Secrets and Shadows

Nothing's simplw when you run with werewolves. Jessie Gilmansen thinks she's seen it all, but her eyes are about to be opened to even more danger and a reality far more paranormal than she's ever suspected. Thanks to Jessie's startling revelation about the Rusakovas' mother, the groups choices become harder - and trust is more imortant than ever. But the dramatic change Pietr's going through may shake the trust he's built with Jessie to it's very foundation. As the broken Rusakova family struggles to come together to face what may be their greatest challenge, the people Jessie believed were normal show themselves to be much, much more...

The next installment of 13 to Life was just as breathtaking and amazing as the first one. The story for this is just incredible and the way Delany puts a spin on the werewolf myth is just so amazingly good! I felt for Jessie in this book, because like all paranormal boyfriends, Pietr decides it's best if he and Jessie not only have a relationship, but not even a friendship either! I love that instead of just wallowing in her grief and pain, Jessie sticks it to him bu going out with someone he despises...Derek. Unfortunatly for Jessie, that just may not turn out the best! I had to suck in my breath when Pietr finally admits why he has to keep Jessie at arms length...and good 'ole Jessie...well...let's just say she trys to push the limit. You don't know who to trust in this book, no one is who they seem to be! There is so many twists and turns in this book you just might get dizzy...but in a great way! The end will leave you gasping for breath and wishing it was August already!

I gave this book 4 stars!

Haven by Kristi Cook

Violet doesn't understand why she feels drawn to the Winterhaven School. She just knows it's the right place for her. When she discovers the school's secret, it all makes sense: Everyone at Winterhaven has psychic gifts. For the first time in her life, Violet doesn't have to hide her visions. She's always seen them as a curse, but now she can hone her ability and try to control it.

But she's thrown completely off balance when she meets the most alluring - and most mysterious- boy in school. She's never connected with anyone the way she does with Aidan, and the intensity takes them both by surprise. But as their relationship deepens, she begins to have visions of Aidan's death - and see's that she is the one fated to kill him.

Violet has never been able to prevent her visions from coming true. But this time she'll do whatever it takes...even if it means sacrificing herself for the boy she loves.

I'm not sure how to feel about this book...I liked it, but at points I felt like I was reading Twilight with new character names! That being said, I am sure it is hard to come up with new and inventive vampire stories that no one has read. There were some twists, but more at the end then anywhere else. I thought the author could have done better with her foreshadowing...it was just really obvious (to me at least), what Aidan was...even before we knew. The love story was very Edward/Bella-esque...I want him/her but I can't...Stay away from me...I'm a monster... I will say that the ending was AMAZING!! It was the best part of the book by far. I think Kristi Cook has a great idea for this series, and I can't wait to see what happens with Violet, Aidan and the rest of the gang at Winterhaven...I just hope the rest are more original and less Twilighty!

I give this book 3.5 stars!

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

Welcome to Elsewhere. It is usually warm with a breeze, the sun and the stars shine brightly, and the beaches are marvelous. It's quiet and peaceful here. And you can't get sick or any older. Curious to see new paintings by Picasso? Swing by one of Elsewhere's museums. Need to talk to someone about your problems? Stop by Marilyn Monroe's psychiatric practice.

Elsewhere.

It's where fifteen year old Liz Hall ends up, after she has died. It's a place so like Earth, yet completely different from it. Here Liz will age backwards from the day of her death until she becomes a baby again and returns to Earth.

But Liz wants to turn sixteen, not fourteen (again). She wants to get her drivers liscense. She wants to graduate from High school, and go to college. She wants to fall in love. And now that she is dead, Liz is being forced to live a life she doesn't want with a grandmother she has only just met. And it is not going well.

How can Liz let go of the only life she has ever known and embrace a new one? Is it possible that a life lived in reverse is no different from a life lived forward?

I thought this was a very interesting read. The fact that instead of just dying and living forever, dying and then doing the whole process backward was something I never would've thought of. Even though that may sound comforting, it doesn't mean it would be easy. I love how Liz tried to hold onto her old life, but learned that she could still live. I loved Owen...even though for a moment he broke Liz's heart...he was a man after my own heart! I thought this was a very touching and moving book. THere were times I felt my heart break, and times I wanted to slap Liz out of her funk! If I didn't know what I know about the afterlife from my beliefs, this would give me some measure of thinking!

I gave this book 3 stars!

Re-do

So after reading City of Fallen Angels again...(yes I am one of those people) I feel like I need to re-review this book. I feel like I wasn't as honest with myself and the readers of this blog as I should have been. So that being said...if you've read the preceeding post/review...PLEASE RE-READ IT!!!

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

The Mortal War is over, and Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And - most important of all --Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloddy war. Clary's best friend Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side - along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls - neither knows about the other.

When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

Cassandra Clare is an amazing author who has created an amazing world...that being said...I am rather disappointed in this installment of The Mortal Instruments. I was so excited to see what happened with Clary and Jace after the big battle. For three books I have waited to see what would happen with Clary and Jace...and after a "happy" ending in City of Glass, I was expecting happy things for them in this book, only to find myself wondering if they will ever get a happy ending. Although I was happy to learn more about Simon...I wondered when he became such a main player. To me the best part of the book was the last several chapters...it was back to good old Mortal Instuments action! Alec and Magnus were back...Jace and Clary were fighting side by side...I was in HEAVEN!

I didn't love this book, but I didn't hate it either. To me it was a "coffee bean" book...something to tide everyone over. I hope that the long wait between City of Fallen Angels and City of Lost Souls is worth it...I really want it to be!

I give this book 3 Stars!

Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

I really wish I could find a picture of the book cover...it is really, really cool! The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she'd be doing this summer was trying to break a 300 year old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that's not exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spell-binding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever. This book was breathtaking! Colleen Houck did a tremendous job in giving so many details, without them the book would not be what it is! As someone who one day wants to tour the world, I felt like I have already been to India and seen some amazing sights! Not only that but I was able to feel every thought, emotion, and desire of the characters! I had a hard time getting into it...but then I couldn't put it down! The characters are so vividly written that you feel like they are in the room with you, and I swear I felt like I could feel Ren's fur... Kelsey has had a hard life, but where some teens may let it make them bitter, she hasn't. When she gets a temporary job to help with a circus with it's tiger, she's a little apprehensive, but it turns her life upside down. She finds that she has a certian pull to the tiger Dhiren, whom she affectionatly nicknames Ren, and who it seems has a pull to her as well. When she is offered a chance of a lifetime to accompany Ren to his homeland of India how can she refuse? Well there is more to Ren than meets the eye. Can she let herself feel for the man Ren is, what she feels for Ren the tiger? Will she push him away and deny herself a chance at love because of her own insecurities? I could tell you...but then you wouldn't read the book! I will say that I wish I had a box of kleenex with me at the end. It was heart wrenching! I cannot WAIT until June for the next installment of this saga! This is one book that I will definatly be adding to my personal library...you should too!

I gave this book 5 stars!!

13 to Life by Shannon Delany

EVerything about Jessie Gillmansen's life changed when her mother died. Now even her hometown of Junction is changing.Mysterious dark things are happening. All Jessie wants is to avoid more change. But while showing a hot new guy around Junction High, she's about to discover a whole new type of change. Pietr Rusakova is more than good looks and a fascinating accent - he's a guy with a dangerous secret. And his very existence is sure to bring big trouble to Jessie's small town. It seems change is the one thing Jessie can't avoid. (Summay from the back of the book)

This book will do for werewolves what "Twilight" did for vampires! From the very get go I was totally emmersed in this story. Jessie is struggling to come back after the death of her mother. However, making the girl that killed you mother your best friend, may not be the smartest move she's ever made. Then in walks Pietr (Peter)...her whole life turns upside down. She is drawn to him, but so is her best friend Sarah. Jessie pushes Sarah and Pietr together...even though she and Pietr both have feelings for each other. When Jessie discovers that she and Pietr share a common tragedy, losing a parent, or in Pietr case both parents, they vow to be there for each other no matter what. Jessis knows that Pietr is hiding something from her, but she's going to find out. Once she does though...will her feelings for Pietr change? Will she be able to trust him? The ending if this book will leave you stunned and amazed and wanting more!

I really enjoyed this book! Shannon cracked me up by having Jessie addicted to what else...VAMPIRE BOOKS :)! It made me giggle! I thought the characters were well rounded and yet each one is harboring secrets that can really hurt someone else. Peitr has so many great attributes...kind, gentle, sad, protective, hot...the list can go on and on! IT is a MUST READ!!! Put it at the top of your reading lists...you will NOT regret it!!

I gave this book 4 stars!

Need by Carrie Jones

Zara white suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been the herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is suppossed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom can't deal with her right now.

She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker isn't a figment of Zara's over active imagination. In fact he's following her, leaving behind an eerie trial of gold dust. There's something not right - not human-in this sleepy little Maine town, and all signs point to Zara. (taken from cover flap summary)

So you'll just have to trust me that this is a good book....I read it awhile ago, but wanted to review it before I put up the review for the newest book in the series. I promise that you will NEVER look at a pixie/fairy the same again!

I gave this book 4 stars!

Captivate by Carrie Jones

Zara and her friends knew they hadn't solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The kings needs grow deeper everyday he's stuck in captivity, while his control over his people get weaker. It's made him vulnerable. And now there's a new king in town.

A turf war is imminent, since the new pizie king, Astley is moving in quickly. Nick nearly kills him in the woods on day one, but Zara comes to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he's one of the good guys. Nick isn't buying it, though Zara isn't as sure - despite herself she want to trust the new king. But it's more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It's her life...and his. (Taken from the book flap summary)

This book was full of so many twists and turns it will make you head swim! I love the relationship between Nick and Zara...though at times I wanted to smack Zara for Nick...The ending will make you gasp in disbelief and break your heart at the same time! Who knew that pixies could be so evil? I promise you'll never guess!

I gave this book 4 stars!

Entice by Carrie Jones

Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. But that's not how things have worked out. For starters, Nick is gone. He's been taken to some myhtic place for warriors called Valhalla, where Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. It's just not going to be easy. Meanwhile, Bedford needs it's warriors more than ever, since a group of evil pixies is devastating the place, with teens going missing everyday. An all-out war seems imminent. But even if Zara and her friends can find the way to Valhalla, there's that other small problem: Zara's been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to leave with her? Especially considering she hasn't turned into just any pixie...She's Astley's queen. (Taken from the book flap summary) I really liked the first two books in this series...I liked this one but not as much. Maybe I was missing Nick and the relationship that he and Zara have, or maybe it's just that this book moved so much slower. It was interesting to watch Zara's friends and family try to come to terms with her new role as a pixie and a queen no less. I have to give so much credit to Astley...watching his queen do everything in her power to save the boy she loves...and then helping her to do just that...AMAZING! I am making a prediction though...the love that Zara and Nick shared...I think in the next book we may see the ending of it. I really hope not, because that was one of the best parts of these books...I don't know anything...just a prediction. This is a great book with lots of suspense and action, but like I said I was missing the love between Nick and Zara.

I gave this book 3 stars!

The Dead Girl's Dance by Rachel Caine

Claire Danvers has had her share of challenges - like being a genius in a school that favors beauty over brains, dealing with the homicidal girls in her dorm, and above all. finding out that her college town is overrun with vampires. On the upside, she has a great roommate (who tends to disappear at sunup) and a new boyfriend, Shane...whose vampire hunting dad has called in back-up: cycle punks who like the idea of killing just about anything. Now a fraterinty is throwing it's annual Dead Girl's Dance and - surprise!- Claire and her equally outcast best friend Eve, have been invited. When they find out why, all hell is going to break loose. Because this time both the living and the dead are coming out - and everbody's hungry for blood. I sooooo LOVE these books! Have I said that already? I really, really do! I was so happy at the end of Glass House's when Shane and Claire got together...let me just wipe the drool from my chin...I think they are an amazing couple! I love Claire! There are so many things about her that I wish I could take into myself....she has no fear (well if she does, she hides it pretty well)...she is soo stinkin' smart...she is cute....she has a HOT boyfriend (okay...I have a HOT hubby so I guess I can't count that)...she is an amazing friend! In this installment of The Morganville Vampire series, Claire has settled into the Glass House, and of course they fond themselves in a heated battle. Shane's dad is in town...kidnapping people...trying to destroy the vamps he hates so bad. Well the vamps can play that game too...who better to take then...SHANE (say it ain't so?!?!)...and not to mention Eve's creepy brother is now out of jail and stalking her and Claire. What else could go wrong? Well, let me just say it's Morganville...if nothing goes wrong...then something is definatly wrong! At the end Claire makes a decision that may just cost her life, but in turn will save those she loves.... I must say that I am sooooo TEAM SHANE! I love Michael too...but something about bad boy Shane just gets to me :)! Whose team are you on? I hope you will let these books sink their teeth into you (yes pun intended)! I keep thinking the lovely and talented Ms. Caine will surely run out of ideas...and then BAM! She proves that her imagination is full of storylines yet to be written...THANK HEAVENS!!!

I gave this book 4 stars!

Heavenly, Penitence, and Absolution by Jennifer Laurens

I met someone.

Matthias.

My autistis sisters gaurdian angel.

Honest, inspiring, and funny.

HOT.

And immortal.

That was the problem.

What could I do?

I did what any other girl would do - I fell in love with him.

This is a trilogy about your average American teenaged girl named Zoe. Well maybe not so avcerage...Zoe likes to party and hook up with hot guys...and oh ya...she see's dead people. Actually Zoe has an incredible gift of being able to see spirits...good and bad...and Gaurdian Angels. When her sister runs away from her for the millionth time, Matthias comes to rescue and Zoe's world is forever changed. When she is finally convinced that Matthias is legit, angel and lost girl come together in a love that changes destiny. But Heaven on Earth can't last forever.

I am reviewing these books together because the story moves seamlessly from one book to the other. Throughout this trilogy Zoe is faced with many crazy, scary, horrific and happy events, and always by her side is Matthias. What happens though when she starts to have feelings for a human boy, and her ex-best friends ex-boyfriend? CAn she love two people at once? Can Weston love her depsite the fact that she can see spirits. Life throws Zoe many curve balls...a life threatening accident, the loss of her friend, the gates of Hell literally gaping after her, and yet through it all her faith in herself, Weston, and of course Matthias stays strong.

I liked these books. I thought the story was great...there were just a few things that kept buggung me. One...Matthias keeps telling Zoe that she is mortal and needs to live her life and have her exoeriences, and yet he seems to always be there trying to stop her. Two...Matthias keeps telling Zoe that they will be together someday...and then the series ends...WHAT!?!? Will we ever find out that they are together or were we simply to imply that we knew they were? I like Matthias...don't get me wrong, but I REALLY want to see Zoe and Weston together...forever. Like I said I liked these books...not my faves, but they are a good read!

I gave these books 3 Stars!

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Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

College freshman Claire Danvers has had enought of her nightmarish dorm situation. When Claire heads off campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they'll have Claire's back when thetowns deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood. I seriously have fallen in LOVE with this vampire series! Claire is not at all what you would expect as a herione at all...but that is most definatly what she is. She ROCKS! Put through a horrible first few months at school and nearly paying with her life, she finally finds solitude in the Glass House. At first they aren't exactly thrilled about taking a 16 year old under their roof, but the thing about the residents of the Glass House...they're family first and foremost...and they'll have your back no matter what! You will fall in love with crazy, ecentric, Gothic Eve. Shane will make you swoon, and Michael will have you guessing about him for awhile! When Claire finds out that vampires run the town, instead of turning tail and running as fast as she can, she stands side by side with her new roommates and makes a stand. This book will suck you in from the very first pages! There is some language, but other than that it is a clean book with lots of thrills, chills, and action! You may even see the budidngs of some romances. I promise...like a good potatoe chip...you won't be able to stop with one book...you'll keep reaching for more!

I give this book 4 stars!

P.S. I'll be reviewing ALL the Morganville Vampire books...soon!