Wake by Amanda Hocking

Genre: Mermaids

Kindle

Published: August 7, 2012

Series: Watersong

            1. Wake

            2. Lullaby

            3. Tidal

            4. Elegy

Rating:★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Fall under the spell of Wake—the first book in an achingly beautiful new series by celebrated author Amanda Hocking—and lose yourself to the Watersong.

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

My Review:

  

Cover:

It is gorgeous. I know, I know don't judge a book by its cover, but that's what I did. The cover looks so exciting and fun that it attracts the reader to it.

Plot:

I haven't read that many books about mermaids so when I found this book by Amanda Hocking I was super excited. I loved the Trylle Trilogy by Hocking and I just had to take a whack at this book. Much to my surprise this book disappointed me very much. I love Hocking's creation of characters, but this book just fell short for me. Firstly, the romance was BORINGGGG!!! It literally went like this...

Boy: I think that you're really cute.

Girl: Did you just call me cute?

Boy: yeah...

Girl: ...I think you're cute too!

EXCUSE ME for not swooning over this ridiculous crap of a romance! No. Just no. On the plus note, the romance between Daniel and Harper was flying with sparks. I wanted more of the heat and passion! The story it self was okay. I found it very odd that Gemma was able to figure everything out way too easily.

Overall, it was an alright book. I didn't like how the story played out and hopefully, the next book in this series picks up pace and there is a noticeable character development. 

Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles

Genre: Romance

Hardcover: 342 Pages

Published: October 1, 2013

Series: Wild Cards

            1. Wild Cards

            2. TBA

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

After getting kicked out of boarding school, bad boy Derek Fitzpatrick has no choice but to live with his ditzy stepmother while his military dad is deployed. Things quickly go from bad to worse when he finds out she plans to move them back to her childhood home in Illinois. Derek’s counting the days before he can be on his own, and the last thing he needs is to get involved with someone else's family drama.

Ashtyn Parker knows one thing for certain--people you care about leave without a backward glance. A football scholarship would finally give her the chance to leave. So she pours everything into winning a state championship, until her boyfriend and star quarterback betrays them all by joining their rival team. Ashtyn needs a new game plan, but it requires trusting Derek—someone she barely knows, someone born to break the rules. Is she willing to put her heart on the line to try and win it all?

My Review:

            Derek Fitzpatrick and Ashtyn Parker are two very different people. Like oil and water they just don't mix. Derek went to private school until he got expelled for pulling one too many pranks. His father is in the military and his mother is too young to give a shit. Derek does what he wants, when he wants and where he wants. Ashtyn is one of the only female football players out there. She lives with her father and is dating the current quarterback. Now that she has become the captain of the football team, her life is changing drastically.  

            Surprisingly, when Derek and Ashtyn meet there is noticiable chemistry, but Derek happens to be Ashtyn's older sisters (Brandi) step son. WHATTTT!!!! I found it so hilarious how these two pestered, annoyed, and irritated each other and were living under the same roof. They both have feelings towards each other, but have their reasons for keeping them hidden. However, as things start to heat up at school and Derek starts to take an interest in Ashtyn things start to get interesting.

            Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. I like how Ashtyn was the only female football player on the team and that she had enough guts to be one of the guys. She took their shit and fought right back. That is why she is the captain of the football team and has earned respect from her teammates. The overall romance between Derek and Ashtyn was slow and cute. I liked how they got to know each other and then fell for each others personalities. So a definite thumbs up to this book!!

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Genre:Paranormal Mix

Hardcover: 335 Pages

Published:August 31, 2010 

Series: Paranormalcy

            1. Paranormalcy

            2. Supernaturally

            3. Endlessly

Rating:★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.

But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.

My Review:

            I probably would have given this book a higher rating if it weren't for all the good things that I heard about this book. Seriously!? Some of the reviews that I read and heard claimed that this book was good. However, after reading through half of this book I was rolling my eyes, sighing, and on the verge of throwing my book across my room.

            What was wrong with this book? Well for starters, the cover is such a tease. I picked the book up because of the cover. I mean look at it. It's freaking gorgeous. Then I read the back and was like hmm... this sounds interesting. When I finally read the book I was frustrated with the characters and the lack of originality. I don't know why I keep going back to this type of genre in young adult when I know it will only disappoint. I guess I still have a little hope that amongst the typical 'normal girl in distress with supernatural powers needs a man to save her ass' kind of book there will be one that over shines all of them. Sadly, I haven't found one yet and if you happen to do so please holler at me and let me know. Thanks!

            So basically Evie is a teen with supernatural powers who works for the IPCA and finds out that she has a part in all the craziness that is taking place in her home town. And what do you know, she is the center of a prophecy that will cause the destruction to all paranormal creatures. Sign. *insert eye roll*

Farm by Emily McKay

Genre: Vampires

Paperback: 420 Pages

Published: December 4, 2012

Series: The Farm

            1. The Farm

            2. The Lair

            3. The Vault

Rating: ★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Life was different in the Before: before vampires began devouring humans in a swarm across America; before the surviving young people were rounded up and quarantined. These days, we know what those quarantines are—holding pens where human blood is turned into more food for the undead monsters, known as Ticks. Surrounded by electrical fences, most kids try to survive the Farms by turning on each other…

And when trust is a thing of the past, escape is nearly impossible.

Lily and her twin sister Mel have a plan. Though Mel can barely communicate, her autism helps her notice things no one else notices—like the portion of electrical fence that gets turned off every night. Getting across won’t be easy, but as Lily gathers what they need to escape, a familiar face appears out of nowhere, offering to help…

Carter was a schoolmate of Lily’s in the Before. Managing to evade capture until now, he has valuable knowledge of the outside world. But like everyone on the Farm, Carter has his own agenda, and he knows that behind the Ticks is an even more dangerous threat to the human race...

My Review:

      Well, well. Color me surprised. If you had told me before I read this book that I would enjoy reading it I would have pointed and laughed in your face. The Farm turned out to be an original well written book about vampires and I'm impressed. We have read about killer vampires, vegetarian vampires, vamps that sparkle, and vamps that can go out in the sun. But vamps who are not vamps is something totally different.

            This book introduces vampires who are not quite vampires. HUH!? What the heck am I talking about!? Well, for starters, these kids are genetically altered humans who drink blood straight from the heart after ripping it out of your chest with joy and hunger in their eyes. Yeah, sounds kinda scary right (just be sure to not read this book at 3 in the morning when your all alone at home)?

            Anyways... plot and character wise I gives a thumbs up to this book. I liked the dedication between Lily and her twin sister Mel. They stuck together through thick and thin and Lily really loved her sister. Carter on the other hand, was a shady character. I couldn't tell whether he was good or bad, but he definitely had a hidden agenda. 

          What I didn't like about this book was how it got confusing at certain points. There were some plot holes and I was constantly re-reading to see what important detail I missed. By the end of the book I felt like I had more questions which were left unanswered. Overall, I liked the first book in this series, however I do not feel a compulsion to continue with this story. Hopefully, Mel and Lily find a way out of the hell of a farm they are on and I hope Carter is one of the good guys. 

Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Genre: Zombies

Paperback: 310

Published: July 2009

Series: The Forest of Hands and Teeth

            1. The Forest of Hands and Teeth

            2. The Dead-Tossed Waves

            3. The Dark and Hollow Places

Rating:★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

            In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

My Review:

            This was my first time reading a Zombie book and I have to say I was not a happy camper. Basically, sometime in the future, the world is overrun by zombies called the 'Unconsecrated.' Mary lives in a village surrounded by the Forest of Hands and Teeth, where these unconsecrated are held and the village is ruled by fear to keep the people in check. However, when Mary discovers a very dangerous secret that should not be known things start to get interesting. Plus there is a romantic love interest that complicates Mary's life and adds a fascinating character to the mix.

            Although this book sounds promising and has a mysterious plot, I felt the beginning dragged on. The writing was okay, but lacked detail. So much so, that there were times when I wasn't sure where the action had oriented. I never felt like the setting was real or had any depth. I also found that I did not give a rats ass about the characters. Usually, when I read a book I like to feel connected to the characters at some point in the story. Instead I felt the characters lacked depth and the plot was all over the place. By the end my questions weren't answered and therefore, I have no desire to find out what happens to Mary. 

Shadow Marked by Anna J. Evans

Genre: Demons

Paperback: 308 Pages

Published: May 4, 2010

Series: Demon Bound

            1. Shadow Marked

            2. Demon Marked

Rating:★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Samantha Quinn has been in the dark since age six, when her parents sacrificed her sight in a Satanic ritual. She is trying to get over her demonic past, but horrific lifelike visions haunt her. Her intuition gets stronger and clearer after a wild, adrenaline-fueled sexual encounter with Jace, her brother's childhood friend. And now Samantha is more tormented than ever by what she can "see"-and by what she felt in that forbidden encounter...

Samantha must now prevent the deaths she sees in her premonitions and protect her body from the same demon from her twisted childhood. Her dark curse reveals that Jace will be the next victim, and it is crystal clear that she must destroy the demon to protect her love.

My Review:

            This book definitely had a great deal of potential, but I just couldn't get into it. The beginning was entertaining, it caught my attention, and brought great moments of joy. However, by the end of the book the enjoyment was over. The reason I say this is because the end was all over the place. Basically, a big hot mess. It was a bunch of elements thrown together to make a cliff hanger of an ending trying to get the reader hooked. For me it just all fell short.

            My favorite part about this book was that Samantha was blind. I was caught off guard by this in the beginning, but I loved her character. She was strong willed, determined and stubborn as hell. What caught my attention was her demeanor. Even though she has a disability, she didn't let it stop her from doing what she wanted. She had many relationships, lots of sex, and wasn't portrayed as a poor virgin damsel in distress waiting for a man in shinning armor to save her ass. Instead at one point in the book she did the saving.

            Jace was a stubborn ass. He was the emo guy who complained and whined a lot through out the book. I have no idea what Samantha saw in him, but he pissed me off a lot during the book. I just wanted him to man up to his feelings and stop being a sad jerk. Overall, it was an okay book. Not really my favorite even though it has the potential to be a good book. Hopefully, the series picks up and delivers some action and character growth.

Mayfair Moon by J. A. Redmerski

Paperback: 352 Pages

Published: February 6, 2012

Genre: Werewolves

Series: The Darkwoods

            1. The Mayfair Moon

            2. Kindred

            3. The Ballad of Aramei

Rating:★

Goodreads Synopsis:

After a nightmarish encounter with a werewolf, seventeen-year-old Adria Dawson loses her sister, but gains the love of a mysterious young man and his legendary family. Strange and tragic things begin to happen in the small town of Hallowell, Maine: residents come down with an unexplainable 'illness' and some disappear. In the midst of everything, Isaac Mayfair is adamant about keeping Adria safe, even from her sister whom he has warned her to stay away from. As unspeakable secrets unfold all around Adria, impossible choices become hers to bear. Ultimately, no matter what path she takes, her life and the lives of those she loves will be in peril. As she learns about the werewolf world she also learns why her place in it will change the destinies of many.

My Review:

I am so confused as to WHY people actually liked this book! I don't get it. The writing style was poor, the plot had holes in it, and the characters sucked ass (pardon my language). I didn't find anything wonderful about this book and I was so surprised to find that many people like it. There was no originality, the characters lacked depth, and the plot was boring!!!!!

            The only thing I liked about this book was the cover and how the beginning of the book started. Yeh, yeh, don't judge a book by its cover...but I do it anyways. The point where I was like I am so done with this book was when Adria runs out on our hero in the book because she caught him with Rachel in bed. Why does he feel the need the explain anything to her? Why are they so in love? They don't even know each other. And this love at first sight crap was just not believable at all. I just don't get it!

            And don't even get me started on the main character. I have never met anyone who is as stupid as Adria. I mean c'mon! I get that these books are for young adults, but the characters don't have to be dumbed down for the readers. I don't know...maybe it's just me, but I was so not feeling this book. It hurts to rate a book with one star, but that's what this book gets. Hopefully, the next book in this series is better, but I will not be taking the time to find out. 

Dare You Too #2 by Katie McGarry

Genre: Romance

Series: Pushing The limits

            1. Pushing the Limits

            2. Dare You Too

            3. Crash into You

            4. Take Me On

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."

"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....

"I dare you..."

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all...

My Review:

            To be honest, I read Dare You Too before I read the first book in this series. I picked this book randomly at the library and hadn't realized it was part of a series. Albeit, the stories are about different characters who happen to know each other so that's why I didn't feel odd that I read this series out of order. After reading this emotional well constructed book I was extremely satisfied when it came to its end. Because I realized there are two more books after this one! Yay!

            Anyways, plot wise the book was well planned out, the writing style was simple yet intriguing and the characters were well written. I could feel the chemistry, romance, and intensity of the characters as I was flipping pages trying to finish this book as fast as I could. I came to love the characters because each had a different personality that intrigued me. The main character was smart, cunning and beautifully written. Her character didn't make me yell or scream at the book which is a definite plus. And Ryan's character was sweet which made me love him even more when the book finally ended. Overall, an awesome book and the next book in this series is just as awesome! I'm pleased to say I enjoyed reading this series so far and can't wait to finish it.

Illuminated by Erica Orloff

Genre: Romance

Paperback: 244 Pages

Published: December 8, 2011

Series: None

Rating:★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Some loves are not made to last . . . Like Romeo and Juliet, Heloise and Abelard were doomed from the start, and their romance was destined to pass into history. Yet when sixteen-year-old Callie Martin discovers a diary hidden within an antique book, their story - and hers - takes on another life. For the diary leads Callie to the brilliant and handsome August, who is just as mysterious as the secret the diary hides. Their attraction is undeniable. As the two hunt down the truth behind the diary - and that of Heloise and Abelard's ancient romance - their romance becomes all-consuming. But Callie knows it can't last . . . love never does. Will their love that burns as bright as a shooting star flame out, or will these star-crossed lovers be able to defy history?

My Review:

            There is noting I love more than a LOVE story, but this book was not it for me. I picked it up thinking it would be an epic love story plus the interesting plot had caught my attention, however I was very disappointed. I liked Callie up until she met August. After meeting August Callie went from a cute, smart, book loving girl to a sappy annoying teen who couldn't stop talking about how sexy August was. I mean we get it he's hot, but there must be other qualities about him that you are attracted too?!

            I liked how the plot contained lots of mystery and adventure, but in my opinion it just wasn't enough to keep me entertained. The theme of Abelard, Heloise and Astrolab gave the book some romance, but it felt like everything was happening out of nothing. The idea was good, but the execution was a fail. Overall, it was just an egh type of book. Definitely not the best.

Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Genre:Fantasy

Hardcover: 423 Pages

Published: September 20, 2011

Series: Fire and Thorns

            1. The Girl of Fire and Thorns

            2. The Crown of Embers

            3. The Bitter Kingdom

Rating:★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one. 

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will. 

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.

My Review:

            Elisa, a princess of the country of Oravalle is the bearer of the Godstone, a jewel implanted in her navel which signifies that she is marked by the god as one who will do a service. She has no idea what her service will be or how useful she can be to her country. She is a shy, overweight, younger daughter of the King, overshadowed by her charmingly stunning older sister.

Elisa's day consisted of reading and eating...

 

I. KID. YOU. NOT. This chick ate so much food that while I was reading this book I was constantly hungry. I mean everything this girl did revolved around food. Her thoughts were about eating food, looking at food, day dreaming about food, craving food, thinking about her next meal, and she ate so many scones! She would hide them in her pocket and eat them when she got hungry which seemed like it was ALL THE DAMN TIME! This part of the book definitely turned me off. Half the book was about food. This book should be in the Cooking section rather than the Young Adult section. And this was my main reason why I didn't like reading this book as much as I was looking forward to it.

            The plot and characters were interesting, but all this talk about food just made me hungry. I literally ate so much while reading this book that I was stuffed. 

But one thing I did like about Elisa was her transformation from a shy, dispassionate, useless girl to a hero who loved who she was. I liked her determination to keep moving forward and not give up on what she has set her mind to.

A Beautiful Evil #2 by Kelly Keaton

Genre: Mythology

Hardcover: 285 Pages

Published: February 21, 2012

Series: Gods and Monsters

            1. Darkness Becomes Her

            2. A Beautiful Evil

            3. The Wicked Within

Rating:★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Myth and mayhem inhabit a richly reimagined New Orleans in this sequel to Darkness Becomes Her.After the epic graveyard battle at the end of Darkness Becomes Her, Ari and her friends know what they’re up against: Ari is facing the Medusa curse and is haunted by the image of what she will become. To make matters worse, the heinous goddess Athena has kidnapped young Violet and is threatening to destroy Ari. 

Ari, along with the superhot Sebastian, is doing everything she can to learn more about Athena and to get Violet back. But the battle of good and evil is bigger than she realizes, and she’s about to be pulled into a world more horrific than she could ever imagine....

My Review:

A Beautiful Evil picks up right where we left off. Ari, who is cursed to become a gorgon when she turns 21 is training to tap into her dormant powers so she can face Athena and rescue her friend Violet and her father. Ari has been fighting the Novem--the supernatural families that run New 2-- to let her research in their secret library to find a way to Athena's secret realm to break her curse.

            TBH, this is a very frustrating book to read. I was iffy to begin this book, given my conflicted thoughts about the first book and my low rating. All of my issues with book one have transformed to book two. The book started with an interesting beginning and captured my attention, however towards the middle I lost all interest. The characters seemed dull this time around and I had a hard time connecting with each of them. Like I said before a mix of supernatural and mythology is something I don't have a taste for and even though this book has an excellent idea the execution was done poorly. Overall, it was egh and I will not be continuing with this series.

Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

Genre: Mythology

Hardcover: 320 Pages

Published: February 22, 2011

Series: Gods and Monsters

            1. Darkness Becomes Her

            2. A Beautiful Evil

            3. The Wicked Within

Rating:★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Ari can't help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can't be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is. 

Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it's impossible to protect herself when she doesn't know what she's running from or why she is being pursued. 

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her. 

Ari won't stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

My Review:

            Not what I was expecting at all. This book was very different and intrigued me from the beginning. It had a strong beginning, but somewhere towards the middle of the book I started to lose interest. The concept of the book was refreshing, but the story didn't capture my attention till the end.

            The twist on Greek mythology definitely fascinated me because I recently started to get into the whole mythology scene, but I believe the story it self lost my interest. There was just too much going on with the mix of mythology and the supernatural. If the book was focused more on one aspect or the other I think I would have liked it more. The love interest (which is the main reason I continued with the story) seemed genuine and not forced. Many teen books seem to have the love interests forced to like each other or add scenes that are unrealistic. Keaton did a good job at keeping the romance simple and believable. 

                The characters were well rounded and I didn't have the urge to slap, yell, strangle, or curse the main character out so that was indeed a plus. Overall, I give this book a three stars. Many of you might like this book because it's new and intriguing or you like the mix of Greek mythology and the supernatural, however I like these two genres separate.