House Of Salt And Sorrows is a story that dips into many pots to be told. Seeming at first glance to be a lore based whodunit. Only to morph into fullHouse Of Salt And Sorrows is a story that dips into many pots to be told. Seeming at first glance to be a lore based whodunit. Only to morph into full fledged paranormalcy somewhere around mid-book. Staying firmly rooted in that subgenre until its spectacular finish.
The story opens with Annaleigh, the main character, having to bury another of the 12 females of her line. In this case, her sister, Eulalie. Who was found dead at the bottom of a very high beach side cliff. Though there have been other deaths, including that of her mother three other sisters. The fact that "the loveliest of the Thaumas roses was plucked so early by death." Is a burden to heavy to bear. For all it seems. Save the new and very young Duchess of the Salaan Islands. Their stepmother Morella. Who in fact, has some very happy news that she can't wait to share with the world. She is pregnant. So eager is she to let the world know... That she chooses to spill the proverbial beans in the middle of her stepdaughter's wake. Hmmmm... Suspicious much?
Well, it gets better. It seems that not only is her pregnancy a boon for the female rich bloodline of her husband. (She is sure that this offspring is male.) But it is also the perfect reason for the family to cut short the customary mourning period for poor Eulalie. And get their party on. Starting with a birthday ball for triplets Rosalie, Leonore, and Ligeia. Complete with new dancing slippers for all the girls, and a very new take on a very old story for the reader. The 12 Dancing Princesses? Give or take a few? Perhaps.
While this plot twist seems a little iffy at the outset. One only has to wait a bit for all of the elements of curses, gods, murder, new people, ghosts, and plots to marry and simmer. And voila!!! Be still my heart utter YA deliciousness! One is never sure who to trust. If it's safe for the budding romances that dare to bloom. Or who will ne the next to die. The one certainty that this read does provide however. Readability. The characters, plot, and premise provide readers of any age with a tale complex enough to engage the mind. And characters tailormade to inspire both ire and compassion in many a heart. And the ending... Let's just say... Disney could take lessons!!! ...more
What could be more beautiful than two girls in love? The story of how they got that way...of course! Bookish and nerdy Kyle Blake never thought that sheWhat could be more beautiful than two girls in love? The story of how they got that way...of course! Bookish and nerdy Kyle Blake never thought that she would find love in high school. Not in AP English, and certainly not with the perfectly polished and insanely popular, cheerleader, Stella Lewis.
But it seems that life and fate had other ideas for these two.
So, along with SAT's, tests, friends, college applications, and parental expectations; Stella and Kyle must navigate the uncharted territories of their budding relationship. Two people becoming one couple; while coming to terms with what that decision means for them, their families, and their futures.
This is an exquisitely expressed love story! Stella and Kyle are fun, witty, thoughtful characters that readers can't help loving. Because each girl comes equipped with an inner pain. There is also a secret vulnerability that is slowly brought to the fore, as the girls' relationship progresses.
The best thing about this book however... How normal and sweet the Stella and Kyle's relationship gets to be. That is not to say that their relationship doesn't become an issue. It does! To them. Just as it would to any couple.
That is where the beauty in this book lies. The shared experience of falling in love...simply for the sake of falling in love. With a girl!...more
This is a a book for those readers who want to be transported into their stories right away. Because this story packs a great many elements of high fanThis is a a book for those readers who want to be transported into their stories right away. Because this story packs a great many elements of high fantasy into a very slight 279 pages. Authoress Chloe Jacobs leaves very little wiggle room for long winded diatribes or meandering plots,common to the genre.
Choosing instead, to draw readers in with vibrant, flawed, and very complex characters. A lightening speed pace, and enough plot twists to leave one dizzy.
Leading lady Greta offers readers a hero to champion, a lost girl to fret over, and an enchanting love interest.
Leading man Isaac, is mysterious, alluring, secretive, fierce, loyal, magical, manipulative...and a Goblin King. Isaac is a character to love simply for shock value; if nothing else. There are so many facets to him however, that he is simply spectacular.
This book is based on a "golden one" trope. Meaning that Greta is the one that can either save Myleana, or destroy it. What makes this story so appealing, is the fact that readers can never be completely sure which side of the coin she's on. Or even if she truly has a side at all.
What one can be sure of though, is the attraction between Isaac and Greta. Whenever these two share scenes, sparks fly! Just to throw a fly in the ointment... There is a bit of a love triangle between Greta, Issac, and a certain kind, sweet, understanding, lostboy.
Hmmmmmm...
Speaking of "lost boys". This story element is where things that have been fantasy for so long to Greta, suddenly become very real. Bring on the feels, baby! Discoveries, revelations, choices, and emotions abound!
The world bulding and baddie are the only areas of the story that didn't come into razor sharp focus. Because this is the first book in a series however, there is plenty of time for their development in later books.
Raw, exhilarating, emotionally charged, and action packed! Greta And The Goblin King! ...more
While it is very true that this is a retelling of Peter Pan, the characters found herein are older than those found in the beloved classic. As such, t While it is very true that this is a retelling of Peter Pan, the characters found herein are older than those found in the beloved classic. As such, there is a far greater emotional depth and range of experience in play here than readers are used to.
Authoress Colleen Oaks, takes her time when delving into Peter and Wendy's world. At least at first. The opening chapters of her story read very much like the original work. But fear not. Ms. Oaks begins to make quite a differentiating mark for her version of things by the book's mid point.
The Notable Differences
Peter and Wendy Because Peter seems to border somewhere on the edge of 16 emotionally, his moods often fluctuate between a charming buoyancy and angsty teen. Wendy too, is older and therefore very susceptible to both Peter's charms and his very swooon-worthy kisses. There is a very interesting dynamic here that works to up the interest level as well as the emotional stakes for Wendy. She has a beau named Booth waiting for her back in London.
Peter and Tink With Peter being so gung-ho for Wendy, Tinkerbell is pretty much left by the wayside this time around. Though they are friendly, the depth of said friendship is considerably more shallow this time around.
Wendy and John John seemed to go out of his way to be terrible to his sister. He has always seemed to have the potential for brattiness, but to see it live and in color...ugh!
The pacing of this read holds study at a good mid-range, after a bit of a slow start out of the gate. There is also a tendency toward repetitive usage of some phrasing. This is overcome however by Ms. Oaks brilliant powers of descriptive world building.
This is a very good start to what promises to be a very interesting foray into the world of Neverland....more
For the most part, this story remains very true to its origins until Jafar gets his hands on the genie. Then things get interesting... Jafar then goes tFor the most part, this story remains very true to its origins until Jafar gets his hands on the genie. Then things get interesting... Jafar then goes to some very nefarious lengths to maintain the state of magical martial law that he has imposed on the city of Agrabah.
The most amazing difference between this version of the story and its well known predecessor, is the depth of the relationships that Princess Jasmine is able to forge with both Aladdin and The Street Rats. The longer that Jasmine spends away from the palace, the easier it becomes to see her as both a person and the queen that she is destined to become. The necessity of defeating Jafar and saving her people, molds Jasmine into the fierce, intelligent, and sympathetic ruler that she must be. The love of a thief transforms her into the woman that she needs to be as well.
As one would expect, because Jafar runs the show this time around; things are considerably darker. There are a great many deaths and even some torture that may surprise readers.
All in all, this is a good story. Not great, but emotionally appealing enough to justify the time that it takes to read it. ...more
This is a very big improvement over the first book. Wendy's emotional appeal increases so much with the introduction of her brother (human) Matt into This is a very big improvement over the first book. Wendy's emotional appeal increases so much with the introduction of her brother (human) Matt into the world of the Trylle early in the book.
The plot also expands considerably with the addition of the Vittra kingdom. Things really get good when secrets concerning Wendy, and her connection to them are simply jaw dropping. The Vittra kingdom is also responsible for a great deal of the political intrigue that goes on this time around. As well as the addition of a very interesting leading man, by the name of Lokie.
Things between Wendy and Finn are more maddening than ever with the "I love you, but I can't have you" story line.
There is also a great deal more personal interaction between Wendy and all of the characters in her immediate circle. This is a very welcome development,as it both helps to move the story along, and shows that she is now becoming more at ease with her circumstances.
This is also a much more magical read. There is a great deal more use of powers by all involved. Most impressively by Wendy and supporting character turned hero, Tove.
This is a book that lives and breathes drama, tension, and emotionality. There are so many new connections, revelations, and WTF moments to be had, that in the interest of not being completely spoilery; I will end this review here. ...more
A lot can happen in three years, and for Alexandria, the three years that she has spent living among mortals could mean a life of drudgery and servituA lot can happen in three years, and for Alexandria, the three years that she has spent living among mortals could mean a life of drudgery and servitude.
Unless...
She can prove to the power that be at The Covenant, that she is...that she can be...enough.
This world of powers, daimons, pures, halfs, love, loss, and fighting! Lots of fighting!
Alex is a fighter, and as the story progresses, you come to realize that she has more to fight for than most.
After seeing her mother killed at the hands of a daimon, The Covenant and training is all that she has.
Or is it?
Aiden, the sexy, pure-blood, Sentinel who has agreed to train her may have a thing or two to say about that.
As long as they don't get caught...that is!
This book is as good as...
All the drama, plots, lies, and forbidden love!
There is so much to love about this book, but the intensity of the forbidden love between Aiden and Alex, is by far the ultimate reason that this book is book-lover crack.
Well, that and Alex's Sookie Stackhouse-esque knack for life threatening situations.
But...
These are just a few of the reasons that this book, and this series will be a reread for life.
This read is the place where every great spy/assassin movie that one has ever watched meets well written YA. For this assignment his name is Ben, for tThis read is the place where every great spy/assassin movie that one has ever watched meets well written YA. For this assignment his name is Ben, for the last, he was someone else, from somewhere else. Sent to do a job, complete his mission quickly and quietly and get out. Allen Zadoff does an excellent job of maintaining his agent's ambiguity by not giving proper names to his agency, The Program, or his handlers, Mother and Father.
Though Ben's role as an assassin is the plot twist that initially hooks the reader; it is Ben's inner struggle with his loneliness and questions about his past that serve to hold one for the long haul. On the surface, things seem very cut and dry, but the further beyond said surface you delve with Ben, the more you see the struggle to stay afloat beneath.
His assignment was supposed to be simple. Get close to his daughter...and kill the mayor of New York. A pice of cake. At least until he meets her. She is a girl after his own heart. The one that he could break all the rules for. The one he could tell the truth to. The one who makes him question everything. The one who could kill him. This is a read that keeps the reader guessing, never quite sure what's coming or what action will lead to what reaction, and from whom. The five day window for Ben's assignment sets a breakneck pace for this story, making each occurrence all the more important to the outcome of the saga. This rapid story pacing also gives the author license for a rather believable case of insta-love. The trick to enjoying this read. 1. Open book. 2. Clear your mind 3. Start to read 4. Hang on for the ride 5. Trust NO ONE ...more
Though much has been made of the friendship between leading ladies Safi and Iseult who, by sheer force of will; hold court over the myriad of characteThough much has been made of the friendship between leading ladies Safi and Iseult who, by sheer force of will; hold court over the myriad of characters and situations that make up the almost epic tale that is Susan Dennard's Truthwitch.
It becomes blatantly obvious the longer that one spends in their world. That though the papers of the tale in which they act together are indeed spectacular. It is their singular talents, histories, and peculiarities; which function as the building blocks for the story's almost compulsory readability.
Whether it be Safi's rather unexpected royal role in the fight for trade between two kingdoms. Her unexpected feelings for a certain prince. Or the fateful decision that results. It is indeed the time that she and her "thread sister" spend apart that allows for the true knowledge of who and what Safi is about as a person and a Truthwitch to shine.
The same holds true for Isuelt. To an even greater degree it seems. For even though she is not of royal blood. Her powers as a Threadwitch, a witch capable of reading the emotions of the people around her. Put her in quite a surprising position. As she finds herself the pawn of dark forces. Forces that have the power to destroy the world.
And let's not forget her interactions with a certain Bloodwitch!
The world building is seamless... There are times however, when the great number of cultural interactions and their respective idiosyncrasies can get a little confusing. The action is extremely fast paced and often serves to bridge transitions within scenes. As well as entrances and exits of characters.
This is a splendid first offering in a related series that should be read in its intended order to be fully enjoyed....more
This sweet,touching, and very light YA, scifi romance is one that is best read with pleasure in mind. The reason for this being that if you go into thThis sweet,touching, and very light YA, scifi romance is one that is best read with pleasure in mind. The reason for this being that if you go into this read looking for flaws; you are sure to find them.
Cases In Point:
1. The rather vague treatment of Piper's back story. When dealing with a character who's main claim to fame is her status as something other, it is very important to answer the who's why's and wherefore's of that person's history. This is often done for no other reason than to help the reader to understand the being about which they are reading.
2. The unnecessary need to dress Piper in baggy clothes,and sunglasses. She looks completely human. Not only that, but she is pretty. Dressing her in such an outlandish way, only makes her seem more the freak.
3. The seemingly endless homage to Tyler's hotness! After about the third reference to his heart-stopping good looks, one can assume that readers understand the extreme level of teenaged male attractiveness that this young god among men just happens to be working with.
4. New and uber popular girl Holly, and the insta-friending! Their interactions are written as though Holly is the school veteran, amd Piper is new. Backwards much?
Please understand that the list of positives is just as long as the negatives was.
They are:
1. Everything concerning Piper's life in the water. This is the part of the story where Piper really gets to shine. She is confident and sure of what she is doing. The action scenes here are first rate.
2. All character interactions; with the exception of the afore mentioned Holly and Piper role reversal. Watching the way these characters relate is like watching a well choreographed dance. Transitions are smooth and flow as naturally as water downhill. The conversations and banter are never staged or forced.
In short. This tale of teens, romance, friendship, lattes, and mutation is the perfect Summer read. That perfect escape into the fun and fluffy fantasy of friends and fins.
Alter of Reality offers YA readers that rare chance to experience the coupling of first-rate fantasy and contemporary elements.It is quite refreshing Alter of Reality offers YA readers that rare chance to experience the coupling of first-rate fantasy and contemporary elements.It is quite refreshing to have an imperfect heroine. Not only that, but one who's imperfection (in this case grand mal seizures) gives her the key to her power.
This fast paced read puts readers in the thick of dimension-travel goodness from page 1.
One of the thing that makes Madeline a wonderful heroine is the honesty with which she is written. She makes no promises that her power deems her any more or less human. Though it is also true that she is quite the sympathetic character, but not for the reasons that one might think. Her illness...though an important story element, is shown to be little more than a means to an end in the grand scheme of things. It is also quite refreshing to watch her having to bungle her way through' learning the skills that she needs to protect herself in her parallel roles.
The interactions and interplay that Madeline maintains between worlds as the story progresses, gives the tale the cohesiveness that it needs and helps to drive the plot nicely. The many realities also provides very rich storylines for the supporting players in this read. In some cases, it even serves to make them more interesting than they would be otherwise. The multiple love interests found here can serve as a source of much frustration.
The story ends on a serious cliffhanger that leaves readers chomping at the bit for answers that only the adventures of a book 2 can provide. ...more
The second book in The Taking series is quite the departure from the first. Where the first book centered around Kyra's return, and her romance with TThe second book in The Taking series is quite the departure from the first. Where the first book centered around Kyra's return, and her romance with Tyler, with the NSA and abduction plot-line inching ever nearer as the end of the book neared.
With book 2 things both speed up considerably, and go from romantic to action packed the whole way through. That is not to say that there is not finally some surprising pairing up of sorts, between the hunky Simon and lady K. While she is still on the hunt for Tyler no less.
But said hunt is quickly and mercifully put on the back burner, as revelations about Kyra, and exactly why it is that she is so important to NSA officials, and the like, comes to light.
And there is more running.
Then there is the addition of cast members Willow, Natty, Thom, and Jett. This is where things start to get more than a little confusing. As secrets, plots, and hidden agendas start to come to light.
And more running.
There is another stop and the addition of cast member Griffin. (A girl.) And still the uncovering of still more secrets. These concerning past relationships within the group, and secrets involving Agent Truman.
And yet, more running!
There is so much changing of scene and action, that this is a book that one really must pay attention to when reading it. The fact that so much of it has to do with plans, schematics, and the more technical side of the predicament that those involved share, can seem like a bit of an info dump at times. This is however, tech with a purpose, and as the story progresses it fits very well into place.
With all the action, you would think that things would be left for resolution until book 3.
Not so.
There is both a very violent, and a very sweet end for two persistent plot lines within this read. That is not to say that ALL of the loose ends meet with their respective bows just yet. There is a very surprising cliff here. With a very surprising hanger....more
Just when I thought that the dark and twisted wonder that was CRUEL BEAUTY could get no better, (Sigh) Cinderella gone deliciously dark and philosophicaJust when I thought that the dark and twisted wonder that was CRUEL BEAUTY could get no better, (Sigh) Cinderella gone deliciously dark and philosophical. Review to come after booktubeathon....more
WOW! What an awesome adventure! So many incredible plot twists and WTF moments! I can't even...I just can't! If you haven't read this series, what the WOW! What an awesome adventure! So many incredible plot twists and WTF moments! I can't even...I just can't! If you haven't read this series, what the hell are you waiting for? Full review pending!...more
One of the most difficult tasks that any author can undertake has to be that of topping themselves. Particularly when the author in question just happOne of the most difficult tasks that any author can undertake has to be that of topping themselves. Particularly when the author in question just happens to be A.G. Howard, and the anticipated work is the final installment in her fantastical reworking of Lewis Carroll's Alice In Wonderland classic.
What authoress Howard has managed to present to audiences in this, the third offering in the Splintered series, is nothing less than literary perfection.
This third tale sees Alyssa and her father on the Memory Train, in an effort to help him find his missing memories of his time in Wonderland. As this branch of the storyline is explored, Alyssa's father is truly able to take his rightful place as an active player in the Wonderland side of things. As opposed to standing on the sidelines, or functioning mainly to anchor Alyssa to the human world. It is in large part the revelations made through the uncovering of these lost aspects of Alyssa's father's past that work to set the stage for the major events of the story. The time that the two spend together, also works to shore up the father daughter bond that has been a common thread throughout previous books.
With this book taking place in the no man's land of AnyElseWhere. There is a urgency to get back to Wonderland that drives that plot, and helps to maintain a very good momentum throughout the course of the read. Because AnyElsewhere is a place where chaos and savagery are given to ruling the day; Howard's flair for the darker and baser motives and actions of her cast is allowed to reign unchecked, with delicious and disturbingly decadent results.
Jeb, though still tied to his role as the long suffering 'White Knight', is allowed to wield a surprising amount of creative power. This does nothing to negate the fact that try as he might, Jeb is forever destined to play a very distant 'second fiddle' to Morpheus in the grand scheme of things.
Speaking of Morpheus. This is the when readers are treated to a kinder and more emotionally expressive, albeit nonetheless manipulative side to this most lovable rogue. He it seems, is doing all he can to ensure his future as both a part of Wonderland, and the man in Alyssa's life. To that end... It must be mentioned that the 'love triangle' that has plagued this series from the beginning is dealt with in a most unusual way.
And then there is Red. Nasty as ever, and ever on the lookout for a chance to destroy. Red is allowed to be the villain that only she can. Her scenes of murder and mayhem provide much of the blood and gore found in this tale. Readers are also treated to a look 'behind her mask' as we are made privy to her memories. She is the source of the epic 'good versus evil' battle that no self respecting conclusion can be without.
Ensnared is the perfect title for this last book. It have everything that a great story needs to captivate, charm, enthrall, and fascinate readers of all ages across the whole of time. ...more
This book is such an improvement over Frozen. (insert dramatic sigh here) Although the break up of the gang from book one is very heart breaking, the gThis book is such an improvement over Frozen. (insert dramatic sigh here) Although the break up of the gang from book one is very heart breaking, the growth and expansion of both the story's plot and the characters involved is well worth whatever hard feelings that one may harbor about everyone's being here there and yond for the books's majority.
Was that just a bit spoilery?
Ooooops.
O.K. Pardon me while I back slowly away from the edge.
So much of this book depends on the keeping of some really earth shattering secrets involving Wes, Nat, The Draken, and the ever illusive Eliza, that it is hard to review it without letting a few choice nuggets of pertinent information out of the bag.
What I can say however, is that there is never a dull moment while you wait for the final crescendo in the plot. The book's authors do a wonderful job at bringing all the pieces that result from earlier fragmentation of the cast together in very crafty ways.
One of the only drawbacks to be had in this book lies i.n the fact that its framework is laid in book 1. This is a book that can not be read as a standalone. Please rest assured that the slow build up found in book 1, is well worth the action, suspense, and revelations of book 2. This is the perfect middle story. Better than the first, and clearly a stage setter for an awesome third ...more
The fourth installment of the Riding Steele serial is very aptly named "Wanted".
On the lamb and under threat of arrest for a theft that she didn't inThe fourth installment of the Riding Steele serial is very aptly named "Wanted".
On the lamb and under threat of arrest for a theft that she didn't intend, Laurie finds herself opening up to Steele and the others, just as her leading man and his friends open up to her about his tragic past and so much more.
This is also the part of the story where Laurie finds out what it's like to be the most wanted woman around...in the carnal sense, that is.
The menage scene this time around is just as much of a scorcher as its steamy predecessor. Readers can't help feeling a sense of pride at how far Laurie has come in her quest for love and sexual freedom.
This is also the part of the story that packs quite the emotional punch as far as Steele is concerned. The more time that he spends with Laurie, the more the loner persona that he has lived by for so long begins to crumble...laying bare a heart ready to claim to the woman he has come to know....more
A secret society of shape shifting dragons versus the age old dragon slaying knights of The Order of St. George! Written by Julie Kagawa and served upA secret society of shape shifting dragons versus the age old dragon slaying knights of The Order of St. George! Written by Julie Kagawa and served up as a dish of YA goodness! OMG...what's not to love! Well... let's see.
First there is the fact that young dragons Ember and Dante Hill were told to assimilate into the sun loving, carefree, and at times nauseatingly frivolous teen scene of southern California. Not become so much a part of said scene that the characters had to remind readers and themselves that they were in fact something other than human.
Let's also pencil in the fact that love interest number 1, Garret Sebastian just happens to be the one member of The Order of St. George that leading lady, and DRAGON, Ember Hill just can't seem to live without. But wait... Doesn't the fact that he has sworn to kill all of dragonkind mean that she can't live with him either? Just asking?
Then there is the problem of love interest number 2, or as I like to call him, 'the guy with all the answers.' This is the guy who, if the world were perfect, would be a perfect match for Ember. The one who you want to bodily throw at her ever time she starts to pine incessantly for boy number 1.
After all he is a dragon. He knows all the secrets that Talon is hiding. He is HAWT! Oh yeah...did I mention that he is a blue dragon to her red and that his dragon form calls to hers. Good old mister knight of St. George not sounding so HAWT right now huh?
Ok...ok...enough of that.
There were quite a few very likable things about this read.
The first of which being the lore and mystique of the dragons. When Julie writes about a thing, she really puts a great deal of care into her details, and Talon certainly offers no exception to this rule. The more that you read about the dragons in their true forms, their training both with Talon, and as rogues, the lives that they lead, and the choices that they face, the more enchanted you become with the story. You may even come to prefer their dragon state to their human one. (I did!)
The love triangle. Ok...this is one of those love hate situations. While the options for Ember's little boy toy fest are a bit OBVIOUS, the ways that Julie handles that situations that it creates are great. No one writes piny, angst ridden love like Julie!
The ENDING!!!!! OMG!!!!! Talk about your 'so good that I sat there with my mouth open, I can't believe that I just read that, WTF? moments.' And no.... I am not going to pick this moment in my review to get all spoilery!
In short, the best way to sum up this book is to say the following:
This is a very good start to a promising series.
There are a few problems, mostly in the first half of the book, that while annoying are not insurmountable.
The awesome ending more than makes up for those afore mentioned annoyances.
This is a book 1 that primes the reader for the awesomeness that is promised in book 2.
Narration Review The narration of this book is one that wears one one's nerves after a while. The narrators sound much too old for the characters that they portray. Thankfully, they still manage to let the story shine through. ...more
My Thoughts This teen themed trip through Austenland might best be described as Austen-lite. While there are several Autenesque nods. (Names, references My Thoughts This teen themed trip through Austenland might best be described as Austen-lite. While there are several Autenesque nods. (Names, references, quotes.) This tale does a pretty good job of maintaining its very current, very present day, and very teenaged angst drama persona. That being said... The the waffling back and forth between Will and Ryan can be a bit grating on the old nerves after a moment.
All in all, this is a very fun and light not to Miss Austen, and a good reader for the younger teen. Though female lead Liza's back story is one that lends itself to establishing an emotional connection between herself and the reader; there is not enough true grit there to stand against the frivolity of later situations.
This is easily a one sitting read, at a modest 200+ pages. Making it the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening....more