The Athena Effect by Derrolyn Anderson: My Thoughts and Review

The Athena Effect by Derrolyn Anderson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing! Just absolutely amazing! I could not put this down! The best of Ms. Anderson's works, that I have had the privilege of reading, by far!

Let me start with the characters. Cali is one of the best female MC's I have ever met! Not once did I feel annoyed with or irritated by her personality or actions. There wasn't a moment for me to yell "you're STUPID!" because she wasn't! Cali is intelligent, compassionate, and beautiful inside and out. I love her innocence and the pure love she has for Calvin. Now, I found myself comparing Calvin to Ethan from Marina's Tales only to realize the night and day difference between them. Calvin has become the perfect man for me Cali and loves unconditionally without being overbearing and possesive. He is strong, determined, and also goregeous (inside too!). I couldn't find one flaw with him(after he started to pursue Cali)and I was impressed by his maturity. I also enjoyed getting to know the secondary characters like Jarod, Crystal, and Layla. Cali's aunt and Phil can go jump off a cliff for all I care. GRRRRR!!! Anywho, as far as any respectable adult characters are concerned, Calvin's grandparents are the best! I wanted to see more of them and Rufus(i will always picture a naked mole rat when I read that name cuz of KP but this Rufus is a pit bull so yeah, way off on mental imaging 0.0)!

Other highlights to gush about? The love; its so believable and real that it can quite possibly be the best YA romance to come out this year. Think Pushing the Limits, Going Under, and Forever Changed without all the petty juvenile drama. Once Cali and Calvin get going, their love holds true; no games played or breaks needed to determine if what they have is real. No heartbreak or distrust, only true love...and I love it! Same for Cali's parents; had me wrapped up in it from the very beginning.

The story itself is beautiful. I really can't say anything without giving something crucial away but the cover gives a hint and those eyes play a major part in the plot. What I can say is that there is mystery, suspense, and enough action to barely give you a moment to breathe. My only regret is that I did not read this sooner. This has definitely become a favorite of mine and I cannot wait to tell the world! It appears that there is a sequel to this book coming out next year and I can hardly contain my excitement. Another work of art by Ms. Anderson; I loved every second of it and you will too!

I recieved a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review (THANK YOU Ms. Anderson!)

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The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa: My Thoughts and Rants

It has been FOREVER since I last did a proper review (not sure if any of my "reviews" are actually considered "proper" but whatever) and I really have no excuse for it. I mean, I can explain about how busy i've been and the fact that I have so many books to read but I chose to check out "x" amount of books from the library (all at the same time) and buy many more from Amazon (even tho I really have no money to spend) so I have no excuse. To authors of whose books I have in my possession and have yet to review, I apologize. Even if I did a review every day, I would still be behind because I have an obsession with reading (no, i'm not making an excuse; that's fact)I will always have eyes-bigger-than-my-stomach syndrome...is there an actual reading analogy that means the same thing? Anywho, I have finally gathered my thoughts together on a book I enjoyed and now will share them with you ^.^

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hmmm...I was super excited to hear that Ms. Kagawa was going to continue the Iron Fey series but have Ethan as the MC this time around. I was especially happy when the publisher through NetGalley approved me for an early copy. Thank you HarlequinTeen and NetGalley!

I loved seeing my favorite characters, Grimalkin and Puck, along with Meghan, Ash, and Razor, come together again for another fun dangerous adventure. The action is truly non-stop while keeping you guessing as to who is behind everything...and who is who.

Ethan was an interesting MC. I found myself struggling to relate to him and understand his point of view. I understood his prejudice towards the Fey to some extent but his anger with Meghan seemed a bit extreme and unfounded...but thats how emotions usually are- no real good reason for why we feel the way we do. It surprised me how much he knew about the Fey and Nevernever...he was 4 when he was kidnapped and was in captivity the whole time so his recognition of certain places in the Nevernever had me looking back at Iron King. I sorta missed the scared and adorable little Ethan who loved his sister dearly. However, everyone has to grow up sometime(well, everyone but Puck) and Ethan is definitely not little. He has grown strong and able to hold his own ^.^ so go Ethan!

New characters involve Meghan and Ash' son, Kierran, and the new girl, Mackenzie. If you read Iron Knight, you got a glimpse of how baaaaaad Kierran can be and I LOVE it! His sly self shows up from time-to-time but also manages to be a complete gentleman; the best of both his parents! Kenzie is a tough girl who doesn't wallow in self-pity even though she's thrown into the unknown with no answers to when she will get home...or if. Kenzie doesn't take the back seat to anyone and comes through when needed (girl can kick butt!). She supports Ethan through everything for which she is a great addition to the Iron Fey series.

I still want more of Meghan, Ash, Puck, and Grim but am eagerly awaiting the sequel to The Lost Prince. Full of action, mystery, and suspense, fans of the Iron Fey series will enjoy this new spin-off that brings back all of our favorite characters and introduces us to many more >.< Enjoy!

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OPAL Cover Reveal!!!

 

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Follow this link to an ~~~ EPIC CONTEST ~~~ Announcement. You will want to bookmark this page!

http://jenniferarmentrout.blogspot.com/p/october-1-2012.html

 

 USA TODAY Bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout, lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell, Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She also writes adult romance under the name J. Lynn.

Find Jennifer on: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website | Blog

 Isn't the cover GORGEOUS?! Coming in DECEMBER!!! I'm so EXCITED!!!

 

Arise by Amber Garr: My Thoughts and Giveaway!

So we have come to book 3 of the Syrenka Series: Arise...also known as The-End-Of-A-Super-Awesome-Trilogy-That-Any-Reader-In-Their-Right-Mind-Wishes-Wasn't-A-Trilogy-But-An-Ongoing-Series-With-Several-More-Books-About-Eviana-And-Kain-And-Every-Other-Character-Who-Mattered. What? You haven't heard this alternate title? I know I saw it somewhere...hmm...

Anywho, one of my very first posts on this blog was my review of this wonderful conclusion to this trilogy. I had read the first 2 books in 2 days (should never have taken me that long but was terribly busy) and was graciously given a copy of the 3rd by Ms. Amber Garr herself on the day of its release. I then read it thru the night into the next day and promptly wrote a review...that literally took me hours to write! As I mentioned, I had only made a few posts before and was very nervous to discover how my thoughts would be recieved...if anyone recieved them at all!

I have slowly been building confidence in my ability to either inform or entertain those who read my ramblings, thanks to the wonderful people who have made encouraging comments; thru e-mail, twitter, goodreads, or on this blog. I especially appreciate feedback from the authors of the books I review (one of the reasons I created a blog was to be in contact with my favorite authors and show them my support) >.< Thank you to Ms.Amber Garr (of course!), Ms.Derrolynn Anderson (author of Marina's Tales), Ms.Brenda Pandos (author of Mer Tales), and Ms.Kimberly Kinrade (author of Forbidden) for your positive and upbuilding words ^.^ Also a BIG thank you to Abby of Bookshelf Confessions for including me in this tour! Without further ado, I once again (since this is a repost with a few minor gammatical adjustments) give you "My Thoughts and Review" of Arise:

From head to tail, The Syrenka Series has 1) captivated me by the inviting swells of enchanting whimsical creatures 2) pulled me under with unseen currents of paniful love 3) sucked me into whirlpools of despairing chaos 4) knocked me down with tidal waves of tragedy and 5) has picked me up to float on the peaceful waves of happiness. Poetic much? That may be but its true and even more so in this conclusion of the series, Arise. Allow me to expound:

1) Throughout the trilogy, we are introduced to mermaids, selkies, and various water sprites along with a dash of humans...literally. The characters that Garr has created are wonderful and imaginative; beautifully dipicted to add color and life to the plot (Abhainn and Isabel, each with their scottish and french accents, bring timely and much appreciated comic relief). Arise will have you awe struck as you imagine the x-men-like-but-refreshingly-unique powers these creatures posess (among them being mind control and water manipulation) that will cause you to spurt in laughter or quake in fear.

“Very funny, Abhainn.” He moved into the sprite’s personal space. “I think I saw a water bottle over there. Maybe you’d like to spend some time thinking about how you don’t have to be so rude?”
Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 1391-1393). Amber Garr.

I noticed the teeth first. Sharp, white fangs larger than a ratchet’s rose up from the depths at an incredible speed. Her face contorted into a horrific form, snarling and wrinkled and deadly.
Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 3414-3416). Amber Garr.

2) From the beginning, our feisty protagonist, Eviana, has been involved in a love triangle between Brendan and Kain. Betrayal throws in Graham to mix things up. While I didn't really get too wrapped up in Graham, I definitely felt betrayed by the end of the book and wanted to kick some selkie and mer butt alike; my thoughts being "SERIOUSLY?! Oh he did not just do that! I can't believe this! I am sooooo done with him." Does Arise bring relief and settle things once and for all? After finishing the book hours ago, I am still screaming!*EDIT: It's been months now...and yeah, still screaming* We are treated to the POV's of both Eviana and Kain, allowing us to be them and experience this emotional rollercoaster with more intensity. I'm not a fan of rollercoasters but this is one I wouldn't mind getting back on...I just need to stop screaming first!

As she ran toward me with outstretched arms, I knew that I would never let her go again. This time she would stay with me forever.
Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 2244-2245). Amber Garr.

“I’m not going to sit back and watch you take her from me, fish. I may not be able to have a life with her anymore, but neither will you.”
Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 2483-2484). Amber Garr.

“I’d prefer it if you disappeared since I am very much looking forward to spending my nights alone with her. She is a feisty tart. It will certainly make for an interesting marriage.”
Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 3022-3023). Amber Garr.

Without giving it a second thought, I reached up and grabbed his face. Pulling it toward mine, I kissed him. Hard.
Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 2256-2257). Amber Garr.

3) Which brings me to all the action and drama that threw me for so many loops that for a while, I couldn't tell which way was up! Maybe I'm just gullible, or easily influenced, but I found myself in the same boat as Eviana; who do you trust? We learn of Eviana's lineage and bloodlines, which seems to be a factor in the decisions she makes and has made. Several battles take place, each giving hints and answering questions of "who?". As to why Lucian is doing all that he is: he's crazy. The man has lost his marbles straight up. Ok yeah, there is a bit more to it but...just read it and you'll know what I mean.

Fists flew, compulsion wars began, and I stood there. Frozen. It probably wasn’t for very long, but time seemed to stand still.
Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 3958-3959). Amber Garr.

His mouth was so close to my face that I could feel his hot, angry breath. For the first time since all of this began, I was really, truly afraid of this man.
Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 2937-2938). Amber Garr.

His long blond hair wafted in the breeze as well as the white silk shirt that hung open at his chest. The man really loved to show off his body. It was gross.
Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 3829-3830). Amber Garr.

4) I thought nothing more tragic could possibly happen after Promises but I was wrong. *sob* While there are a few who lose their lives along the way *still sobbing*, nothing was as heartbreaking, shocking, chinese-film-level, crying-so-hard-your-contacts-fall-out, heroic death of this character*full on wailing now*. I cannot bring myself to say who for I am in denial. Actually, I'm still so stunned that tears have not come yet but they will... where's the tissue?! *EDIT: The tears came =.=*

The bodies on the beach were removed and dumped at sea.
Amber Garr. Arise (Book Three of The Syrenka Series) (Kindle Locations 4293-4294). Amber Garr.

5) We may get knocked down but we get up again (♪you're never going to keep me down♪~random, sorry). Garr beautifully wraps up this thrilling series by leaving you in peace. Things might not have gone as I thought they would but I am more than satisfied; thank goodness for an epilogue! *EDIT: And more! Amber has created a new site dedicated to bonus material of this series! Check it out!*

This whole series is amazing but Arise is truly epic and brings it home. This fast paced, chemistry-filled, and heart-jerker of a mer-tale will have you reading to the finish and then starting it again. Enjoy!

This copy was provided by the author in exchange of an honest review

Whew! That was a lot wasn't it? Well I hope you enjoyed my heartfelt typed words of not-too-long-ago and will now go and buy this book (if not the entire series!) here. Only $2.99! However, there is a giveaway that will only continue for a few more days! So enter if you haven't already...guess i'll repost that too to make it easier :) Remeber 2 different giveaways! Both ending soon! Also don't forget to check out everyone else' reviews and giveaways on the Syrenka Series Tour. Happy reading everyone!!!

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My Thoughts and Rants on The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore

The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hold on, my heart is still beating too fast, let me calm down and gather my thoughts...*inhale* WHY DOES THIS BOOK END AND MAKE ME WAIT FOR ANOTHER SEQUEL?! Since I have very little patience, I have been doing my best to work on that...BUT WHEN I READ A SERIES(such as this)AND I AM LEFT WITH AN ENDING THAT IS NOT AN ENDING MY ANY MEANS(such as the ending in this book)ALL MY EFFORT TOWARDS BEING PATIENT GOES OUT THE WINDOW!

Ok i'm done yelling ^.^ I don't know why, but I honestly thought this was going to be the last novel in the series...I obviously thought wrong and am extremely irritated by that fact. Not that I ever want any real good series to end but I wanted answers! Now I am only left with more questions and feel the way I do when i'm getting into a good episode/movie online but then the stupid video stops, saying "you have watched 72 min, please wait 56 min or upgrade to Premium blah blah blah"...IRRITATING! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! What did I go through all this for? To wait for another YEAR?! If that was the sort of reaction you were going for "Pittacus" then you, my friend, are a GENIUS! A genius that I would like to scream at and shake your hand at the same time.

Without trying to spoil anything, I absolutely HATED Sarah in THE POWER OF SIX but I am very happy now! Thank you for resolving the little particular issue...sorta...still a bit confused but no matter, I'm happy >.< Anywho, great book...except for the fact that it leaves you hanging. I certainly hope I do not have to wait another year!

For Lorien! (lol i'm such a geek)

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Forbidden Fire: My thoughts and Rants

Forbidden Fire by Kimberly Kinrade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

INSANE! FREAKIN IN INSANE I TELL YOU!!! I obviously have not been able to piece my mind back together (for anyone who paid attention to my review of Forbidden Mind) seeing that i'm repeating myself and putting it in CAPS as if that will make up for my lack of a thorough and professional review...does it?

Doesn't matter. You can read the summary on your own (please click on the cover for goodreads). I don't need to rephrase it for you. As regards to the author, I already said in my last post that Kinrade is my FREAKING SUPERHERO and her ability to connect her readers with her characters has not diminished (the added POV's was a bonus!). She is so down-to-earth too! Example:

"Luce, you could've asked him a question and watched for signs. You should be a natural, like in that show Lie to Me." "Ha! I'll work on it. Sucks that they canceled that show."

Kinrade, Kimberly (2012-03-24). Forbidden Fire (Forbidden #2) (p. 48). Evolved Publishing. Kindle Edition.

Thankyou! That show was stinkin amazing! I was majorly bummed to find out that it was no more *tear*.

Anyways, getting more of Drake and Sam or Luke and Lucy gave me my fix for the night so I can finally go to sleep (at 3:30 in the morning!). If you enjoy action, and thrilling suspense with romance in its proper place(a true love that you will root for), Forbidden Fire will set you on fire for sure!

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Forbidden Mind: My Thoughts and Rants

Forbidden Mind by Kimberly Kinrade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Forbidden Mind BLEW my mind! I read the first edition and the newer updated edition as well as the sequel, Forbidden Fire, all in one day and i'm shaking like crazy. The 1st in the series had me going through so many emotions I swear I was mindjacked! Sam, Drake, Lucy, Luke and all the others do not feel like mere characters but real people (with their x-men powers and all) who you truly care about. I actually cried while reading this and was screaming "NOOOOO!!!" in slow motion. More than once. No lie. If there was ever a series that made you feel like you were watching an action movie, this right here is it.

Kimberly Kinrade is like my superhero right now. This fantastic story she created feels so real and the references she makes about certain movies or t.v shows that we know and watch only enhances that feeling...making it so that the lines between fiction and reality are blurred. Which is saying a lot considering that the plot is very ALIAS and DARK ANGEL-like with X-MEN as its backdrop (awesome combo!).

There is so much I wanna say right now but I think I might be getting mixed up from what I just read in the sequel (which is AMAZING) so i'm off to post a review on it now...I guess that wasn't much of a "closure" or conclusion so I will make myself clear if I wasn't before: THIS BOOK IS AMAZING SO YOU SHOULD READ IT AND I DONT NEED TO TELL YOU TO READ THE SEQUEL BECAUSE YOUR MIND WILL BE SO BLOWN THAT YOU WILL READ IT LIKE A JUNKIE SUFFERING FROM WITHDRAWL. Did I explain myself well enough? I feel like i'm doing a verizon commercial with "can you hear me now?" *sigh* now let me try and piece my mind back together to go review Forbidden Fire...we'll see how that goes...

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