They look uncomfortable and Sydney (I think it's Sydney) looks meaner than I pictured her from the books. Her hair also looks really stiff and the tattoo just doesn't look right. Oh and I absolutely hate that you can only see half of the guys face. That is a huge pet peeve of mine. Really the only thing good about this cover is the font. It is very pretty.

Rating: C+

Blogger Interview: James from Book Chic Club

2012-02-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today I am so excited to have an interview with the awesome James from Book Chic Club! James' blog was actually one of the first blogs I read and followed. =)

What are you like outside of blogging?

I'm pretty shy until you get to know me. Once that happens though, I'm completely different- most people are shocked that I curse quite a bit, sometimes for no real reason other than it's fun to curse. I love to make people laugh and do have an irreverent sense of humor (by the way, Family Guy never offends me, so that tells you something about my own humor, lol). I'm also quite nerdy and am a media whore (aside from having a ton of books, I have a ton of CDs and DVDs). I love to sing and dance too, though have never done it outside the privacy of my own home (unless you count choir in high school, but it's not like I did solos or anything). I don't really know what else to put... so if there's something else a reader wants to know, leave a comment and I'll answer there!

What book changed your life?

I guess I'd have to say The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot because it introduced me to YA and opened me up to a wonderful new genre of books. And also Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt in a way, which I'll explain in the next question.

What made you decide to start your blog?

Lauren Barnholdt was trying to do some online promotion for her then-upcoming book Two-Way Street and asked her blog followers (of which I was one since I'd read and loved her debut Reality Chick, now re-published as Watch Me) to help her out. She said she was open to doing interviews and I jumped at that chance because I thought it would be cool. Well, I was right and I loved coming up with questions for her. I decided that I wanted to do more interviews and post my thoughts on books so I created a Myspace account in late June 2007 and did a blog there, which I moved over to Blogspot in 2009 and have been there ever since. So going back to the last question, Two-Way Street changed my life by inspiring me to create a blog.

What blogs/bloggers inspire you?

It's a bit hard being inspired when you were one of the first book bloggers, but one of the bloggers I look up to is Kristi from The Story Siren. She helps out so many bloggers with her Dear Story Siren/Dear Publisher and Building a Better Blog posts and is a part of so many different things, like the Debut Author Challenge. And she does all this with a job! I'm unemployed currently and I barely have the time to just do a post a day! It's crazy.

I also look up to blogs like Presenting Lenore, Steph Su Reads, and Persnickety Snark because of the amazing discussions they have on their blogs. They're so insightful and intelligent and I wish I could have discussions as great as theirs.

What are your goals for your blog in the future?

I don't really do goals for my blog. Maybe I should, but I don't. I just keep reading and reviewing books, interviewing authors, doing my current features Meandering Monday and Cat Friday, and participate in memes like Waiting on Wednesday and In My Mailbox. My goal, I guess, is to just keep blogging and doing the best I can.

Do you love or hate your mailman?

I actually don't really know my mailman because I live in a townhouse complex and the mailboxes are all together at the top of the hill so I have no contact with him/her. But I guess I do love them because they deliver the fabulous books that publishers send my way. :)

Favorites:
-Book of all time- Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman (if you haven't read it, GO GET IT!)

-New release- Don't Let Me Go by J.H. Trumble and Diabolical by Cynthia Leitich Smith

-Genre- I love and read all kinds, but I think romantic comedies are my favorite.

-Place to Read- I prefer my bed but the downside is that then I get tired and have to nap, lol. But really, anywhere comfortable will do- the couch is my usual place.

-TV show- OMG SO MANY! But I'm particularly enjoying Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock, Cougar Town, Family Guy, and Parenthood. I figured I should stop at 5. But as for shows not on anymore, Gilmore Girls, Charmed, Golden Girls and Newsradio are my faves.

-Candy- Anything chocolate, like Milky Way, Kit Kats, Twix, though I do also Skittles and Starbursts every so often.

-Drink- Chocolate milkshake and Wild Cherry Pepsi.

You guys can find James on Twitter or on his blog, Book Chic Club!

In My Mailbox 142 (week of February 11)

2012-02-11T19:41:00.001-05:00

For review:
-The Immortal Rules (Blood Of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa
-First Comes Love by Katie Kacvinsky
-The Princesses of Iowa by M. Molly Backes
-Froi Of The Exiles (The Lumatere Chronicles #2) by Melina Marchetta
-The Traitor In The Tunnel (The Agency #3) by Y.S. Lee
-Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan
-Wanted by Heidi Ayarbe
-Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
-Dark Eden 2: Eve Of Destruction by Patrick Carman
-Dreamless (Starcrossed #2) by Josephine Angelini
-The Temptation (Kindred #1) by Alisa Valdes
-Insignia by S.J. Kincaid
-Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer
-Partials by Dan Wells
-Masque Of The Red Death by Bethany Griffin (signed!)
-The Hero's Guide To Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy (signed)
-Thumped (Bumped #2) by Megan McCafferty
-A Want So Wicked (Need #2) by Suzanne Young
-Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London
-Fall From Grace by Charles Benoit
-Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
-A Confusion Of Princes by Garth Nix
-All The Right Stuff by Walter Dean Myers
-The Onyx Talisman (Talisman #3) by Brenda Pandos

-The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

-The Rivals (Mockingbirds #2) by Daisy Whitney

-Shift by Em Bailey

-The Girl Who Could Silence The Wind by Meg Medina

-A Beautiful Evil (Gods and Monsters #2) by Kelly Keaton

-Everlasting (Kissed By An Angel #5) by Elizabeth Chandler

-Collision by Stefne Miller (signed)

Won:

-The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker

Bought:

-Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury

-Crossing The Tracks by Barbara Stuber

-The Nightmarys by Dan Poblocki

-Experienced (Beautiful Americans #3) by Lucy Silag

-Flash Burnout by L.K. Madigan

-Boneshaker by Cherie Priest

-The Revenant by Sonia Gensler

-Flood And Fire by Emily Diamand

-Invincible (Chronicles Of Nick #2) by Sherilynn Kenyon

-Perfect Fifths (Jessica Darling #5) by Megan McCafferty

-Shadows (Dark Touch #1) by Amy Meredith

-Sisters Of Misery by Megan Kelly Hall

-It's Kind Of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

-The Probability Of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

-Sea by Heidi R. Kling

-Jane by April Lindner

First book in the Agency series is A Spy In The House!

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing: Egmont Edition! (18)

2012-02-10T00:00:00.001-05:00

Title: BZRK
Author: Michael Grant
Release date: February 28, 2012

Set in the near future, a conspiracy is afoot to create a perfect and perfectly controlled world. The Armstrong Fancy Gift Corporation is a front for the conjoined Armstrong twins, Charles and Benjamin, and the plot to create their own version of utopia.

A shadowy guerilla group known as BZRK form a nascent resistance movement. Both sides develop sophisticated nanotechnology to achieve their goals:

-The Armstrong twins develop the nanobot, a stealth device that latches onto the brains of unsuspecting citizens

-BZRK's DNA-derived biots are deployed to search out and destroy the insidious bots. If biots are destroyed, the brain cells of their DNA-donor also die. Hence the name BZRK.

Title: Guitar Notes

Author: Mary Amato

Release date: July 24, 2012

When Tripp Broody’s mom takes away his guitar, the 9th grader signs out the school guitar to use on odd days in Music Practice Room B during his lunch period. But Lyla Marks, the perfect cello player who uses the same room on even days, begins to leave notes in the guitar case along with bad vibes. At first, the two seem to have nothing in common. But there’s something about the scratched old guitar they share, and the music that they create in the little room, that enables them to reveal the secrets—and discover the scars—that connect them.

Title: One Moment
Author: Kristina McBride
Release date: June 26, 2012

This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie’s life. Now it's the one she'd do anything to forget.

Maggie Reynolds remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party the night before. She remembers climbing the trail hand in hand with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below – dead?

As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?

Title: Quaranteen

Author: Lex Thomas

Release date: April 24, 2012

The Thorpe brothers are on their own. Ever since their mom died, and their dad took a big job, David’s been forced to play parent to his epileptic younger brother, Will. He knows he’s got to teach Will how to take care of himself sooner rather than later. But when a mysterious explosion rocks their high school one morning, David realizes he needs to teach Will real survival skills, if the two of them are going to make it out alive. With the explosion, a deadly virus is unleashed on the school. The virus only infects teenagers in their peak puberty years, causing them to lose their hair and making them lethal to adults and children. Within minutes, every faculty member is dead. The military quarantines the building, opening fire on any escape attempt and installing bi-monthly food drops. After a year of quarantine, with no adults around, all of the social cliques have developed into gangs—The Nerds, The Geeks, The Freaks, The Skaters, The Pretty Ones and Varsity—and without a gang, it’s almost impossible to survive.

Because of an old grudge, David is hated by Varsity, the scariest gang in school. Because no gang wants trouble from Varsity, nobody wants David or Will as a member. Now, more than ever, the brothers need to work together, but if the school doesn't kill them, sibling rivalry will.

Title: Shift
Author: Em Bailey
Release date: May 22, 2012

Shift is a sinister YA psychological thriller that tears through the themes of identity, loss and toxic friendship. Olive Corbett is definitely not crazy. Not anymore. These days she takes her meds like a good girl, hangs out with her best friend Ami, and stays the hell away from the toxic girls she used to be friends with. She doesn't need a boyfriend. Especially not a lifesaver-type with a nice smile. And she doesn't need the drama of that creepy new girl Miranda, who has somehow latched on to Olive's ex-best friend. Yet from a distance, Olive can see there's something sinister about the new friendship. Something almost...parasitic. Maybe the wild rumours are true. Maybe Miranda is a killer. But who would believe Olive? She does have a habit of letting her imagination run away with her...

What are you waiting, wanting, wishing for this week?

The Edumacation Of Jay Baker by Jay Clark

2012-02-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: The Edumacation of Jay Baker
Author: Jay Clark
Release date: January 31, 2012
Publisher: Henry Holt
Pages: 272
Source: Publisher

A few “sexy” bullet points about Jay:
• He is in love with a cheerleader named Cameo “Appearance” Parnell
• He is forever losing “Love-15” to tennis-playing goddess Caroline Richardson
• He rocks a touché array of pop-culture references, jokes, and puns
• His family-life cookie is about to crumble.

Live vicariously through Jay as he faces off against his mortal enemy, gets awkward around his dream girl(s), loses his marbles in a Bermudian love triangle, watches his parents’ relationship implode, and, finally, learns to get real and be himself(ish).

The Edumacation Of Jay Baker let me down. I expected too much from it instead of going in with no expectations. Readers, if you don't expect anything mind-blowing from this book, you will like it. Just go in open-minded.

Jay Baker is very much a teenage boy. He has girls, sex, food, and fart jokes on the brain. Occasionally he has thoughts about school and his dysfunctional family that is falling apart. Mainly though everything that comes out of his mouth is immature and sarcastic. He clearly used sarcasm to mask his feelings and that is understandable but it was just too much. There are times when you need seriousness and Jay Baker never delivered that. As for the two love interests, I couldn't see it. There was no connection between Jay and Caroline or Jay and Cameo. Caroline was quiet and shy and they played tennis together but never seemed to actually get to know each other. They just randomly started dating. And Cameo is this cheerleader how has a new boyfriend each week but all of a sudden is in love with Jay as soon as he gets a girlfriend. I just couldn't see either relationship happening realistically.

The pop culture references were the most redeeming aspect of this book. They were current, easy to understand, and hilarious. I particularly liked the Katy Perry and Twilight references. I'm all for books making fun of pop culture. =)

I also have to admit that all of the characters (except Caroline) were pretty hilarious. Ms.Lambert has to be the funniest though. She is the coolest teacher ever. Her interactions with Jay were the funniest parts of the book. Jay's and Mike's interactions were also pretty comical although a little offensive. This book really toes the line of being offensive.

Overall, if you are a big fan of pop culture references and humor, give this one a shot. If you are into more serious books with deeper meaning, I'd say pass. This book is hit or miss and sadly it was a miss for me.

Rating: B-

ALA Book Haul!

2012-02-08T23:11:00.000-05:00

I've had some people ask for an ALA book haul so here it is. Sorry, but I'm not posting a list. I'm too lazy to do that right now. Maybe later!

Blog Tour: Interview with Emily Casey

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today I am lucky enough to have Emily Casey, the author of The Fairy Tale Trap, here on the blog today for an interview!

KBB: Why did you decide to write a novel for young adults?

EC: Honest? I just can’t imagine writing anything else.

Adults are kind of boring. (Sad, but true.) They have to worry about grown-up things and forget to live through the good parts of life. Teens are still figuring out who they are and what they like. They have so many choices ahead of them, so I think it’s more interesting to write about them.

KBB: What do you think makes your book stand out in today’s market?

EC: Ivy. She’s the best main character I’ve ever written. She says exactly what’s she’s thinking and it gets her into trouble most of the time. Ivy is put into a familiar setting—I mean, who hasn’t heard of Beauty and the Beast?—but the way she handles it is what makes this story so fun.

KBB: Do you have any must-haves while you are writing?

EC: I need to be alone when I write. I hate having other people in the room. Other than that, I don’t think I have any absolute necessities. Sometimes I write by hand, sometimes I’m on my laptop. Every once in a while I’ll write with music in the background. It depends on my mood, I guess.

KBB: What kind of books do you read in your spare time? Do you read the same genre that you write?

EC: I love fantasy (especially urban fantasy, but I’m not picky), but I also read outside the genre. I occasionally pick up a good sci-fi or zombie book. I even picked up a thriller recently. Who knew?

KBB: Can you tell us anything about what you are currently working on?

EC: Book 2, of course! I’ve included some good stuff about The Fairy Tale Twist at the end of The Fairy Tale Trap. The most exciting thing: Ivy *might* have a love interest.

I’m also writing some short fiction, to keep my writing muscles limber. I’m in the middle of Cinderella and Zombies, which is SO much fun to write!

KBB: What is one young adult book that you would recommend?

EC: Wow. Well, if you like Ivy’s voice, Rachel Hawkins’ Hex Hall series is really good. But that last book I read that I just couldn’t put down was Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry. It surprised me. I didn’t think I liked zombies, but obviously it made an impression on me.

KBB: Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions. =)

Readers, if you would like to find out more about Emily Casey and The Fairy Tale Trap here are some places to find her around the web.

Goodreads

Twitter

Website

Also, check out more about Emily Casey and The Fairy Tale Trap on Lisette Manning's blog and Sally Stephenson's blog for the blog tour!

Wings Of The Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton

2012-02-07T00:00:00.001-05:00

Title: Wings Of The Wicked (Angelfire #2)
Author: Courtney Allison Moulton
Release date: January 31, 2012
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books
Pages: 528
Source: Publisher

Life as the Preliator is harder than Ellie ever imagined.
Balancing real life with the responsibility of being Heaven’s warrior is a challenge for Ellie. Her relationship with Will has become all business, though they both long for each other. And now that the secret of who she really is has come out, so have Hell’s strongest reapers. Grown bold and more vicious, the demonic threaten her in the light of day and stalk her in the night.

She’s been warned.
Cadan, a demonic reaper, comes to her with information about Bastian’s new plan to destroy Ellie’s soul and use an ancient relic to wake all the souls of the damned and unleash them upon humanity. As she fights to stay ahead of Bastian’s schemes , the revelations about those closest to her awaken a dark power within Ellie that threatens to destroy everything—including herself.

She’ll be betrayed.
Treachery comes even from those whom she loves, and Ellie is broken by the deaths of those who stood beside her in this Heavenly war. Still, she must find a way to save the world, herself, and her love for Will. If she fails, there will be hell to pay.

Angelfire was a fabulous start to this trilogy but Wings Of The Wicked really sealed the deal. This book has everything readers could possibly want: romance, action, angels, demons, reapers, and one serious badass main character. Ellie is my girl! =)

Ellie's life has changed a lot since Will came back into her life but Ellie hasn't changed much. She is just a normal girl trying to save the world from demonic reapers. No biggie! In this book Ellie faces even more challenges than in Angelfire and my heart broke for her more than once. Things aren't at all easy for Ellie but she fights through it and Will never leaves her side. Now that is one seriously devoted boy. Will also faces quite a bit in this book but he is still his dark and moody self. The boy needs some happy pills. (I still love him though.)

The action in this book is seriously non-stop. I never knew when some reaper was going to pop up out of nowhere and try to kill Ellie and Will. Sadly some of the fight scenes in this book had devastating consequences and I did tear up a little. I truly love all the characters in this book and seeing any of them hurt broke my heart. Courtney Allison Moulton did a great job of making me feel for the characters.

Overall, Wings Of The Wicked is a spectacular sequel to Angelfire. The book may be over 500 pages but by the end up will be wishing it was longer.

Rating: A++

Angelfire (Angelfire #1) by Courtney Allison Moulton

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Angelfire (Angelfire #1)
Author: Courtney Allison Moulton
Release date: February 15, 2011
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books
Pages: 453
Source: Publisher

First there are nightmares.
Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.

Then come the memories.
When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Now she must hunt.
Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember.

Courtney Allison Moulton's debut novel introduces a world of reapers, angels, and one seemingly human teenage girl. The story is probably one of the most unique stories I have read and I was hooked from the beginning.

Ellie was a bit of a wimp at first but that quickly changed. I had heard that she was a great heroine but I didn't know how true that was until I read the book. Ellie was badass! She was fierce, brave, protective, and courageous yet she still had her scared and vulnerable moments. She was very real. Will was dark, mysterious, and a but moody but he quickly grew on me. He was just as fierce as Ellie and they were great together. Neither of them overshadowed the other. Kate, Nathaniel, and Lauren were also fabulous characters. Yay for best friends who don't backstab you!

The plot of Angelfire was extremely fast-paced. Ellie is thrown into this world of reapers and she doesn't get a training period. These guys are out to get her and they are EVIL! There is a ton of action and I really think this book could appeal to both guys and girls because of that. =)

Overall, Angelfire is a must-read, in my opinion. I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to read it!

Rating: A