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.