Review: Orgin (Lux #4)

Title: Orgin (Lux #4)
Author: Jennifer Armentrout
Pages: 374
My Rating:

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen? 

Together, they can face anything.

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?

And will they even be together?

Just finished yesterday. More like 3.5 hearts... I love this series but I was really considering continuing after book 3 (Opal just didn’t make the cut personally). But I loved Orgin- it’s full of action, betrayal, romance and so much more! Just started the last book in the series.

Review: The Collector (Dante Walker #1)

Title: The Collector (Dante Walker #1)
Author: Victoria Scott
Publisher:
Pages: 352

My Rating:

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple: weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag. Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal-opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment: Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within ten days.
Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect, he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector…and uncover emotions deeply buried. -goodreads.com

This is honestly the perfect read for halloween. It's fast paced, unique and it's got a bit of a creep factor... There were some instances where I didn't know where the hell the story was going. I would find myself thinking, "WHAT DID SHE DO?"... With that being said, I think the author took a big risk in having an "ugly" mc, but to be honest that was one of the things I loved most about this book. I didn't fully understand the whole Collector story and how there's only 6 in the whole world, but the story kept me very intrigued until the very end.

I loved Charlie as our main character. She's loyal and kind from the inside out. Dante?... Well, let's just say I wasn't his biggest fan in the beginning. I will admit he grew on me towards the end but there were certain moments where he was TOO much of a jerk. It was as if the author was trying too hard for him to be a "bod boy with a heart of gold". My favorite scene was the party/corn field scene. It wasn't Charlie's best night, but that was when I realized Dante was alright in my book.

Overall, the story itself was unique and kept me interested until the very end. A few plot holes, but this is a trilogy so I'm sure more things will be explained later on.

Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass (The Selection #2)

Title: The Elite (The Selection #2)
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HaperTeen
Pages: 336

My Rating:

The Selection began with thirty-five girls. Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fiercer than ever—and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen?  America is desperate for more time. But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want—and America's chance to choose is about to slip away. -goodreads.com

Not as good as the first, but just as enjoyable. I honestly don't know what "team" I belong to... Leaning more towards Maxon but it's hard to say simply because I didn't like him as much in book two as I did in one.  I did very much enjoy the background/history of Ilea, and the explanations for the castes. I honestly wish we would have got a bit more action. Every time I thought America might be in trouble, she was magically rescued. Like come on, Cass! She's a big girl, she can take care of herself. It's almost as the author is afraid to write action scenes from the fear of them not having the desired effect with the audience...? Just my opinion.

America was a little too wimpy for my taste in The Elite. "I don't know who to choose, I love them both!" Get your head out of your ass woman! You have a crown to claim and a country to run. You talk the talk but can you walk it? At this point I'm not sure. I really didn't care for any of the other girls. I get that I'm not supposed to since they're practically the competition of our mc, but even then I don't think I enjoyed reading about them.

The more I write the review the more I wonder why the hell I gave it 4 stars, but the truth is I liked it. I don't know what's wrong with me.... I'm a sucker for these hopeless romantic stories, and even though I did roll my eyes a few times (actually, very often haha), you can bet your bottom I already have book three on my night stand waiting for my to crack that spine open! 

Review: Touch (Denazen #1)

Title: Touch (Denazen #1)
Author: Jus Accardo
Publisher: 251
Pages: Entangled Publishing
Source: Own

My Rating: 

When a strange boy tumbles down a river embankment and lands at her feet, seventeen-year-old adrenaline junkie Deznee Cross snatches the opportunity to piss off her father by bringing the mysterious hottie with ice blue eyes home. Except there’s something off with Kale. He wears her shoes in the shower, is overly fascinated with things like DVDs and vases, and acts like she’ll turn to dust if he touches her. It’s not until Dez’s father shows up, wielding a gun and knowing more about Kale than he should, that Dez realizes there’s more to this boy—and her father’s “law firm”—than she realized.

Kale has been a prisoner of Denazen Corporation—an organization devoted to collecting “special” kids known as Sixes and using them as weapons—his entire life. And, oh yeah, his touch? It kills. The two team up with a group of rogue Sixes hellbent on taking down Denazen before they’re caught and her father discovers the biggest secret of all. A secret Dez has spent her life keeping safe. A secret Kale will kill to protect. -summary from goodreads.com

Dez is probably one of the most kick butt heroines I have read about this year! I LOVED Kale.... so cute and innocent :) he literally made me laugh out loud. People at work probably think I'm a random laughing freak! His new found knowledge about our way of living actually made me appreciate the little things in my life, like shoes :)haha! The way he wears shoes in the shower, Haaaaaa!

The plot was super crazy! Big twist that I was not expecting. Dez's father; OMG! I wanted to strangle the man! I loved the whole idea of sixes, kinda reminded me of I am Number Four. Can't wait to pick up the next book and see what happens next.

My only complaint; in all honest I felt that Dez fell for Kale a little too fast, for my taste. She was way too trusting and she didn't even know him all that well. He could have been some psycho killer, and this girl is letting him into her house! Don't get me wrong, I'm usually all for falling for the cute mysterious boy, BUT not running away with him.... You know what I mean? But then again.... With the way Kale is described (especially if he was shirtless), I don't think any one of us would dare kick him out.... So I guess you can say Dez's actions are justified, haha.

Review: Revolution

Title: Revolution
Author: Jennifer Donnelly
Publisher: Delacorte Books
Pages: 472
Challenge: None
Source: Own


My Rating:

BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up Revolution. I’ve heard about Ms. Jennifer Donnelly, but I haven’t had a chance to pick up any of her books. Yeah… that’s a big mistake on my behalf! Revolution was breathtakingly beautiful!

Andi is a 17 year old girl who is severely depressed after the death of her younger brother Truman. She blames herself and contemplates suicide several times. Andi’s character was filled with so much grief and guilt, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. If anything, it brought me so much closer to her as a character. It was fascinating to see how Alex’s life helped Andi realize that she couldn’t give up and that she should fight for what she loves. When Andi read Alex’s diary I was right alongside her wanting to know more about this girl who was fighting for something she strongly believed in. I actually ended up putting the book aside a few times because of how devastating and powerful it was…. But at the same time, I was dying to know what was going to happen next. Talk about an emotional roller-coaster.

You could tell that Ms. Donnelly put much thought and effort into writing Revolution. From the history, to the music, to the characters… everything was just so powerful and relevant. Revolution was my first book from Jennifer Donnelly and I can’t wait to read more from her.

Review: The One That I Want

Title: The One That I Want
Author: Jennifer Echols
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 320
Challenge: None
Source: Nook ebook
Buy the Book: B&N / Amazon


My Rating:

Gemma can’t believe her luck when the star football player starts flirting with her. Max is totally swoon-worthy, and even gets her quirky sense of humor. So when he asks out her so-called best friend Addison, Gemma’s heartbroken. Then Addison pressures Gemma to join the date with one of Max’s friends. But the more time they all spend together, the harder Gemma falls for Max. She can’t help thinking that Max likes her back—it’s just too bad he’s already dating Addison. How can Gemma get the guy she wants without going after her best friend’s boyfriend? -summary from goodreads.com

When I read the summary for this book, it reminded me a lot of Elizabeth Scott’s THE UNWRITTEN RULE, especially the whole mix up boyfriend plot. But once I started it, I kind of fell in love with Gemma; the main characters (in a non-lesbian, sort of way)... you know what I liked best about her? That she is NOT weak. All her life Gemma has been teased, sometimes by those closest to her, about her weight, her fashion choice, etc… but she doesn’t let that her. Sure it may seem like she gives into Addison and does everything she tells her too, but she does it because she values Addison as a person and that gives Gemma mad points in my book!

Gemma’s attraction to Max is so relatable it kind of hurts your heart to read about it. I have read a couple books by Jennifer Echols and let me tell you that there is something about the way she writes sexual tension that makes you feel like you’re actually the one in the story. I read this book in two sittings over two days and I absolutely loved it. Although the majority of the book is based on teen/HS situations, I think readers of all ages will be able to connect with Gemma at some level, she’s THAT awesome.

Review: Across the Universe

Title: Across the Universe (Across the Universe #1)
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 398
Challenge: None
Source: Own
Buy the book: BN / Amazon


My Rating:

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules. Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone - one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship - tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming. -summary from goodreads.com

When Amy is abruptly unplugged 50 years too soon she finds herself in Godspeed, the space ship that was set to land on a new planet. She befriends Elder, the future commander of the ship, who feels just as much as an outsider as Amy. Together they must find out who is behind the “unplugging” of the ships passengers. From the very beginning, I was hooked! The opening cryogenic freezing process scene- CREEPY! Through Ms. Revis’ writing, I pretty much felt everything Amy was feeling…. The authors’ writing is so powerful. You can’t help but feel connected to Amy and Elder in every single way. Oh and I loved Elder. Just throwing that out there. A really neat treat was the inside flap of the hardcover book; Godspeed's blueprint/interior. BEAUTIFUL! From time to time I looked into its different levels and info while I was reading the book. Godspeed really did come to life right before my minds eye.

My only complaint; not enough romance. I had heard so many great things about the romance before reading ATU, that when I finally did read it I thought, “That’s it?”… I mean LOOK AT THAT COVER! Doesn’t that cover just scream sexy space make out scenes? Sadly, there aren’t many. Either way, I will definitely be picking up A MILLION SUNS as soon as it hits the shelves. Can’t wait!

Review: The Faerie Ring

Title: The Faerie Ring (The Faerie Ring #1)
Author: Kiki Hamilton
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 352
Challenge: None
Source: Publisher
Buy the Book: BN / Amazon

My Rating:

The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.
Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist. Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…-summary from goodreads.com

Let your mind roam free and transport yourself back to old London during the times of Monarchy and Faeries. Yes, that’s right Faeries. The year is 1871, and the only thing that’s keeping the Fae from starting an all out war with the humans is a tiny, but significant Faerie Ring. In order for the balance and peace to be kept, the ring must be in the hands of the Monarch. Enter Tiki; an orphan of the streets. Tiki steals for her survival and for her family of orphans; Fiona, Toots, Shamus and little Clara. One night after falling asleep on a car­riage, Tiki wakes up in a luxurious estate. After roaming around the kitchen (and stuffing her pockets with food), she stumbles upon the library. Here she comes to set her eyes on a ring that was left behind. A ring who’s value is to great to turn down (hey, her orphans have to eat), so she steals it. Little does she know that the estate she was in was Buckingham Palace and the ring she stole is actually the Queen’s ring; The Faerie Ring, the only thing keeping a species war at peace.

I loved Tiki, she has a sort of heroine complex when it comes to the orphans. She takes care of the few people around her that she can call family and I admired that about her. It slightly reminded me of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys… except with reversed genders. Her orphans were so sweet, I wanted to reach into the book and give them a hug to help ease their pain and suffering. Rieker was mysterious but I also enjoyed his character very much. He likes Tiki and tries so hard to be the “hero” of the orphan group but things never go according to plan because Tiki doesn’t do well with plans.

Prince Leopold, the Queens son, was also a fun character to read about. His disbelief was funny at times, but once his mother falls ill (because the Faerie Ring has gone missing and this usually leads to disaster) he notices disaster is about to strike and will now stop at nothing to get that ring back. He feels guilty because he was the last one to have it before it went missing (bad, Leopold! Bad!). My only complaint would have to be the actual Fey elements. The concept of Fey (as a species) was present throughout the whole book, but the actual Faeries don’t come out until the almost end. I guess you can say I was expecting a bit more of a fantasy novel, but what I got instead was a Historical-Victorian adventure. Which was still awesome and super fun, but I wanted my faeries.

Review: Tiger's Voyage

Title: Tiger's Voyage (Tiger's Saga #3)
Author: Colleen Houck
Publisher: Splinter
Pages: 560
Source: ARC Publisher
Buy the Book: BN / Amazon


My Rating:

With the head-to-head battle against the villainous Lokesh behind her, Kelsey confronts a new heartbreak: in the wake of his traumatic experience, her beloved Ren no longer remembers who she is. As the trio continues their quest by challenging five cunning and duplicitous dragons, Ren and Kishan once more vie for her affections--leaving Kelsey more confused than ever. Fraught with danger, filled with magic, and packed with romance, TIger's Voyage brings Kelsey and her two tiger princes one step closer to breaking the curse. -summary from goodreads.com

Adventure, peril, culture and romance- this book has it all! 

The blend of mythology, the Hindi language and culture in Tiger's Voyage is complex and altogether captivating. I was fascinated by the journey to visit the five dragons and all the adventures my favorite trio (Kelsey, Ren, and Kishan) had to accomplish to retrieve the Pearl Necklace of Durga. I'm constantly impressed by how much research Colleen does and all the planning she must have done before writing these books. Everything fits together seamlessly, and it's really impressive! I really loved the dragons and the fact that everything was based just as much on Chinese folklore as Indian.

As far as teams…. I’m leaning a bit more towards Kishan (don’t judge me). If you’ve read my past reviews for books one and two, you’d see that I am a dedicated Team Ren fan (even have a book boyfriend post dedicated to him, here). But in Tiger’s Voyage Kishan really does step up his game and at the same time Ren is losing his. But regardless of their actions, they are brothers… Their two side of the same coin, and you can’t help but love them both.

In all honesty, I truly believe that Ren is definitely more suited for Kelsey but sometimes I think they’re relationship is not healthy. They argue all the time and when they do make up, the first thought to come to Kelsey’s mind is “I can’t live without him”…. Am I the only one who see’s this as unhealthy? Don’t get me wrong, I often times think that their best interaction comes when they're fighting…. but I just found their relationship a bit strange this time around.

On the other hand, Kishan is every bit as good-looking and wonderful as his brother. He is much more straightforward and not so sensitive or poetic. Instead of writing a song for a girl he'll just grab her and kiss her, thus telling her how he feels (much more my type). So you can kind of tell why I’m ready to jump teams here… :)haha!

Overall, although Tiger’s Voyage wasn’t my favorite book in the series, I loved every minuet of it. I cannot begin to explain how FAR away next fall is. I need my next dose of Kelsey, Ren, and Kishan to take me away, NOW!

Review: Tiger's Quest

Title: Tiger's Quest (Tiger's Saga #2)
Author: Colleen Houck
Publisher: Splinter
Pages: 457
Source: Own
Buy the Book: BN / Amazon


My Rating:

Kelsey Hayes is no ordinary college freshman. In fact, the eighteen-year-old girl has just returned from India, where she risked her life—and her heart—to rescue a handsome Indian prince from a terrible curse. Back home in Oregon, Kelsey is determined to move on, despite the lingering feelings she has for the man she left behind. She meets Li, a completely average guy who offers the promise of an ordinary, curse-free life. But just when Kelsey is ready to move on, Ren reenters her life, on a quest to reclaim her heart. Danger threatens their newly rekindled love and to save him, Kelsey must journey with someone else—a man who wants her for himself. The saga begun in Tiger’s Curse continues in Tiger’s Quest, as Kelsey finds herself in an epic battle between good and evil. From the shores of the Pacific Northwest to the jungles of India, the mountains of Nepal and Tibet, and the mystical realm of Shangri-la, this suspenseful tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption is not to be missed. -summary from goodreads.com

Tiger’s Quest picks up right after book one; Kelsey is trying to focus on being a normal college student after having spent the summer breaking an ancient curse in India. I know what you’re thinking, “WTH!? Lame!”…. but her plans quickly turn when she learns that Ren is not going to let her walk away without a fight without a fight.

I don't hide the fact that I usually dislike sequels; I usually love the first book in the series, hate the second and then rekindle my love in the third installment. That is NOT the case with Tiger’s Quest. I devoured this book, it was that good. To say that I lost sleep because of it would be an understatement; this book was intense.

I was so happy to have Kelsey back in India trying to break the second part of the curse. I loved seeing her develop more as a character. The suspense and action in the plot was great and the story moves along at a good pace. It was easy to get lost in this magical world; Ms. Houck’s writing is amazing and full of detail. The Indian mythology kept me intrigued until the end.

Tiger’s Quest is every bit as exciting, romantic, funny, heart-breaking, and absorbing as Tiger's Curse. It’s a perfect blend of mythology, Hindi language and culture (not to mention the heart filled romance), it has all the perfect elements for a captivating love story. My only complaints are (1) the ending (OMG! Shoot me now!) and (2) I’m not to sure how I fell about the "love drama". Don’t get me wrong, I very much enjoy the love triangle going on, but I found it too convenient that Ren gets captured and all of a sudden we see this completely different, sweet, charming, handsome, and loving side to Kishan (ok, so it worked on me, I totally fell for him, but you get the picture).

Either way, Tiger’s Quest is not to be missed! I cannot wait to dive into Tiger’s Voyage, luckily for me, I have an ARC sitting on my bookshelf right now :D