January 2013 picks

A new year already! Remember back when we were worried the world was going to end this year? Opps. Anyways, here are my picks for January 2013 that you can probably expect reviews for at some point this year. Links go to the book's Goodreads page if you want more info (I'm doing goodreads now for this because I feel they're more accurate and helpful then Amazon on book info).

YA:
The Fire Horse Girl by Kay Honeymoon-Historical Fiction book about Chinese culture in the 1920s. Have I mentioned I love the 1920s/30s? No? Well, you've probably figured it out.

The Pledge Book 2: The Essence by Kimberly Derting-Still don't think The Pledge needs a sequel but I'm giving it a shot.

Dr. Frankenstein's Daughters by Suzanne Weyn-Want to read it for the concept alone.

Altered Book 1: Altered by Jennifer Rush-Slightly low expections for this one but I'm a sucker for genetically enhanced people plots.

The Dragon King Chronicles Book 1: Prophecy by Ellen Oh-Fantasy book! Give me!

Under the Never Sky Book 2: Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi-Under the Never Sky was a fabulous guilty pleasure read last year. Look forward to sequel.

Shadowlands Book 1: Shadowlands by Kate Brian-Murder mystery complete with serial killer. Bring it.

Revolution 19 by Gregg Rosenblum-Plot sort of sounds like a teen iRobot but in reverse with humans in rebellion instead of robots. See how this one goes.

Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff-My favorite underrated author.

Just One Day Book 1 by Gayle Forman-Because it's Gayle Forman, bitch. Do not question the Forman.

Doomed by Tracy Deebs-Cyber gaming plot! Woot!

Delusion by Laura Sullivan-Yay, for historical fantasy, my favorite genre.

Visions Book 1: Crash by Lisa McMann-Remember when I said I was breaking up with McMann's books? Apparently I lied.

The Cadet of Tildor by Alex Lidell-Fantasy that promises me a mixture of Game of Thrones and Tamora Pierce. We shall see. I mean Throne of Glass promised me Game of Thrones too and I didn't see that at all so I'm going into this one hesitantly for fear of being burned for my excitement.

Tempest Book 2: Vortex by Julie Cross-Despite being really underwhelmed by Tempest last year, I'm going to give Cross one more shot.

Across the Universe Trilogy Book 3: Shades of Earth by Beth Revis-Because the way Revis ended book 2, I just HAVE to read this.

The Memory Chronicles Book 1: Level 2 by Lenore Applehans-Debut that sounds ridiculously awesome.

Nobody by Jennifer Lynn Barnes-Because I've fallen in love with Barnes' writing style.

Everneath Book 2: Everbound by Brodi Ashton-Continuing for the interesting plot idea even though the protagonist drives me up the wall.

At Sommerton Book 1: Cinders and Sapphires by Leila Rasheed-Billed as a YA Downton Abbey and DA is my guilty pleasure (so glad it's coming back this month!)

Unearthly Trilogy Book 3: Boundless by Cynthia Hand-Three cheers for a GOOD angel series that I actually like. So sorry to see this one go.

The Archived Book 1: The Archived by Victoria Schwab-Despite being lukewarm to the Near Witch I loved Schwab's writing style and this premise sounds like something I'll enjoy more then the Near Witch.

Slated by Teri Terry-Brits probably already know this one but it's now being released in the US and it sounds kind of awesome.

Angelfire series Book 3: Shadows in the Silence by Courtney Allison Moulton-Another sad farewell to a rather good angel series.

Legend Book 2: Prodigy by Marie Lu-sequel to one of the more interesting dystopians to come out of the dystopian frenzy that happened after the Hunger Games Trilogy ended.

The Madman's Daughter Book 1: The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd-Awesome sounding debut that is based on the lesser known The Island of Dr. Moreou. Yay for authors going for the lesser known classics!

Newsoul series Book 2: Asunder by Jodi Meadows-Again, was kind of underwhelmed by Incarnate. But it was decent enough that I'm going to pick up the sequel. Besides, gorgeous cover is gorgeous and just beckons you to read it, no?

Adult:

The Between series Book 1: Between by Kerry Schafer-Awesome sounding new UF series.

2012 in Review Part 3-New Series and Standalones

A lot of my favorite authors embarked on new projects this year and several new series/books popped up as a result along with in general new series by new authors. Here's some feelings on those books.

Personal Favorite New Series
Everneath series Book 1 by Brodi Ashton
Grisha Trilogy Book 1: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Struck series Book 1 by Jennifer Bosworth
The Diviners series Book 1: The Diviners by Libba Bray
Lynburn Legacy Book 1: Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan
Croak series Book 1 by Gina Damico
Something Strange and Deadly Book 1 by Susan Dennard
Dark Star Book 1 by Bethany Frenette
Spirit's Princess Book 1 by Esther Friesner
Serephina Book 1 by Rachel Hartman
Cahill Witch Chronicles Book 1: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
Blood of Eden series Book 1: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
His Fair Assassin Trilogy Book 1: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
Pretty Crooked Book 1 by Elisa Ludwig
Widdershin's Adventures Book 1: Thief's Covenant by Ari Marmell
Lunar Chronicles Book 1: Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Unraveling Book 1 by Elizabeth Norris
Starters series Book 1 by Lissa Price
Under the Never Sky Book 1 by Veronica Rossi
Article 5 Book 1 by Kristin Simmons
Raven Cycle Book 1: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
The American Fairy Trilogy Book 1: Dust Girl by Sarah Zettel

Least Favorite New Series
Gilded Wings series Book 1: Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
Of Poseidon series Book 1 by Anna Banks
The Selection Book 1 by Kiera Cass
The Dead Girls Detective Agency Book 1 by Suzy Cox
Order of Darkness Book 1: Changeling by Phillippa Gregory
Aether Chronicles Book 1: Innocent Darkness by Suzanne Lazear
The Royal Circle Book 1: Gilt by Katherine Longshore
Arcadia Awakens Trilogy Book 1: Arcadia Awakens by Kai Meyer
Hemlock series book 1 by Kathleen Peacock
White Rabbit Chronicles Book 1: Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Personal Favorite Standalone books
Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey
The Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats
Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst
Team Human by Justine Larbelestier and Sarah Rees Brennan
Dodger by Terry Pratchett
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Least Favorite Standalone books
The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison
The Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Myers
Origin by Jessica Koury
Shadows Cast by Stars by Jessica Knuttson
Hanging by a Thread by Sophie Littlefield
Fracture by Megan Miranda
Tokyo Heist by Diana Renn

Everything Else (aka ones I had no real feelings on)
Eve and Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate
Losers in Space by John Barnes
The Demon Catchers of Milan Book 1 by Kat Beyer
Legacy of Tril book 1: Soulbound by Heather Brewer
The Katerina Trilogy Book 1: The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges
Darkest London series Book 1: Firelight by Kristen Callihan
So Close to You Trilogy Book 1 by Rachel Carter
Breathe by Sarah Crossan
Scarlet by A. C. Gaughen
Katana Series book 1 by Cole Gibson
Masque of the Red Death Book 1 by Bethany Griffin
Slide series Book 1 by Jill Hathaway
When the Sea is Rising Red by Cat Hellison
Ghost Flower by Michelle Jaffe
Tempest Book 1 by Julie Cross
Monument 14 Book 1 by Emmy Laybourne
Throne of Glass Book 1 by Sarah J. Maas
Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr
Ten by Gretchen McNeil
Incarnate Book 1 by Jodi Meadows
The Innocents Book 1 by Lili Peloquin
Dark Eyes Book 1 by William Richter
The Shadow Society by Marie Rutkoski
Queen of the Dead Book 1: Silence by Michelle Sagara
Secret Letters by Leah Scheier
The Unnaturalists by Tiffany Trent
Partials Book 1 by Dan Wells

Stacking the Shelves: December 30th

This is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga over at Tynga's Reviews that tell people what new books we've gotten over the week.

Downloaded to Kindle:

The Handmaid's Tale by Margeret Atwood-Amazon has been having some fabulous Kindle deals for the end of the year, this was one of them. I actually have read Handmaid's Tale ages ago for class before this dystopian thing hit big thanks to Hunger Games. May or may not do a reread review for it even though I don't often give reviews for classics because what can I say about a classic like this that hasn't already been said somewhere else? Plus with classics most people have already made up their mind if they are going to give them a shot or not.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steve Chbosky-Meant to read this in 2012 finally but never got around to it. But for the moment it is 3.99 on Amazon so hopefully I'll finally get to it soon.

Bought at Barnes and Noble (aka I got gift cards for Christmas because my parents know what pleases me):

Heather Wells series Book 4: Size 12 and Ready to Rock by Meg Cabot-I adore the Heather Wells mysteries. The only reason it took me so long to get this was lack of funds.

The Iron Fey series Book 5: The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa-I tried to resist because I was happy with where Kagawa left the series but damn, the pull was too strong.

The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Book 5: The Warlock by Michael Scott-This series is my crack. However I wait till it comes out in paperback because thats the way I bought my first book and I have this thing about having all hardcover/paperback for my series.

Also got a awesome Harry Potter cloth tote bag to carry all my library books in.

2012 in Review Part 2: Continuations and Conclusions

Thoughts on series installments and conclusions of series (so many series ended this year ;sad face;).

Personal Favorite 2012 Series/Trilogy Continuations:
Darkness Rising Trilogy Book 2: The Calling by Kelley Armstrong
Raised By Wolves Book 3: Taken by Storm by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Gallagher Girls Book 5: Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter (I have to wait HOW LONG till the next book?! ;glares at publishers;)
Nevermore Trilogy Book 2: Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh
The Body Finder Book 3: The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting (took the series from fun diversion to awesome diversion)
Mythos Academy Book 3: Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep (and likely book 4 whenever I get to it)
Unearthly Trilogy Book 2: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand (I think I'm still in mourning for Clara's awesome mother)
The Iron Codex Trilogy Book 2: The Nightmare Garden by Caitlin Kittridge
The Agency Book 3: The Traitor and the Tunnel by Y. S. Lee
Delirium Trilogy Book 2: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver (evil cliffhanger is evil though)
Across the Universe Trilogy Book 2: A Million Suns by Beth Revis (took a okay start to a trilogy and made it into a really good trilogy)
Daughter of Smoke and Bone Book 2: Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor (my picks for best series continuation are between this one and Pandemonium)

Least Favorite 2012 Series/Trilogy Continuations:
Chemical Garden Trilogy Book 2: Fever by Lauren DeStefano (BORING, BORING, BORING)
Jessica's Guide Book 2: Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantasky (pointless sequel is pointless)
Hereafter Book 2: Arise by Tara Hudson (DULL. Not sure if I'm going to bother with the third)
Juliet Immortal Book 2: Romeo Redeemed by Stacey Jay (way to take the one clever thing in a otherwise cliche book and then make him cliche author)

Personal Favorite 2012 Series/Trilogy Conclusions:
The Curse Workers Book 3: Black Heart by Holly Black
Anna Dressed in Blood Book 2: Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake
Sister's Grimm series Book 9: The Council of Mirrors by Michael Buckley
The Parasol Protectorate series Book 5: Timeless by Gail Carriger (gosh I'm going to miss Alexia SO MUCH)
Caster Chronicles Book 4: Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia and Margeret Stohl (STILL upset about Amma)
Hex Hall Trilogy Book 3: Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins (so sad that we don't get anymore Sophie but really excited for Izzy)
The Ghost and the Goth Book 3: Body and Soul by Stacey Kade
Theatre Illuminate Trilogy: So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev
Shade Trilogy Book 3: Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready
Paranormalcy Trilogy Book 3: Endlessly by Kierstan White (Evie! I'm going to miss you so much!)

Least Favorite 2012 Series/Trilogy Conclusions:
Hush Hush Book 4: Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick (just finished and wow was that a lot of wasted potential)

Everything Else (good enough that I am continueing the series):
Bad Girls Don't Die Book 3: As Dead As It Gets by Katie Alender
Abandon Trilogy Book 2: Underworld by Meg Cabot
Mortal Instruments Book 5: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
Steampunk Chronicles Book 2: The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross
The Magnolia League Book 2: The White Glove War by Katie Crouch
Magic Under Glass Book 2: Magic Under Stone by Jocelyn Dolamore
Gone With the Respite Book 2: Dearly Beloved by Lia Habel
Girl is Murder Book 2: The Girl is Trouble by Kathryn Haines
Clarity Book 2: Perception by Kim Harrington
Sookie Stackhouse Book 12: Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris
Need series Book 4: Endure by Carrie Jones
Gods and Monsters Book 2: A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton
The Iron Witch series: The Wood Queen by Karen Mahoney
Hourglass Book 2: Timepiece by Myra McEntire
Angelfire series Book 2: Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton
Demon Trappers series Book 3: Forgiven by Jana Oliver
The Lying Game series Book 3: Two Truths and a Lie by Sara Shepard
The Mockingbirds Book 2: The Rivals by Daisy Whitney
Dustlands Book 2: Rebel Heart by Moira Young
Birthright Book 2: Because it is my Blood by Gabrielle Zevin

Book Review: Throne of Glass

TITLE: Throne of Glass
Book 1 in the Throne of Glass series
AUTHOR: Sarah J. Maas
PUBLISHED: August 2012
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Fantasy, adventure
PREMISE: Celeana is a assassin serving out her sentance when she's brought forth to the crown prince with an offer to become the kingdom's chief assassin.
MY REVIEW: So I was originally under the impression that this was self-published, apparently I'm wrong about that. This was a original fiction universe on Fiction Press that got a book deal which frankly can be just as a mixed bag as self-publishing. Don't misunderstand, I am not bashing authors/people who use Fiction Press. In fact I think the site is good for beginner authors to work on their writing, gain a support group, etc. But that's the key word there: beginner. I don't think one should look for fiction to publish on it. This book is a example of why.
Don't get me wrong, Maas has lots of potential. She's good at pacing, action, and dialogue. However her characters and world building need TONS of work. Especially her characters because I'm sorry but Celeana is flat and excellent example of what a Mary Sue is. She is literally perfect. She reads, she kicks butt all over the place, she's sassy, she is just plain never wrong, and she of course is beautiful. Literally she has no flaws. It also does not help the author that the picture on the cover is basically the author herself so that furthers the implications that this is a self-insert idealized  Mary Sue. The male leads were equally perfect and cookie cutter characters, as was the best friend character. Literally these were the barest minimum stereotypes. To all those saying this is Game of Thrones for teens...NO. Just...NO. These characters are about as morally gray as a Disney princess. Actually, I think Disney princesses have more depth because even Tiana from Princess and the Frog has flaws. And I highly doubt this author is gutsy enough to kill off any of the characters who aren't evil/or sidekicks.
Honestly this was just a nice effort but I could really tell it was a first book by a amateur and I really don't see the Game of Thrones thing AT ALL. Seriously, where the hell did that come from? I think this is one that was guilty of overhype. I think Maas definitely has potential but I would have prefered to read something from her when she had worked on character and setting developement more. Which is basically why this self-publishing trend/looking for original fiction online business just makes me not very happy.
WHO SHOULD READ: fantasy fans, fans of the authors online fiction
MY RATING: Three out of Five swords


Book Review: The Dead Girls Detective Agency

TITLE: The Dead Girls Detective Agency
Book 1 in a new series?
AUTHOR: Suzy Cox
PUBLISHED: September 2012
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Paranormal, mystery
PREMISE: Charlotte wakes up to discover she's been murdered and in order to pass on she must solve her own murder.
MY REVIEW: This is one of those books that I wish I loved more then I did. I mean the idea is just so awesome: ghosts solving murders! That should be interesting, right? Well, apparently not. Instead of a savvy detective agency who solve mysteries like the title implies we're given Charlotte as a protagonist. This I think was the authors major mistake.
Because Charlotte? Is ANNOYING. She's whiny, judgemental, and frankly by the fifth chapter where she was obnoxious to everyone trying to help her I just wanted her GONE. I think the author would have been better served to have this actually be about the agency characters because they were the interesting part. The mystery part? Ridiculous. The main character? Hard to like.l All the stuff I wanted more info on was pushed aside in favor of Charlotte and frankly Charlotte's story was just not that great. The writing and the plot were pretty average but didn't make up for a annoying protagonist.
If the author plans on making this a series like I suspect then she needs for it be about the actual agency characters. Or she needs to come up with better mysteries and characters then this first novel because frankly this one doesn't make me want to read more.
WHO SHOULD READ: paranormal fans, mystery fans
MY RATING: Three out of Five whiny ghosts

2012 in Review: Part 1-Debuts

So I've got a lot of 2012 books I want to pimp, gripe about, mention so I'd thought the easiest way to do that would be to break it down into categories. So here is part 1: 2012 Debuts.

Debuts this year has been a up and down sort of thing. There were a few in the beginning of the year that made me really excited for 2012 but then they all sort of fell flat and then at the end of the year there were several really good ones. It was a bit of a mixed bag, really.

Personal Favorite Debuts:
The Lunar Chronicles Book 1: Cinder by Marissa Meyer-One of two favorite retellings this year. If you must do the fairytale retelling thing, do it like this.
His Fair Assassin Trilogy Book 1: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers-Still say nuns training assassins is wierd as hell but it gives us such a awesome premise that I find I don't care that much.
Unraveling series Book 1: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris-Great, well written, and original concept with a likeable main character and a ending that makes me want the second book like NOW.
American Fairy Trilogy Book 1: Dust Girl by Sarah Zettel-Studio Ghiblish historical fantasy set in the nineteen thirties with great writing and characters. My favorite Faerie book of the year.
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein-My pick for best historical fiction book of the year.
Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson-If pressed I would say best debut of the year is between this one and Code Name Verity.
Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard-A fun Zombie Alternate history book.
Serephina Book 1 by Rachel Hartmen-My favorite fantasy book of the year. Someone is finally doing dragons! In a way that I like (sorry, didn't like Eragon). Fabulously written, great world building, and wonderfully diverse characters and great plot. Can't wait for the next one.
Dark Star series Book 1 by Bethany Frenette-A woefully underrated fun urban fantasy with superheroes. I don't know why this hasn't gotten more buzz.
Grisha Trilogy Book 1: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo-Great start to a interesting looking fantasy trilogy. I'm so pleased epic fantasy is making a comeback.

Decent Debuts:
Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey-Interesting fantasy from earlier this year. Fabulous cover bonus.
Under the Never Sky Book 1 by Veronica Rossi-Now that I've had more time to think about it, I would have given this a B plus instead of the A minus rating I gave it, but I still think it's strong debut.
Article 5 series Book 1 by Kristin Simmons-one of the more interesting dystopians this year and very apt considering the current political rhetoric.
Everneath series Book 1 by Brodi Ashton-Interesting Persephone take despite a somewhat weak protagonist.
Cahill Witch series Book 1: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood-great historical fantasy series that works despite several familiar YA tropes.
Croak series Book 1: Croak by Gina Damico-fun fast paced urban fantasy/paranormal with shades of Dead Like Me thrown in.
Starters Book 1 by Lissa Price-Refreshing dystopian debut. This genre isn't totally dead yet.
Widdershins Adventure series Book 1: Thief's Covenant by Ari Marmell-Awesome female character is awesome.
The Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats-Wonderfully written historical fiction novel. Not for the impatient however.
Struck Book 1 by Jennifer Bosworth-A better-than-it-sounds refreshing dystopian.
The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron-Sweet family type gothic book which you don't see much of.

Loathed Debuts:
Gilded Wings Book 1: Illuminate by Aimee Agresti-Badly written, unoriginal, plothole fantastic story with uberstereotyped characters and a annoying MC. No thank you.
The Selection Book 1 by Kiera Cass-Sloppy dystopian world building with flat writing, flat cookie cutter characters, and a idea that could have been more awesome then it actually was, and furthers the bitchy female stereotype that abounds in YA. Doesn't help that the author and her agent behaved like five year olds who couldn't take criticism on Goodreads and made that sight rather unpleasant for awhile.
Immortal City Book 1 by Scott Speer-A book that should have been more awesome then it was. Unfortunately the author apparently was trapped in clicheland.
Hemlock series Book 1 by Katherine Peacock-Unoriginal, badly written, and has slightly sexist overtones. Twilight with werewolf focus. No thanks.
Of Poseidon Book 1 by Anna Banks-Concept that would have been more awesome if the writer hadn't been stuck in Twilight mode complete with bad writing, weak female characters, and sexist messages.

Everything Else:
Tempest Book 1 by Julie Cross-Don't get all the hooplah this one received. It was just okay really.
The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams
Katerina Trilogy Book 1: The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges
Fracture by Megan Miranda
Scarlet by A. C. Gaughen-Another one that I don't understand why everyone went nuts over it.
Darkest London Book 1: Firelight by Kristin Callihan (adult)-Average UF is average.
Incarnate series Book 1 by Jodi Meadows-Creative idea but kind of annoying MC and average plot.
Partials Book 1 by Dan Wells
Slide Book 1 by Jill Hathaway-Okay mystery but annoying characters.
When the Sea is Rising Red by Cat Hellisen-Would have been better without the forced love triangle.
Katana Book 1 by Cole Gibson
Arcadia Awakens Book 1 by Kai Meyer-Unoriginal and badly written.
Masque of the Red Death Book 1 by Bethany Griffin
The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison
Cross My Heart by Sasha Gould
Queen of the Dead series Book 1: Silence by Michelle Sagara-Interesting concept but so filled with familiar tropes to be anything more then a decent library read.
Ripper Book 1 by Amy Carol Reeves
Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
Dark Companion by Marta Acosta-Pretentious Jane Eyre retelling that wasn't as good as the author clearly thought it was.
So Close To You Trilogy Book 1 by Rachel Carter
The Demon Catchers of Milan Book 1 by Kat Beyer
Gilt by Katherine Longshore-Dull historical fiction book is dull. Also inaccurate.
Tokyo Heist by Diana Renn
Secret Letters by Leah Scheier
Ten by Gretchen McNeil
The Innocents Book 1 by Lili Peloquin
The Shadow Society by Marie Rutkoski
Breathe Book 1 by Sarah Crossan
Aether Chronicles Book 1: Innocent Darkness by Suzanne Lazear
Dark Eyes Book 1 by William Richter
Throne of Glass Book 1 by Sarah J. Maas-Just finished (haven't reviewed yet) and sorry but average book is average.

Book Review: Days of Blood and Starlight

TITLE: Days of Blood and Starlight
Book 2 of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series
AUTHOR: Laini Taylor
PUBLISHED: November 2012
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy (yes, I swear it's both), drama
PREMISE: Karou has remembered her past life and in attempts to atone for her past mistakes is helping her kind battle the angels.
MY REVIEW: Daughter of Smoke and Bone was one of my top ten reads of 2011 and one of my favorite debuts so my expectations were very very high for this one. I'm pleased to say that Taylor delivers. Literally, I can't think of one flaw in this except for maybe if you're reading this purely for the romance part you're going to be disapointed because Karou and Atkiva don't spend much time together and the time they do spend, breaks your heart.
But I felt the strong parts of this was the storytelling part anyway and Taylor delivers on that. She not only develops characters, she develops plots, and she goes in completely unexpected directions. It's not often I'm surprised by YA nowadays but I was definitely surprised by this book and the way the story went. I will say there is one scene that may be dark for some people but it is neccessary for the whopper of a cliffhanger at the end.
Basically I have nothing bad to say about this. Taylor took the plot in a wonderful direction. The writing and the story are just as absorbing as the first one. Honestly my only complaint is how long I have to wait for book 3.
WHO SHOULD READ: fans of Daughter of Smoke and Bone
MY RATING: Five out of Five chimeras

Book Review: Wings of the Wicked

TITLE: Wings of the Wicked
Book 2 in the Angelfire series
AUTHOR: Courtney Allison Moulton
PUBLISHED: January 2012
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Angels, romance
PREMISE: Ellie tries her best to balance her life as a warrior angel with her human one.
MY REVIEW: Well, I definitely think this one was a improvement over the first one which I liked but it had several flaws which is why it took me awhile to get to the sequel. This time around Moulton focuses more on plot then melodrama and thus I enjoyed the book much more. Even though I'm upset about a certain person dying.
As I've said many times, angel books are difficult for me to get into. The only other ones besides this series has been Unearthly and a standalone book that I think no one else but me has read. So for me to say I like this series is actually several points in the author's favor. Granted the relationship between Ellie and Will is still rather ho hum for me (I found Ellie's drama about Will rather irksome if I'm honest) and frankly the least interesting thing going on in the book because I know they'll end up together because it's YA. I can count on my hand the number of main YA couples who haven't gotten together in the end and one of them is just because the guy wound up dying. Something tells me this isn't one of those types of endings so I'm not all that worried about the Ellie/Will drama.
But the overall plot is actually rather good this time around. There's twists you don't see coming, it's fast paced for a five hundred page whopper, and there's even character developement of sorts. So I say this is definitely a improvement on the series and I look forward to book 3.
WHO SHOULD READ: Angelfire fans, angel book fans, Unearthly fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five swords

Book Review: Two Truths and a Lie

TITLE: Two Truths and a Lie
Book 3 in The Lying Game series
AUTHOR: Sara Shepard
PUBLISHED: February 2012
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Mystery, drama
PREMISE: Emma pokes further into her sister's life and discovers Thayer: the boy that Sutton was cheating on Garrett with.
MY REVIEW: I will not lie to you and say this series is wonderfully written, a must read, and so on. In truth, this series is average. But, it's ADDICTING. Say what you want about Shepards annoying  and sloppy name dropping habit (seriously author, Pandora hasn't been around that long, I doubt Emma and her elementary school friend were using it), her flat writing style, and amatuerish need to describe what everyone's wearing. I'll even give on the plausibility of all of this in the first place. But damn, Shepard knows how to spin a good mystery and keep you coming back for more. There's a reason PLL is as popular as it is. Though personally, I say this series is MUCH better then PLL.
This is mostly due to the one thing PLL is missing: characters I like and who are sympathetic. Sorry but Arya and company are not sympathetic to me. They continue to lie/cheat/do stupid things even while A is on the loose and after she killed their best friend so please tell me how I'm supposed to root for them when they continue to do the things that got them in that situation in the first place. Emma is likeable. I also find the dynamics between Sutton and the whole crew from her friends to her family just fascinating character wise (and again, makes much more sense then PLL). This, combined with the complex mystery is what makes this series worth continuing despite some of Shepards writing flaws.
This was another interesting installment with more twists and turns and insight into the complex drama that was Sutton Mercer's life (and damn did she have a lot of drama; I wasted my time as a teenager apparently). Can't wait to read the next one.
WHO SHOULD READ: Those that have read books 1 and 2, PLL fans, mystery fans
MY RATING: Three and a half out of Five fashionista sleuths