The Morganville Vampires: Ghost Town by Rachel Caine

Synopsis:The fragile peace between humans and vampires in Morganville is in trouble, and when Claire takes drastic action, she's put under serious pressure to re-establish the barriers that keep the town residents inside, and wipe the memories of those who leave. But working with her half-crazy vampire boss Myrnin means that things don't always turn out as planned ... and as the people of Morganville begin acting strangely, Claire and her friends must solve the mystery and try to put things right. But one by one, her allies are turning on her ... even the ones she trusts most.

My Review:
The release of this book is what actually got me interested in the Morganville Vampire series. First off I was intrigued by the cover, which I think is gorgeous by the way, so guess you can say the cover caught my eye (I do judge a book by its cover). Then I read other reviews about what a great series it was so I knew I had to start from the beginning to see what it was all about and I am so glad I did. These books do not disappoint because they are fast paced interlaced with romance and humor. If a book can get me to laugh out loud than it is almost guaranteed to make my “good book” list and each book has succeeded in making me both laugh and smile.

Although these books are by no means what I would call light-hearted. In fact they are some of the more intense vampire books I have read and there is nonstop action, danger, and suspense. “Ghost Town” was interesting, weird, heart-wrenching, and heartfelt all at the same time. Claire had to watch the deterioration of her town and her friends and loved one’s memories as they all began to forget who they were. She also gets the chance to explore more of Shane’s past and the tragedy that struck his family. What was weird about this book for me was I felt like it was written by someone who was trying to write like Rachel Caine. It was almost like reading Fanfic because something was off in the way the characters acted. This book ended on a little more of a weird note than usual so I am interested to see how the story will continue. All in all I thought it was a good read and I am looking forward to the next book.

The Morganville Vampires: Kiss of Death by Rachel Caine

Synopsis:
Claire Danvers has a few things on her mind. First of all there is the laundry, which is now an unfortunate shade of pink. Then there is her boyfriend, Shane, who is never too far from her thoughts. Finally there is her best friend Eve's relationship problems. As if life as a student wasn't complicated enough, Claire just happens to be studying in Morganville. A town run by vampires. Trouble seems to follow Claire and her friends like a shadow and tonight is no exception to the rule. They must find the most difficult documents for a vampire to acquire; people passes that will allow 'bad ass' Morley and his friends to leave Morganville. But it's proving incredibly difficult, and with the odds seemingly stacked against them, the biggest question of all is...Will they survive?

My Review:
Craziness! In this book Claire, Shane, Eve, and Michael get to branch outside of Morganville on their way to Dallas for Michael’s recording deal. But with new surroundings come new challenges. I did not think anything could be any scarier for these people outside of Morganville but I was dead wrong (no pun intended). If at all possible what they faced on this road trip made living on Morganville look like paradise. I liked that the characters finally got to get out of town and be a part of a different atmosphere for once. We learn in this book that Amelie’s father Mr. Bishop not only created chaos in Morganville but left a path of destruction in other towns as well which makes it even more difficult for the charcters on their journey. The pacing was great and had all the elements of a paranormal thriller including suspense, romance, and lots of humor. It was great and I am moving straight on to the next book in the series.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling (Re-Reading)

Sunopsis:
As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in full-blown adolescence, complete with regular outbursts of rage, a nearly debilitating crush, and the blooming of a powerful sense of rebellion. It's been yet another infuriating and boring summer with the despicable Dursleys, this time with minimal contact from our hero's non-Muggle friends from school. Harry is feeling especially edgy at the lack of news from the magic world, wondering when the freshly revived evil Lord Voldemort will strike. Returning to Hogwarts will be a relief . . . or will it?

My Review:
Good as always and there were so many parts I had forgotten about, like Harry’s date with Cho Chang, Ron’s Quidditch try-outs, and all of the scenes in the Department of Mysteries and how big of a role side characters like Ginny and Neville played. I liked it a lot but I have to say out of all the Harry Potter books this one is my least favorite for a couple of reasons. Throughout the book Harry is just so angry all the time and constantly yells at people for the littlest things and gets way too defense. All his friends pretty much had to treat all their opinions with kid gloves around Harry since he might go off on them. I also felt like the pacing was slow and the book went on a little longer then it should have. But there were some scenes that were memorable and heart-breaking like scenes with Sirius and the final conversation between Harry and Dumbledore about Harry’s role in this epic battle against Lord Voldermort. This book was much more emotional and psychological because Harry yet again has to deal with the death of a loved one and the fact that as Lord Voldermort becomes stronger his hate and anger become more a part of Harry because he was marked by the dark wizard. I of course loved all the scenes where Fred and George create madness throughout the castle and professor McGonagall put Dolores Umbridge in her place. This book brings to light how the balance of power between the good and the evil can tip either way and how Harry’s world can change in an instant.

The Morganville Vampires: Fade Out by Rachel Caine

Synopsis:
Without the evil vampire Bishop ruling over the town of Morganville, the resident vampires have made major concessions to the human population. With their newfound freedoms, Claire Danvers and her friends are almost starting to feel comfortable again… Now Claire can actually concentrate on her studies, and her friend Eve joins the local theatre company. But when one of EveÂ’s castmates goes missing after starting work on a short documentary, Eve suspects the worst. Claire and Eve soon realize that this film project, whose subject is the vampires themselves, is a whole lot bigger—and way more dangerous—than anyone suspected.

My Review:

(Spoiler Alert!)
Liked it a lot! I thought this one had a really good plot since it was about racing to try and save the town from exposure to the outside world with exposure being in the form of a documentary about vampires. It is interesting how the characters have developed first wanting nothing to do with Morganville and just trying to survive and then switching over and going so far as to protect the town and its citizens both dead and undead. Let’s talk about how crazy Kim’s character was. I was totally creeped out by how she was filming EVERYTHING in and around town as well as what goes on in people’s homes. How did this girl not get caught?! I mean she had a serious death wish if she thought she could make all those public and private videos and get away with it. I wish more had been said about what happened to Kim after Claire, Shane, Eve, and Michael found her locked up and crazy. But anyways, it was a fun read and I am moving on to the next one at lightning speed!

The Morganville Vampires: Carpe Corpus by Rachel Caine

Synopsis:
In the small college town of Morganville, vampires and humans lived in (relative) peace—until all the rules got rewritten when the evil vampire Bishop arrived, looking for the lost book of vampire secrets. He’s kept a death grip on the town ever since. Now an underground resistance is brewing, and in order to contain it, Bishop must go to even greater lengths. He vows to obliterate the town and all its inhabitants—the living and the undead. Claire Danvers and her friends are the only ones who stand in his way. But even if they defeat Bishop, will the vampires ever be content to go back to the old rules, after having such a taste of power?

My Review:
(Spoiler Alert!)
This one was good! It all finally comes to a head with Mr. Bishop and his crazy vampire followers. I did not know how this one was going to turn out and who we could trust. It was crazy that Claire had to be on Bishop’s side in order to save the people she loves, both vampire and human alike. I did not see the ending coming and could not believe what happened to Sam not to mention Shane’s father. It broke my heart when Shane’s father wanted Claire to tell Shane he always loved him but just did not known how to show it. And then we have Dean who appeared to be a nice guy but was working alongside Jason, Eve’s brother, the whole time to try and destroy more vampires. I would rather face one of the vampires than those guys because at least the vampires try to abide by some rules. As always there was never a dull moment and of course so many great lines and laugh out loud moments. I think the pacing is great and I love the building friendships between Michael, Eve, Shane, and Claire. They have so many challenges but they always rise to meet them because they care about each other and stand up for what they believe in. Great series!

The Morganville Vampires: Lord of Misrule by Rachel Caine

Synopsis:
In the college town of Morganville, vampires and humans coexist in (relatively) bloodless harmony. Then comes Bishop, the master vampire who threatens to abolish all order, revive the forces of the evil dead, and let chaos rule. But Bishop isn’t the only threat. Violent black cyclone clouds hover, promising a storm of devastating proportions as student Claire Danvers and her friends prepare to defend Morganville against elements both natural and unnatural.

My Review:
This book totally threw me for a loop! Amelie’s father has been in Morganville shaking things up and scaring both humans and vampires alike. Claire is pulled even further into the vampire world by trying to save her friends while serving the vampires she is bound to. I really do like this series because while it is intense, there is a nice mix of sweet (not cheesy) and funny moments. There is always a least one moment I laugh out loud every book. Eve cracks me up with her crazy clothes and witty remarks. Of course Shane and Claire’s relationship continues to develop but they are forced apart for much of this book because they, along with her other friends, are assigned to help bring down Mr. Bishop and the other evil vampires. I will be moving on quickly to the next book since this one leaves us with Claire pledging herself to the crazy Mr. Bishop himself. Nothing good could come from that decision even if she was forced into it.

Last Sacrific: A Vampire Academy Novel by Richelle Mead

Synopsis:
Rose Hathaway doesn’t like feeling caged, but jail will do that to you. What she really resents is that she didn’t do it—she didn’t kill Queen Tatiana. But tell that to the throngs of Moroi and Dhampir—half vampires like her—gathered for the funeral…and calling for her blood!
Last Sacrifice is the final novel in Richelle Mead’s epic vampire series…and she’s saved the best for last. Murder…love…jealousy—it all plays out in this last chapter as Lissa, Rose’s best friend, faces foes who don’t want to see her ascend the Royal Throne. When Rose is rescued from confinement by her one true love, Dimitri, time is of the essence. She must prove her innocence and save her friend, even if it means having to make the ultimate sacrifice.

My Review:
(Spoiler Alert!)
It was SO good! I have been anticipating this book release since I finished “Spirit Bound” a few months ago. The wait was absolute torture so all I have to say is thank goodness it was only a few months for this book! I have loved this series since the first moment I discovered the Vampire Academy (VA) world and it is one of my favorite series of all time. The plot, the pacing, and the character development were all so well done and I became invested very quickly in the lives of the characters. Rose is someone to be admired for her ability to put others first while also being able to stand up for herself, fight her own battles, and be her own person. And speaking of battles, Rose’s love life throughout this series was heart wrenching and I so badly wanted her to end up with the love of her life, Dimitri, in the end. Dimitri takes the prize for my biggest book-character-crush and it will be very hard for someone to take his place. I pretty much smiled and swooned whenever he entered the scene.

I thought this book had a great mix of intensity, romance, and humorous moments. I laughed out loud so many times at things the characters would say and felt for them when they had to face tough situations. Part of me wanted to cry when I finished but a bigger part of me was so happy that it ended on a satisfying note. It ended in a way that is even better than what I had imagined and I had such a good feeling when I read the last line that I could not stop smiling. I wanted to go back to the very first book and start over. I have heard that Richelle Mead is planning a spin off series involving some of the other VA characters so I am completely thrilled about the chance to be a part of this world again in the future. Can’t wait!!!

Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Synopsis:
Maggie and Caleb just went through the worst year of their lives. Hit by a car and starting life over with a limp, Maggie never thought she would forgive Caleb. But she did-and fell in love. What they shared was real. But Caleb wanted to be free from the past-and a terrible secret: he wasn't the one who hit Maggie. So he left Paradise-and Maggie-forever.

When Maggie and Caleb run into each other in a different town, they can't deny their true feelings. Will Maggie let Caleb get away again? Or will Caleb face the truth and return to Paradise?

My Review:
I really enjoyed this book and the chance to read more about Maggie and Caleb’s journey to returning to Paradise. The secrets, the tension, and the relationship issues just grow in this book. But it also gives the characters a chance to grow and truly understand what they want out of life and what they should take away from the accident. I love Caleb and Maggie’s relationship and while it is anything but perfect it is very honest and they do not run from their problems. I think it is honest as well because Elkeles write the book from both character’s POV so we get to see both internal dialogues. I am not sure how I felt about the ending. Part of me likes that it did not feel quite complete because I think there is even more material for the story to continue if the author wanted. But I also wanted closure because these characters struggled for so long. All in all I thought it was great and I will for sure go on and read Elkeles other books.
Side Note: Call me a book cover snob, but I am not a fan of this book cover because it does not complement the first book and I feel like it does not really represent the story and the struggle these characters go through. So I had to create my own book cover for this blog :)

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Synopsis:
Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is non-existent and a scholarship to study abroad—her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares—has been canceled due to the ramifications of the accident. After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb’s free . . . if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers. Caleb and Maggie are outsiders, pigeon-holed as "criminal" and "freak." Then the truth emerges about what really happened the night of the accident and, once again, everything changes. It’s a bleak and torturous journey for Caleb and Maggie, yet they end up finding comfort and strength from a surprising source: each other.

My Review:
I read this book in one day. That’s how much I liked it. In part I had the time but also I just wanted to keep going to find out what happens to Maggie and Caleb considering how their lives were so screwed up after the accident. It is a fast an easy read that will have you turning pages to find out how these two people could possibly be together who changed each other’s lives one fateful night.
I had been eager to get into this Simone Elkeles books for a while and was really excited that this book was as good as I was hoping. Elkeles has a way of writing raw emotion on a page without it getting too teenage-angsty on you. The pacing was great and I felt like the characters were very realistic in terms of their conversations and what their lives looked like. After I finished I immediately downloaded book 2, “Return to Paradise” to my Kindle so I would not have to wait for the story to continue and I know others will feel the same.

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

Synopsis:
She doesn't see dead people, but…
..She senses when someone near her is about to die.
And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder.
-Literally.
Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school.
But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does.
And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next…

My Review:
I enjoyed this book a lot! I have never read a book about a banshee much less a modern day telling so I found that interesting. There were lots of shockers towards the end and plenty of romance throughout. I am concerned about the main character Kaylee falling for Nash, her love interest, so fast. While she questioned his intentions and wonders how many girls he’s dated, it is more of a fleeting thought and she seems to accept him fully once he reveals what they are. Sorry, but the fact that you are another paranormal being does not make you trust worthy. Nash only knew more about what Kaylee is and not necessarily who she is. But what the heck, I found myself looking forward to all the scenes with Nash in them and I always fall for that romantic aspect. I will for sure be going on to read the other books in the series just to find out what happens to Kaylee and Nash next.

The Morganville Vampires: Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine

Synopsis:
The wait is over. dig into the feast... In the town of Morganville, vampires and humans live in relative peace. Student Claire Danvers has never been convinced, though—especially with the arrival of Mr. Bishop, an ancient, old-school vampire who cares nothing about harmony. What he wants from the town’s living and its dead is unthinkably sinister. It’s only at a formal ball, attended by vampires and their human dates, that Claire realizes the elaborately evil trap he’s set for Morganville.

My Review:
I liked it! The stakes are raised (no pun intended) when Claire’s parents move to town into one of the Founder’s Houses not knowing what they were getting into. Amelie’s father Mr. Bishop, who is even more scary and evil than Amelie and Oliver put together, comes to town and tips the balance of power and brings chaos to the vampires and humans of Morganville. I love the relationship between Shane and Claire because they understand each other and know how to find humor in crazy and terrifying times. I liked that Michael is finally getting to return to his previous life by getting a chance to play music again out in public and the romance between him and Eve continues to grow. We finally find out more about the experiments Myrnin and Claire have been conducting to try and find a cure for the disease the vampires are dying from. All I can say is thank goodness I don’t have to wait for the next book to come out because I’m eager to find out how Claire and her friends will get out of the next sticky situation!

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling (Re-Reading)

Synopsis:
It's the pivotal fourth novel in the seven-part tale of Harry Potter's training as a wizard and his coming of age. Harry wants to get away from the pernicious Dursleys and go to the International Quidditch Cup with Hermione, Ron, and the Weasleys. He wants to dream about Cho Chang, his crush (and maybe do more than dream). He wants to find out about the mysterious event that's supposed to take place at Hogwarts this year, an event involving two other rival schools of magic, and a competition that hasn't happened for a hundred years. He wants to be a normal, fourteen-year-old wizard. Unfortunately for Harry Potter, he's not normal — even by wizarding standards.

And in his case, different can be deadly.

My Review:
Wonderful! This might be one of my favorite books of the series because I love that we are introduced to other wizarding schools which expands Harry Potter’s world and made me realize how much more it is like our own. It never occurred to me that there might be other countries with their own secrets about magic. I thought the Triwizard Tournament and the tasks were very interesting and showcased J. K. Rowling’s creativity in the ways Harry had to solve riddles or figure out how to solve each task. I also totally forgot how Winky the House-elf played such a huge part in helping Barty Crouch Jr succeed in bringing Voldemort back to power so this was a great refresher. This is also the first book where we are confronted with death in a more personal sense because we get to know Cedric Digory and then he is killed in cold blood. It makes for a much more scary and intense story when Harry has to duel the dark lord knowing this time he really could die and everyone he loves is in danger as well since Voldemort has come back to physical form. As always I can’t wait for the stories to continue to unfold as we journey deeper into Harry Potter’s world.

The Morganville Vampires: Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine

Synopsis:
Claire Danvers's college town may be run by vampires but a truce between the living and the dead made things relatively safe. For a while. Now people are turning up dead, a psycho is stalking her, and an ancient bloodsucker has proposed private mentoring. To what end, Claire will find out. And it's giving night school a whole new meaning.

My Review:
Yet another exciting adventure in the Morganville Vampire series! Claire makes a bargain for the safety of her friends and their lives by signing herself to Amelie, the vampire queen so to speak. Claire may not understand how much she has sacrificed herself to make this bargain but she does it anyway hoping the vampires are as good as their word. It gets crazy scary when Eve’s brother Jason returns to town and threatens to make Claire and her friend’s lives a living hell.

This one gets more into the reason as to why the vampires are in Morganville and why they are mysteriously dying off. I think the introduction of the character Myrnin makes for an interesting plot twist because Claire becomes more intertwined in the vampires’ secrets and in this way not only gains power but one more reason for the vampires to want her gone. Claire continues to amaze me with her compassion towards those that would seek to hurt her or use her for personal gain. We could say she is naive but I think she sees people and vampires alike beyond the front the put on to the would and sees a soul worth knowing and caring for underneath. Can’t wait to read the next one!

The Morganville Vampires: The Dead Girls' Dance by Rachel Caine

Synopsis:
Claire has her share of challenges. Like being a genius in a school that favors beauty over brains; homicidal girls in her dorm, and finding out that her college town is overrun with the living dead. On the up side, she has a new boyfriend with a vampire-hunting dad. But when a local fraternity throws the Dead Girls' Dance, hell is really going to break loose.

My Review:
I really liked this book! The intensity, drama, fear factor, and romance increased. New villains come to town in the form of Shane’s crazy biker father and his father’s gang. I thought the vampires were bad until the biker gang started wreaking havoc all over Morganville making the town more dangerous than ever for Claire and her friends. We also learn more about the politics of humans and vampires living and working together and we learn that their connection and what you thought was good and evil is not all black and white. Michael makes a decision that changes him and his relationship with his friends forever and could destroy him in the end. Claire again tries to do everything in her power to save her friends from becoming pawns in the vampire’s game and it nearly cost her everything. I can’t wait to see how all of this plays out!

The Morganville Vampires: Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Synopsis:
Welcome to Morganville, Texas. Just don't stay out after dark. College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation, where the popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks in the school's social scene: somewhere less than zero. 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 the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.

My Review:
It was good. I really had not heard of this series until I saw the combined volume of the first two books at the book store. Then I went home and read some reviews and decided to give it a shot. I was taken aback at first by how physically violent the vampires were. When Claire was pushed down the stairs, knives were drawn, and punches were thrown, I knew this was a different kind of vampire novel and I knew Claire was a different kind of heroine. She is not sitting there waiting to be rescued by some super strong paranormal being, she is taking risk and is in the fight for her life as well. She is also very smart and does not take orders from anyone unless she understands why. These vampires in my mind are more typical since they are scary, dark, and downright evil. I really like the other characters too and they add a nice support for Claire and her adventures in Morganville. This one ended with a cliff hanger so luckily I only had to flip a few pages to start on the next book. I am glad I made the decision to buy books 3 and 4 as well because they are fast and easy reads and I can tell I am going to whip right through them.

The Eternal Ones by Kristen Miller

Synopsis:
Haven Moore can't control her visions of a past with a boy called Ethan, and a life in New York that ended in fiery tragedy. In our present, she designs beautiful dresses for her classmates with her best friend Beau. Dressmaking keeps her sane, since she lives with her widowed and heartbroken mother in her tyrannical grandmother's house in Snope City, a tiny town in Tennessee. Then an impossible group of coincidences conspire to force her to flee to New York, to discover who she is, and who she was.

In New York, Haven meets Iain Morrow and is swept into an epic love affair that feels both deeply fated and terribly dangerous. Iain is suspected of murdering a rock star and Haven wonders, could he have murdered her in a past life? She visits the Ouroboros Society and discovers a murky world of reincarnation that stretches across millennia. Haven must discover the secrets hidden in her past lives, and loves before all is lost and the cycle begins again.

My Review:
I enjoyed this one! This is only the second series of books I have read that include the subject of reincarnation, the other being the ”Fallen” series by Lauren Kate although reincarnation is much more prevalent in this one. It is an interesting subject to write about simply because there are so many ways to spin, twist, and turn out stories about character’s past lives. I liked that Miller was not afraid to use many different controversial subjects all in one book such as beliefs, religion, and homosexuality. The suspense kept me turning the pages and I thought it was eerie enough to be scary in places. Miller does a great job describing a scene, so much so that I felt like I was there in New York walking the busy streets or feeling the sun on my face as I overlook an Italian city.

The pacing was good yet it drove me crazy at the same time. What I mean is I am glad Miller did not rush through the mystery and allowed Haven to discover only bits and pieces of the puzzle throughout the book but I hate that Haven was so quick to accuse Iain, her supposed lover, of being guilty of all these crimes and lies. Although her reaction was realistic and a few were founded in truth, I would have thought she would have a little more faith in Iain and it makes me wonder why he puts up with her. I wanted there to me more to Haven besides the fact that she is a talented seamstress. I wanted her to stand up to people in school about Leah Frizzle and her best friend Beau but it seems like she just ran away from the conflict. Hopefully in the next book we will she her characters develop a lot more. Either way it was a good read since I am looking forward to the sequel and hoping I won’t have to wait too long.

Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

Synopsis:
There are two sides to every breakup. This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation. Then Jordan dumps Courtney for a girl he met on the Internet. It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la-this is Courtney pretending not to care. But in a strange twist, Jordan cares, a lot. Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

My Review:
I liked it. Lauren Barnholdt gave a very realistic illustration of how guys and girls behave through their thoughts, words, and actions. In many parts of the book I laughed out loud because of the absurdity of the situation because there were many things Courtney thought that matched my thoughts exactly. I enjoyed having the two different POVs between Courtney and Jordan which allows the reader to experience both sides of the story because as we know there always is one. There was a fair amount of the F-word thrown around in the dialogue (no more than what normal teenage boys use) which I am just stating so people that are offended by that can be warned ahead of time. I must say I hate how this book ended. Although it ended in a pretty realistic way (which is fine by me) I just wish there had been more so we could find out more about what happened and the status of the characters relationships. All in all it was a fast and easy read and I would be willing to read more books by this author in the future.

Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Synopsis:
There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four-year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. With her life about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon.

But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people—suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

My Review:
I enjoyed this book! This was the first one of Jennifer Echols books I have read and after this I am definitely checking out her other book “Going To Far” which I heard is better than this one. It was a very realistic story about what can happen when your world seems to be falling apart. Both Zoey and Doug seem like two misunderstood people who have less than glamorous home lives but continue to try and put up a front and make the best of every situation. I can’t imagine what that must be like for Doug to constantly be verbally abused by his father and for Zoey’s father to remarry someone that is not much older than Zoey and a mother who has bipolar disorder. There was nothing earth shattering about the writing, but I want to own this book which is a mark of how much I enjoyed the story. I will admit that parts of this book seem a bit graphic for some young adult readers but otherwise I found it really entertaining and I would put this in the page turner category. Looking forward to more books by Echols.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling (Re-Reading)

Synopsis:
For twelve long years, the dread fortress of Azkaban held an infamous prisoner named Sirius Black. Convicted of killing 13 people with a single curse, he was said to be the heir apparent to the Dark Lord, Voldemort.

Now he has escaped, leaving only two clues as to where he might be headed: Harry Potter's defeat of You-Know-Who was Black's downfall as well. And the Azkaban guards heard Black muttering in his sleep, "He's at Hogwarts . . . he's at Hogwarts."

Harry Potter isn't safe, not even within the walls of his magical school, surrounded by his friends. Because on top of it all, there may well be a traitor in their midst.

My Review:
So good! I have heard a lot of people say that this is their favorite book because Harry finds his Godfather Sirius Black who is someone who can care for him and love him the way his parents would have. I can’t say I have a favorite Harry Potter book but this one is up there. This is also the first time the characters go to Hogsmeade and have that warm drink called “Butterbeer” which is a staple in the HP books. The “dementors” are way creepy and bring an even darker element to the story. I think it is so interesting how J.K. Rowling said those figures were what she had nightmares about when she was going through a depression in her teens-great representation since they suck all the happiness out of someone. I have got to say one of my favorite parts is when Hermione finally slaps Draco Malfoy. Let’s just say there was a little elbow pulling and “take that!” being yelled on my end. It is just such a glorious moment because for the first time Hermione and the word “cool” seem appropriate in the same sentence. I am not a violent person and I don’t think I would resort to that kind of reaction in real life but I think Malfoy got what was coming to him considering how horrible he is to people all the time. It is so frustrating that Peter Pettigrew gets away after everything Sirius Black went through to capture him. But that’s ok because it all plays out later and is an important element to the series. Yet another great chapter in this Harry Potter adventure!

Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus

Synopsis:
Since her sister’s mysterious death, Persephone “Phe” Archer has been plagued by a series of disturbing dreams. Determined to find out what happened to her sister, Phe enrolls at Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts—the subject of her sister’s final diary entry.

After stepping on campus, Phe immediately realizes that there’s something different about this place—an unexplained epidemic that decimated the town in the 1700s, an ancient and creepy cemetery, and gorgeous boy Zach—and somehow she’s connected to it all.

But the more questions she asks and the deeper she digs, the more entangled Phe becomes in the haunting past of Shadow Hills. Finding what links her to this town…might cost her her life.

My Review:
Really good! I had not heard much about this book but saw that it had really good ratings and it sounded like my kind of book. I love books that are set in modern times with some paranormal element because it makes me feel like it could happen in real life. I the thought the pacing was great, the plot fairly original, and it was a page turner for sure. The mystery was really intriguing with Persephone, “Phe,” the main character trying to discover why all these people that live in the town of Shadow Hills have these strange powers and how her sister’s death is connected to it. Phe is a very smart, witty, and dynamic character who has a very relatable and realistic reaction to every situation. There is no damsel in distress here as Phe battles with the nightmares that plagued her about her sister all while seeking out answers to her questions even in the face of danger. I definitely laughed out loud a few times about things she said and words she thought. I also thought all the secondary characters were strong supports to Phe and the story with unique personalities all their own. The romance between Phe and Zac was a bit rushed but it was not enough to take away from the story. Hoping and betting on a sequel since I can’t imagine this story ending the way it did with so many questions unanswered. Read it!

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling (Re-Reading)

Synopsis:
The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike. And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny. But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone — or something — starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects . . . Harry Potter himself!

My Review:
I loved it all over again! It is so interesting to me to go back and read these books from the start knowing what is coming in the end. The way J.K. Rowling foreshadows and weaves everything together is simply amazing! I am not sure how Harry can go through some of the scary situations he does and still be ok at the end of the day. He is 12 after all in this book and yet he shows extraordinary courage no matter what he comes up against. It is somewhat surprising that these are considered children’s book considering how scary they get but I think kids can handle more than we give them credit for. It also has one of my favorite quotes said by Dumbledore to Harry regarding Harry being sorted into Gryffindor. Dumbledore said “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities” and I believe that to be true. There are some great supporting characters introduced such as Dobby and Gilderoy Lockhart. Lockhart is a scream-arrogant, pompous, and a complete fraud but hilarious. He had some great phrases like “Celebrity is as celebrity does” or “Fame is a fickle friend.” I also love the scenes with the Weasleys at The Burrow and all the flying car bits. To sum it up, it is more action, more adventure, and more magic! Great!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling (Re-Reading)

Synopsis:
Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility.

All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley — a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry's room is a closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry — and anyone who reads about him — will find unforgettable.

For it's there that he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him . . . if Harry can survive the encounter.

My Review:

Short Review:
This story captured my heart from the beginning and changed my life (not kidding). This book marks the start of my love for reading like many other people have stated. But it also allowed me to share moments, countless conversations, and make connections with close friends I have to this day. This book took the world of reading by storm and there is a reason why it is one of the most beloved books in the world today. Read it!

Long Review:
This book has a special place in my heart since it began my love of reading and changed my life. I still remember the feeling I got when I first read it over a decade ago, like I was being transported to another world through the words and with every turn of the page I became more invested in the story. Everything about this book is magical from the colorful characters and places to the many adventures they go on.

The characters felt so real to me that I would laugh out loud when something funny happened, tense up when they got into tight situations, and cheer when they beat the odds. At the core of this book and the series itself is a story about good versus evil, the importance of friendship and family, what it means to have loss in your life, and that love triumphs all. There are not many books that I have been so taken with in my life and that’s why I consider J.K. Rowling one of the greatest authors of all time. Harry Potter’s story is one that is unforgettable and should not be missed!

My Story:
If we are going to talk about reading then we have to talk about Harry Potter which is where it all started for me. It is one of the main reasons my book blog is called “For the Love of Reading” because I can’t imagine my life today without having read these books.

I remember it like it was yesterday…

I was in middle school the first time I ever heard of Harry Potter. I saw a boy at school reading the fourth book and thought it looked very odd. I must confess I was anti-Harry Potter at the time simply because everyone who read them seemed to love them and I did not want to jump on the band-wagon just because it was a popular series (stupid I know). Even my cousins loved Harry Potter and would tell anyone they knew to read them. I remember spending the night at my cousin Emily’s house and she asked me if I had ever read them. I said no and I did not really care to. But because she did not hear me or because she chose to ignore my words she began to tell me all about Harry Potter who went to a place called Hogwarts (weird) where the students were put into four houses and their favorite sport in the wizarding world was “Quidditch” (even weirder). I listened patiently but I still had no desire to read the books because I was stubborn and did not want to give in. But there was also another reason which was that I did not really like to read. Oh sure, I had read a few books for school that I thought were good but I did not seeing reading as a fun thing to do but as something I had to do.

It was not until my older cousin Kelsey told me in the nicest way possible that I needed to get over my stubborn resistance that I even considered giving the series a shot. Because I trust her judgment I told her I would try and she promised me I would not be sorry. So I went to Sam’s and got all four books (the only ones out at the time) and took them home and began on the first book. I read the first 13 chapters in one sitting and I completely lost track of time. To say I was shocked is an understatement because I had never read that many chapters of a book, for fun of all things, in my life. My view of reading up until that point had been that it was that it was once of the most boring activities you can engage in. But because of J. K. Rowling my view of reading was turned completely upside down on that day and has never been the same since. I can say with pride that J.K. Rowling got me to love reading and these books shaped the reader and the person I am today.

Siren by Tricia Rayburn

Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Vanessa Sands is afraid of everything—the dark, heights, the ocean—but her fearless older sister, Justine, has always been there to coach her through every challenge. That is, until Justine goes cliff-diving one night near the family’s vacation house in Maine, and her lifeless body washes up on shore the next day.

Though her parents hope that they’ll be able to find closure back in Boston, Vanessa can’t help feeling that her sister’s death wasn’t an accident. After discovering that Justine was keeping a lot of secrets, Vanessa returns to Winter Harbor, hoping that Justine’s boyfriend might know more. But Caleb has been missing since Justine’s death.

Soon, it’s not just Vanessa who’s afraid. All of Winter Harbor is abuzz with anxiety when another body washes ashore, and panic sets in when the small town becomes host to a string of fatal, water-related accidents in which all the victims are found, horrifically, grinning from ear to ear.

Vanessa turns to Caleb’s brother, Simon, for help, and begins to find herself drawn to him. As the pair try to understand the sudden rash of creepy drownings, Vanessa uncovers a secret that threatens her new romance—and will change her life forever.

My Review:
I really liked this story! The only thing I have read involving sirens was in Greek mythology but nothing set in modern times. I thought this was a very original story and found it refreshing to read a new spin on an old mythological creature. It was a mystery with elements of romance, loss, and coming of age. I thought the pacing was great and I really enjoyed how the story unraveled. I even found it hard to find a stopping place because I wanted to keep on reading. Vanessa is a dynamic main character who struggles with the loss of her sister while trying to discover who she is in the mist of all these mysterious deaths taking place in Winter Harbor. Rayburn has a gift for writing in such a way that you feel like you are therewith the characters in Winter Harbor smelling the salty sea water and surrounded by powerful and unexplainable things. While I understand this is a trilogy, my only complaint is the way it ended because I felt the main character was unsettled on the last page and consequently so was I. But I found it really entertaining and I know I will have to read the others to answer all my lingering questions. Read it!

Zombies vs. Unicorns by Holly Black (Editor) & Justine Larbalestier (Editor)

Synopsis:
It's a question as old as time itself: which is better, the zombie or the unicorn? In this anthology, edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier (unicorn and zombie, respectively), strong arguments are made for both sides in the form of short stories. Half of the stories portray the strengths--for good and evil--of unicorns and half show the good (and really, really bad-ass) side of zombies. Contributors include many bestselling teen authors, including Cassandra Clare, Libba Bray, Maureen Johnson, Meg Cabot, Scott Westerfeld, and Margo Lanagan. This anthology will have everyone asking: Team Zombie or Team Unicorn?

My Review:
I was looking forward to reading this book because I love Cassandra Clare and I have heard of others involved with this book but am always looking for new YA authors and I thought this was a great way to get a taste of various author’s writing styles. Well I have to say this is the most random, bizarre, and unusual book I have read in awhile. Who would have thought there would be such a hot debate between what’s better: zombies vs. unicorns. I mean while these creatures are both mammals I would never place these two creatures together because in my mind zombies are paranormal and unicorns are mythological. But I thought, what the heck, let’s find out if I am Team Zombie or Team Unicorn.
I had a system where I would read each story and rate them out of 5 stars and then add up the zombie story stars and add up the unicorn story stars and which ever had the most stars would determine which team I was on. Here were the results of my ratings:
“The Highest Justice” by Garth Nix (2/5 stars)
“Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Ayala Dawn Johnson (3/5 stars)
“Purity Test” by Naomi Novik (5/5 stars)
“Bougainvillea” by Carrie Ryan (3/5 stars)
“A Thousand Flowers” by Margo Lanagan (3/5 stars)
“The Children of the Revolution” by Maureen Johnson (5/5 stars)
“The Care and Feeding of Your Baby Killer Unicorn” by Diana Peterfreund (5/5 stars)
“Innoculata” by Scott Westerfeld (3/5 stars)
“Princess Prettypants” by Meg Cabot (5/5 stars)
“Cold Hands” by Cassandra Clare (5/5 stars)
“The Third Virgin” by Kathleen Duey (2/5 stars)
"Prom Night” by Libba Bray (5/5 stars)

Total Unicorns= 22/60
Total Zombies= 22/60

Well, since it is a tie I could be either Zombicorns or Unicobies. Either way this was a fun book and I think fans of these authors will find this book entertaining and allow people to discover new authors.

Torment by Lauren Kate

Synopsis:
How many lives do you need to live before you find someone worth dying for? In the aftermath of what happened at Sword & Cross, Luce has been hidden away by her cursed angelic boyfriend, Daniel, in a new school filled with Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans. Daniel promises she will be safe here, protected from those who would kill her. At the school Luce discovers what the Shadows that have followed her all her life mean - and how to manipulate them to see into her other lives. Yet the more Luce learns about herself, the more she realizes that the past is her only key to unlocking her future...and that Daniel hasn't told her everything. What if his version of the past isn't actually the way things happened...what if Luce was really meant to be with someone else?

My Review:

Loved it! Can we talk about how beautiful the cover is?! I just have to give credit to the cover artist because this one is amazing! The colors and the lighting are just breathe-taking!

This story takes place in California instead of Georgia with Luce attending a new school which is home to both Nephilim and humans and I like that we get a change of scenery. We are introduced to a cast of new characters along with old friends also making an appearance which I loved because I got attached to previous characters. Luce’s roommate Shelby cracked me up with her sarcasm and care-free attitude and I love that she was equally as strong as Luce and not afraid to say what she thinks. I am interested to find out what happened between Shelby and Daniel to make her so afraid of him. We also get an opportunity to see Luce develop her powers with the shadows which are called “The Announcers” which allow her to glimpse some of her past lives.

I will say the second book was not as good as the first one but I feel it was still entertaining and integral to the development of the plot and characters. Luce has strong connection with Daniel that she can’t explain so she also questions her relationship with Daniel because at this point it’s been a famous and epic romance that Luce thinks is right but has no memories to base it off of. I hated it when Daniel would not tell Luce anything about what’s going on with the war and loved her when Luce challenged him about it. I like that Luce is a strong female and does not wait for Daniel to finally decide to tell her what is going on but goes and finds the answers for herself. I think she can handle more than he gives her credit for but I also understand he is treading through waters he is not familiar with since Luce has never survived past age 17.

Either way I can’t wait for book 3 “Passion” to come out next to find out what happens with the war and of course Luce and Daniel! Read it!

The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

Synopsis:
Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau. This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

My Review:
What a book! This is one of those books that you cannot easily forget because of both the content and the way in which it was written. I have read several books that took place during the Holocaust but those were from a Jewish’s perspective but only one other from the view point of the German citizens. It puts a whole different spin on an event that we believe we know and understand. And yet there are a million different sides to that story and this book only verifies that.

This book, while about Germans and Jews during WWII, was told by the Angle of Death which I found very interesting. I listened to this book on CD (which I highly recommend) and I really enjoyed that format and I thought the narrator did a great job and portrayed the characters well.

This is by no means a fast read or one with a happy ending. But it is a touching and moving story that reflects the reality of what life could have been like during that time. I think this story has personal meaning for me since I have been to Germany and visited the concentration camp Dachau. It’s not to say I would have any idea of what it would have been like to been a Jew and live there but a place marked by death like that can’t not have an effect on you. I think I have a greater appreciation for all that the Holocaust victims suffered and how everyone else was affected by it.

Markus writes with texture and imagination and I loved the way he would phrase various scenes. He has an understanding of the heart of humanity and has such a unique way of describing it. I will definitely be recommending it to others so read it!

(There were several lines that I loved and I will leave them now at the end of this review):

• 
  “The only thing worse than a boy who hates you: a boy that loves you."
• 
  “She was the book thief without the words.
  Trust me, though, the words were on their way, and when they arrived, Liesel would hold them in her hands like the clouds, and she would wring them out like rain."
  "...one opportunity leads directly to another, just as risk leads to more risk, life to more life, and death to more death."
• 
  "People observe the colors of a day only at its beginnings and ends, but to me it's quite clear that a day merges through a multitude of shades and intonations with each passing moment. A single hour can consist of thousands of different colors. Waxy yellows, cloud-spot blues. Murky darkness. In my line of work, I make it a point to notice them."
• 
  “I wanted to explain that I am constantly overestimating and underestimating the human race - that rarely do I even simply estimate it. I wanted to ask her how the same thing could be so ugly and so glorious, and its words and stories so damning and brilliant...I AM HAUNTED BY HUMANS."
• 
  "The consequence of this is that I'm always finding humans at their best and worst. I see their ugly and their beauty, and I wonder how the same thing can be both.”
• 
  "A snowball in the face is surely the perfect beginning to a lasting friendship."
• 
  "How about a kiss, Saumensch?"
  He stood waist-deep in the water for a few moments longer before climbing out and handing her the book. His pants clung to him, and he did not stop walking. In truth, I think he was afraid. Rudy Steiner was scared of the book thief's kiss. He must have longed for it so much. He must have loved her so incredibly hard. So hard that he would never ask for her lips again and would go to his grave without them."

Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin

Synopsis:
What does it mean to be extraordinary? Phoebe finds herself drawn to Mallory, the strange and secretive new kid in school. Soon the two girls are as close as sisters . . . until Mallory’s magnetic older brother, Ryland, appears. Ryland has an immediate, exciting hold on Phoebe—but a dangerous hold, for she begins to question her feelings about her best friend and, worse, about herself.

Soon she’ll discover the shocking, fantastical truth about Ryland and Mallory, and about an age-old debt they expect Phoebe to pay. Will she be strong enough to resist? Will she be special enough to save herself?

In the vein of Nancy Werlin’s previous novel Impossible, Extraordinary is a tale of friendship, romance, and the faerie realm.


My Review:
I give this one a 3.5/5 stars. I have only read one other book by Nancy Werlin and that was “Impossible” which is one of my all time favorite books. So when you get a book like “Extraordinary” you not only have high expectations because of the name but also because of the person who wrote the book. And I have to say I was slightly disappointed. While I enjoyed the book and thought the storyline was interesting and fairly well developed there was just something that was off for me. Maybe it was the pacing of the book or maybe it was the story itself and the fact that the main character was being manipulated and lied to the entire time and we as readers knew this. I suppose it was integral to the story that we know Phoebe the main character is being mislead and the reason behind that but it kills any mystery. It also killed my thoughts about Phoebe because she seemed so needy and clingy to a guy we knew cared nothing about her. I think the only character that I truly liked was the Phoebe’s good friend Benjamin who seemed wise beyond his 17 years and seemed like the only guy that anything positive to say about Phoebe.

One thing I will give the book is its beautiful cover which looks like Phoebe is walking through a dream with mystical qualities and beautiful colors. I think those that have read Werlin’s other works and even those who have not will find this story fairly entertaining although I can’t say I will recommend it to others.

Fade by Lisa McMann

Synopsis:
SOME NIGHTMARES NEVER END. For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck. Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open -- but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both. Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability -- and it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a dream catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd feared....

My Review:
Enjoyable! It was hard to get used to the style of writing in the first book “Wake” but once I did I was so much more open to Janie’s story. I liked the second book a lot more since Janie understands more about her unique ability and her relationship with Cable develops into one of understanding and support. These are two people that are broken and come from less than desirable home lives and yet they have each other. This makes their relationship strong but at the same time it is on the edge of a sword since so many things threaten to tear them apart. Even though the story was not packed with action and on –the-edge-of-your-seat kind of scenarios I still felt it was a fast read and could easily be done in one sitting. I will be interested to see how things turn out for Janie since she learns in “Fade” the hard truth about what it means to fall into people’s dreams.

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Synopsis:
The story of Scarlett and Rosie March, two highly-skilled sisters who have been hunting Fenris (werewolves) -- who prey on teen girls -- since Scarlett lost her eye years ago while defending Rosie in an attack. Scarlett lives to destroy the Fenris, and she and Rosie lure them in with red cloaks (a colour the wolves can't resist), though Rosie hunts more out of debt to her sister than drive. But things seem to be changing. The wolves are getting stronger and harder to fight, and there has been a rash of news reports about countless teenage girls being brutally murdered in the city. Scarlett and Rosie soon discover the truth: wolves are banding together in search of a Potential Fenris -- a man tainted by the pack but not yet fully changed. Desperate to find the Potential to use him as bait for a massive werewolf extermination, the sisters move to the city with Silas, a young woodsman and long time family friend who is deadly with an axe. Meanwhile, Rosie finds herself drawn to Silas and the bond they share not only drives the sisters apart, but could destroy all they've worked for.

My Review:
A modern twist on an old fairytale! I have to admit I was not sure if I was going to like this one at first. But once the March sisters, Scarlett and Rosie, started to tell their story, I knew I was in for a unique and action-packed adventure. If you think this is a story about two innocent girls that fall prey to a hungry wolf, you’re wrong. It’s the wolf that should be afraid since the March sisters have taken it upon themselves to hunt wolves. Let’s just say I would not want to meet up with one of them in a dark alley with Scarlett welding an axe and Rosie with her knife throwing ability. Thrown in with the action is a love interest in the form of a guy named Silas, the March sisters family friend. He is not only a woodsman but a talented wolf hunter himself and joins Scarlett and Rosie on their most daring hunting adventure yet. This might seem stupid and sexist but for some reason I thought Jackson Pearce was a man and then when I figured out Pearce was a woman it changed the story for me and I liked it better. Believe me, I do not have a problem with male authors and I know it’s weird, but it gave me a different perspective of the book. But overall I enjoyed reading it and definitely woke up early numerous mornings to find out what happens next. I hope to read more stories like this that change the way we think about traditional stories.

Spirit Bound: A Vampire Academy Novel by Richelle Mead

Synopsis:
Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong… After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives beyond the Academy’s iron gates to begin. But Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he’s out there, somewhere. She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true— Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her. Only this time, he won’t rest until Rose joins him…forever.

My Review:
Yet another entertaining read by Richelle Mead from the Vampire Academy series. I thought this story could not get any crazier. Yet again I was wrong. Wow, I mean where is this story even going to go after this? And we are left with a cliff hanger no less! Thank goodness I did not start reading this series until now because the wait would be so painful. Luckily the final installment “Blood Promise” is only a few months away as opposed to a year. This series has entertained and captivated me from the beginning and I have looked forward to staring every book.

Man, lets talk about Dimitri and what happened. I think I could make a serious case for Dimitri having PTSD after that whole Strigoi episode (hey, I am a social worker so I am going to pay attention to these things).I mean who could go through something like that, killing innocent people, and not end up in a darker place. I mean deep down I wanted him to miraculously be ok and cool with everything but let’s get real, things like that do not just happen. He just needs some therapy and it will all be good. It hurt my heart to read about all of the things that went down between Dimitri and Rose. I wanted to cry hearing him say he did not love her. I mean, what the crap! I can’t imagine a world where Dimitri does not love Rose which is why I know he is lying. He can’t forgive himself for what he did to her and that overrides everything, even his feelings for her.

Blood Promise: A Vampire Academy Novel by Richelle Mead

Synopsis:
The recent attack on St. Vladimir's Academy devastated the entire Moroi world. Many are dead. And, for the few victims carried off by Strigoi, their fates are even worse. A rare tattoo now adorns Rose's neck, a mark that says she's killed far too many Strigoi to count. But only one victim matters-Dimitri Belikov. Rose must now choose one of two very different paths: honoring her life's vow to protect Lissa or, dropping out of the Academy to strike out on her own and hunt down the man she loves.

My Review:
I loved it but it was almost painful for me to read for reasons you would understand if you have read the other books. We are introduced to new characters and Rose’s world grows because she realizes what kind of role the Moroi and Dhampirs play among humans and then we throw Alchemist into the mix. We also get to meet Rose’s father which I found really interesting and that just added a whole other element of surprise. I enjoyed getting a chance to read about Rose in another part of the world away from the Academy but with that comes a price. She has to interact with Adrian and Lissa through her mind instead of in person and that was frustrating at times because she could not talk back to Lissa. Rose grows through the series but does so especially in this book and reflects on her actions and how that affects her relationship with other people. She also always analyzes what is happening to her and how she is changing and says what she needs to say without beating a dead horse with a stick, so to speak. Rose learns something towards the end that will forever change her world and spurs her on her next quest in order to save the man she loves. Can’t wait to see where the next one is going!

Shadow Kiss: A Vampire Academy Novel by Richelle Mead

Synopsis:
Rose Hathaway knows it is forbidden to love another guardian. Her best friend, Lissa - the last Dragomir princess - must always come first. Unfortunately, when it comes to gorgeous Dimitri Belikov, some rules are meant to be broken ...
But since making her first Strigoi kills, Rose hasn´t been feeling right. Something dark has begun to grow in her mind, and ghostly shadows warn of a terrible evil drawing nearer to the Academy´s iron gates. And now that Lissa and Rose´s sworn enemy, Victor Dashkov, is on trial for his freedom, tensions in the Moroi world are higher than ever.
Lying to Lissa about Dimitri is one thing, but suddenly there´s way more than friendship at stake. The immortal undead are on the prowl, and they want vengeance for the lives that Rose has stolen. In a heartstopping battle to rival her worst nightmares, Rose will have to choose between life, love, and the two people who matter most ... but will her choice mean that only one can survive?

My Review:
Another great one! In this one Dimitri and Rose’s relationship is taken to a whole new level when they realize they cannot ignore the feelings they have for each other anymore. I think I have a love/hate relationship with this book which I am not going to explain because I do not want to spoil anything. We finally get to see Rose show everyone what she can do when all the guardians are having their final exams. We also get more detail about what exactly it means to be shadow-kissed and how that affects Rose and the bond between her and Lissa. This one still had lots of tension, great lines, and full of action! I have enjoyed them all so far but I am wondering how this is all going to play out considering what happened in this book. Going on to the next book to find out!

Frostbite: A Vampire Academy Novel by Richelle Mead

Synopsis:
Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose... It's winter break at St. Vladimir's, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy's crawling with Guardians--including Rose's hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if handto- hand combat with her mom wasn't bad enough, Rose's tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, and her friend Mason's got a huge crush on her. The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks....This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory. But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price...

My Review:
Loved this one too! We are taken to a different setting away from the Academy to a ski resort. I really hate the description of this book on Richelle Mead’s website because it makes the story, the characters, and their problems sound trite. I have to confess I have a serious crush on Dimitri and pretty much love every scene he is in (and yes I know he is not real, I don’t need that clarification). I love how Dimitri and Rose’s relationship continues to grow. While Rose tries to move on and give her friend Mason a chance we know who she has already given her heart to. We are introduced to Adrian who makes suggestive comments and smokes like its going out of style but you can’t help but like him. We also meet Rose’s mother Janie Hathaway which adds to the strain that Rose is under to be who she is without her mother’s disapproval. Man, my heart started racing when Rose’s friends went off to hunt Strigoi. I was not sure how that one was going to end but it kept me reading and I was highly entertained throughout this book!