Of Triton by Anna Banks

Genre: Mermaids

Hardcover: 246 Pages

Published: May 28, 2013

Series: The Syrena Legacy

            1. Of Poseidon

            2. Of Triton

            3. Of Neptune

Rating:★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm below. Syrena law states that all Half-Breeds should be put to death.

As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance among the Syrena turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?

Once again, Anna Banks infuses Emma and Galen's points of view with humor, intrigue, and waves of romance.

My Review:

This book did not please me at all. I was bored to death while reading this book and I can't help by compare it to the first one. The thing that annoyed me was the alternating point of views which didn't do the book any favors. The characters seemed to have lost their depth and weren't as interesting as they were in the first book. I was very indifferent towards the characters and their thoughts seemed to be all over the place. For example, after Emma's encounter with Mark she was thinking one thing then after she was thinking another. She wasn't analyzing the situation, but instead she was changing her mind all together.

            The story it self turned out to be complicated and uninteresting. I read the first book because of the topic of mermaids. I haven't read many books on mermaids and I was very excited to read this one. However, my expectations hit the floor after reading the first book. I read the sequel because I wanted to give this story another chance, but that didn't work out. If you like books that are simple and don't have a lot of depth then this is definitely a book for you. However, I just wasn't into it. 

Dreaming Awake #2 by Gwen Hayes

Genre: Mythology

Paperback: 336 Pages

Published: January 3, 2012

Series: Falling Under

            1. Falling Under

            2. Dreaming Awake

            3. TBA

Rating:★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

She fell for him in a nighttime world. But the time for dreaming is past—and the here-and-now can be just as fragile their love…

When Theia Alderson first encountered a mysterious, handsome boy in her dreams, she never imagined how finding Haden Black—and falling in love—could change her life. To save Haden, Theia sacrificed everything. And the dangerous bargain she made could have lasting repercussions.

Now Theia has returned to Serendipity Falls, and she finds herself struggling with the same deadly hungers that have tortured Haden. When students at their high school fall prey to a mysterious illness, Theia can’t help but wonder if Haden’s control is slipping—and how much longer she’ll have a grip on her own.

And still the nightmare realm of Under won’t let them go. Someone from Haden’s past is determined to destroy Theia from the inside out, starting with those closest to her, forcing Theia to choose between family and friends and a love that may have been doomed from the start…

My Review: 

To be honest I don't really know why I continued with the second book in this series since the first book was an epic fail for me. I'm sad to inform you all that I felt the same this time around. I don't know maybe I was bored or just needed something to read, but I read this book and I'm not really surprised at the lack of originality. I know many people liked this story, but for me the entire problem was in the originality of the story. There wasn't any.            

            First off, the story is based off of Hades and Persephone which I think is very much over used. The concept is pretty interesting and can be turned into something epic, but there has just been too many young adult books that are trying to pull this unique story off and just failing. Secondly, the female lead is a ditz. At times I was surprised at how stupid this girl was. You can't fall in love with someone in an instant. It takes time and patience to make a relationship work, but this chick was ridiculous. 

         Mostly my problem was with getting interested in this book. I tired my best to keep my eyes open and the story did get interesting about half way through the book. However, by that time I didn't feel like continuing with this series. Overall, it was just eghh. From what I have heard many people liked this series and I read some good reviews. So if this is the type of book you are interested in then definitely give it a try, but it just wasn't my cup of tea. 

Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Paperback: 324 Pages

Published: March 1, 2011

Genre: Mythology 

Series: Falling Under

            1. Falling Under

            2. Dreaming Awake

Rating:★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

My Review:

            There are four things that make a book good in my opinion. The storyline should be interesting enough to keep me hooked. The characters should be strong and independent willing to stand up for themselves. The writing style should be written to target the audience the story in being written for. Finally, the addictiveness of a book can basically make or break a story for me.

            In Falling Under, the storyline was catchy enough to get me to read the first book. I was hooked on the idea of dream sequencing and being able to meet the mysterious man that comes to me in my dreams. That is a pretty cool topic and definitely got me interested. The writing style is where things started to go downhill. The author used a lot of Jane Austen references and the story seemed like it was written for an old lady. I honestly didn't like how the writing was not written for the targeted audience, but instead it was complex and got confusing at times.

           

             The characters were a pain in the ass. They had no depth or creativity and because of this the book was a fail for me. I couldn't muster up any enthusiasm for the characters when they were acting like idiots. For example, when  Theia was suddenly in the underworld she wasn't surprised at all. She didn't freak out or get scared. Um...the initial reaction of someone who is magically taken to another dimension should freak the hell out and possible poop in their pants. But Theia just blinked her eyes like she was expecting this to happen. I found this to be ridiculous and that's why I give this book only two stars. 

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Genre: Mermaids

Hardcover: 324 Pages

Published: May 22, 2012

Series: The Syrena Legacy

            1. Of Poseidon

            2. Of Triton

            3. Of Neptune

Rating:★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he's heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen—literally, ouch!—both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma's gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom...

Told from both Emma and Galen's points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance.

My Review:

            It's official I am NOT A FAN OF MERMAIDS. So far I have read about two series with mermaids and I gotta say, "it ain't my cup of tea." The concept of mermaids is interesting, but the execution is done poorly. So far I am less than impressed with these sea creatures not because of the story, but because the author failed to keep the reader hooked.

            Of Poseidon tells the story of Emma, a girl who possesses a few mermaid traits, and is targeted by Galen, a Syrena (mermaid) Prince, who attempts to unravel her secrets. As the story continues Emma discovers that she has the gift of Poseidon (kind of like Dr. Dolittle's ability to speak to animals) but she cannot turn into a Syrena. So Galen and Emma start to spend time together to train and we all know what happens next: they fall madly in love and the two kingdoms don't want that to happen, there are fights, a jealous girl, and useless drama. So basically the usual Romeo and Juliet love affair. Overall, I give this book only two stars because of its lack of originality. I would have liked to see the story go a different way, but I was disappointed.  

Essence #2 by Kimberly Derting

Genre: Dystopian

Hardcover: 

Published:

Series: The Pledge

      1. The Pledge

      2. The Essence

      3. The Offering

Rating:★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

“Danger, dread, mystery, and romance” (Booklist) continue in the second book of The Pledge trilogy, as Charlie’s reign is under siege from the most unusual of enemies.

At the luminous conclusion of The Pledge, Charlaina defeated the tyrant Sabara and took her place as Queen of Ludania. But Charlie knows that Sabara has not disappeared: The evil queen’s Essence is fused to Charlie’s psyche, ready to arise at the first sign of weakness.

Charlie is not weak, but she’s being pushed to the brink. In addition to suppressing the ever-present influence of Sabara, she’s busy being queen—and battling a growing resistance determined to return Ludania to its discriminatory caste system. Charlie wants to be the same girl Max loves, who Brook trusts, but she’s Your Majesty now, and she feels torn in two.

As Charlie journeys to an annual summit to meet with leaders of nearby Queendoms—an event where her ability to understand all languages will be the utmost asset—she is faced with the ultimate betrayal. And the only person she can turn to for help is the evil soul residing within.

My Review:

I really liked the first book in this series because the idea that was presented was very refreshing and entertaining. However, this second installment was a major let down. I was hoping to get back into the action, romance, and excitement when I started to read this book. However, that is not what I got.

       This time around the characters lacked depth and creativity. I wanted to see more of the fierce Charlie that I met in the first book because I liked her determination. Instead in this book she was self doubting and kind of boring to interact with. The plot was boring as well. I was looking forward to the action packed fighting scenes that I read in the first book, but there wasn't that much depth this time around. I think the author could have explained a little more about the powers between the queen and Charlie because some of the situations didn't really make any sense. 

     Overall, this book was a disappointment for me and I honestly don't think I will be continuing with this series. Although I really liked the idea of this book and the romance was sweet, I just can muster up any interest to continue reading the final book. 

Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Genre: Dystopian

Hardcover: 323 Pages

Published: November 15, 2011

Series: The Pledge

            1. The Pledge

            2. The Essence

            3. The Offering

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.

My Review:

            This was a great beginning to a promising series. I truly enjoyed this interesting dystopian novel which revolves around a 17 year old Charlaina or Charlie. She lives in a kingdom of Ludania ruled by cruel and ancient Queen Sabara. This queens subjects are divided by class, language and strict rules that are to be followed at any cost. Any disobedience is followed by death and punishment. Ludania is currently in turmoil because of a war that has been going on for years to change the oppressive conditions.      Charlie is among the commoners who is trying to get through her life without getting caught in the war. Unfortunately, Charlie is a big pawn in this war. She can speak and understand all the languages spoken in Ludania and that makes her a threat. However, no one knows yet, and Charlie plans to keep it that way. If the queen or her loyal subjects find out then it's the end for Charlie.  

          

        However, when Charlie starts to attract the attention of a young man named Max, things start to get interesting. As Charlie and Max get to know each other, Charlie is closer to revealing her secrets to Max who happens to have dangerous secrets of his own. But can Charlie trust Max or will he betray her and serve her to the queen. As the tension rises and the war threatens Charlie's life, Charlie must decided who she can trust and what necessary steps she should take in order to stay alive.

            This was definitely a great start to this series. There was lots of tension and trying to figure out who to trust was very frustrating. The author wrote a unique piece of story that captures the readers attention and gets them hooked. However, this book was pretty detailed and long. I think the author could have taken some things out because certain chapters got pretty boring to read. 

Fractured by Erin Hayes

Genre: Horror

Paperback

Published: July 8, 2014

Goodreads Synopsis:

Blinded by a mysterious seizure when she was three years old, Bash Martin has managed to carve out a normal life for herself as an adult. Yet she still yearns for a deeper connection with her twin sister Lily, who has always been jealous of the attention their parents bestowed upon Bash due to her disability. 

A dream vacation seems like the perfect chance to heal their relationship, but Bash soon realizes there is something terribly wrong with Lily and that her sister is hiding a dark secret. And when a supernatural fire engulfs their hotel and corpses come back to life, the sisters are plunged into a nightmarish world that threatens not only their lives, but their very souls.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21865341-fractured?ac=1

Purchase:

--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fractured-Erin-Hayes/dp/1499709641/ref=la_B009W8D29W_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1405692849&sr=1-5

--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fractured-erin-hayes/1119915986?ean=2940149703470

AUTHOR BIO:

Sci-fi junkie, video game nerd, and wannabe manga artist, Erin Hayes writes a lot of things. Sometimes she writes books, like the fantasy mystery Death is but a Dream and the sci-fi middle grade book Jacob Smith is Incredibly Average.

You can reach her at tiptoegirl87@gmail.com and she’ll be happy to chat. Especially if you want to debate Star Wars.

Author links:

http://www.erinhayesbooks.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5335865.Erin_Hayes

https://www.facebook.com/erinhayesbooks

https://twitter.com/erinhayes5399

Excerpt: 

Lily’s thoughts drifted back to Seth, and her heart ached thinking about it. He treated her like some sort of stranger now too. Like he hadn’t arrived that night to see her. Like there wasn’t any sort of connection between them.

She thought back to their impending ski trip in two weeks’ time and wondered yet again why she agreed to go along. Maybe it was because Bash had allowed her to choose where they would go and offered to pay her way. Maybe it had to do with the fact that Seth was going.

She combed her fingers through her hair. The tears really were forcing their way down her cheeks now. Nothing felt fair to her.

Liii—iiiillyy.

Shut up! she screamed mentally.

Unfortunately, the voice wouldn’t hear of it.

She’s marrying him, Lily. Him. Your soul mate.

She was trying not to listen to the voice. It was just very difficult to ignore its insistence sometimes.

“No,” she whispered. “No, they’re not getting married.”

There was no way they were getting married. Bash would’ve at least told her that. Right? And with the ski trip to Colorado coming up soon...

No, they wouldn’t be getting married. They’d only known each other six months for Christ’s sake.

You’ll see, the voice said smugly. You’ll see. You’ve failed us Lii—illlly...

She rubbed her palms to her eyes, feeling her soul break at the admission. All she wanted her entire life was to be loved. Now, she really was never going to have her happy ending.

A rustling sound made her glance up into the trees, which were swaying even harder now, despite the lack of wind, like an invisible person was shaking them. She frowned, feeling an overwhelming sense of negativity sweep over her. She shivered involuntarily.

You’ll see.

Giveaway:

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Night School #5 by Mari Mancusi

Night School by Mari Mancusi

Genre: Vampires

Paperback: 256 Pages

Published: January 4, 2011

Series: Blood Coven Vampire

            1. Boys that Bite

            2. Stake That  

            3. Girls that Growl

            4. Bad Blood

            5. Night School

            6. Blood Ties

            7. Soul Bound

            8. Blood Forever

Rating:★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Vampires, Slayers and…FAIRIES? Sunny and Rayne McDonald are about to get SCHOOLED. 

After their parents’ shocking revelation about their fae heritage and an attack on their lives, the McDonald twins find themselves on the run—forced to hide out at Riverdale Academy , a boarding school for vampire slayers, deep in the Swiss Alps. With no cells, no internet, and no way to contact their vampire boyfriends—the twins are on their own.

Being a vampire stuck in a school full of slayers isn’t easy. Especially with no blood substitute stocked on campus. Soon Rayne finds herself succumbing to her bloodlust and losing control—especially around the arrogant, but devastatingly handsome Corbin Billingsworth the Third—who isn’t sure whether he wants to kiss her…or kill her.

But when Sunny starts acting strange, Rayne realizes Riverdale Academy may be hiding some deadly secrets of its own—leading to a showdown in Fairyland that may cost the twins their lives.

My Review:

For some odd reason I like this series, even though I have a billion issues with the writing style, the characters, the plot, and pretty much everything. I have my ups and downs with Rayne and Sunny, but over all they are good characters who have lots of potential to become great ones.

           

      So first we found out that Rayne was planning on becoming a vampire, but instead Sunny was turned into a vampire. Then Sunny wanted to find a cure to be un-vamped. While Sunny was looking for a cure, Rayne finds out that she is in fact a vampire slayer and a secret company wants to hire her and use her knowledge of vampires to get rid of them. Now Sunny and Rayne find out that they are half fairy and their mom is a princess who is being called back to her land or what ever. Man this series has definitely gotten complex. It's one thing to start the book with vampires taking over, but to add slayers and now fairies?! Now that's just crazy.

           

    I liked how the author used a variety of supernatural characters, but at one point it just got too much for me. I was constantly confused as to where the plot was going and because of that I didn't enjoy this book that much. Plus every book so far has ended with a cliffhanger that you will not see coming. It was funny at times and I was entertained for a bit, but for me the book didn't make me jump up and down like a little girl. So hopefully, the next book takes it up a few notches.