Awake at Dawn #2 by C.C.Hunter

Genre: Shapeshifters, Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, Fairies

Paperback: 383 Pages

Published: October 11, 2011

Series: Shadow Falls

            1. Born at Midnight

            2. Awake at Dawn

            3. Taken at Dusk

            4. Whispers at Moonrise

            5. Chosen at Nightfall

Rating:★★★★

  

Goodreads Synopsis:

Step into the world of Shadow Falls, a camp that helps teens tap into their special…talents. Once you visit, you’ll never forget it—and you’ll never, ever be the same.

From the moment Kylie Galen arrived at Shadow Falls Camp, she’s had one burning question: What am I? Surrounded by vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, fairies and witches, Kylie longs to figure out her own supernatural identity…and what her burgeoning powers mean. And now she’ll need them more than ever, because she’s being haunted by a new spirit who insists that someone Kylie knows—and loves—will die before the end of the summer. If only she only knew who she was supposed to save. And how…

But giving Kylie the most trouble is her aching heart. Gorgeous werewolf Lucas left camp with another girl, but he’s still visiting Kylie in her dreams. And Derek, a sexy half Fae who’s always been there for her when she needed him, is pushing to get more serious—and growing impatient, especially when Lucas returns. Kylie knows she needs to decide between the boys, and it’s tearing her up inside. 

Yet romance will have to wait, because something from the dark side of the supernatural world is hiding in Shadow Falls. It’s about to threaten everything she holds dear…and bring her closer to her destiny.

My Review:

           Ahhhhh! Okay. At this point I don't know what team I'm on. I am torn between Lucas and Derek like Kylie is! Lucas is mysterious, sexy, strong, kind of scary and  childhood friends with Kylie. But Derek on the other hand, is well amazing. He is sweet, caring, smart, and totally in love with Kylie. This is going to be an interesting series trying to figure out who Kylie ends up with! I also loved the relationship between Miranda and Perry (the powerful shape shifter). Miranda likes Perry but she won't fully commit to it. Holiday on the other hand, will not let the sexy vampire Burnett (another camp leader) get close to her at all.  I just loved their interactions as the story continued!

            In this book we are back in Shadow Falls with Kylie, her friends, the cute boys, and the amazing camp leaders. So Kylie still has no idea what she is except knowing and accepting her ghost whispering abilities. But she is confused and wants to know what she is. So with the help of her best friends Miranda and Della, as well as my favorite camp leaders, Kylie sets out to find more about herself and what role she plays in this new mysterious threat that is haunting the camp. But if she doesn't figure out who is after them then someone close to her will get hurt. This series has been amazing so far. At first I didn't think I would like it at all but all the characters at Shadow Falls grew on me. And I can't wait to see what happens next!

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Genre: Dystopian

Hardcover: 338 Pages

Published: November 15, 2011

Series: Shatter Me

            1. Shatter Me

            2. Unravel Me

            3. Ignite Me

Rating:★★★★★★

Goodreads Synipsis:

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

My Review: 

       Gahhh! Chills! From the first page, I was immediately sucked into the world Tahereh created. Juliette has been locked up for 264 days. She hasn't talked to anyone in 264 days. Hasn't eaten anything or drank anything but what she needs to survive. Her parents gave her away when she was a child. They said that she was a monster, that she didn't deserve to live, and that she took away their only happiness in life. Sad thing is, Juliette herself believes she's a monster too. She has blamed herself her entire life for killing a child accidentally by using her touch.

        I love the character that Taherah created! Juliette was a survivor. After being locked up in a room for 264 days with no human interaction and nearly being starved to death, I would have gone completely mad. Juliette stayed strong and unbreakable through the whole time. Even when she was let out and was given the chance to live in luxury by working for the government, she didn't cry and thank them for sparing her life. She said she would rather die then hurt people for them.

       Tahereh has a unique style of writing that I've not seen yet. Her writing is filled with metaphors and analogy's, which I liked by the way! It was new and refreshing. However, the most unique aspect of her writing is the crossed out words. I have never seen a book with crossed out lines in them. I thought that I wouldn't like it but I was wrong! The crossed out words are what Juliette really wants to say, but is too afraid to say them. It made the writing even more epic and breathtaking to read. Five Stars all the way! Can't wait for the next novel.

Rogue #2 by Rachel Vincent

Genre: Shifters, Adult Paranormal

Paperback: 394 Pages

Published: April 1, 2008

Series: Shifters

            1. Stray

            2. Rogue

            3. Pride

            4. Prey

            5. Shift

            6. Alpha

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

 Okay, so cats don't always land on their feet. 

I know that better than most. Since rejoining the Pride, I've made big decisions and even bigger mistakes: the kind paid for with innocent lives. As the first and only female enforcer, I have plenty to prove to my father, the Pride, and myself. And with murdered toms turning up in our territory, I'm working harder than ever, though I always find the energy for a little after-hours recreation with Marc, my partner both on- and off-duty.

But not all of my mistakes are behind me. We're beginning to suspect that the dead are connected to a rash of missing human women and that they can all be laid at my feet--two or four, take your pick. And one horrible indiscretion may yet cost me more than I can bear...

My Review:

            So I gotta say Faythe has started to show some mature qualities since the last book. She isn't perfect, but she is more bearable. She is still dumb at times, annoying and self-centered, but she has caring qualities for the people around her. She has learned when to hold her own and when to fold now that she is an enforcer. And I hope her character continues to mature in the upcoming books.

            As the story continues, in this book we learn that Faythe has become the first female enforcer in her Pride. Her partner in crime on and off duty Marc, is still a jerk (in my opinion) but he has started to show more restraint. He has become a little better at handling himself and ordering Faythe around. But when dead bodies start to appear in their territory, everyone is freaked out because these tomcats are being killed by a tabby (one of their own). To figure out who is after female strippers and tomcats, Faythe and Marc must come together as a team before someone close to them gets hurt.

             I loved the encounters between Marc and Faythe when they fight as a team. Neither one of them is willing to back down which causes tension in their relationship. I also loved their arguments. Overall, I thought the plot of this book was good. The back story of the kidnapped tabbies in the first book had some promise by the end of the first but I felt there were some missing pieces---some were answered in the second book. I truly hope the third book has more promise for Faythe and Marcs relationship and hopefully they can work things out. (If not then I don't mind Faythe and Jace getting together!) 

Lucid #2 by P.T. Michelle

Genre:Dreams

Paperback: 328 Pages

Published: July 7, 2012

Series: Brightest Kind of Darkness (BKD)

            1. Brightest Kind of Darkness

            2. Lucid

            3. Destiny

            4. TBA

Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Once Nara combines her prophetic ability with Ethan’s power to outsmart Fate at his own deadly cat-and-mouse game, she’s more determined than ever to help Ethan learn the meaning behind the raven sword tattoo that suddenly appeared on his back after their confrontation with Fate.

During her quest to uncover the tattoo’s secrets, Nara enlists the help of some new friends and discovers her own surprising connection to Ethan.

While Nara digs deeper into the mystery, her desire for answers leads her down a dangerous path full of powerful and ruthless enemies. Swept into an age-old battle, Nara quickly learns that keeping one’s enemies close can be a necessary evil, making an intangible enemy she can control far more preferable to the human enemies she can’t.

My Review:
        Lucid is such a fantastic follow-up. I loved the first book so I have been looking forward to the second and now that I have read it, I think it's AMAZING! I was sucked right back into Nara's world. From the first page till the last I was hooked. It's a quick read which I absolutely loved. It had enough suspense, romance, and curiosity to keep me entertained. In this sequel we get to meet some new characters that are fascinating and very suspicious.

            Nara is an tremendous female lead. She is brave, strong, caring, very likable and completely and absolutely in love with Ethan. Oh boy...what can I say about him. Well he's supportive, caring, kind of mysterious, and absolutely perfect for Nara! They make the cutest couple and are extremely compatible. So in this book we don't get to see a whole lot of Ethan but he makes a few appearances just for Nara. As the story continues we find out Nara has been researching more about the ravens and Ethan's tattoo. She is trying her hardest to find some useful information and I find that to be the cutest thing ever. Some of the little things that Nara and Ethan do for each other just make your heart melt! But what made me mad was how Nara didn't tell Ethan some of the major things that happened to her. I get she didn't want to worry the guy but c'mon you have to tell him if your life's in danger! Besides some stupidity, I liked Nara's relationship with Lainey (reminds me of my relationship with my best friend) and the new kid Drystan. Overall, I really liked this book and can't wait to read Destiny and find out what happens with Ethan and Nara! 

P.S. If you want to read the review for the first book here it is: Brightest Kind of Darkness

Cover Reveal!

Paradox by Kelly Carrero

Genre: Romance, Urban Fantasy

Series: Unearthly Paradox

            1. Paradox
Paperback/Hardcover: TBA

Published: April 2014

Synopsis:

Never in a million years would I ever fall for the son of a drug lord. Or so I thought until I moved two doors down from Jett.

Zara thought her life was over when she had to move just days before graduation. The situation went from bad to horrible, when she discovers just how cruel the kids at her new school can be.

When Zara is set up by some bullies and almost raped, she somehow gets free, but she’s haunted by the eyes of the one she believes rescued her.

Later, bad boy Jett is only too willing to step in and help. In fact, Zara can’t seem to get rid of him or his family, who all seem to have a strange obsession with her.

Will letting down her guard be one of the biggest mistakes of her life, or is Zara destined to become a part of his life, an existence that no human could ever understand?

My Thoughts:

I definitely want to read this book! The synopsis has surly hooked me and I want to know more. It seems that the main character and Jett are going to have an interesting relationship and I can tell there will be Oh. My. God. Moments. Can't wait! 

Mystic City by Theo Lawrence

Genre: Magic

Hardcover: 416 Pages

Published: October 9, 2012

Series: Mystic City

            1. Mystic City

            2. Toxic Heart

            3. TAB

Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

            Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud - and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths.

            But Aria doesn't remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can't conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place.

            Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection - and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city - including herself.

My review:

            Mystic City has just about everything. It has a Romeo and Juliet story line, a political background, and magic laced in every page. Plus betrayal, memory loss, and true love. So how can you go wrong? Before I start let me say a few things. First, I have read plenty of books that contain magic and this book by far tops them all. For example, Dark Mirror by Mary Jo Putney is full of magic, but it didn't live up to my expectations. However, Mystic City was beautifully written. Theo Lawrence pens a imaginative and creative world set in futuristic Manhattan. He introduces two groups of people. One are the Mystics who have special powers and forces of energy/magic. They are dangerous to the Non-Mystic people. (Non-Mystic are the other type) Aria Rose is the daughter of an important political family. She is the key to bringing two rival families together through marriage....but only if she doesn't remember who she really loves.

            What I enjoyed most were the characters. Aria is the main girl who has been through a lot. She is suffering from memory loss not caused by natural causes. *gasp* She spends half the book trying to figure out why she has memory loss, which kind of got annoying. I mean hurry up and get to the point already. But overall, her character never gave up and this gave her strength. Aria is obligated to marry her families rival Thomas in order to create political peace between the two families. However, she can't marry Thomas because she loves another. In comes Hunter...oh my. He's charming, sweet, and can knock a girl right off her feet. He protects Aria by staying away from her. He thinks he's doing the right thing, but we all know he's not. The romance wasn't over exaggerated in this book, but it still had it's moments where I couldn't help but swoon. 

            With that said, all in all, I enjoyed this story. It was a fascinating read, the writing was good and the characters were likable. The plot was original in its own way, but it could have used a little bit more of a oomph! Lawrence brought something bright and new into the world of dystopian.   

Darkness, Kindled #4 by Samantha Young

Genre: Jinn

Paperback: 390 Pages

Published: April 19, 2013

Series: Fire Spirits

            1. Smokeless Fire

            2. Scorched Skies

            3. Borrowed Ember

            4. Darkness, Kindled

Rating:★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Ari Johnson wishes adjusting to living with her boyfriend was her only source of excitement and anxiety.

She wishes a lot of things.

But then wishing was what got her here in the first place.

      Ari chose to be a Guild Hunter. She wanted to hunt dangerous Jinn and destroy them before they could harm innocent people. But now that Ari is a member of The Guild, she finds herself in the impossible position of hunting her ex-best friend – human-turned-dangerous sorcerer, Charlie Creagh. As Ari struggles to come to terms with her duty, an ancient Jinn and his companion want revenge on her for using the command of the Seal against them; the White King refuses to give up on his quest to resurrect Lilif, and Asmodeus isn’t done toying with her.

       When Ari can take no more, rushing to the Sultan Azazil’s side to demand of him the favor he owes her, the events she sets in motion will not only alter everyone’s lives, it will kindle a darkness that will shake the realms to their very core.

My Review: 

            This Series has finally come to an epic end. Lets take a moment of silence. Okay so now that, that's done, lets get to the review. I am so sad to see this come to an end but as Geoffrey Chaucer said, "All good things must come to an end."  And this was one of the best series I have ever read. It is full of twists and turns that will leave you breathless. The romance makes you melt from the inside out and the action is so realistic that it makes you wish you were fighting along Jai and Ari. Speaking of Jai and Ari...they finally get to have their happily ever after. EPPPPPPPPP!!!!! Now I want to read a book just about them and their life ,getting married and having kids! But that's just wishful thinking on my part. *Big sigh*

            In this book Jai and Ari go through hell and heaven to save the Jinn people. They fight the power of the Seal, fight the seven Kings, Azazil, the Sultan himself, Lilif and  fight for their lives. Along the way may of their friends like Charlie and Derek  help accomplish this. But it was sad to see what happened to the  characters of Charlie and Derek but I guess there wasn't a better solution for them. I'm glad they are happy and aren't involved in the Jinn world as Ari hoped.  One character that I hated was Asmodeus. He was a bastard! He just couldn't understand that his sister, Lilif needed to be stopped. Instead he plotted against Jai and Ari and what he had planned for them was outrageous! But I'm extremely glad that his plans got ruined. I also would have liked more Jai and Ari moments because they were just the sweetest. This has become one of my all time favorite series! And Samantha Young now has another fan! 

Borrowed Ember #3 by Samantha Young

Genre: Jinn

Ebook: 213 Pages

Published: June 21, 2012

Series: Fire Spirits

            1. Smokeless Fire

            2. Scorched Skies

            3. Borrowed Ember

            4. Darkness Kindled

Rating:★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

           Everything in Ari’s life until this point has been borrowed. Her human life with a man who wasn't her real father. A love for a boy who needed more than her to be strong. Kisses with a Jinn who refused to do anything but lend them out in moments of weakness. And even her resolve, which seemed to fail her whenever she needed it most. But Ari is done borrowing. She finally feels strong enough to make hunting Jinn not just a hobby to get her through her dismal situation, but to make hunting a permanent and necessary career. Her friendship with Charlie might finally make it onto real and steady ground if only she can save him from the trial on Mount Qaf. And her love for Jai could be eternal, if only she could gain control over the darkness of the Seal within her. Ari believes all of this is doable. That finally she will truly own the relationships in her life and to a certain extent have ownership over her future. But none of that matters when it isn't up to her… …For high in the emerald mountains of Mount Qaf, the Sultan Azazil has been keeping secrets. Even from the Jinn Kings. Secrets that will change everything… and bring Ari to the crashing realization that once again… … she’s borrowed something that will never truly belong to her. Something that is desperate to be unleashed. Something that could destroy them all. *** For more action, drama, twisted wishes, passionate romance and dark kings… pick up a copy of Borrowed Ember, the third installment in the Fire Spirits series.

My Review:

             Samantha Young is an absolute genius. (Or should I say Jenius) I have loved this entire  series. It has action, evil, and just the kind of romance that makes your heart melt from the inside out like it was chocolate. 'Borrowed Ember' is an epic read. It is unique and the writing is creatively written. What I loved most about this book was how the Villains are actually different from any I have ever read. They have depth and you can actually see that they aren't evil in the sense of 'I'm going to kill you cause I want to way.' Instead they have to choose a side to be on and by picking a side they are either good or bad. It's especially confusing, because in this book, The Red and White kings are shady characters who make spontaneous decisions that effect the entire Jinn people.

            Along the way Jai and Ari get help from Jai's family who happen to hate Jai. At least that's what Jai thinks and he hates himself for many reasons. The relationship between Jai and his father is just awful. They have hatred towards each other and they can't seem to figure out how to solve the situation. Luckily, Ari's safety is what brings this father and son closer to cooperate. Even if they don't like each other. But as Ari deals with being The Seal, she discovers that the Sultan Azazil has been hiding far greater secrets from his brothers and Ari. So Ari being the stubborn hard head that she is, she is determined to find out what Azazil is hiding and to find out she must go to Mt. Qaf to face her father, The White King. AHHHGHAHHAHAH! I can't wait for the last book!  BTW! If the cover is indicating that is what Jai looks like then heck. He is one smoking hot Jinn!!!!!!!!!! *fans herself*    

Scorched Skies #2 by Samantha Young

Genre: Jinn

Paperback: 350 Pages

Published: March 16, 2012

Series: Fire Spirits

            1. Smokeless Fire

            2. Scorched Skies

            3. Borrowed Ember

            4. Darkness Kindled

Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

FEAR THE HEAT...

The White King has crossed the line, sounded the horn, sent out the wolves.

When blood is shed and life is lost the reality of Ari’s position as both hunter and prey finally sets in. It seems her father will stop at nothing to force her will to his own and distracted by Charlie’s latest mistake and her seemingly misguided attraction to Jai, Ari never thought to fear anyone else but the Jinn King.

Blindsided and attacked, Ari learns a new wolf has joined the hunt. A dark sorcerer believes he knows a way to bleed the power of the Seal and wield it as his own, and he is even less patient than The White King.

The War for the Seal has only just begun… and it’s time for Ari to turn it on its head.
It’s time for Ari to stop acting like the hunted.

It’s time for Ari to become the hunter.

 

My Review:

            The first books cover was stunning! But this cover is EVEN MORE GORGEOUS!!!!!! I loved it! I loved everything about this book. From the characters to the action and romance. It was well written and I was sucked into this book like the first one. I loved every minute of it. The plot thickens and the characters start to fight for their lives. At this point in Ari's life she is not scared anymore. She was being hunted in the first book and now she has decided she will not be hunted. Instead she will be  the one doing the hunting. A new evil has started to come after Ari and her power.

          So to save her friends, her family, her life and Jai, Ari must learn to fight. And who better to learn from than her very own sexy personal body guard. Yep that's right. Jai Bitar. He is arrogant, sexy, annoying, a hard ass, overly protective, and kind of Ari's secret crush. But Jai is reluctant to have feelings for Ari. But as Charlie starts to play a more interesting role in Ari's life, Jai soon learns that he has more completion than he realized. Because Charlie is looking to get back into Ari's life. Along the way The Red King (a.k.a. he uncle) helps in any way possible. The Red King is trying to make amends and being there for Ari since she doesn't have much family left. Ari and The Red Kings relationship started off rocky but as the story continues they seem to get closer. And more importantly they seem to trust each other and protect each other in any way they can. I found The Red Kings character to be down right hilarious. He always had a funny remark for Ari's questions but at the same time he was supporting her no matter what.  

        OHHhhhh how the plot thickens! I finished this book within hours of getting it. It was a refreshing idea about Jinn and their culture. Samantha did an amazing job incorporating that with magic and romance. It is a perfect book if you are looking for something new, exciting and a quick read. I can't wait to find out how Ari's relationship with Jai grows and what happens to Charlie (cliff hanger at the end of this book!).

Never Too Far #2 by Abbi Glines

Genre: Romance

Ebook: 193 Pages

Published: February 25, 2013

Series: Too Far

            1. Fallen Too Far

            2. Never Too Far

            3. Forever Too Far

Rating: ★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

He had held a secret that destroyed her world.

Everything she had known was no longer true.

Blaire couldn’t stop loving him but she knew she could never forgive him.
Now, she was back home and learning to live again. Moving on with life… until something happened to send her world spinning once again.
What do you do when the one person you can never trust again is the one that you need to trust so desperately?

You lie, hide, avoid, and pray that your sins never find you out.

My Review:

Lets go straight to the point. I was extremely disappointed. I have been waiting months for this book to come out and it didn't live up to my expectations at all. What is the problem you ask?! Well lets see...

            1. Blair is always walking away from Rush through out this book.

            2. Blair is constantly denying her feelings for Rush.

            3. Blair keeps going back to the idea that their relationship will never work. Her

                insecurities are over the roof. And kinda pissing me off.

            4. So basically the problem is with Blaire. Make up your mind already woman!

            5. Rush tells Blair he loves her and no one comes before her. Well he kinda left

                Blair left hanging after an incident with Nan. ( your gonna have to read to find

                out what).

            6. I hated Nan.

Though this book had many, many annoying incidents, the characters acted like idiots, and I wanted to yell, I enjoyed reading. This book starts 3 weeks after the incident in the first book and picks up pace quickly. At times it was a bit much for me but I just couldn't help eat it all up. I totally fell in love with the first book and even though this book was a bit disappointing I look forward to finding out what happens to each character. My favorite part about this book would be the POV change. It alternated from chapter to chapter and didn't leave the reader wondering what the other character's were thinking.  And being able to get inside Rush's head was interesting. Hopefully, the third book makes this series go out with a loud bang.

When Lightning Strikes by Meg Cabot

Genre: Superhuman Powers, Psychic

Paperback: 266 Pages

Published: January 9, 2007

Series: 1-800- Where-R-You

            1. When Lightning Strikes

            2. Code Name Cassandra

            3. Safe House

            4. Sanctuary

            5. Missing You

Rating: ★★★★★ 
(Jr. High Fiction)

Goodreads Synopsis:

            Jess Mastriani has never been what you'd call a typical Midwestern teenager—her extracurricular activities, instead of cheerleading or 4-H, include fist-fights with the football team and month-long stints in detention. A part of Jess would like to be the prom queen her mother has always envisioned her being, but another part is secretly counting the days until she's saved up enough money to buy her own Harley.

Then something happens that guarantees Jess will be one of the in-crowd...at least until her newfound talent ends up getting her dead.

My Review:

                 This is one of my absolute favorite series! Jessica Mastriani is a total badass chick. While walking home from detention with her best friend Ruth, Jessica is stuck by lightning and this is where the real story begins. She isn't a 'bad kid' just because she got detention but she isn't afraid to punch out anyone who talks smack about her brother, her best friend, or herself. I loved her. She was strong, brave and never gave up on her family. So after being hit by lightning you would think a person wouldn't survive but for Jessica something unique happened. She survived for one, but she also got unique powers. She was able to find anyone-anywhere in the world by looking at their picture. But here's the catch: she can only find missing people. So when the feds get a wind of her powers, they of course want to use her for their purposes but some of Jessica's decisions may cause her a heap of trouble. 

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Genre: Vampires

Paperback: 332 Pages

Published: August 16, 2007

Vampire Academy Series:

            1. Vampire Academy

            2. Frostbite

            3. Shadow Kiss

            4. Blood Promise

            5. Spirit Bound

            6. Last Sacrifice

Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

            St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger...
          Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

My Review:

                        AHHHHHH! *hyperventilates* I have to say this is one of my favorite vampire series, since I'm not much of a fan of vampire books. I find the concept of vampires overly used and most new series containing this concept seem to be similar to the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. With that being said, this is one of the vampire books I like best. (Plus it was my first vampire book that I read) Now to the review. This series as a whole: these books are an easy read, entertaining, and quite funny. Though in the beginning few books the plot and characters are light and humorous, but as the series progresses the plot and characters become intense and dark. The characters experience torture, betrayal, death, lies, and most importantly true love. The main character, Rose, is strong, determined, stubborn and loving towards her friends. She would do anything to protect them and keep them safe. Even if that means breaking the rules and she's a great rule breaker. Most of all my favorite part of this series is how each book builds upon the previous book making the content consistent and more readable which is something you can't say about most sagas.

            The author introduces two types of vampires; the Moroi who are 'good' and alive. They have the ability to control the four elements of air, water, earth, and fire. The other type are Strigoi who are 'evil' and who kill while taking blood. Then there are the half Moroi and human called Dhampirs (like Rose). They serve as the bodyguards for the Moroi vampires. I loved the concept of Dhampirs because for me it put an interesting twist in the book. The story starts off with Rose and Lissa on the run from something that frightened them at the Academy. Eventually they get captured by the guardians and that's when Rose meets Dimitri Belikov (Sign). There is an instant attraction between them( though Dimitri denies that in the beginning... boys can be so stupid sometimes) and that makes the books so great for me. There interactions are humorous, sexy, and they make the reader fall in love with them.  

Here's some interesting news: Movie comes out this year! Check it out!

Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Genre: Mythology

Paperback: 350 Pages

Published: August 1, 2011

Series: Mythos Academy

            1. Touch of Frost

            2. Kiss of Frost

            3. Dark Frost

            4. Crimson Frost

            5. Midnight Frost

            6. Killer Frost (TBA)

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy; a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest. But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why; especially since I should have been the one who died...

My Review:
   I expected this book to be a fast paced read. I thought I would pick it up and be done with it. Instead this was very slow. The author took forever to make her point and get to the plot. It just dragged on and on. At one point I had to shut the book and drink a BIG CUP OF TEA to get myself to wake up. It was similar to the House of Night by P.C. Cast but with more interesting characters. The female lead Gwen is a Gypsy. She has the gift of psychometry, which means she gets psychic impression from things she touches. Shortly after her mothers death, Gwen is enrolled at Mythos Academy, a school for teens with special powers. The school is filled with Valkyrie, Amazons, and even hot Spartans. But she feels out-of-place and comes from an under privileged background. After Gwen discovers a dead classmate she is determined to find out what happened by using her powers. Since she is so interested in finding out what is going on, she now has a target on her back. Gwen and her classmates help each other figure out who is behind all the creepy events that have been going on.  

            I liked the whole idea of introducing other mythology legends like Kelly Armstrong did in her series Darkest Powers. But my biggest problem was the recurrence of thoughts we got from Gwen. What I hated the most was her use of 'Yucko' in the first half of the book. Couldn't she have said something else? Another part that annoyed me was how Logan, the love interest treated her. Gwen was supposed to feel jerked around by his behavior, but damn that girl didn't do crap. She just let him do and say what he wanted. And this made her seem like a wimp. But what caught me out of the blue was the ending to this first book. I was not expecting it and I couldn't help but say, "Oh no he didn't." So even though this book has few weak point it has stirred my curiosity. Hopefully, the next book is less predictable and filled with more action.