The Phantom of Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Murder Mystery by Regina Jeffers

Description:

Newlyweds Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet knew their first year of married life at Pemberley would present challenges, but who could have guessed they would need to solve a mysterious case and nab the murderer before he got to them. Written in the language of the era and including Austen’s romantic intrigue and sardonic humor, this suspense-packed sequel to Pride and Prejudice recasts Darcy and Elizabeth as a husband and wife detective team — the Nick and Nora of England’s Regency era. When inexplicable encounters and deadly accidents begin occurring at Pemberley, the locals blame the strange happenings on the Shadow Man — a spirit haunting the manor. But Darcy believes the truth is much more menacing — someone is targeting them, someone who seeks revenge on the Darcy family.

My Thoughts:

This is another of my library finds; it was on newly acquired fiction bookshelf. I had to get it because I love Pride and Prejudice, it is one of my favourite Jane Austen’s works and I also like to read sequels to Pride and Prejudice. So when I saw this book on the shelf I just new that I had to read it.

First I would like to start this review with the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth, it was pure cheese. I wanted to gag several times at it, because it was just too much. It was ridiculous Elizabeth and Darcy could not have a normal conversation without saying to each other at least once every five minutes, something like this “I love you more than life itself” or calling each other “sweating” or telling each other that they could not live without each other. I am not exaggerating, this would happened in every scene between Darcy and Elizabeth. It was just too much for my taste.

The plot line, mystery behind the murder at Pemberley and mystery behind who the phantom of Penberley was was alright. There was enough mystery to keep me interested in the story, I wanted to know who the Phantom was at the end of the story. I do have to say I was surprised at the twist at the end of the story, it was nicely done. There are some new characters added story and some old characters make appearance too. Anne and Lady Catherine make appearance too and I have to say that Anne’s characters was made more interesting in this book. She was more independent and defied her mother openly.

If you are going into this book and expecting to read about accurate representation of Austen’s time period than this might not be book for you. But rather you have to look at it as a fun read and nothing else. There were some social situation that proper lady would never allow herself to be found in. For example, Elizabeth and Georgiana dressing up in a men’s clothing, I am pretty sure that that is a big NO even though it was just for doing a play with rest of the guests. But if you do not mind the lack of historical accuracy than this was a fun read.

Overall this was a fun read and I enjoyed it very much. If you like reading sequels to Pride and Prejudive than you might enjoy this one. It was well written and there was some character development. I give this book 3/5 STARS.

The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by A. N. Roquelaure (aka Anne Rice)

Description:

From bestselling author Anne Rice, writing as A.N. Roquleaure. In the traditional folktale of 'Sleeping Beauty,' the spell cast upon the lovely young princess and everyone in her castle can only be broken by the kiss of a Prince. It is an ancient story, one that originally emerged from and still deeply disturbs the mind's unconscious. Now Anne Rice's retelling of the Beauty story probes the unspoken implications of this lush, suggestive tale by exploring its undeniable connection to sexual desire. Here the Prince reawakens Beauty, not with a kiss, but with sexual initiation. His reward for ending the hundred years of enchantment is Beauty's complete and total enslavement to him as Anne Rice explores the world of erotic yearning and fantasy in a classic that becomes, with her skillful pen, a compelling experience (from Goodreads). 

My Thoughts:

I probably should start this review with a warning; there is a lot of kinky staff going on it this book. So if you are not a fan of erotica, or books that have lot of sex in them or you are simply a prude (no offence) than this is not a book for you. I got this book at the flea market a long time ago and never got around to reading it. The main reason I bought this book is because it was written by Anne Rice.

Wow, this book is so not what I expected. Yes I expected for it to be erotica novel, but not like this. This book is full of very kinky staff, there is some serious BDMS going on, spanking, sex slaves. First chapter started of mildly, but each chapter became more kinkier and more BDMS (dom/sub and Beauty being sub of course). I am not into reading about some intense BDMS so towards the end of the book it just became too much for me. For me, it just started to get boring midway through, because it was same thing over again. Now I believe it was chapter eighteen, the part where prince Alexie is talking about his experience, him talking how they cleaned him outside and inside (if you get my drift). This was described in details, I have to tell you I had to skip the part because it was just too much for me.

Now the story is told from Beauty’s point of view; I found beauty to be soft spoken (I guess keeping true to the original story and that is the only thing original about this story). I actually found her annoying and whinny. There were a lot of other characters, Prince Beauty’s master, was an interesting character and he sounded old even though he was not. It was just the way he spoke that make him seem old. There is a lot of character development and growth; also writing is very good and flows nicely.

Overall this is an ok book for me, it was not what I expected. If you intend to read this book all I have to say you have to be open minded when it comes to sex, there is a lot of BDMS going on, actually that is the main sex team in this book. I personally will not be reading rest of the books in the series. I will stick to my erotica, this was just to much BDMS for my taste. I give this book 3/5 STARS.

White Cat (Curse Workers #1) by Holly Black (author) Jesse Eisenberg (narrator)

Description:

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers — people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn't got the magic touch, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail — he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.
Holly Black has created a gripping tale of mobsters and dark magic where a single touch can bring love — or death — and your dreams might be more real than your memories (from Goodreads). 

My Thoughts:

This is second audiobook that I’ve read. Actually I have already checked this book out of the library, but then I received an email from --- where they offered this audiobook for free. I downloaded it to my iPod and listened to it while I walked back and forth from work. At first I was not sure if I was going to like the narrators voice, but by chapter three I was beginning to forget the voice and started to enjoy the story.

I’ve enjoyed reading this book very much, it had a good story line and lot of interesting characters. Cassel was interesting, likeable, smart, funny and sarcastic. However I felt that I was somewhat lost in the beginning of the book because the author does not give a good description of the world. I felt that I was dropped in the middle of the story. Halfway thought he book author has explained the worlds little bill better and I felt more comfortable with the story.

I disliked Cassel’ s brothers especially what they did to them. I was not sure what Cassel would do when he found out what they did to him. Probably we will see more of the relationship between the brothers and I wonder how that will proceed. There is some romance as well, but it is kind of refreshing that that was not a main focus. Also Cassel’s mother was interesting character, even though she is not the best mother in the world. But mother/son relationship (not that they had that big of a relationship) left me wondering how that will end up.

Overall this was a good book and I am looking forward to reading rest of the books in the series (note to self, look up rest of the books). This is actually my first book by Holly Black, even though i have The Modern Faerie series sitting on myself in the to-be-read pile. Just never got around to reading them. I give this book 4/5 STARS, and happy reading.

The Piper's Son by Melina Maretta‏

Decsription:

Award-winning author Melina Marchetta reopens the story of the group of friends from her acclaimed novel Saving Francesca - but five years have passed, and now it’s Thomas Mackee who needs saving. After his favorite uncle was blown to bits on his way to work in a foreign city, Tom watched his family implode. He quit school and turned his back on his music and everyone that mattered, including the girl he can’t forget. Shooting for oblivion, he’s hit rock bottom, forced to live with his single, pregnant aunt, work at the Union pub with his former friends, and reckon with his grieving, alcoholic father. Tom’s in no shape to mend what’s broken. But what if no one else is either? An unflinching look at family, forgiveness, and the fierce inner workings of love and friendship, The Piper’s Son redefines what it means to go home again (from Goodreads). 

My Thoughts:

This another of my library finds. I have seen this book around quite few blogs, it one of those books that I told myself I wanted to read but actually went out to look for it. so when I happened to see it at the library I had to take with me and read it. I was not sure if I was going to like this book but I started to read it and I was immediately sucked into it.

I am not sure where to start with this review; this story is about grief, forgiveness, and moving on. Tom, main protagonist has hit rock bottom when he moves in with his pregnant aunt Georgie. The whole family is dealing with the death of Joe, Tom’s uncle who died. It’s been over a year and the family is still not made peace with it. it also does not help that they had no body to burry either.

I loved this book, because it deals with grief (no that there is anything great about that), it shows how people deal with grief. Some of us tend to leans towards distractive behaviour, become mean to others and some of us get depressed. This book is mainly told from Tom and Georgie’s point of view, and through each chapter we see how they slowly start to accept Joe’s death.

There is a lot of things going on in this book, family relations (Tom and his father), romantic relations (Tom and Tara; Sam and Georgie; Tom’s parents). I really enjoyed the Tom’s and Tara’s relationship, this is no ordinary relationship. Tom broke Tara’s heart after his uncle died and they have not spoken to each other for over a year. But they start to correspond via emails and phone. This is not face to face romance but rather development of romance over distance via email and phone conversations. Tom is a likeable character and you feel for him, even when he is mean and cynical you still like him and you want for him to get better and get his friends and Tara back.

Overall this was a very good book, it was well written, story line was well developed and constructed. There is a lot of character growth and development. As I already mentioned once I started to read this book I could not stop, it took me two days to read it (that is because I had to sleep and go to work). I give this book 5/5 STARS.

If I Stay (If I Stay #1) by Gayle Forman

Description:

In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces - to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heart-wrenchingly beautiful, Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time (from Goodreads). 

My Thoughts:

This is another one of my library finds, I’ve been going to the library a lot lately. I usually go through this period were I go to the library all the time but than I stop going. I mean I owe so many books so I really do not need to go the library at all. But still I go and lug more books home to read and I usually read all the library books that I bring home. Anyways, when I saw this book I new I had to read, I’ve seen so many good reviews on it that I could not pass it.

First of all I think it is a terrible thing that happens to Mia and her family. I felt so sad for her, there were few times that I wanted to cry. It must be awful to loose your entire family all at once, I would not know what I would have done if I was in her shoes. The story is told from Mia’s point of view and it goes back and forth between current and past events. There is romance, love of music, friendship and love of family in this book. I really liked Mia’s parents there were very cool and awesome parents, but they were also good parents. I liked Adam, he is a nice guy; he and Mia have a good chemistry going on between them. But this story is not so much about relationship between Mia and Adam, but rather it is a about loss and making right choices.

Writing was good and flowed very nicely, even though I have enjoyed this book it is by no mean deep. But I liked the story and the concept of it. There was a lot of character growth and development in this book, especially Mia, I did find her to be naïve at times. I liked the fact that she does not base her decision about school on what Adam wants and where Adam is going to be. I like the fact that not every single decision that she makes does not revolve around him, but rather she is her own person.

Overall this was a good book and I am looking to reading the sequel, which only recently did I find out that there is actually a sequel. I do find this book to be similar to The Everafter by Amy Huntley, see review HERE. I give this book 5/5 STARS.

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Description:

It all starts when Nick asks Norah to be his girlfriend for five minutes. He only needs five minutes to avoid his ex-girlfriend, who’s just walked in to his band’s show. With a new guy. And then, with one kiss, Nick and Norah are off on an adventure set against the backdrop of New York City—and smack in the middle of all the joy, anxiety, confusion, and excitement of a first date.

This he said/she said romance told by YA stars Rachel Cohn and David Levithan is a sexy, funny roller coaster of a story about one date over one very long night, with two teenagers, both recovering from broken hearts, who are just trying to figure out who they want to be—and where the next great band is playing.

Told in alternating chapters, teeming with music references, humor, angst, and endearing side characters, this is a love story you’ll wish were your very own. Working together for the first time, Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have combined forces to create a book that is sure to grab readers of all ages and never let them go (from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:

After I finished reading Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares I went to the library and checked Nick and Norah’s infinite play list. I did not even realize that there is a movie based on this book, I’ll have to check that out now that I have finished the book. I prefer to read the book before I see the movie.

I did not enjoy this book as much as I have enjoyed Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares, I am not sure why. I mean this book was not bad or anything, on contrary it was very good book, in a way it was more complex. There is a lot of reference to music and artists, there is a lot of “fuck” wards flying around, pretty much on every page. There is a lot more sexual scenes in this book, nothing to explicit though. I read few review on this book and find it surprising that there are so many people that find cursing and sexuality so offensive. I find that funny.

I really liked Nick, he is a nice, sweet guy, who had his heart broken. He is on the road of recovery when he meets Norah. Norah I found hard to like, I did not dislike her but I think I was indifferent towards her. Norah, is smart, sarcastic, has great taste in music, but she is also insecure and has problems with self-image. But than what teenage girl does not. I also found Norah to be whiny and few times I wanted to yell at her to stop complaining and do something about it. Also I really liked Nick’s ex-girlfriend, she pretty realistic characters. I even liked her more when she explained why she broke up with Nick. At beginning I thought that she was one of those bitchy and mean girls. But turns out she is not, rather she is someone who is very confident, independent and knows what she wants out of life.

Overall this was a good, fast and entertaining read. It is not your typical YA book which I liked. It is smart and witty, it was well written and there is a lot of character growth and development. I give this book 4/5 STARS.

Darkest Hour (The Mediator #4) by Meg Cabot

Description:

When the nineteenth--century ghost of Maria de Silva wakes her up in the middle of the night, Suze knows this is no ordinary visitation -- and not just from the knife at her throat, either. In life, Maria was the fianc#233;e of Jesse -- the same Jesse who was murdered a hundred and fifty years before. The same Jesse Suze is in love with.
Maria threatens Suze: The backyard construction must cease. Suze has a pretty good idea what -- or rather, who -- Maria doesn't want found. But in solving Jesse's murder, will Suze end up losing him forever?

My Thoughts:

This is book four in The Mediator series; I have read the first three books some time ago bur for some reason I stopped reading them. I am not sure why, but I do know it was not because I did not like this series. I do like it and I have enjoyed reading it very much. Anyways, the other day I was at the library when I came across the forth book in the series, it was right there on the table. I picked it up and started reading it there in the library.

I have enjoyed this story very much, it was a light, fast and entertaining read. Suze has not changed, she is still very impulsive, does not think things through, does not think about consequences. I believe I have this love have relationship with Suze, I do not hate but I do not love her either. Sometimes I like her more than others, her attitude irritates me most times. She is immature (she thinks she is mature though) and she never listens to an advice. Another thing that irked me was her attitude toward her family or should I say step-family. She has this preoccupation of making sure that she refers to her stepbrother as stepbrothers and not brothers. She does this continually throughout the book. I do not understand why, because her stepfather and brothers are nice, they get along fine and they care about her and I am pretty sure she cares about them too. Enough negative comments about Suze, she also has sweet, funny, caring and sarcastic.

Book was well written and put together; plot line was fun and entertaining. It moved fast and it was never dull. We meet several new characters and I really likes Jack, he was such sweet kid. My most favourite character is Jesse and for second there I got scared for him (can not tell you more do not want to spoil It for those who did not read the book); he is such nice guy. In this book we actually get to meet the character(s) that killed him. Overall this was an entertaining read and I give this book 4/5 STARS.

The Mediator series:
1) Shadowland
2) Ninth Key
3) Reunion

The Demon's Lexicon (The Demon's Lexicon #1) by Sarah Rees Brennan

Description:

Nick and his brother, Alan, have spent their lives on the run from magic. Their father was murdered, and their mother was driven mad by magicians and the demons who give them power. The magicians are hunting the Ryves family for a charm that Nick's mother stole -- a charm that keeps her alive -- and they want it badly enough to kill again.
Danger draws even closer when a brother and sister come to the Ryves family for help. The boy wears a demon's mark, a sign of death that almost nothing can erase...and when Alan also gets marked by a demon, Nick is desperate to save him. The only way to do that is to kill one of the magicians they have been hiding from for so long.
Ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse, Nick starts to suspect that his brother is telling him lie after lie about their past. As the magicians' Circle closes in on their family, Nick uncovers the secret that could destroy them all.
This is the Demon's Lexicon. Turn the page (from Goodreads).

My Thougths:

I’ve seen this book around the bookstores but for some reason I was not very interested in reading it. Usually I would pick it up, read the description and set it back down. So on my recent trip to the library this is another book that I picked up and thought I give it a go. I mean if I did not like it I could just return it to the library, its not like I paid for it.

Nick is my favourite character but it did not start out that way. He is not as easy character to like, but he does grown on you the more you get to know him. He is smart, protective, sarcastic, possessive, brooding, tortured soul, jealous does not want to share his brother with anyone. At first I did not understand Nick’s behaviour but as I continued reading I started to understand why Nick is the way he is. I really liked Alan, he is sweet but little bit timid for my liking; you could never tell that he is the older brother. Another two characters that I liked were Mae and Jamie, actually I liked Mae still undecided on Jamie. I think I just do not know enough about him to like or dislike him

Personally I do not think that this story is dark even though I has demons and dark magicians in it. Yes there magicians are horrible people who do not care about the consequences behind their actions. But there isn’t a lot of action or events that are steeped in dark magic to consider it dark. Still it was a good story and it was well written. It flowed nicely and it has a nice pace to it. The plot is exciting and there was some suspense to it, but I do wish that there was more action.

Overall this was a good and entertaining read; I will have to check if my library has book two which is titled The Demon’s Covenant. I give this book 3/5 STARS.

Dark is the Night by Brindle Chase (eBook)

Description:

Katherine Wells is Cleveland’s top homicide detective and she’s hot on the trail of the Antoinette killer. The string of burnt and beheaded bodies have little in common, except they keep turning up. In search of clues, she encounters Alexander. His intoxicating old world persona captivates her and she suddenly finds herself in a torrid love affair. The passion is overwhelming and her sense of law falls into blissful chaos.

As an elder vampire, Alexander struggles for anonymity in the modern world. Killing isn’t personal; it’s to prevent them from becoming the undead. His kind can’t be discovered. With Katherine’s investigation getting too close to the truth, the other vampires demand he eliminate Detective Wells.

Katherine discovers Alexander’s supernatural secret and he learns Katherine’s the detective he must silence. The revelations are shocking. He’s everything she ever wanted and everything she stood against. Torn between a love like no other and the law she’s sworn to uphold, she must choose. Against time, the police and the other vampires, they must destroy the evidence she’s collected and join the undead (fron goodreads). 

My Thoughts:

I received this eBook for a review week or so ago from the author. It sounded very interesting and something that I would read.

Katherine Wells is a homicide detective, who is currently investigating a serial killer, or so she thinks. I started enjoying this eBook very much, the story line and characters. It all started good, but somewhat went downhill after Katharine and Alexander. The reason for me saying that is once the two of them met all the story line pretty much disappears and we are left with a lot of sex scenes. I like to read erotica and I do not mind good sex scene, but I also wish for the story line to remain on the course. I wish that there was more world development, so that we can see the world that Alexander lives in. Rather we are offered short snippets of it.

Overall this was not a bad book, even with all of its shortcomings I still enjoyed reading it. I really liked Catherine, she is smart, sexy, confident, successful woman who works in a male dominated profession. What more can you ask from her. Towards the end of the book I did find her somewhat needy, but that was ok. I would recommend this book to all erotica readers who like some paranormal touches to their erotica. Do not look for a lot of complex world build up in this book, its not there. I give this eBook 3/5 STARS.

Infinite Days (Vampire Queen #1) by Rebecca Maizel

Description:

Lenah Beaudonte is, in many ways, your average teen: the new girl at Wickham Boarding School, she struggles to fit in enough to survive and stand out enough to catch the eye of the golden-boy lacrosse captain. But Lenah also just happens to be a recovering five-hundred-year-old vampire queen. After centuries of terrorizing Europe, Lenah is able to realize the dream all vampires have -- to be human again. After performing a dangerous ritual to restore her humanity, Lenah entered a century-long hibernation, leaving behind the wicked coven she ruled over and the eternal love who has helped grant her deep-seated wish.

Until, that is, Lenah draws her first natural breath in centuries at Wickham and rediscovers a human life that bears little resemblance to the one she had known. As if suddenly becoming a teenager weren’t stressful enough, each passing hour brings Lenah closer to the moment when her abandoned coven will open the crypt where she should be sleeping and find her gone. As her borrowed days slip by, Lenah resolves to live her newfound life as fully as she can. But, to do so, she must answer ominous questions: Can an ex-vampire survive in an alien time and place? What can Lenah do to protect her new friends from the bloodthirsty menace about to descend upon them? And how is she ever going to pass her biology midterm (from Goodreads)?

My Thoughts:

This another book that I got from my library. I have to say that I have known about this book since it came out. For some reason I just never had any desire to read it even though I have read a lot of raving reviews about it. So this library trip I just picked up this book on impulse, but the funny thing was I was still convinced that I would not read this book. So I told myself take it home with you and if you read it good and if you do not you can just return it. Here we are, I have read the book and loved it, can not believe that I have not read this before. Oh well!

I love vampire novels, I always have even before Twilight became a big hit. But there are so many vampire books now, some very bad, that I get discouraged. Anyways, when I first started to read Infinte Days, first two chapters I was not sure if I would like it. Good thing I did not stop reading it, because once I was past the second chapter I could not put the book down,. I read the book in two days, unfortunately I have to work and can not spend all my time reading like I would like too.

I have enjoyed every aspect of this story, it’s a beginning of wonderful new series. I loved the world set up and how vampires are portrayed. You can not help but like Lenah, she is smart, beautiful, confident, maybe on fickle side a bit. Rhode, I think was my favourite and I really hope that we see him in future books. Vicken is another character that I enjoyed and can not wait to see where author takes him in the next book, actually all the characters. There was not a lot of world build-up in this book and I hope that we get to see more of vampire world and its workings in other books. I also enjoyed the fact that author took time to build up the relationship between Justine and Lenah. They had great chemistry between the two and I was rooting for them. Also there was great chemistry between Lenah and Rhodes, and as a reader I felt thorn between these two combinations.

One this that I found somewhat annoying about Lenah was that every time she met someone new she would think of something like this “As a vampire I would have been able to murder her in less than ten seconds” Actually there was several instances were these thoughts would cross Lenah’s mind. It was annoying, I mean we get it you were a vampire, a very powerful one, who could kill people in seconds. But we do not need to be reminded of this every time you meet a new person.

Overall this was a very good read and I can not wait for book two, Stolen Nights. Imagine my surprise when I found out that book two will not come out till June 2012 I believe. It was originally suppose to come out in 2011 but it was pushed back (that is what I read somewhere, do not quote me on it though). I would recommend this book to all vampire loving readers out there, this is a very good book. I give this book 5/5 STARS.

Mercury by Hope Larson

Description:

August 31, 5:15 PM, French Hill, Nova Scotia: A girl named Tara is running. She runs through her nice neighborhood and up a road to the burned ruins of what was once a beautiful house—her family's house.
August 31, 1859, French Hill, Nova Scotia: A girl named Josey is picking blackberries with her friend Connie. As the girls gossip, a handsome stranger knocks on the door of Josey's house. His name is Asa, and with his coming, Josey's life—and later in time, Tara's as well—is about to change forever.
Because there is treasure in the woods that belong to Josey's family. Gold—an untold fortune. Asa has a secret way of finding it, and his partnership with Josey's father could make them all rich. But there is darkness in the woods, and in Asa. And in the present day, Tara, Josey's descendent, is about to discover the truth about what really happened in the family's past.
Eisner award winner Hope Larson weaves together history, romance, and a touch of her trademark magical realism in this remarkable graphic novel of how the past haunts a teenage girl's present (from Goodreads). 

My Thoughts:

This is another book that I picked up on my library trip recently. The reason I picked up this graphic novel because the story was set in French Hill, Nova Scotia.

Personally I do not read many graphic novels, this is maybe fourth or fifth graphic novel that I’ve read. But I had to read this book, because of the story and the location it takes place. Story is very intriguing and mysterious; it is told from two perspectives and different times, one from 2009 and other from 1859. Graphic novels goes back and forth between the two characters. As a reader I do feel that there was something lacking to the story, in a way unfinished. I wish that we could have gotten to know Tara Fraser and Josey (she is from 1859) little bit better. There are some element of magic to the story but they are not explored but rather hinted at, which I found frustrating.

One this that I found funny was the footnotes that were added to this graphic novel. For some of the terms such as loonie or double-double. I think that any Canadian reader out there who has read this novel will find that amusing.

Overall this was a good graphic novel, there were things that I enjoyed and things that I thought could use more work. Illustrations were very good, and I really enjoyed them. Larson does a good job illustrating the actions of the characters. I think that I liked the illustrations more than the actual writing goes along with the story. This was good read but there was nothing there to wow me. I give this book 3/5 STARS.

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Description:

“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own

My Thoughts: 

This is another book that got from my library trip. I was browsing the YA section when I came across this book. I’ve never read anything by this author, so I though I give it a try. Plus it sounded very good.

I have to say that I have enjoyed every moment of this book; it was funny and entertaining. It was well written, with a lot of spunk and good humour. Even though I found the characters to be on somewhat weird side, but it was good weird . I’ve enjoyed the fact that one chapter was done from Lily’s perspective and the next from Dash’s. Lily is such a lovable character, she is not your typical teenager, but she is refreshing, same for Dash. Few times I got the impression that Lily and Dash seemed younger than what they actually were. It was just their thoughts and conversations seemed child like sometimes.

There are several scenes that I thought were hilarious, for example the scene between Dash and Santa, that was just too funny. Another Dash walking naked around the house and dusting. I mean how many teenagers do you know that dust around the house willingly. I know I never liked it, I still do not. There were several phrases that were funny:

“What happens between wax people when no one’s looking”

“I’m not sure how this Being a Teenager thing is suppose to work? Is there an instruction manual?”

Life would be so much easier if it came with instruction manual, or so we think.

This is not your typical YA romance but rather more complex in some ways. The story line was well put together, and it flows nicely. I really the fact that the Lily’s point of view is written by a woman and Dash’s point of view written by a man. It gives this book a unique perspective.  Overall this was a very good read and I will be on lookout for more books by these authors. I give this book 5/5 STARS

Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin

Description:

Phoebe finds herself drawn to Mallory, the strange and secretive new kid in school, and the two girls become as close as sisters . . . until Mallory's magnetic older brother, Ryland, shows up during their junior year. Ryland has an immediate, exciting hold on Phoebe, but a dangerous hold, for she begins to question her feelings about her best friend and, worse, about herself. Soon she'll discover the shocking truth about Ryland and Mallory: that these two are visitors from the faerie realm who have come to collect on an age-old debt. Generations ago, the faerie queen promised Pheobe's ancestor five extraordinary sons in exchange for the sacrifice of one ordinary female heir. But in hundreds of years there hasn't been a single ordinary girl in the family, and now the faeries are dying. Could Phoebe be the first ordinary one? Could she save the faeries, or is she special enough to save herself? (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

I go this book from my local library, it was on a display in YA section. I’ve seen this book around on blog and bookstores but never paid much attention to it. This my first book by this author and I really did not know what to expect.

First I have to say this book made me depressed, but putting that aside I still continued to read it because I wanted to know what happens to Phoebe. To start out, from the beginning Phoebe is insecure teenage girl, with low self-esteem, who want s to be extraordinary or special (you know I’ve come to hate that word “extraordinary.”). At first there insecurities are not as noticeable, but the more we get to know Phoebe the more you realise how insecure she is about herself. Ryland, her boyfriend does not help the matter at all, rather he makes it worse for her. Actually, the more I read about Phoebe’s and Ryland’s relationship more depressed I got. Phoebe faces emotional and psychological abuse at hands of Ryland and by the time he is done with her self worth is completely gone. There were times that I wanted to shake Phoebe and tell to snap out of it please. Even though I new that she really can not help herself because Ryland is using glamour to influence her. Even though Phoebe was eighteen years of age, sometimes she struck me to be much younger, at least speaking of emotional maturity. The way she talked and behaved, everything pointed towards twelve year old than eighteen.

This book was well written, concise, and had a good flow to it, that is up till few chapters before the end. I found that the last quarter of the book went downwards, ending was anticlimactic and not how I expected it to be. I am not sure if I liked the spin of faeries in this book. I don’t know, it was just all too bland for me the part about faeries. I wish that there was more faerie world development, but rather we are left with just few brief flashes of it.  Overall this was good read and it was enjoyable, I give this book 3/5 STARS.

1200 (GFC) Followers Giveaway Contest! at Book Faery

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The Moon and the Tide by Derrolyn Anderson‏

Description:

The Moon And The Tide is book # 2 in the Marina's Tales series.
Just when things seem to be all figured out, Marina discovers that there's a lot more going on behind the scenes than she ever imagined. When a terrible accident exposes her secret, she discovers that her whole life has been one big lie, and has to cope with more than one kind of betrayal.
A dangerous enemy arrives on the scene, putting her bravery to the test and forcing her to use all of her new-found talents to protect her family. Will good win out over evil? Can love triumph over jealousy (From Goodreads)?

My Thoughts:

This is book two in Marina’s Tale and I did not finish this one. For some reason I just could not get into it. I really did try, I was 112 pages into this book before I quite. 

This is not necessarily bad story, it was not for me. Even though I have read book one in the series and thought that it was an alright read, book two did not work for me so much. I think it would have been better if book one was just a standalone novel. I had hard time getting into the story line, for the 112 pages that I have read nothing happens, and I mean nothing. There are few flashes and talk with the fortune teller that hint briefly as to what is to come, but that is it.

Another problem I had with this book was the awkwardness of the dialog between characters, I said that about book one as well. it very awkward and jumpy and all over the place. Also it end in most inconvenient times during the conversation. There was lack of character development and growth, Marina is the same as she was in book one. She is very naïve too, for example while she is having a conversation with Lorelei, she asks her why she can not let the suffers see her. I mean that is a kind of stupid question. If no one would care about seeing a mermaid, why than does not Marina tell everyone about her having a ability to become a mermaid.

Overall this was not a good read for me. I am sorry to say it because I love books about mermaids. It lacks fluidity to the dialog and to the whole story overall. It’s very disjointed which causes me as a reader to dislike the story. I give this book 1/5 STARS.

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The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore

Description:

Sylvie Davis is a ballerina who can't dance, she lost everything important to her in one missed step.
Uprooting her from her Manhattan apartment, and shipping her to Alabama is her mother's solution for Sylvie's unhappiness. But life might not be any more simple down south. As it turns out, her family has a lot more history than Sylvie ever knew. More unnerving, though, are the two guys that she can't stop thinking about.
Then Sylvie starts seeing things. A girl down by the lake. A man peering into the window. And a graveyard with an oddly placed headstone. Sylvie's lost nearly everything—is she starting to lose her mind as well?

My Thoughts:

I picked up this book at my local library, I’ve never read anything by this author so I really did not know what to expect. Book looked interesting and something that I would enjoy reading. I took me two days to read this book and that is only because I had to do other things than read all day.

I have to say that I enjoyed this book very much; it was very interesting, mysterious, sarcastic and funny. I found that I could not stop reading the book. Sylvie is very good developed character and her character grows a lot by the time book finishes. At first I really did not know what to think or how to take Sylvie, she is very sarcastic person and she is dealing with the fact that she will never dance again. At times her sarcasm was too much for me and times I found her to be slow to self centered which did not last long.

I also enjoyed relationship development between her and the two boys, Rhys and Shawn. I liked the fact that she was not in love with Rhys/Shawn at the first sight, like we see happen in some other books. But rather there is that initial attraction and the romance takes time to develop. Sylvie was her own person and not dependant on the Rhys and Shawn, she is stubborn and brave. Another character that I really liked was Rhys’s father and liked reading about all the stories that he told from cultural anthropologist view.

Overall this was a very good and entertaining read, I really enjoyed the story line. I am really impressed with the writing, it flowed so nicely and consistently. There was not awkwardness to it like I have found in some other book that I have read. I would recommend this book to all ghost story lovers and with touch of mystery and magic. I give this book 5/5 STARS.

Book Giveaway (Ends July 31, 2011 at 1159Pm ADT) - Open to US and Canada only

Giving away two books:

Vampire Crush by  A. M. Robinson
The Vampire Stalker by Allison Van Diepen

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The Abandoned (Graveyard Queen #0.5) by Amanda Stevens

Description:

There are rules for dealing with ghosts. Too bad Ree Hutchins doesn't know them.
When her favorite patient at a private mental hospital passes away, psychology student Ree Hutchins mourns the elderly woman's death. But more unsettling is her growing suspicion that something unnatural is shadowing her.
Amateur ghost hunter Hayden Priest believes Ree is being haunted. Even Amelia Gray, known in Charleston as The Graveyard Queen, senses a gathering darkness. Driven by a force she doesn't understand, Ree is compelled to uncover an old secret and put abandoned souls to rest—before she is locked away forever....
An ebook exclusive prequel to The Graveyard Queen series ( from Goodreads). 

My Thoughts:

This novella is a prequel to The Restorer (the Graveyard Queen #1) and as soon as I saw it available as ebook I had get it and read. I loved The Restorer; I have to say this prequel was little bit different than what I thought it would be. I thought it would be more about Amelia, however the story centered around Ree Hutchins psychology student, whit is volunteering at the psychiatrist hospital. The story begins with the death of a long time psychiatrist patient…

Even though this story was not about Amelia, I still enjoyed it. I liked Ree, she is a smart and resourceful young woman. I have to say the situation that she finds herself in is very creepy. I liked the instant chemistry that was going on between her and Hayden, they fit nicely together as a couple. As I was reading this novella I thought to myself, this could be another ghost series spin-off, but just with Ree and Hayden.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. The authors spin on the ghost I find to be very creepy, it actually gives me goose bumps. Which is good, that way you know that it is a good story. This prequel is well written and nicely put together I do wish that it was little bit longer. I would recommend this novella to all the readers who read The Restorer and enjoyed it and to all ghost story lovers. I give this novella 4/5 STARS.

Discord's Apple by Carrie Vaughn

Description:

When Evie Walker goes home to spend time with her dying father, she discovers that his creaky old house in Hope’s Fort, Colorado, is not the only legacy she stands to inherit. Hidden behind the old basement door is a secret and magical storeroom, a place where wondrous treasures from myth and legend are kept safe until they are needed again. The magic of the storeroom prevents access to any who are not intended to use the items.

But just because it has never been done does not mean it cannot be done. And there are certainly those who will give anything to find a way in.

Evie must guard the storeroom against ancient and malicious forces, protecting the past and the future even as the present unravels around them. Old heroes and notorious villains alike will rise to fight on her side or to undermine her most desperate gambits. At stake is the fate of the world, and the prevention of nothing less than the apocalypse (from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:

I got this book from my local book store bargain section; I had this book marked to-read for a while now but never got around to it. Anyways, when I saw that it was in bargain sections I bought it right away.

At first I was somewhat confused by the story line, author plunges into Evie’s world right away, there is no description of it or any kind of explanation. Even though Evie’s world is very much similar to our, but it not the same (I do not want to share too much). There were several story lines going on in the book and they are all connected. Also we get to read excerpts from the book that Evie is rewriting. Even though I found this very intriguing but the way it was jumpy and awkward at times. You would have main story line going on and than there is a jump into the scene in the book that Evie is rewriting, than you are back to the main story. Also what is frustrating about that is that we do not get to find out what happens to the character from Evie’s book (she does briefly mention it at the end, but I wanted to know what happens to the character).

Towards Evie’s character I felt neutral. I did not like or dislike her; I did get irritated with her few times, she seemed very trusting and annoying. I found it strange that she did not take more interest into what was going on with the room in the basement. I mean here we have this huge thing that she discovers about her family (father specifically) and her house (I mean at least I think it was a big deal) and she does not really think about it much. To Evie it was more of a passing thought.
I really liked Sinon and I felt bad for him and I am glad that he gets some kind or resolution at the end. Also I loved the fact that King Arthur and Merlin are characters in this book, but I do wish we go to read more about them.

Overall this was an OK read, I think that the book was somewhat confusing in the beginning but that does get better later on in the book. I am undecided, I am really not sure if I like it or not. Book did have some good points that I really did enjoy. For some reason I was under impression that this was YA book. I am not sure why I thought that, but I did not realise that it was for adults until I started reading.  Also i do have to mansion that I love this book cover - it looks awesome.  I give this book 3/5 STARS - even thought I think that I am being one star too generous.

Between the Land and the Sea (Marina's Tales #1) by Derrolyn Anderson

Description:

Something extraordinary is lurking in the deep ocean waters off the coast of Aptos, California. In just a few weeks after moving to the small beach town, sixteen year old Marina has nearly drowned twice, enchanted the hottest guy in high school, and discovered a supernatural creature. If she can only manage to survive her increasingly dangerous encounters with unpredictable mermaids, she might just be able to unlock the mystery of her past to learn how to appease the mysterious forces that seem to want something from her...and maybe even find true love along the way.
Between The Land And The Sea is the first book in the series "Marina's Tales". Her story continues on in book two, The Moon And The Tide.

My Thoughts:

I received this ebook for a review few weeks ago, it sounded interesting and I thought to give it a go. It took me several days to read this book while on my lunch breaks. It was a fast and entertaining read, which I’ve enjoyed.

Marina is sent to live with her aunt at Aptos, small costal town. There she discovers shocking truth about herself, her mother and father. The story progresses nicely and smoothly. Too smoothly, as much as I liked the story I wished for more tension, more rough spots. In truth I found that everything that happened to Marina was so easily dealt with that it took away from the story. It took away the tense moments that could have been. I really did enjoy Marina’s character, she is a sweet girl, who stands up for herself and her friend/cousin. I also liked enjoyed the father/daughter relationship I only wish that there was more about it. Ethan was another character that I liked. What is there not to like, he is a great guy. But I felt that Ethan’s and Marina’s relationship was a bit awkward, it was awkward because of the way it was plotted out. There was no pent up tension between the two of them, I did not feel that sizzle I sometimes feel when I read the romance book. But rather it felt somewhat bland.

Overall this was light and entertaining read; there were few things that I found that I did not necessary disliked, but rather thought they could be improved on. For example, the dialog between the characters felt jumpy and all over the place. One moment there will be conversation going on between the two characters and them all of sudden it is done and over with. Few times I was left confused because the story just jumps somewhere else, like Marina’s inner monolog. Shortcomings aside, I am looking forward to reading book two, because I still want to know what happens to Marina and rest of the characters. I give this book 3/5 STARS.

Three Days to Dead (Dreg City #10 by Kelly Meding

Description:

They’ll never see her coming. . . .

When Evangeline Stone wakes up naked and bruised on a cold slab at the morgue—in a stranger’s body, with no memory of who she is and how she got there—her troubles are only just beginning. Before that night she and the two other members of her Triad were the city’s star bounty hunters, mercilessly cleansing the city of the murderous creatures living in the shadows, from vampires to shape-shifters to trolls. Then something terrible happened that not only cost all three of them their lives but also convinced the city’s other Hunters that Evy was a traitor—and she can’t even remember what it was.

Now she’s a fugitive, piecing together her memory, trying to deal some serious justice—and discovering that she has only three days to solve her own murder before the reincarnation spell wears off. Because in three days Evy will die again—but this time there’s no second chance. . . . (from Goodreads). 

My Thoughts:

I bought this book over a year ago and I actually did start reading it right away, but I never finished it at that time. It just set in my to be finished pile, I really can not remember why I did not continue reading the book at that time. It was not because I could not finish it because I did not like it, quite the opposite I did enjoy it quite a lot. However I think that I got distracted with all the other books that I was getting. But it’s always been at the back of my mind, and the other night I picked it up and finished reading it. 

I really liked Evangeline Stone, well most times, sometimes I did find her somewhat whiny and annoying, but not very often. She is strong character, smart, pretty, likeable and can kick some supernatural ass. At certain points in the story I did find that Evy tried to hard to be the tough female protagonist and felt somewhat unnatural, but this did not happen very often which I am glad for. I really enjoyed Evy’s and Wyatt’s relationship/friendship. They were quite cute together, but some of the dialog, especially joking and teasing did not sit well with me. I found it to awkward more than anything else.

Story line was well put together and concise. I also enjoyed the stricture of the supernatural world and I hope to see more of it in the future book. In this book we only get a brief look at how these supernatural being function. It would be nice to learn about them in more details. Book was well written and there was a lot of character growth from the beginning of the book to the end. You see Evy grow as a person and you are happy for that she got out the horrible ordeal that she was in.

Overall this was a good and entertaining read; if you like to read book about supernatural, such as vampires, trolls, etc… than you might enjoy this book. It has all the right elements of good entertaining book. I give this book 4/5 STARS.

Illusins (Wings #3) by Aprilynne Pike

Description:

Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice.

But just as life is returning to normal, Laurel discovers that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail

My Thoughts:

So this is the third instalment in Wings series; I have to say that I did enjoy this book more than I did book two. Which was a surprise for me because I was really disappointed with the previous book. I still think that the book could have been better, but than that is true about any book that’s been written.

My biggest problem with this book and the previous was that nothing happens. I mean there is no action or interesting events happening, there is only talk of possible events that could happpen. There is only talk of tracking trolls, Klea, who is Yuki. There is one brief run in science with trolls and that is it, even that very short. Grant you even at the end we get a big revelation about Yuki, which is very predictable anyways; in a way the ending was a let down because nothing else happened. Rest of the book is dedicated to Laurel, David and Tamani love triangle, which I am kind of fed up with. In this book I feel that Tamani and Laurel have more chemistry than David and Laurel ever did. I have to say that Tamani as a character is growing on me and so far he is my favourite and I hope that he gets what he wants.

On the other hand I do feel that this was better than previous book, plot wise and character wise. For some reason I feel that all the characters have grown except for Laurel, she seems to be stuck in the same place. Overall this was an entertaining read; if you as reader are having very high expectations of this book than it will be a let down for you. Book is alright, nothing to swoon over, it was fast and entertaining read. I do hope that in the next books we do see more action, need for something to actually happen. There needs to be more than one scene of intense action or major event type thing happening. Book does lack intensity big time. I give this book 2/5 STARS.

Where the Mountain meets the Moon by Grace Lin

Description:

Newbery Honor Winner

In the Valley of Fruitless Mountain, a young girl named Minli spends her days working hard in the fields and her nights listening to her father spin fantastic tales about the Jade Dragon and the Old Man of the Moon. Minli’s mother, tired of their poor life, chides him for filling her head with nonsense. But Minli believes these enchanting stories and embarks on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man of the Moon and ask him how her family can change their fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest.

My Thoughts:

I bought this ebook quite a while ago and just never got around reading it. I was using my lunch breaks to read this book. Every lunch break I would go down by the river, with my lunch and eReader and read for an hour. You have to love summers, and this summer (at least here in the town I live in) temperature, so far, are not that high, actually it is so nice and on the plus side there is no humidity. Anyways it took me a week to read this book, but I have to say I did not want the story to end. This was such a beautiful story that I do not know where to begin with this review.

First, this is children’s story and it is based on Chinese folktales. It about a young girl, named Mingli who lives beneath the Fruitless Mountain. She and parents work hard to keep the food on table, but with a lot of work on their part it always seems that there is barely enough food to feed them. Mingli decides that she wants to change their fortune and goes of in search of Old Man of the Moon who can tell her how to change their fortune.

I really liked Migli, she is such a beautifully written character. As I was reading the book I would have to remind myself that Mingli is a child and not an adult. Because several times she almost seems like an adult and that is from the life she has lived so far. What I liked about this story that no matter how poor Mingli and her family were you could never tell because she is so happy and full of life. Even when she sets out on her adventure to change her fortune it was more so for her mother and father than for herself.

There are several lessons to be taken away from this story, money and prosperity does not equal happiness, that love of family is more important that prosperity. Even though Mingli realises this at the end, but I have to say that I found the story to be somewhat contradictory in it lesson. Yes Mingli came back to her village realising that there was nothing more important than her family. But you can not avoid the fact that whole village seamed a lot happier and lively after they prospered. Too me it seams the message says yes you can be happy if you are poor, but you are going to be even more happy if you prosper and have some money in your pocket.

Overall this book was a very entertaining read and it’s type of book that you keep in your book collection. I actually might go out and get a paper copy of this book as well. If you like stories based on Chinese folktales than you might enjoy this book. I give this book 5/5 STARS.