Amazing; Realistic for sure

Date Published: May, 10, 2011

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First Thoughts:

This was one hell of a ride; I had an emotional high and an emotional low all in one story. I’m still comprehending the ending…I don’t know whether to scream in my pillow or just pretend that last scene never happened (Yeah right…*sigh*). But the more and more this book and story settles within me the more and more I love the clever way the author chose to end this book. She chose to end it in a way that makes the audience hover over an edge and whether the reader chooses to go over completely and accept the character’s decision and fate is up to them.

Plot:

The plot was filled with plenty of action and “meat”. I loved the fact that the action wasn’t all about seeking a thrill but about making choices and whether people saw behind the many masks placed before them. I really enjoyed that the author chose to include scenes that were slow but were filled with so much beauty and information but in a more subtle way. She really knew where to place the vital information so that the reader wouldn’t be too far under the influence of emotion. She set the pace right so that it gave the reader plenty of time to recover before being slammed again.

Characters:

The characters were created with care and precision; they were so full of their own personality and very much realistic. Each of the characters was there for a reason; each one contributed to the story as a whole. I enjoyed that there was a mixture of personalities; I was able to take from it a more surreal feeling and believe it to more possible. There were times where the characters were so real I forgot they were only fictional but the more I thought about it these characters were real; they’re around us every day it’s up to us to spot them out.

Transformation of the Character:

I wouldn’t say Emma the main character did a complete transformation, on the contrary I think she’s just begun but she has taken that first step on becoming that beautiful butterfly that we all know blooms inside her. As for the other characters they didn’t do a whole lot of transforming themselves, Sara still seemed to be about the same girl she was in the beginning except for a few minor changes and Evan though we did see him change I believe he still has a journey of his own before he’s done and through. But in all I was satisfied in this department, I think if the characters changed any more than they did it wouldn’t be as real; so believable.

Description:

To say the description was beautiful is clearly not enough. The author created a very detailed world that helped connect the reader to the character. I believe without the authors precise yet beautiful description this book would have fell flat. I loved that I connected instantly with the characters; I liked that I didn’t have to work hard to picture the scenes; it was just so amazing throughout. The amount of description was just right and there are some scenes in this book that I will never forget; they have definitely impacted me both spiritually and emotionally.

Style:

I loved that the author chose to write this story in Emma’s point of view, we were able to see first-hand all the horror and pain she had to expeience. Without her point of view we would have never been able to connect with her as good as in this story; we wouldn’t have FELT as much as we did. I also liked the way the author chose to set up all the different scenes, especially the last scene (a scene I’ll never forget). I know there have been mixed views on the ending but I loved it, I loved that the author chose to end it that way it wouldn’t have impacted me as much if she hadn’t.

Quote of the book:

“We were engaged in a very intricate dance of touching without touching, knowing without saying, and feeling without expressing. We were friends walking along a ledge, a very thin ledge and I was too caught up in my heightened awareness of his existence to realize how close the ledge was to crumbling beneath my feet.”

Goodreads Summary:

"No one tried to get involved with me, and I kept to myself. This was the place where everything was supposed to be safe and easy. How could Evan Mathews unravel my constant universe in just one day?"

He knows there’s something more to the girl sitting in the back of the class the moment he sees her. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and athletic – but she slips quietly through the crowded halls, trying not to exist. Determined to get to know the elusive girl, Evan soon discovers…

Emma Thomas is hiding a terrible secret.

Reason to Breathe is an electrifying page turner from start to finish a unique tale of life-changing love, unspeakable cruelty, and one girl’s fragile grasp of hope.

Last thoughts:

I would recommend this book to any heart felt reader, if you love reading about realistic situations this is definitely a book you need to pick up. I would also recommend this to any young adult; it’s something we all need to be aware of. I wouldn’t recommend this if you don’t like book that deal with the emotions; this definitely is filled with tons of them. I loved just about everything about this book; the romance was amazing; it wasn’t at any point too much. The realism was there and the mere fact this story had such a fast read quality to it definitely added to the overall quality of the book. This is definitely a book you won’t want to put down and I am glad to say the author is currently working on a sequel to which I am eternally grateful.

My Rating:

Out of this World

Date Published:  January 18, 2012

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First Thoughts:

This was one world wind of a story; so much more happened in this book and the fact that the point of view switched really turned things around. I immensely enjoyed the connections I felt with the characters, the fact that I could keep reading and lose track of time and also the continuation of such a powerful yet sweet story. This book literally had all kinds of elements; action, the dreadful mean girl (in this case a girl with a back-up crew), love, both inner and outer struggles and so much more. There really aren’t enough words to sum up all that was unveiled in this book.

Plot:

The plot was planned just right, there was plenty of action and slow scenes to help keep the reader reading and enjoying it at the same time. A lot of the previous questions I had from the first book were clearly answered in this one but the author also introduced a new conflict near the end (so not telling; you’re going to have to read it on your own) But one thing I had a slight issue with was just the fact that so much happened in this story and I wished some of the plot points could have been a longer length of time; giving the reader time to absorb all its glory and consequences. Don’t get me wrong; I loved all that happened in this story I just wish some of it could have been drawn out just a little more.

Characters:

They were just as witty and full of life as they were in the first book. Each of them had a distinct personality and they were never dull. Even the more minor characters had their own little spark. Each character made a contribution to the story and I didn’t find any of them misplaced or invalued.

Transformation of the character:

There were some characters that transformed more in this book and two of them being Rayn and Maddie, both of them transformed so beautifully inside; each one had to overcome some pretty big hurtles and I liked how the author executed their transformations. They weren’t forced or rushed; she gradually made them change and allowed the reader to see a side of them that was both touching and painful. As for some of the other characters they too made beautiful transformations and a certain someone (won’t say the name) changed quite a lot in this book and I loved the fact that the author chose his transformation to fit his character and not the ones around him.

Description:

The description was beautiful, I enjoyed how she described Vesturon, and she did a great job creating a world that didn’t exist. What I enjoyed the most was how she described the military aspects, it was like she was really knowledgeable in their systems and it was nice to see that unfold. This author has a great knack on describing fight scenes and intimate ones that include a calm and smooth atmosphere. And the way she described the romance between Rayn and Maddie was perfect, she really did a great job on the more “intimate” scenes and created a sense of power and the love between them.

Style:

I liked how she used third person, I really got to see all aspects of the characters world and wasn’t whiplashed from character to character, I was able to see the story unfold from a distant yet intimate point of view. Though I felt at times some of the transitions were a little rough but in an overall look it really didn’t bother me. This author has her own unique style and I love that she switches it up; creating a new and more fresh outlook for the reading audience.

Goodreads Summary:

"Maddie knew she was dying. Her life started to flash before her. She had visions of running down the soccer field, scoring a goal, eating her mother’s yummy, homemade, sticky cinnamon rolls, standing in her foyer listening to the police tell her father that her mother had been killed in a car accident. Each vision was disturbingly clear—as if it was happening again."

 Rayn Yarrister, the first-born son and Leader of The Guardians, has been imprisoned on Vesturon for breaking their most sacred of covenants. He is suddenly jolted by Maddie's telepathic pleas for help, as her life hangs in the balance. Can he alert The Guardians in time to save his soulmate? Or will he face his trial alone and broken without his one true love?

 In Resurrection (Book 2), The Guardians of Vesturon are facing their biggest challenges as Earth is threatened by an invading species from a distant planet intent on destroying it for its resources. The Guardians, as protectors of the universe, have been assembled to defend not only Earth, but other vulnerable worlds as well. The Yarrister family is threatened by an unknown entity intent on discrediting them. Will they uncover this plot in time to save themselves from ruin? Will The Guardians succeed in stopping the Xanthians, or will Earth be invaded and ravaged by this marauding species?

Last Thoughts:

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the first book of this series, this story had so many conflicts solved and alongside it added even more drama! I would also recommend this to anyone who enjoys the creativity and creation of a new world, this book definitely has its own flavor and is unique and fun to read. I wouldn’t however recommend this if you don’t like to read about aliens, though they aren’t your typical alien the idea itself is still there. I also wouldn’t recommend this if you don’t like reading about romance; this definitely carries that element throughout the entire story. Overall I did enjoy this book and I find myself thinking about it from time to time and crave that connection with the characters that I don’t find often in the books I read. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for all these loveable characters! This is definitely a series I want to continue!

My Rating:

A Hidden Jewel

Published on December 24, 2011

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First thoughts:

This was definitely one roller-coaster of emotional limits. The intensity and idea itself was filled with all of the emotions. This wasn’t your run of the mill type of story, there was some added flare and character to this book that made reading it both enjoyable and fast. This is definitely a book that doesn’t take long to read and can if time allowed be read in one sitting.

Plot:

Though this book started a bit slow to me it did have an overall good plot. The beginning was just trying to introduce the reader to the ideas of the world and the characters themselves. But after the first few chapters of the book the story really picked up and I instantly connected with both the characters and the world. I wanted no needed to read more, the more ideas and twists were unraveled the more I enjoyed this book. The action was at times intense, especially the end (won’t reveal it to you but it definitely both shocked and stunned me). The entire plot was planned to the tee, each conflict and twist planned accordingly and I enjoyed not knowing every little detail of what was to happen.

Characters:

The characters like I said were distant at the beginning, the author did a great job on creating different personalities and attributes but I felt like I was looking in from a glass window instead of actually being in the room. But as soon as Reka the main protagonist was introduced into the books main purpose (a few chapters in) I was able to both instantly connect with her but also with the other characters around her. I enjoyed being able to both like and connect with the antagonist, it’s not something a reader is privileged to often. Usually the bad guy is someone you vote against but the author gave us a side of him that made me want to know him more; to sympathize with. Also I was able to really relate with some of the characters, the way they felt with certain situations seemed quite believable.

Transformation of the Character:

Okay so I’m not sure if Reka really did any TRUE transforming. She in a way battled in her mind constantly but I think we were able to see her true character in the beginning and throughout this book she was battling to keep it. So in a way she kind of transformed but she didn’t make a normal transformation. As for the other characters, some of them changed a little but in all the transformations were kept to a minimum.  

Description:

I really enjoyed this author’s use of description. She really described some pivotal scenes very well. She didn’t leave the reader without a good picture on what she was trying to get across. She used just the right amount in this story, she never over described something or left you with a scene painted in only black and white; she colored her world with an array of beautiful colors and ideas. I found some of her descriptions to be very creative, the ideas and images she conquered up were just breath-taking.

Style:

The author’s style was perfect for the story, she did a really job on creating mental and physical conversations. I liked how she got Reka to have inner turmoil and outer and they blended so nicely. The chapters were divided smoothly and I didn’t feel the author was rough on transitions she had everything organized and planned accordingly. And the use of first person helped both the reader connect with the character but also get a more narrow perspective, allowing things to be hidden in the dark until time.

Goodreads Summary:

For as long as seventeen-year-old Reka Cushing can remember, she has watched her friends and her neighbors be stolen, their bodies used as hosts for the Halorans; an alien race that has come to earth posing as gods. For just as long, Reka has lived in fear of drawing the eye of a Haloran, keeping her head down, hoping not to be caught in their sites.

The only time she has ever been bold, tried to get what she wanted, a god, one more powerful, more dangerous than all others is watching.

Last Thoughts:

I would recommend this book to any fantasy and reader of romance. The romances in this book were so sweet and swoon worthy. I would also recommend this to any reader who enjoys a good and fast read; just remember the beginning can be a little slow but after you get past it, it’s a fast read from there. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone who doesn’t enjoy romance; this book has tons of it! I really enjoyed this book a lot and the ending was spectacular I can’t wait to find out what that last part was all about. This author is definitely someone I’ll be looking for future reads.

My Rating:

Coming March 13, 2012 to the US

Date to be published in US: March 13, 2012

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First Thoughts:

I was very happy to start this book, “Finnikin of the Rock” was such a great and intriguing book, I just about loved everything about it and when I saw this one coming out I was more than thrilled. I dived into this book with vigor; my mind set on getting to know this interesting character from the first book; the character you secretly loved (okay so not everyone fell in love with him like I did) But I was so happy Froi got to finally shine; this book was so beautiful and in-depth that I am in awe of its beauty.

Plot:

The plot was long and twisted and for some it could be too complicated to keep up with; it’s a guaranteed book to keep you reading actively and deeply. The many sub-plots and conflicts that were created in this story were beyond well-thought out, they were like a book on their own and while some people might not enjoy that many distractions it definitely added to the story; it made the whole story feel more connected. And though there were still a lot of resolutions still unsolved for this book alone it ended perfectly. And there was always something happening in this book, the action wasn’t intense but it wasn’t light either, all that happened in this book was serious and even the lighter moments almost had a huge suffocating shadow over them…but that’s one of the many things I liked about it.

Characters:

The characters were definitely perfectly constructed; each one had their own personality and flare. There wasn’t one character that lacked an essential element of creation, they were just so life like, none of them were perfect and in real life no one is perfect, they just did their best to their ability. Each one was necessary and was essential to both the plot line and the overall feel of the story also. Each character had their own role to play and I didn’t feel like any of them were forced into the story itself.

Transformation of the Character:

Froi definitely transformed in this book, there was no way he couldn’t have with all that he was put through. He was tested in so many ways and through those tests his true character was revealed. The whole process of his transformation was beautiful and he did become a better him. As for the other characters they too changed but not all of them, I feel that a few of them (not going to say who) need to be changed but with time and trials I feel they too will change.

Description:

The description was beautiful, there was a lot of it but to me it was necessary so that the reader could get a better understanding of the story and world. Though to some this would be too much it is wonderful, if all description was as wonderful as this, I’d never mind reading detailed stories, if done right and with a creative eye a detailed story can be the best read in the read. And I do think that this type of story and world needs this much detail, without it, it just wouldn’t be the same.

Style:

The authors choice of style is the same as “Finnikin of the Rock” it was best suited for the book. The switching of POV was perfect, I felt that the author chose at just the right moments to switch and allow us to see in on other conflicts happening within the story and it gave us insight on the other characters reactions. The author definitely chose wisely on the type of style she was writing that created an overall smooth and easy read for the readers.

Goodreads Summary:

Blood sings to blood, Froi . . .

Those born last will make the first . . .

For Charyn will be barren no more.

Three years after the curse on Lumatere was lifted, Froi has found his home... Or so he believes...

 Fiercely loyal to the Queen and Finnikin, Froi has been trained roughly and lovingly by the Guard sworn to protect the royal family, and has learned to control his quick temper. But when he is sent on a secretive mission to the kingdom of Charyn, nothing could have prepared him for what he finds. Here he encounters a damaged people who are not who they seem, and must unravel both the dark bonds of kinship and the mysteries of a half-mad Princess.

 And in this barren and mysterious place, he will discover that there is a song sleeping in his blood, and though Froi would rather not, the time has come to listen.

 Gripping and intense, complex and richly imagined, Froi of the Exiles is a dazzling sequel to Finnikin of the Rock, from the internationally best-selling and multi-award-winning author of Looking for Alibrandi, Saving Francesca, On the Jellicoe Road and The Piper's Son.

Last Thoughts:

I would recommend this book to fantasy readers and also to anyone who is willing to read a book that has a complex and interesting plot. This book is long and I wouldn’t recommend this to light readers, you do have to read actively and can be threatening to readers. But give it a try but this book definitely needs to be read after “Finnikin of the Rock” without the basis of the first book you’ll be lost and won’t get out as much as I did. This has definitely become one of my favorite series; there were just so many good elements in this series that you don’t always find in other books. The emotions this book stirs is something I loved about it and with the conclusion to this book I can’t wait till the third book is released…oh the wait…

My Rating:

Last Days of My Giveaway

Hello my fellow readers,

Last Days of my giveaway, enter for a chance to win autographed copies of “The Pace”, “The Broken Lake” and “The Iron Quill” and there will be a second winner who will get to choose any book out of the series!

Giveaway ends Monday January 23, 2012

Requirements: Must be a US or Canada Resident

Check out the interview author of “The Pace” series here

Enter Below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Coming March 27, 2012

Date to be published: March 27, 2012

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 Update: I’ve decided to switch my review style around, just trying to play around with some things, so if you like the change let me know; I’m trying to provide a better and more easy read of my reviews (I know they can be quite daunting at times; I’ll admit it).

First Thoughts:

I was surprised to learn that there was yet a second book to “Spellbound”. From my perspective the first book could have totally been a standalone, the epilogue alone satisfied the reader yet I was drawn to this book based solely on the relationship between Emma and Brendan, it is definitely one of those melt you to the bottom of the pot kind of love. So if you’re not one for sappy love, I’m sorry you’ll miss out on a wonderful book…well that is if you are unwilling to give it a try…please for the love of all literature? If by the end of this review you still don’t think this is the book for you then I’ll let you go but I have a feeling you’ll join the “Dark” side soon enough.

Plot:

The plot was simple and straight forward, at times it was a bit slow due to the author needing the reader get more connected with the characters. But in the end there were all the elements required to make a good plot, there was action, there was conflict and there was a resolution. And man was the resolution awesome though I don’t think I could ever do half of what these characters in this book did.

Characters:

Emma and Brendan were just as believable and loveable in this book than they were in “Spellbound”. They brought to this book such love and dedication that I found my heart literally melting in envy. To have a relationship these two have is a miracle indeed and it only engrains further within me the notion that love like this really is just in books. But if that’s the case then I’m okay with that; I’ll get all this kind of love out of these kinds of books. But as for the other minor characters I felt they too were vibrant and full of personality and spice! They each had their own part to play.

Transformation of the Character:

The characters didn’t really transform in this book, I think if any transformation did take place it was within the minor characters. Emma’s friend Angelique did do some transforming; she let herself open up and allowed her to see a fellow character in a different light. I was actually quite surprised that she did, she was one of the last characters I thought would change. And Ashley, Emma’s cousin did change though I won’t reveal how she did but that one I did anticipate; there was just no way she could stay that way…no, not Ashley. But in the end you can pin point little changes the characters made but their transformations weren’t essential.

Description:

The description was good, it wasn’t in any way overwhelming or lacking. The author did a great job on describing both the characters themselves and the world around them. I just loved the way the author described Megan. But overall the description wasn’t something that won me over for this book.

Style:

The author’s writing style has yet to change, she has continued to create a world worth reading and the way she’s able to capture the relationship of two amazing people is what made me like this book so much; the characters themselves; the style won me in this book.

Goodreads Summary:

Finding your eternal soul-mate - easy.

Stopping a true-love-hungry evil - not so much…

After breaking a centuries-old romantic curse, Emma Connor is (almost) glad to get back to normal problems. Although...it's not easy dealing with the jealous cliques and gossip that rule her exclusive Upper East Side prep, even for a sixteen-year-old newbie witch. Having the most-wanted boy in school as her eternal soul mate sure helps ease the pain-especially since wealthy, rocker-hot Brendan Salinger is very good at staying irresistibly close....

 But something dark and hungry is using Emma and Brendan's deepest fears to reveal damaging secrets and destroy their trust in each other. And Emma's crash course in über-spells may not be enough to keep them safe…or to stop an inhuman force bent on making their unsuspected power its own.

Last Thoughts:

I would recommend this to fans of “Spellbound” and to any reader out there who is a sucker for a good romance. But if you’re a reader who finds it difficult to read love at first sight then this isn’t the book for you. I really enjoyed this book, though I didn’t love this book as much as “Spellbound” (it’s very hard to overcome the greatness of the 1^st book of a series) I did find it a fast and very enjoyable read. I still felt that same atmosphere as the first book and the characters were certainly put to the test. I definitely wouldn’t mind another book for this series but it also isn’t necessary; the author ended in a note that is both satisfying and complete.

My Rating:

Fulfilling and action packed

First Thoughts:

The cover is so enticing and gorgeous and though I’ve been taught time after time to never judge a book by its cover this time it was hard not to. And yes I picked this book up solely on the purpose on wanting to continue the story of Frey I also most likely would have given this book a try based solely on the cover (tsk tsk to me; I know).

The beginning of this book picks right up where the last one left off, I wasn’t left with any blanks and I was happy to account that all my characters were ready for action. The plot of this book definitely was complicated and filled with action and suspense. There were so many mysteries that needed solving and at one point near the end I was worried the author wouldn’t be able to clear everything up (this book as I had heard was supposed to be the conclusion to the story) but I wasn’t disappointed. All major conflicts were solved and neatly tidied up. Though I will admit I felt the ending needed to be longer; I felt that it was somewhat rushed and it would have been amazing to see more of how Frey dealt with her responsibilities and how she adjusted accordingly. But perhaps that’s just me nick-picking; I mean we can’t always have what we want can we? The characters themselves were just as awesome in this book as they were in “Frey”. Each of them brought value to the story; they each had a little something that was essential to the book as a whole. I felt that more transformations took place in this book; even the minor characters changed a bit and became more of who they were meant to be. And Frey, well she didn’t make a dramatic transformation but she did make one, she definitely became who she was meant to be but I feel she has more to go and us as the reader can only assume that with time she will surely become that beautiful butterfly. The writing itself is just as unique in this book as it was in the first one. The author did a great job on morphing the scenes to where they blended in an orderly fashion, the way she chose to write this story can be difficult but she did a great job on smoothing things over and putting everything in great order. The author is very knowledgeable in the fact that she knows her characters world; she understands them and knows every little back story that is essential to the characters themselves. She also did a great job on explaining Frey’s major weakness in the first book. I just couldn’t connect all the way with Frey because of how weak and fragile she was but in the book all is revealed and when I look back it all makes sense; every last bit. As for the description in this book it was just as beautiful and lacked nothing; it was very beautiful and evenly distributed that I found no faults in that department. This was an overall fun series and story.

Goodreads Summary:

After revealing her own dark past, Frey is forced to join with a group of strangers whose pasts seem to intertwine with her own. She struggles to regain her memories, her full power, only to find there is more danger on the other side. And now, there is no turning back.

Last thoughts:

I would recommend this to fans of “Frey” this is definitely a book you won’t want to miss, all is revealed in this book. I would also recommend this to fans of paranormal and fantasy; it deals with unique powers, fairies (though just a tiny bit), elves, and humans. This book just has so much to offer to fans of the broader category; YA/Teens. I wouldn’t however recommend this book if you didn’t take a liking to the first book; if you didn’t enjoy the first book odds are you won’t like this one. Also I wouldn’t recommend this to readers who don’t enjoy stories centered on several stories; there are a lot of stories/subplots scattered throughout this book. But overall I enjoyed the series and thought that the author answered almost all the questions a reader could take from this book and I am more than willing to read anything else this writer might have in store for us.

My Rating:

Coming March 27, 2012

First Thoughts:

From the front cover to the summary at the back I was already in love with this book. The cover itself is so gorgeous and beckons the reader to it and once I started this book (with much excitement) I never wanted to put it down. This book was so much more than I could have asked for; with all the conflicts and emotions this book about drained me by the end. And the end…well that’s not something I’m going to reveal but it was definitely a huge cliffhanger but so worth it!

I went into this book with semi-high expectations, after reading “The Goddess Test” I expected this book to be good but perhaps not as good as the first book but this book totally blew the first one out of the water. This book had so many deep conflicts that it literally evoked all my emotions, caused me to almost chuck my kindle across the room (I have since apologized to it for even the thought) and by the end though I wasn’t in all ways satisfied (You read the end and then tell me how you feel) I was satisfied in the sense that “Goddess Interrupted” ended perfectly; some conflicts were resolved one way or another and it also set things up for “The Goddess Inheritance”. The plot of this book was definitely really thought out, everything was planned accordingly and the action and slower moments were placed with strategic grace. The description in this book was amazing, how she described the characters and surroundings helped evoke the feeling of fear, awe, and sadness. There’s just something about this author where she can evoke the strongest feelings just by description alone. The characters were just as lively in this book as they were in the first. They each had their own opinion and personality. And there was some transformations blooming in this book, though they still have a ways to go the author provided us with an insight into what the future selves of them could be. The dialogue wasn’t fake or out of character, what the characters said seemed to fit them like a glove. The writing itself was filled with deep concentration and emotions, without this author’s particular style of writing I don’t think this book could have been as deep and conflicting as it was. It seriously evoked some strong feelings in me; some books can do that to me and some can’t. But boy when you do find a book such as this be prepared to grab a tissue and be well rested; this book will drain you both physically and mentally. And before you start this book be prepared to wipe out any future day’s plans, once you start this book it is hard to put down; you just HAVE to know what happens next; to see the fate of all of these beloved characters. This book was one hell of a ride but all I can do to prepare you is tell you to buckle up and be prepared for one roller-coaster of a book; it’s filled with both beauty and excitement. When you think you have a break something soon after comes and sweeps you off your feet once again.

Goodreads Summary:

Kate Winters has won immortality.

But if she wants a life in the Underworld with Henry, she’ll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save

Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry’s first wife, Persephone.

Last Thoughts:

I would recommend this to any fan of “The Goddess Test” this will really knock your socks off. I’d also recommend this to you if you haven’t started this series, it really has a great re-telling of Hades and Persephone but with a lot more twists. I wouldn’t however recommend this if you’re not a fan of the whole underworld and Hades theory. If you have trouble reading books with twisted love and a re-telling of the Hades and Persephone tale than don’t read this. But this book is one fans of mythology and fantasy do not want to miss. It has some many elements that are suitable for teens and older. This author is both talented in creating an in-depth characters and stories but also creating something worth reading over and over again.

My Rating:

Mind Numbing

First Thoughts:

By looking at the short summary provided about this book, I was very much intrigued. I enjoy books that mess with the mind and make you try to determine reality from fiction. This book definitely had all of those elements and to top it all off it had a creepy vibe about it also.

The plot of this book was at times a bit confusing, so much was happening and you weren’t always shown the best view but after a while when you grow used to the author’s structure and style it becomes easier and more easy to determine what was happening and why.  The world that the main characters are placed in is horrifying and wonderful at the same times. The things they have to go through; have to endure are much more than the mind can comprehend.  This book was definitely packed with action and surprising twists; this book was full of action and mind numbing questions. This was definitely the kind of book that plays with your mind and causes you to really think about the information being laid out before you.  The description was amazing; the way this author chose to describe the dream world versus reality was fantastic. Not one detail was left unturned; the author did so well with the description that it caused me to FEEL rather than to just see. The characters themselves are filled with spark and personality though at times you’ll find a character that lacks an important element but I’ve determined that those characters are minor in the whole scheme of things. As far as the characters transforming I didn’t see a huge transformation but Danny Boy did change slightly, and though you expect a transformation in all stories in this one isn’t really necessary. As far as the writing style of the author it was good, he showed a unique style into which he created a creative world and style that is not monotone or mundane in anyway. I enjoyed that this author chose to show us the details that most authors seem to shy away from. He wasn’t afraid to describe even the most disturbing things in the story and I liked that even if it made me cringe at times. The dialogue in this book was unique in itself; I noticed that the author chose to use a certain word that surprised me. The word “son” was used by these young boys and it took me by surprised, it threw me off; when I used to be around 13 or 15 year olds they never used the word “son” and it makes the dialogue a little false to me but I guess the author was perhaps trying to make the reader understand that these boys really weren’t that age; that they’ve had to grow up because of what they’re going through but at the same time the author reminds us as the reader that they really are that age. So I guess if you think of it the author was kind of brilliant in the way he was displaying these characters. It was definitely a brain teaser of a book.

Goodreads Summary:

When kids awake on an island, they’re told there was an accident. Before they can go home, they will visit Foreverland, an alternate reality that will heal their minds.

Reed dreams of a girl that tells him to resist Foreverland. He doesn’t remember her name, but knows he once loved her. He’ll have to endure great suffering and trust his dream. And trust he’s not insane.

Danny Boy, the new arrival, meets Reed’s dream girl inside Foreverland. She’s stuck in the fantasy land that no kid can resist. Where every heart’s desire is satisfied. Why should anyone care how Foreverland works?

Together, they discover what it’s really doing to them.

Last Thoughts:

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys books that mess with the mind; this was definitely a book that questioned fiction from reality. I would also recommend this if you enjoy books that leave you questioning the whole book itself, even at the end I wasn’t sure of everything but I believe the author left us as the readers to determine what we believed to be the truth. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone who doesn’t enjoy books that mess with the mind or to those who don’t particularly enjoy books that leave you a bit disoriented. Though I wasn’t totally satisfied with the fates and conclusion of these characters I did believe the whole conflict was solved and would leave the average reader satisfied; I just wished some more of the sub-plots or conflicts were solved. But overall I did enjoy this book; any book that can creep me out sure gets a good view for me. This is an author I’ll definitely look for in future writings.