Showing posts with label 2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge. Show all posts

Monday, August 26, 2013

BOOK REVIEW: Firelight by Sophie Jordan (Firelight #1)

Publication Date: September 7, 2010
Synopsis:
A hidden truth. 
Mortal enemies. 
Doomed love.
Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki, a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.
Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away;if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.
Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

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Review:

This is the first time that I read anything about dragons. This book has been in my TBR list for quite some time now and I didn’t even know that it’s about dragons.

I didn’t know what to expect from this so I was so eager to read it. I love its unique story and how I became so into it.

I really felt for Jacinda’s family. I understand her, her sister Tamra and her mother. I understand where all of them are coming from. Jacinda’s mom is very protective of her family. Since her husband died, she became strong for her two daughters. She will do anything just to protect them, even if it’s from their Pride.

Tamra, Jacinda’s sister hasn’t manifested or shifted into a drakir and because of that, she was neglected by their Pride. She was abandoned like she was sick of something contagious. She was left hurt of how she was treated.

Unlike Tamra, Jacinda has manifested into a kind of drakir that has never happened in thousands of years. She’s a fire drakir. Because of that, she was looked up to and was well treated. But not all good things come out of it. Her destiny has already been written for her. A lot was expected from her and one of them is to be with Cassian, the Prince of the Pride and who will soon be the ruler.

Jacinda is expected to behave in a way acceptable. So when she ignores the rules, she finds herself in a very bad situation. So her mom decided that all of them should leave the Pride.

If there are drakirs, there are also hunters. And Will is one of them. This part of the story, I expected. Jacinda and Will are drawn to each other. The thing happened between them was like love at first sight. They can’t help themselves but be in each other’s arms. So when secrets unveiled, both have accepted their fate. A hunter falls in love with his prey and vice versa.

I love the unique plot and the action brought by the book. The characters and supporting characters are lovely although not all of them. We have these infuriating characters that I wish Jacinda would blow fire in their faces. Sorry, I’ve gotten too emotional in there. The thing I somewhat don’t like is how the scene shifts from one to another. Other than that, I liked everything about the book.

Rating:


Memorable Quotes:


“Why do you care? I've ignored you for days."

His smile fades. He looks serious, mockingly so. "Yeah. You got to stop that.” 


“What good is safety if you're dead inside?” 


Thursday, August 1, 2013

BOOK REVIEW: School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins (School Spirits #1)

Publication Date: May 14, 2013
Synopsis:

Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters. For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures. But when Izzy’s older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy's mom decides they need to take a break.

Izzy and her mom move to a new town, but they soon discover it’s not as normal as it appears. A series of hauntings has been plaguing the local high school, and Izzy is determined to prove her worth and investigate. But assuming the guise of an average teenager is easier said than done. For a tough girl who's always been on her own, it’s strange to suddenly make friends and maybe even have a crush.

Can Izzy trust her new friends to help find the secret behind the hauntings before more people get hurt? 



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Review:

I loved Rachel Hawkin's Hex Hall series so I was expecting that this book will have the same action and romance that Hex Hall has.

With the first few chapters, I was a bit surprised on how the story progressed. It was a bit slow and I honestly got bored. But when some supernatural things started to happen, it really caught my attention until the end of the book.

This book ranges from middle grade to young-adult. The author used some acronym like BS just to have a lighter feel on the book.

I learned to love the characters of the book but not like how I loved those in Hex Hall. Izzy felt that she should be more matured than her age so she acts tough. Then some friends start to come into the picture. Generally, I liked all of them. I especially love Dex because he's fun and witty! The romance part is expected and I loved how they gotten to know each other before that happened.

Oh, I almost failed to mention Torin, the witch who's trapped in a mirror for hundreds of years. I want to know what's his real role in the life of the Brannicks.

Hopefully this series will continue because I still want to know the answers.

This book is a light read and I had fun reading it. I recommend that you should give this a try.

Rating:


Memorable Quotes:

You knocked out Ben McCrary?' he asked, eyes wide.
'It was an accident,' I said again. 'I threw the ball harder than I meant to.'
Dex burst into laughter. 'Oh my God, that is the greatest thing I've heard all week. You are my new hero.'
Squinting at me, he leaned in and said, 'Serious, I might actually be in love with you now. Would it be awkward if we made out?” 

“When you don’t have much family left, you’ll do anything to protect what you have.” 


*I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks NetGalley!*

Thursday, May 30, 2013

BOOK REVIEW: Opal (Lux #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publication Date: December 11, 2012
Synopsis:
No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.


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Review:

I'm a big fan of the series so I must admit I'm a bit biased because of Daemon *swoon* Black.

I loved him since the first book and I have loved him more in this book. He still has an almighty ego but his affection for Katy is so much sweeter and he's not afraid to show it anymore.*Sigh* He's still overprotective of her and the people he loves.

As for Katy, she became stronger and aware of her power. Despite being busy, she still finds time for her books and reviews. Love her!

The second book ended with Dawson's reappearance. His physical features may be the same but his attitude and personality isn't the old Dawson anymore. He wanted Beth back and he will do anything just for it to happen. As a result of Adam's death, Katy and Dee's relationship took it's toll.

There's a lot more complications in this book. There's the DOD and then other characters' reappearance. The book has definitely more action, suspense and I shouldn't fail to mention the romance and hotness.

I was expecting it to end in a not-so-good-way cliff-hanger type but even with that in mind, I'm still sad and distraught on how the book ended. I so hate Blake!Hate, hate him! Grr!!

The book is fun, like the prequels but more exciting and great twists! I so can't wait for the next book!

Rating:


Memorable Quotes:

“You really shouldn’t trust a soul in this game. Not when everyone has something to gain or lose.” 


“I love you, Katy. Always have. Always will.” 

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

BOOK REVIEW: Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

Publication Date: February 1, 2011
Synopsis:
Demon Trapper Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself—and that’s exactly what Lucifer is counting on…

It’s the year 2018, and with human society seriously disrupted by the economic upheavals of the previous decade, Lucifer has increased the number of demons in all major cities. Atlanta is no exception. Fortunately, humans are protected by Demon Trappers, who work to keep homes and streets safe from the things that go bump in the night. Seventeen-year-old Riley, only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father’s footsteps. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing attraction to fellow Trapper apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving citizens from Grade One Hellspawn. Business as usual, really, for a demon-trapping teen. When a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood, she realizes that she’s caught in the middle of a battle between Heaven and Hell.




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Review:


I think this is just the second series I've read about demons. The first one is the Hex Hall series by Rachel Hawkins and I loved it.

There is definitely a big difference between these two series. Demon Trapper's Daughter has a unique concept and it'll take you to a world you've never been. While reading the book, there's somewhat an apocalyptic feel to it.

Then, let's get into the characters.
I really had a hard time getting into Riley's character. She's a tough chick, I expected that, like any other heroine from other books I've read. But she's getting into my nerves at times that I became distant to her. I understand her situation and all but..I don't know. Maybe she'll get better in the next book.

Beck, the country guy who's the right hand of his father seems like a good guy but also has his own demons inside. Riley's father treated him as his own child so when he died, he vowed to help Riley anyway he can.

I've been expecting that there'll be some romance between them but someone enters the picture. Simon, another demon trapper. He's religious, definitely a good guy. I like his personality but the romance between him and Riley seems forced to me. I don't like them together. But oh well.

The light of the book is how the author took time with the world- building. I also liked how I became so into the plot that at some point I became emotional.

If you'll ask me if I'll read the second book, DEFINITELY! I just need more from it that's why I just gave it a 3-star. Maybe, give this a try.


Rating:


Memorable Quote:

“You can't carry the world on yer shoulders, broad as they are.” 


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

REVIEW: Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1) by J.R. Ward




January's Feature: VAMPIRES

MY CHOICE:
Dark Lover by J.R. Ward


Publication Date: September 6, 2005
Synopsis (Goodreads):

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.
 
The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.



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Review:
I haven't read other book that concentrates on vampires since Twilight. Then I saw this reading challenge and I thought it's an opportunity for me read more about the different creatures of paranormal books.

I chose Dark Lover because it's on my list for quite sometime now. I've been hesitating from reading the series because it's a long one and I've been contemplating if I can catch up. Then I saw high ratings other people gave the book so I finally decided to read it.

My first reaction: "WHY DID I WAIT THIS LONG TO START THE SERIES?!"

There's a lot of things to love about the book. I especially love all the characters! I had the tendency to be confused with a book with a lot of characters or guys in this case, but I wasn't. The author gave distinct characteristics about each character that you'll remember them well. They are not just the fighting and all serious types and I always love to see their witty sides. All of the brothers are so intriguing I can't wait to read their stories!

The romance part was predictably fast and steamy. What I love about Wrath and Beth's relationship is that they changed each other for the better especially with Wrath. Wrath learned how to love and be selfless.

There are a bunch of POVs which I think has it's positive and negative sides. The only negative side is that there are a lot and you may be confused at times. But I have to commend the author for pulling it off. I think it's a necessary move for readers to understand the sides of the protagonists and antagonists.

All in all, the story is quite unique and I can't wait to read the sequel! If you haven't started the series yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Rating:

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!


Memorable Quote:

“Some bridges you crossed on your own, no matter who drove you to the edge”