Blog Tour & Review: Earth by Shauna Granger

Click here for the full tour schedule!

Earth (Elemental, #1) by Shauna Granger

Release Date: May 1, 2011
Publisher: Shauna Granger

Author Information: Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Genre: Magic, Romance, Paranormal

Available Formats: Paperback and eBook
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million / The Book Depository

Shayna and her two best friends have the abilities to manipulate and control the four elements, earth, air, water and fire. While learning to hone their growing powers, they discover a new and malicious presence in their sleepy beach town. Someone is performing blood magic and threatens to expose their small magical community. So far only small animals have been slaughtered, but then the nightmares start.

Shayna suffers nightmares of being chased and sacrificed only to wake up bloodied and bruised. She thinks her magical blood is the ultimate target for the final blood rite. When an innocent girl, Tracy, is kidnapped Shayna knows it's only a ploy to draw her out; she can't let someone die because of her.

Review:

Here is why you will enjoy Earth:

1.  There is mystery, magic, and romance! How could you not love all three of those things put together?

2.  Shay is an awesome, kick-ass character who never backs down from a challenge.

3.  There is a hot, totally swoon-worthy character and love interest in Jensen (downside: he is not in this book nearly enough for my liking.)

4. Shay is not one to fall for just a pretty face, and she is not afraid to call Jensen out when she suspects him. In fact, she makes him work for everything he earns (her trust, etc.). Props, girl.

5. Excellent banter and dialogue.

6. A gripping storyline.

7. One of the best self-published books I have ever read. EVER.

I know I already mentioned it once, but I will say it again:

8. There is magic, magic, and more magic! Intense and descriptive rituals, the calling of elemental magic, spells, this book has it all!

So those are a few simple reasons why I enjoyed Earth, in a nutshell. I was captivated by this story, and I am really looking forward to reading the next installment!

A Great Escape

Blog Tour & Review: Lonely Souls by Karice Bolton

Click here for the full tour schedule!

Lonely Souls (The Witch Avenue Series, #1) by Karice Bolton

Release Date: June 29, 2012
Publisher: Bulldog Press

Author Information: Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Witches/Wizards
Available Formats: Paperback and eBook

Buy the Book: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million

It’s two weeks before Triss turns 18, and her world is about to change into the most magical one imaginable as she readies herself to enter The Witch Avenue Order... that is until her mother’s disappearance. Instead of celebrating her transformation, she finds herself spreading rose petals into her mother’s empty grave.

When Logan, her best friend from junior high, moves back to town for college, he vows to help her find the answers she so desperately seeks surrounding her mother’s disappearance. As they begin uncovering clues, it becomes apparent that the life of white magic they both grew up loving is not what the majority practices, and their lives are in danger.

With a haunting feeling that her mother may still be alive, she begins to hear a call to the wilderness. Triss realizes that in order to find the answers she needs, she must learn the ways of her ancestors and become the hunter, not the hunted before it’s too late, and she becomes part of the lonely souls.

Review:

A coven of witches. Magical mayhem. A cute boy from the past. Sprinkle in some emotional turmoil and a little mystery, and you have yourself a rather amazing and intriguing paranormal read!

Triss was supposed to meet her mother at the beach, but when the only things she finds are personal items, she knows something is wrong. Her mother has disappeared without a trace, and she is presumed to be dead by the coven. However, Triss refuses to believe that her mother is gone. She reacquaints herself with Logan, a friendly face from childhood, and they slowly begin to piece together the circumstances surrounding her mother’s disappearance. When some of their discoveries leave them questioning the coven and their magical practices, what started out as a quest to find Triss’s mother becomes something a lot more dangerous and deadly.

While the premise of the story was what initially peaked my interest, I found there were many other things to appreciate about this book. The magical aspects of this novel were fascinating, and it’s nice to see what I consider to be a more ‘traditional’ form of magic (such as herbs and other earthly elements) being used. The concept of a lonely soul was also interesting to read about (but I will say no more- no spoilers!). However, this book did suffer a bit from poor pacing. There were a few moments where my attention was easily diverted and I lost interest in the story, but then things would quickly pick up again and I would be unable to stop reading. I think if the pace was a bit smoother and some of those unnecessary/drawn-out moments were removed, this would have been a much more engaging read.

Triss, the main character, took a while for me to warm up to. For the first half of the book, she struck me as being withdrawn and slightly abrasive, and I did not find myself really caring for her until the second half of the book. She has to deal with a lot emotionally throughout the story, and while I understand that and did not hold it against her when she was being prickly or rude, it just made it a little harder for me to really get a feel for her character. Logan, on the other hand, I instantly loved. I loved how steadfast his character was and the depth of his feelings for Triss. It is always nice to have a boy who is in your corner supporting you! :) (He has major swoonage potential!) The romance between Triss and Logan was solid, and some of their interactions left me in hysterics and were completely adorable.

Overall, this book did have a few problems, but it is a wonderful read all the same. It provides some originality to the YA paranormal genre, and it is definitely an interesting start to a new series. I cannot wait to see what Bolton has for us next!

A Decent Escape

Review: Grasping at Eternity by Karen Amanda Hooper

Grasping at Eternity (The Kindrily Series, #1) by Karen Amanda Hooper

Release Date: May 25, 2012
Publisher: Starry Sky Publishing

Author Information: Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Genre: Paranormal, Reincarnation, Romance
Available Formats: eBook
My Shelf: Own (eBook)
Other Books: Tangled Tides

Buy the Book: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Leave it to Maryah Woodsen to break the one rule that will screw up eternity: Never erase your memories.

Before entering this life, Maryah did the unthinkable—she erased. Now, at seventeen years old, she’s clueless that her new adoptive family has known her for centuries, that they are perpetually reincarnated souls, and that they have supernatural abilities. Oh, and she's supposed to love (not despise) Nathan, the green-eyed daredevil who saved her life.

Nathan is convinced his family’s plan to spark Maryah's memory is hopeless, but his love for her is undying. After spending (and remembering) so many lifetimes together, being around an empty version of his soulmate is heart shattering. He hates acting like a stalker, but has no choice because the evil outcast who murdered Maryah in their last lifetime is still after her.

While Maryah’s hunter inches closer, she and Nathan make assumptions and hide secrets that rip them further apart. Maryah has to believe in the magic within her, Nathan must have faith in the power of their love, and both need to grasp onto the truth before they lose each other forever—and discover just how lonely eternity can be.

X-MEN meets MY NAME IS MEMORY in Karen Amanda Hooper’s latest young adult release.

Review:

“A person’s destiny is written in the stars. The sky is a storybook, and the stars are the characters in its pages.” ~pg. 69

It seems, however, that Maryah’s story is already reaching its end. The star that represents her eternal life has gone out. She grows up unaware that her story is drawing to a close, but when a tragic event strikes her biological family, she has to move in with complete strangers who seem to know more about her than she does herself. She comes to realize that she was once a part of their Kindrily, a family of superpowered, reincarnated souls that have been together for centuries. Each member of the family lives a lifetime, passes on, and then is born again with the same soul and all their past memories intact. Except Maryah. She has no memories of this family, or her soulmate, Nathaniel. Without her memories, her eternal soul is in danger of being lost forever, and when a group of people begin hunting her down for being a Kindrily, her life, and her soul, have never been more at risk.

With books dealing with soulmates and reincarnation gaining popularity as of late, it is becoming hard to find a story that is unconventional. However, Hooper never fails to deliver, and she provides a stunningly original story of love and loss. Hooper’s expressive prose and exquisitely rendered characters makes Grasping at Eternity an enthralling read, and the emotional intensity of this book is gripping and heartrending. I loved everything about this story, and Hooper has definitely become one of my favorite authors.

Grasping at Eternity is told from both Maryah’s and Nathaniel’s point of view, and this shifting of perspectives allows the reader to really get a feel for both characters. Their voices are distinct, and I have to admit I loved getting explicit peeks at Nathaniel’s thoughts. With his soulmate unable to remember him and their past lives, Nathaniel is experiencing heartbreak and emotional pain like never before. Hooper’s vivid details made his heartache feel real, and there were moments where I would be rubbing my chest in phantom pain. Maryah is thrust in a new world and family, and she has no idea why everyone seems to know who she is, or how Nathaniel knows she loves hot chocolate. Her confusion and disorientation felt genuine, and I loved how the reader pieces the story together with Maryah.

The most appealing aspect of this book for me was Hooper’s concept of reincarnation. After every life, the eternal soul is given an option: retain or erase. If you were given the choice to remember everything, both the good and the bad, and carry it with you in the next life, would you? Or would you like to have a clean slate and be able to experience everything again for the first time, like your first kiss and falling in love? It is truly a fascinating idea! Hooper also delves into the meaning of promnesia, otherwise known as déjà vu. We all experience moments or events in life that seem startlingly familiar, but we just write it off as one of those weird déjà vu moments. But what if one of those strange moments is actually a recollection from a past life? There are so many stories out there of people who believed they remember their past life, but what those stories are actually true? Hooper’s theory of reincarnation really captured my attention, and I loved how it made me think.

After reading Tangled Tides, I feel in love with Hooper’s writing, and just when I think she could not get any better, she produces Grasping at Eternity. This book blew me away with its excellent (and intriguing!) storyline, heartfelt characters, and emotional turmoil. I feel like this book should have come with a warning sign! Warning: this will put you through an emotional wringer. This book will make you laugh, make you cry, make you experience heartache, and make you discover the happiness and joy in finding your destined person. This book was everything I expected from Hooper and more, and I cannot wait to see what she comes out with next!

Lastly, I will leave you with this beautiful quote that so perfectly represents this book:

“If you love someone, put their name in a circle; because hearts can be broken, but a circle never ends.” ~Anonymous

The Greatest Escape!

Waiting on Wednesday (29)

Waiting on Wednesday was created by Jill at Breaking the Spine, and it's a weekly meme mentioning an anticipated upcoming release!

My Choice:

The Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett

Release Date: March 3, 2013
Publisher: Tor Teen

Author Information: Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook
Other Information: Debut

Pre-Order: Amazon / Books-A-Million
Add to Goodreads!

16-year-old Dusty Everhart breaks into houses late at night, but not because she’s a criminal. No, she’s a Nightmare. Literally. Dusty is a magical being who feeds on human dreams.

Being the only Nightmare at Arkwell Academy, a boarding school for magickind, and living in the shadow of her mother’s infamy is hard enough. But when Dusty sneaks into Eli Booker’s house, things get a whole lot more complicated. He’s hot, which means sitting on his chest and invading his dreams couldn’t get much more embarrassing. But it does. Eli is dreaming of a murder. The setting is Arkwell.

And then it comes true.

Now the Dusty has to follow the clues--both within Eli’s dreams and out of them--to stop the killer before more people turn up dead. And before the killer learns what she’s up to and marks her as the next target.

The first thing that drew me to this book was the cover. It definitely stands out amongst other YA novels! The author also posted the full dust cover, text and all, which is just GORGEOUS! (I love the mysterious and slightly creepy vibe it has.)

The premise turned out to be just as unique as the cover, which made me even more excited! A girl who feeds on nightmares? Where can I get myself a copy of this book? Throw in the main character straddling boys, a hot, prophetic love interest, and a little bit of murder, mayhem, and mystery, and I am sold! :D

The author is holding a giveaway to win an ARC of The Nightmare Affair here, if you would like to sign up!

HUGE Giveaway and Review for Auracle by Gina Rosati

*A HUGE thank you to Gina Rosati for providing me with an ARC of Auracle to review! Thank you, thank you! *

Auracle by Gina Rosati

Release Date: August 7, 2012
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Author Information: Website / Twitter / Facebook
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Available Formats: Hardcover and eBook

My Shelf: Own (ARC)
Other Information: Debut

Pre-Order: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million

Add to Goodreads!

16 year old Anna Rogan has a secret she's only shared with her best friend, Rei; she can astrally project out of her body, allowing her spirit to explore the world and the far reaches of the universe.

When there's a fatal accident and her classmate Taylor takes over Anna's body, what was an exhilarating distraction from her repressive home life threatens to become a permanent state. Faced with a future trapped in another dimension, Anna turns to Rei for help. Now the two of them must find a way to get Anna back into her body and stop Taylor from accusing an innocent friend of murder. Together Anna and Rei form a plan but it doesn't take into account the deeper feelings that are beginning to grow between them.

Review:

I point to my chest, mouthing the word me.

“Me,” he says softly. “‘That’s not me.’ That’s not you? Well, then, who is it?” He looks more confused than ever. Over at my house, the front door opens. Taylor comes out barefoot and walks slowly up the driveway toward the mailbox. She doesn’t look over, but Rei sees her, and he knows I can’t be here and there at the same time.

I mouth the word very slowly. “Taylor.” 

Auracle was a real treat to read. Rosati smoothly blends vivid details and evocative writing with an original, emotional story, heartfelt and down-to-earth characters, and a plotline that will keep you reading until the very end.

Growing up, I watched the show Charmed religiously, and I remember thinking Prue’s ability of astral projection was one of the most amazing abilities ever. To be able to escape from both your body and life, traverse to places of unforetold wonder, experience things such as sight, smell, and sound more intensely than in your physical body, it would truly be a life-altering experience. While the concept of astral projection was what drew me to Auracle initially, I quickly discovered there was so much more to love about it.

The characters themselves were exquisitely rendered, each with their own strengths and imperfections, and they felt genuinely real. Roasti brilliantly constructs deep bonds between the characters, and portrays what it means to be a true friend. Personally, I found the strongest and most compelling part of this story to be the growing relationship between Rei and Anna. Having been best friends since childhood, there were already close to one another, but I loved watching their relationship realistically and gradually change as they became aware of the romantic connection between them. (I was totally giggling the first time Anna realizes that Rei has abs! Yum! :D)

Utterly unique and emotionally gripping, Auracle is easily a book I would recommend to anyone. It has quickly been added to my list of top favorites, and it is the type of book you will reach for again and again. To put it simply, Auracle was an absolutely mesmerizing read, and I hope it dazzles you as much as it did me.  

The Greatest Escape!

Well, if that is not enough to inspire you to read Auracle, I’ll share a funny story from the author –

“I was having trouble visualizing Rei, so one day while I was using my husband's computer, I decided I needed to find a picture. Rei is half Japanese, so I Google Image-searched "Hot Asian Guys". NEVER do this from your husband's computer (or boyfriend or parent, etc.) because there is this little thing I was unaware of called Google Search History. Later that night, my husband asked me 1) why I had been Googling "Hot Asian Guys" on his computer and 2) why his computer was infested with malware. Oops! (I now know that anything Googled with the word “Hot” can lead to big trouble!) Fortunately, my husband has a really great sense of humor and he's a whiz at fixing computers.

As soon as I saw this picture, I knew I’d found my Rei (although this is really actor/singer Takeshi Kaneshiro!) And since he looks so good all drippy wet, I felt compelled to keep Rei wet as much as possible, which explains Rei’s shower obsession. Seriously. This is character development at its finest! ;)”

To view the picture of Rei, click here!

And now it is GIVEAWAY TIME! Gina is giving away a bunch of awesome prizes: a signed ARC of Auracle, two bags of Auracle swag, and a Swarovski crystal bracelet! (^o^) This giveaway is international, so anyone can join! The winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. To enter, just sign up below!

The prizes (detailed): Signed ARC, beaded bookmarks, buttons, magnets, silicone bracelets, Swarovski crystal bracelet and stickers! About the bracelet: The center star and fastener are lead-free pewter. The blue crystals are Swarovski, but the large clear beads are quartz crystal, which (according to newly minted crystal geek, Gina) absorbs negative energy. Leave your bracelet on a sunny windowsill from time to time to let the crystals clear and charge up.  The bracelet pictured measures seven inches. If you need your bracelet bigger or smaller, let me know and Gina will restring to fit.

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Review: A Blood Seduction by Pamela Palmer

A Blood Seduction (Vamp City, #1) by Pamela Palmer

Release Date: May 29, 2012

Publisher: Avon
Author Information: Website / Blog / Twitter

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Available Formats: Paperback and eBook
Buy the Book: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million

Take me down to Vampire City...

Vampires live only for lust and pleasure in the eternal twilight of Vamp City. But the city's magic is dying. The only person who can restore it? A beautiful woman from the mortal world...one who knows nothing of the power she wields.

Quinn Lennox is searching for a missing friend when she stumbles into a dark otherworld that only she can see—and finds herself at the mercy of Arturo Mazza, a dangerously handsome vampire whose wicked kiss will save her, enslave her, bewitch her, and betray her. What Arturo can't do is forget about her—any more than Quinn can control her own feelings for him. Neither one can let desire get in the way of their mission—his to save his people, hers to save herself. But there is no escape from desire in a city built for seduction, where passion flows hot and blood-red.

Welcome to Vamp City...

Review:

[sigh] I had such high hopes for this book. With world building comparable to Ilona Andrew’s On the Edge series, I was immediately taken in with the idea of a vampire city overlaying the ‘real world’ of Washington, D.C. The vampires that live in this parallel world, Washington, V.C. (Vamp City- I kid you not), are complete monsters, where in addition to thriving on human blood, they also enjoying feeding off the fear and pain of humans. Humans are beaten, whipped, tortured, and enslaved, all to satisfy the desires and bloodlust of their master vampires. There are no sparkly, loving vampires here! I loved the rough, gritty feel to the world and all its occupants, but the book still ended up falling flat for me. The fault lies in the characters.

The main character, Quinn, has some magic in her blood, enabling her to see into V.C. When a friend goes missing, she accidently stumbles into the vampires’ world and meets Arturo. This is when everything hits the fan. Quinn ran me through an emotional gamut. She would be terrified of Arturo one minute, then desire him, and then hate him, all within a couple of paragraphs. Her emotions and feelings toward Arturo would shift so quickly that it was impossible for me to keep up with them. She would be scared witless but still crave him. I thought emotions like fear, hate, and desire in a relationship were mutually exclusive (unless someone is an extreme masochist, which Quinn is not). Even at the end of the book, her feelings were still ambiguous, where I was unsure if she trusted him and how much she liked him.

Another thing about Quinn is she is weak, both physically and emotionally. Arturo told her not to trust him, that his allegiance was to his vampire master, Cristoff, first and foremost. However, she would believe him when he was lying to her, expect something from him, and then cry when he betrayed her. This happened over and over again. Rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat. She also couldn’t fight to save her life. I kept expecting her to pull out some big guns and show the vampires who was really boss, but she spent most of the time cowering in fear. It is hard for me to get behind a character like that. It also gives me a newfound respect for other characters like Kate Daniels or Mercy Thompson, who always stay strong and fierce, regardless of what is being thrown at them.

Arturo is a whole other type of monster (literally). He lies and betrays Quinn so much throughout this book that I had to keep asking myself, Is this guy really Quinn’s love interest? I still question whether he actually cares for her. There were a few snippets in the book where the reader knew what he was thinking and begins understand why he did what he did, and just when I think he is about to redeem himself in some grand gesture, he goes and demolishes any progress he made. I am all for the dangerous bad boys or the dark, broody types, but when a guy shows how much he ‘cares’ for you by turning you over to his master who he knows is going to torture you, I quickly fall off that guy’s bandwagon. No, thank you, sir. Even at the end, after he helped Quinn escape, he says that he will kidnap her again at a more convenient time and once again give her to his master (who has threatened to cut off appendages next time he finds her). Hmmm, I think this guy does not understand one crucial thing….

Dear Arturo, that is not the way you care for a lady. Allow me to help you out here. A real woman would prefer chocolates or flowers, maybe even candlelit dinners and long walks on the beach for the more romantically inclined, not torture and pain and death. Most women do not find physical and mental torment romantic. Just some advice you should take note of.  From a concerned bystander, Bri.

Overall, the world was intriguing and I loved Palmer’s take on vampires, but the characters were lacking. I found Arturo and Quinn’s relationship to be extraordinarily unhealthy and disturbing, making it hard to really appreciate what this book had to offer story-wise and romantically. I may try out the next book in the series, but I am going to be hoping it turns out better than A Blood Seduction. 

A Small Escape

Review: On the Edge by Ilona Andrews

On the Edge (The Edge, #1) by Ilona Andrews

Release Date: September 29, 2009

Publisher: Ace
Author Information: Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Available Formats: Paperback and eBook
My Shelf: Want to Buy
Other Series: Kate Daniels series
Buy the Book: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million

Rose Drayton lives on the Edge, between the world of the Broken (where people drive cars, shop at Wal-Mart, and magic is a fairy tale) and the Weird (where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny). Only Edgers like Rose can easily travel from one world to the next, but they never truly belong in either.

Rose thought if she practiced her magic, she could build a better life for herself. But things didn’t turn out how she planned, and now she works a minimum wage, off the books job in the Broken just to survive. Then Declan Camarine, a blueblood noble straight out of the deepest part of the Weird, comes into her life, determined to have her (and her power).

But when a terrible danger invades the Edge from the Weird, a flood of creatures hungry for magic, Declan and Rose must work together to destroy them—or they’ll devour the Edge and everyone in it.

Review:

How do you know when a book is going to be amazing? When the main character has to shot her zombie grandfather to prevent him from eating dogs’ brains, yells at one of her younger brothers for bringing the dead back to life and tattle tailing, and scolding the other brother, a feline shapeshifter, for constantly chasing and eating birds. All within the first 10 pages. She then proceeds to almost run over royalty and kill off an evil hell hound, all while getting a pretty good deal on a new pair of sneakers for one brother. Yep, this book is going to be a good one!

Simply put, On the Edge is pure, unadulterated satisfaction. The world Rose, her brothers, and Declan lives in is brilliantly crafted and rife with originality. I loved discovering more about their world, and Andrews does a wonderful job in presenting it, making the dynamics of The Broken, The Edge, and The Weird easy to understand. The characters were also exquisitely done. Rose is prickly and untrusting, but with her attempted-kidnapping track record, it is easy to understand why. She has the ability to use white flash, a type of magic only used by nobles in The Weird, and this ability makes her a valuable commodity in The Edge. Not one to be used or walked on because of her magic, she tends to shoot first and ask questions later. She is fiercely loyal to her brothers, and I admired her resilience and strength. Declan is perfect for Rose. He is a noble from The Weird, a trained fighter with white flash abilities of his own. He is egotistical (but Rose quickly puts him in his place), infuriating, swoon-worthy, and unabashedly protective of Rose and everyone in her life. Together, Rose and Declan make a great pair, and I loved watching their relationship develop. To top everything off, there was Jack and George. I LOVED THEM. If there was a way I could put them in my pocket and keep them forever, I would do it. Even though they are young, they are mature and knowledgeable, and despite having completely different personalities, there is a strong brotherly bond between them that tugs at the heart and left me grinning like a ninny.

Overall, this book was everything I expected from Ilona Andrews and more. On the Edge is the beginning of what I am sure will be an amazing new series, and I cannot wait to read the next installment!

The Greatest Escape!

Giveaway and Blog Tour: Caterpillar by Kate Oliver

Caterpillar by Kate Oliver

Release Date: April 10, 2012

Publisher: MAB Books
Author Information: Facebook

Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal/Sci-fi

Available Formats: Paperback and eBook

Other Information: Debut Work

Buy the Book: Amazon

In a small college town in northern California, a lonely young man is working himself to the bone to solve a sixty-year-old problem ... a stranger with a will of iron and eyes the color of ice is searching for someone he can't identify ... and a girl who loves plants is about to grow roots of her own.

When Cara Gallagher's parents are transferred overseas again, she's off to spend her senior year of high school living with her sister, a graduate student at the famed McNair University. Cara, a girl with a passion for science and an indifference to people, hopes this move will be her first step in claiming the independence she craves. Cara has her future planned down to the letter: her college, her major, her career.

Then she saves Will Mallory's life, and both of their futures are completely rewritten.

The last years of Will's life have been spent shifting from one identity to the next, dodging the FBI, and trying desperately to find a way home. But Will's home is forty-four light years away, and to reach it he'll have to outwit the man who's hunting him--and leave behind the only love he's ever known.

Review:

I have to admit, I was a little worried about this book once I started getting into the story. I tend to stray from stories involving aliens falling in love with humans (unless the story has Daemon from the Lux Series in it- I would not mind at all then!), and seeing how Caterpillar is exactly that type of alien/human love story, I approached it with trepidation. I ended up being worried for nothing! Overall, the story was well written, and the romance, save for the slight instant attraction factor, was very believable. (I did not get any creepy alien-loves-mortal vibes, so that was a good thing!) Caterpillar was a pleasant surprise and a wonderful debut by Kate Oliver.

I liked Cara as a female lead, but my heart went out to Will. He is a guy who is wracked by loneliness, has never really experienced what it means to care for someone else or be cared for, and just seems to have an inability to connect to those around him. He feels like he lives on the periphery, and he just ends up feeling a large disconnect to the life he is leading and his emotions. He meets Cara, and he is slowly able to show more of himself and find beauty and love in the life he is leading. I loved the deep, emotional connection between Cara and Will. Cara is also a bit of a loner, a girl who is just looking to outrun her emotionally turbulent past and her mother’s complaints. When she and Will come together, they bring out the best in each other, and I loved reading about their budding relationship.

Caterpillar is the first book in The Metamorphosis Series, but it can be read as a stand-alone work. There is a no cliffhanger and the conflicts with the villain were resolved. Seeing as to how this novel can be read by itself, I am not too sure how the series will progress. The issue with Will being basically immortal and Cara being only human is still open, so maybe the next book will settle that? I am not too sure what to expect, but I will definitely be checking it out!

A Great Escape!

ITS GIVEAWAY TIME!!! 

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Blog Tour and Review: Caged Moon by Rachel Deagen

Click here to see complete tour schedule!

Caged Moon by Rachel Deagen

Release Date: January 18, 2012

Author Information: Blog / Twitter

Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Available Formats: eBook
My Shelf: Own (eBook)
Buy the Book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Haunted by an animal attack, seventeen year old Charlotte feels she is being followed. When she runs into a mysterious boy while camping, she’s afraid. Nothing seems right about him. Despite trying to stay away, there is an unmistakable draw to be near him. Even his scent smells familiar. But the closer she gets, the faster the secrets begin to unravel. Not only is he not human, he may have a link to her past. When Charlotte finds out someone wants her dead, she is torn between love and fear. Can she trust him to keep her safe?

Review:

To say this book was a pleasant surprise is an understatement. When it comes to self-published books, I tend to be extremely reserved, and very few works have ever really captured my attention or left me satisfied when I turn the last page. Caged Moon is one of those rare exceptions. This is one of those books that keeps the reader engaged throughout the story. The plot is slowly revealed, with each new piece to the puzzle making you reanalyze your previous conclusions, and just when you think you have something figured out, you learn that you are so very wrong. I love books that make me keep guessing, and Caged Moon does exactly that. The werewolf elements of the story were obvious, but the main villains and their motive were kept under wraps very well.

I liked the characters, for the most part. There were a few moments where Charlotte was a little too recalcitrant and childish for my tastes, but overall, she was a decent lead. I really liked Liam, and I wish we could have learned more about him. A few hints to his past were brought out into the open, and I cannot help but be intrigued by his character. (There is just something about those werewolf boys… * swoony sigh*) Liam’s pack provided some much needed comedic relief amidst the unraveling plot/story, and I caught myself giggling at random times. Now onto the romance! Liam and Charlotte’s romance suffers heavily from insta-love. They fall in love in the matter of a few days, hardly knowing anything about each other, which was a little off-putting for me. However, I tried to tie their feelings for each other to the wolves inside them, and the insta-love became a bit more bearable. I did not fully buy into their love, but I am not one to turn away romantic scenes! J

There is one thing final thing I want to mention. I tend to be a stickler for grammar and spelling, and this book does have a few cringe-worthy mistakes (in the first edition release). There were many absent/missing commas, and some pretty bad spelling errors, such as ‘overroad’ instead of ‘overrode’ and ‘wreaking’ instead of ‘reeking.’ I know I can be unnecessarily anal about these types of mistakes in books, especially considering this is a self-published work, but they just bug me. I know I am not the only one out there plagued by this grammarian disease, so I just wanted to ensure other knew about it before reading so they will not be overly critical.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. It is rather short, so most will be able to finish it in 2-3 hours, which is all the more reason to read it. With a storyline that leaves you guessing with some rather romantic moments mixed in, what do you have to lose?

A Decent Escape


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Review: Taken by Storm by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Taken by Storm (Raised by Wolves, #3) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Release Date: May 22, 2012

Publisher: EgmontUSA

Author Information: Website / Blog / Twitter

Genre: Paranormal

Available Formats: Hardcover and eBook
My Shelf: Want to Buy

Books in Series: Raised by Wolves (#1), Trial by Fire (#2)
Buy the Book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Books-A-Million

Bryn knows first-hand that being the alpha of a werewolf pack means making hard decisions, and that being human makes things a thousand times worse. She's prepared to give up her humanity, but the wolf who promised to Change her is waiting - though for what, Bryn doesn't know. Still human, she must take her place in the werewolf Senate, the precarious democracy that rules the North American packs. Standing side by side with werewolves who were ancient long before she was ever born is enough of a challenge, but Bryn soon learns that the Senate has been called to deal with a problem: the kind of problem that involves human bodies, a Rabid werewolf, and memories that Bryn, Chase, and the rest of their pack would rather forget. With bodies stacking up and political pressure closing in from all sides, Bryn and her pack are going to have to turn to old enemies and even older friends for help - especially when it starts to look like this time, the monster might be one of their own.

Review:

First and foremost, a very important issue needs to be addressed. For those of you, like me, who are wondering if there is going to be a fourth book in the Raised by Wolves series, here is what Barnes has to say: “I knew that this book would, in many ways, be a conclusion to the plot lines, questions, and character arcs that started in the first two. I can’t say for sure that this is the last book I’ll ever write about Bryn, but I can say that I would be happy with it as a finale if it were.” *pauses and broods over statement* *broods some more* Nope, I’m sorry. Try as I might, I am not content with this ending. I want more! I want to know what happens next (MAJOR spoilers- only highlight to view if  you have read the book): How does Bryn feel after she has changed? Is her relationship with Devon still light and carefree even though they are now both Alphas? Will her relationship with Callum be repaired and can Bryn forgive him? And is there any way, any way at all, that Chase can be brought back, maybe even as a Shadow?? While the plot lines may have been tied up nicely, I am still not wholly satisfied with this ending (a series should not end on a cliffhanger, in my opinion), so I will praying, down on my hands and feet pleading, for there to be a fourth book. Please? Please, please, pretty please?? I am not above begging.

You cannot resist this face!

[Tries to gather what little of my dignity remains] Ahem. Okay, I am cool and composed. So how was the book, you ask? Absolutely, mind-blowingly amazing!! Just when I thought this series could not impress me more, Barnes dishes out Taken by Storm. This is definitely one of the few series available that actually gets better and better with every addition, and Taken by Storm is the best book in the series, no contest. It defied all my expectations, which were already pretty high. The story starts a little while after Bryn met with Callum (end of book two), and things immediately get intense when a Rabid shows up and Bryn is confronted with memories she would rather not remember. However, this Rabid is believed to be female, and all the big boys (aka the Alphas) come out to play in hopes of adding her to their ranks. When Bryn learns that Maddy might somehow be involved in the Rabid’s killings, it becomes a race against time and the other Alphas to figure out who the Rabid is and save Maddy. If things are not bad enough, Shay starts pulling out some of the tricks he has up his sleeve for some time, and he is anticipating the day when he takes over Bryn’s pack. But Bryn happens to have a few tricks up her sleeve as well….

I know I already mentioned that I loved this book, but it will not hurt to say it one more time. Taken by Storm was beyond brilliant. Barnes seamlessly creates a story with a gripping, ever-changing plot filled with intense action, charming characters, and heightened emotions/feelings, a prefect trifecta. This book made me feel so much; I laughed and I cried and some emotionally trying moments tugged at my heart. I love how Barnes captures the mentality of a pack being family, and I respected the strength of their emotional bonds to one another. Bryn is human, but she is their Alpha, and they will follow her through thick and thin. I cannot even begin to try and explain the appreciation I have for Bryn. Being human, she is physically weaker than other packs’ Omegas, but that never stops her from doing what she thinks is best and fighting for her pack. Shay throws her down rather heavily in this book, but she stands up and pushes right back, and I cannot help but have the utmost respect for her. Her iron will and keen mind are all the arsenal she needs to make the other Alphas regret challenging her or thinking of her as weak. You have got to love a girl who can own Alpha males. All the old favorites are also back, and even good ole Archer makes an appearance (I lovveee his name!).

I really cannot do this book justice. If you have not read it (or this series), then you need to remedy that quickly. Raised by Wolves is one of the greatest werewolf books I have ever come across (if not the very best), and you should not miss out on it. Treat yourself! I just hope Taken by Storm is not the last time we read about Bryn.

To conclude my fangirling review, I have a letter for Ms. Barnes.

Dear Ms. Barnes,

I [politely] demand a fourth book. You do not want to see me go all Rabid (it's not pretty). I will eagerly be awaiting the next book within a year! :)

Thank you,

A BIG fan

The Greatest Escape!!

Read my review for Raised by Wolves here.

Read my review for Trail by Fire here.