Wow—what an experience! I was a huge fan of “Sky in the Deep” so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on “The Girl the Sea Gave Back” with the hopes that tWow—what an experience! I was a huge fan of “Sky in the Deep” so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on “The Girl the Sea Gave Back” with the hopes that this story would be just as fantastic (and it is!!). My favorite thing about Adrienne Young is that I never want her stories to end!
“The Girl the Sea Gave Back” starts about 10 years after “Sky in the Deep.” The story focuses on Tova, a Truthtongue from the Kyrr people, who ends up as an unwanted ‘guest’ of the Svell people, and Halvard, the younger brother of Fiske. Tova lives on the outskirts of Svell culture from the time she is 6 years old and is feared and hated because of her mysticism while Halvard is becoming a man under the peaceful existence of the Riki and Aska people, now collectively known as the Nadhir.
The story alternated view points between both characters while also giving us glimpses into their pasts. We get to see the struggles Tova faced with who she was and how she was treated, while at the same time seeing Halvard flourish under the guidance of his family. It was sometimes heart-wrenching to read about Tova’s harsh upbringing and then to read about the same timeframe in Halvard’s life because their paths were so different. In the end, they both had a tough journey to face and Ms. Young’s writing style was flawless in guiding us through it. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors!!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ...more
I've loved everything Erin Watt has written, until this book. I just couldn't connect with it, and it just felt too forced. The story is about Beth, wI've loved everything Erin Watt has written, until this book. I just couldn't connect with it, and it just felt too forced. The story is about Beth, who's sister Rachel is killed in an accident, and the aftermath she faces from overprotective parents, Rachel's old boyfriend, and the person who killed Rachel being at Beth's school. This sounds like the start of a really good book but the problem I had was the beginning was too rushed and the storyline jumped forward so much I had a hard time trying to understand what was happening. One line of the story something is happening, and then the next line is something completely different, making the writing at the beginning of the book really disjointed. It did get better as the story progressed, however, I still had a hard time with it.
What I loved about previous Erin Watt books was they write with a certain level of realism that they stretch just enough for a great story. This time I thought the stretches were too much. First, the person who killed Rachel was in juvie but gets out and attends the same school as Beth; okay I can buy into that, even though the easier bet was getting his GED while in juvie. Second, the parents are borderline psycho in their over protectiveness; okay, I get that one too. But the final straw for me was Jeff, the dead sister's boyfriend, taking 2 years off high school and suddenly reappearing after a hiatus in England to finish school the same year Beth becomes a senior and the 'murderer' enrolls in the school. That was a bit too much for me, and at that point the story took a predictable and kind of boring turn. I did finish the book and have read enough of Erin Watt's other books to continue reading them, but I would not recommend this one to a first-time Watt reader. ...more
SO. GOOD. I am a huge fan of Paula Quinn and once again she has written a highland romance that I could not put down. In order to get information abouSO. GOOD. I am a huge fan of Paula Quinn and once again she has written a highland romance that I could not put down. In order to get information about his lost daughter Lachlan MacKenzie agrees to kidnap Mailie McGregor, the daughter of Tristan and Isobel, and give her to a man who was denied her in marriage by Tristan. Lachlan expects to kidnap her, turn her over, and find his Annabel. Of course that doesn't go as planned! We get to see lots of our favorite characters from previous books which always adds to the wonderful story. This is a definite recommendation from me, even if you haven't read the rest of the series!...more
Unfortunately, Ace of Shades, was not a story I could get into. I thought the card tattoo idea was interesting but that's about it. I thought the bantUnfortunately, Ace of Shades, was not a story I could get into. I thought the card tattoo idea was interesting but that's about it. I thought the banter between characters was kind of stuttered and did not flow well, and I just had a hard time reading. I did not finish reading the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own....more
This book was unique and phenomenal and I absolutely loved it! Furyborn follows the lives of Rielle and Eliana. These two women live thousands of yearThis book was unique and phenomenal and I absolutely loved it! Furyborn follows the lives of Rielle and Eliana. These two women live thousands of years apart but their stories are so intertwined it was exciting to read. The story flips back and forth between the two and is entertaining and suspenseful, and the cast of characters are so endearing and well done. I loved how everything came together in the end and cannot wait for more! ...more
Stumbling Into Love is another fantastic book by Aurora Rose Reynolds! Mac is Fawn's sister, the main character from the first book in the Fluke My LiStumbling Into Love is another fantastic book by Aurora Rose Reynolds! Mac is Fawn's sister, the main character from the first book in the Fluke My Life series, so if you've read Running Into Love then you've already met her. She's trying to get over a two-year crush when she meets Wesley in a bar, after being stood up by her date. One thing I love about Aurora Rose Reynolds' books is that she knows how to write an alpha male! Wesley is great! He's a NYPD detective and quickly becomes infatuated and protective of Mac. Their chemistry is off the charts and the story was excellent! I'd read anything by this author!...more
Between the Blade and the Heart is a story about nineteen year-old Malin who is training to be a Valkyrie. In the first book of the series Malin is coBetween the Blade and the Heart is a story about nineteen year-old Malin who is training to be a Valkyrie. In the first book of the series Malin is coming to terms with finding out that what she was raised to believe about Valkyries may not be as it seems. This was a quick read for me. I loved the mythology aspect of the story and thought some of the characters were interesting, but the overall story and Malin's behavior were predictable at times. It's a good book but it just fell somewhat flat for me and I found myself skimming more than reading towards the end....more
Amy Jarecki is a go-to author for me when I am in the mood for a highland romance. Her books are always quality work with a great story and endearing Amy Jarecki is a go-to author for me when I am in the mood for a highland romance. Her books are always quality work with a great story and endearing characters. In The Highland Guardian, Reid MacKenzie unexpectedly becomes the guardian to Audrey Kennet when her father dies. Reid thinks he's taking charge of a child rather than a young woman which makes for an interesting dilemma. Audrey's a shy, naive homebody who would be content to be left alone. Throw in a long-lost, creepy cousin who is after the Kennet estate and this book officially has everything I love in a good story. ...more
Just the word ‘Viking’ was enough to draw my interest to Sky in the Deep but it definitely didn’t hurt that Adrienne Young is an amazing storyteller. Just the word ‘Viking’ was enough to draw my interest to Sky in the Deep but it definitely didn’t hurt that Adrienne Young is an amazing storyteller.
Viking wars, berserker tendencies, and a love interest too; you don’t want to miss this one! If I were a Viking warrior, I would want to be just like Eelyn. She’s strong, feisty, and determined and her character was easy to empathize with. Fiske (oh, Fiske!), Iri, Myra, Halvard, and the rest of the characters that rounded out the story, the setting, the fighting, the rituals; everything made this book fantastic!
I devoured this book while at the same time hoping it would never end. I love that it’s a stand-alone because they are so rare these days, but I was stalking Young before I even finished reading to make sure we were going to hear more from her. Bonus: there’s a companion novel coming in 2019!!
This is a must-buy! Recommended for lovers of fantasy, historical fiction, YA, and romance. ...more
Gene is a human going to an all-vampire school. Humans are thought to be near extinction and no one would ever suspect one to be blending into vampireGene is a human going to an all-vampire school. Humans are thought to be near extinction and no one would ever suspect one to be blending into vampire society. Most vampires have never seen a human so when The Hunt is announced they are eager to participate. The Hunt is a race, between individuals selected by lottery, to chase down and kill the last humans that are living in captivity. Every vampire is dying to be selected to participate in this event, except for Gene, because how can he hunt down and kill other humans without the vampires suspecting him of being one too. When he is selected for The Hunt he is expected to train with the other vampires. When Gene meets the humans, called hepers, that he will be hunting he can’t believe they are just like him. He was taught that they were backward savages. After meeting them he has to decide on whether or not to continue on or think of a way to get out of the hunt. He’s pretty sure he’s figured it out until he meets another human pretending to be a vampire. Now Gene is not sure of anything anymore, especially when he finds clues left by a scientist at the training facility that may lead to a safe haven for humans.
The main character, Gene, in this book is unique because even though he is surrounded by vampires he is all alone. He goes to extreme measures to blend in and not be noticed. There were plenty of surprises in this story that I was not expecting. This book is filled with trepidation, and was hard to put down!
The Hunt is a truly original vampire story. These vampires aren't here to fall in love, they're here to devour!
I received a copy of The Hunt through a First Reads giveaway. The book was provided by the publisher....more
I won a copy of Shadowed Souls in a Goodreads First Reads contest. The book was provided by the author.
Shadowed Souls is the story of Ava. She’s a ScoI won a copy of Shadowed Souls in a Goodreads First Reads contest. The book was provided by the author.
Shadowed Souls is the story of Ava. She’s a Scottish woman living in NYC. World War III devastated the world and caused the formation of a one world government. Ava works as a special agent for the United Alliance. Ava can see angels and demons, unlike her twin sister Elora. Ava is an independent, spunky, sharp-tongued young woman. Ava and Elora’s mother stopped one of the biggest human cloning operations, and there is a prophecy that says Ava will finish where her mother left off. That’s where Aedus comes in. He’s the angel that’s going to train her. On top of worrying about the prophecy Ava is dealing with a case at work that has her investigating the local mafia.
This story was good, and there was always something going on. It was definitely unique. Ava is a great character although she’s a little boring. Her twin sister Elora seems to be a more developed character. While I enjoyed the story I thought maybe a little romance would have helped. The story is good but it wasn’t enough. It was hard to connect with Ava, or feel any emotions towards her. She is surrounded by attractive guys throughout the book, yet she feels nothing. Now, I’m not saying every book has to have some kind of love story infused into it, I just think this story would have been more entertaining with a bit of intrigue. That being said, I loved Gavin. I think there might be more to him than we’ve seen so far and I hope he’ll be in next book! ...more
I received a copy of this book in a First Reads contest. The book was provided by the publisher.
First off, I have to admit that I am in love with thiI received a copy of this book in a First Reads contest. The book was provided by the publisher.
First off, I have to admit that I am in love with this cover! It's awesome!
Claire is a sixteen year old who doesn't understand why her mother panics and packs them up every so often. She's been going to the Emerson Academy for 2 years, and hopes her mom doesn't get any notions to move again. She finally has good friends that she would hate to leave behind. Unexpectedly Claire starts getting visions of the future. She has no clue what is going on. That same day she meets the gorgeous, new Scottish student Alec. Alec is surprised by his attraction to Claire. It’s the first time he’s ever felt that way in the 100+ years he’s been alive. When Alec finds out the truth about Claire he realizes their relationship is forbidden. This book was great because it was so easy to connect with Claire. She doesn’t attempt to hide her problems because she is embarrassed or worried about being a freak. The first thing she does when she starts having visions is tell her friends. Alec is great because he’s not perfect. The author’s writing style makes it hard to put this book down!! The story is entertaining and I can’t wait for the next book! Forbidden was fantastic! ...more
I received an ARC of Isle of Night through a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
Isle of Night is a unique, fast-paced, exciting book that I could not put I received an ARC of Isle of Night through a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
Isle of Night is a unique, fast-paced, exciting book that I could not put down! The protagonist Drew is down-to-earth and easy to relate to. She’s just an average girl, unless you count her IQ which is above average, who is put in an unimaginable situation. Her life changes when she meets the gorgeous, charming Ronan and decides to follow him to what she believes will be a better life. Of course she never imagined she would be fighting for her life against other girls for the coveted title of Watcher. Watchers are the eyes and ears of Vampires and the only way to become a Watcher is to fight for it. I was enthralled with this book! It’s well written, with an easy to read dialogue that will keep you interested until the very last sentence! I can’t wait to read what's next in this series! ...more
I received this book through a First Reads giveaway. Destiny Binds, by Tammy Blackwell, is by far my favorite book of 2011! The story, the characters; I received this book through a First Reads giveaway. Destiny Binds, by Tammy Blackwell, is by far my favorite book of 2011! The story, the characters; absolutely everything about this book is amazing! The story is about Scout Donovan, who is sometimes considered a freak because of her monochromatic features. Scout is starting her senior year in high school when she meets the gorgeous new guy in town, Alex Cole. Scout is completely taken back by the fact that Alex seems to be interested in her, but is forced to give up on her attraction to Alex because of her overprotective brother, and his cousin Charlie. Okay so that is the gist of the story line, and there is so much more to it but I want to talk about the characters a bit. First off, Scout is awesome! Even though she has her protective big brother, she is a strong female character who is capable of handling her own. Her older brother, Jase, is not her real brother but her stepbrother and they have a great relationship. Since Jase is her stepbrother that means that Charlie is not really her cousin. I wanted to point this out because Scout has a major crush on Charlie (okay, so I may have a major crush on Charlie too!). Scout, Jase, and Charlie all have a pretty tight relationship until Alex comes into the picture. Even though Jase and Charlie demand/beg Scout to stay away from Alex, she cannot help herself (and who could blame her!). Alex brings Scout into the world of Shape-Shifters, and Seers. Shape-shifters can be either wolves or coyotes, and seers are females who can see your emotions and thoughts with only a touch. Everything about this story works in an amazingly fabulous way! The story is fast-paced, non-stop excitement. This story about shape-shifters is much better than any other YA book I have read! You will not be bored with this book! I could not put it down. I literally had a smile on my face for the majority of the time I was reading Destiny Binds. Tammy Blackwell will have you laughing aloud, and smiling with satisfaction! I will be impatiently waiting the release of the next book in the Timber Wolves Trilogy! ...more
First I just want to say that I was super excited to get this book in the mail! It was my first time winning a Goodreads First Reads ARC, and I couldnFirst I just want to say that I was super excited to get this book in the mail! It was my first time winning a Goodreads First Reads ARC, and I couldn't wait to read it! I enjoyed Leah Clifford's book A Touch Mortal. I did find it hard to understand in the beginning, and maybe a little frustrating. I thought the story jumped around a lot, and there were too many terms that I did not understand. At times I was tempted to give up, but I am glad that I stuck with it. After the first ten chapters or so the book really started to pick up it's pace, and a lot of my confusions were cleared up (as far as unfamiliar terms go). Overall I really liked this book, and thought it was an original concept that will probably interest most YA paranormal readers. I like that Leah Clifford presented angels in a way that has not yet been done. It's always nice to have a fresh take on a subject that has been written about a lot lately. I would recommend this book to a older, more mature audience than what is suggested. I think it is more appropriate for ages 16 and up, who can handle the suicide aspect of the story. Stories that involve suicide should not be taken lighlty; especailly when so many young people are over-influenced by media. Overall I enjoyed this book, and think it was definitely a good read!...more
Loading...
