Fragile Eternity: A Review

Fragile Eternity

by Melissa Marr

From Goodreads:

Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone—but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.

Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her—but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined.

In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos.

Review: (spoiler alert)

Aislinn and Seth's relationship takes centerstage in the third book of the Wicked Lovely series.  With the chemistry between Aislinn and Keenan becomes more profound, Seth has become increasingly restless and obsessed with becoming a faery himself to be with Aislinn forever. 

A series of events will unfold and will lead Aislinn and Seth to make choices that will either make them stronger or drive them apart.  Now all the four courts - Summer, Winter, Dark, and High Court come into play as more conflicts arise, secrets are revealed, and Bananach (War) manipulate the situation to create the chaos she craves the most. 

I was a bit confused after reading Fragile Eternity.  Aislinn and Seth's relationship is really complicated!  So as Keenan and Donia's relationship.  All I can say is Keenan's a jerk.  But I can't really blame him because his priority is his court and he will do anything to make it stronger.  But his actions before just resulted in severing ties with the Dark Court, now that the new Dark King is the one he just betrayed; Donia, the Winter Queen wants nothing to do with him until he clears his emotions; Aislinn, her Summer Queen just found out his knowledge of Seth; and the High Court is no place for him either.  So in the end, he might end up with no court at all. 

What will ever happen to Aislinn and Seth?  To Keenan and Donia?  Will Leslie come back or Niall and Irial finally patch things up for good?  Dark Mercy, I will wait for you.

Rating:

 

Crescendo Cover News!

From Fallen Archangel:

After a lot of planning by the fabulous folks at Simon & Schuster, we are excited to announce that Becca Fitzpatrick will be revealing the cover of CRESCENDO, the highly anticipated follow-up to New York Times Bestselling HUSH HUSH,  here on FallenArchangel.com, live from the Denver Teen Lit Festival on Saturday April 10!   The cover reveal will take place over the course of several hours as Laurie Maves, a chalk artist from Denver CO, will be drawing the Crescendo cover live!


The streaming video of this event will begin around 11 am EST / 9 am MDT.  Plan to stop by throughout the day to see the cover art as it gradually comes to life and for occasional visits from Becca.


We will be posting more exciting stuff about the cover reveal in the coming days!!

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner (Stephenie Meyer)

Yes, there is another one from the Twilight Saga.  But taking a different route, Stephenie Meyer wrote the story of Bree Tanner, a character introduced in Eclipse. 

From Yahoo:

Well before “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” hits theaters on June 30, “Twilight” fans will be treated to a new glimpse into author Stephenie Meyer’s vampire universe.

On June 5, the 36-year-old multimillionaire author will release “The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner,” a novella that takes place concurrently with the events in the third “Twilight” book, “Eclipse.” Only this time, the bloody tale of revenge and romance will be told from the perspective of Bree, a “newborn” vampire recruited by antagonist Victoria (to be played by Bryce Dallas Howard in the upcoming film) to kill human heroine Bella Swan (played, of course, by Kristen Stewart).

If fans are confounded by the news that a minor character from the series is the star of the first “Twilight” book in two years, they’re not the only ones. “It’s a surprise…I never intended to publish this story as a stand-alone book,” Meyer says on her website. “I began this story a long time ago-before Twilight was even released. Back then I was just editing Eclipse, and in the thick of my vampire world…. I started writing from Bree’s perspective about those final days, and what it was like to be a newborn.”

The short story was originally slated for the upcoming tome The Twilight Saga: The Official Guide, but when Meyer’s publisher informed her it was far too lengthy for inclusion, they decided to release it as a separate book instead.

Anyone skeptical that the wildly successful vampire-genre author is just trying to bleed her fans for more money can rest easy-starting June 7 at noon and until July 5, the entire story will be available at www.breetanner.com for free. “You all have bought a ton of my books,” Meyer noted on her site. “I wanted to give you this story as a gift.”

The book will also be released in hardcover by Little, Brown on June 5. One dollar from the first 1.5 million copies sold in the U.S. will go to will go to the American Red Cross International Response Fund to help ease crises like those in Chile and Haiti.

Beautiful Creatures: A Review

From Goodreads:

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Review:

Don't  be intimidated by the thick book.  It's a must read!

Taking a break from reading books from female perspectives, Beautiful Creatures tells the story from Ethan Wate's perspective.  He thought that everything in his town is predictable and he has grown tired of it.  He just recently gotten hold of himself from the death of his mother, unlike his father who keeps to himself in his study writing.  No one knows his condition but him and his Amma (who happened to be like a voodoo!).

His world began to change with the sudden appearance of Lena Duchannes, niece of the town's Boo Radley.  Even though outward criticized and taunted, Ethan is drawn into Lena especially since he realized that he's been dreaming about her.  And when he found out that she's also dreamed of him, they found themselves unraveling a mystery together that Ethan's town seems to be hiding and entwined with Lena's destiny.

Lena's choices will include her future with Ethan.  But if being with him will mean going against everything she believes in and in the end tragedy is unavoidable. 

The end of Beautiful Creatures will leave you wanting more and intrigued with the whole mystery thing.  Will Lena and Ethan find a way to be together?  What happened in Gaitlin and what are its secrets?

Beautiful Darkness is already on my TBR!

Rating:

 

Details on Crescendo! (Hush, Hush sequel)

from Becca's website:




Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy, Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.


The further Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim bloodline has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

So excited for Crescendo to come out on November 16!  I bet the book cover will be as wonderful as the first book's.  It will just make us more excited!


Thanks, Becca for the update! :D  Until the cover reveal in April 10! :D

William Herondale Close-up and Beautiful Darkness cover revealed!

Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Angel cover close-up.  Yes, it was confirmed that it's William Herondale on the cover.  Although the name of the model is still unknown.  This is of course courtesy of the fabulous, MundieMoms!


Next we have the cover of the Beautiful Darkness!  The sequel to Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. 

Haven't seen synopsis yet (if there's one) because I'm avoiding spoilers.  I haven't read it yet!

AAW #7: J.K. Rowling and Cassandra Clare

For my last entry for the Author Appreciation Week, it's only suitable that I write for the two authors I feel made a huge impact in my life.  These are J.K. Rowling and Cassandra Clare.

There is little that I can say that I guess that haven't been written or told of about Joanne Rowling or famously known as J.K. Rowling.  Just like the countless readers in the world I greatly appreciated her work, Harry Potter. 

I guess it added that I was really a teenager the time the books came out.  I was more or less at the same age of the protagonists when I was reading it.  I identified with the characters and found a lot of truths and wisdom in the story.  I was amazed at how a book meant for children or young adults could contain so much of those.  It would be a pity if those with age will not learn them.

I experienced a lot of happiness, pain and everything else in between while reading Harry Potter.  I was both inspired and motivated in the experience.  And Harry's world is one of the worlds I'd gladly trade this reality with.

No matter what they throw at J.K. Rowling, she will always be the author that penned one of the best fictional stories for children and adults alike.
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I though it ended with Harry Potter, I never thought I could madly fall in-love with a series such as The Mortal Instrument by Cassandra Clare. 

Looking back on how I got my hands on the first book, City of Bones, it's just like those rare moments where you don't know why but you felt the pull to read the book.  And after reading it you know you will never be the same again.
I completed reading the series in under three days, just days before the new year (2010).  Weird as it may sound, I welcomed the year, happy and renewed in a way because of the experience when I read the book.  Maybe I was just so happy to feel the feeling again, of falling in love with a story. 

Thank you, Cassie.  Thank you for sharing your gift of storytelling to the world.  We will always be grateful for having now the world of shadowhunters and the characters you have created.

AAW #5: JRR Tolkien

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien or J.R.R. Tolkien known author of the Lord of the Ring trilogy.  But for me, he is also a person who shared his love for writing to the world.   His story made a huge impact in my life that it helped me view the world with hope and more appreciation.


He made an amazing story about courage, friendship, greed, and love. His work will always be timeless because it mirrors our world's truth and somehow find a bit of ourselves in his characters.

CLOCKWORK ANGEL's cover unveiled!

Thank you to MundieMoms for posting the cover from shelf-life.  I got my timezone mixed up I almost missed it!


For the whole article regarding the cover, click here.

AAW #4: Melissa Marr

I chance upon Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely after I bought it out of impulse in a bookstore.  I think I was experiencing some manic episode at that time.  Kidding.  

I never though I could enjoy a literal "fairy tale" such as her book. She writes fantastically and her characters have just enough amount of angst and wisdom for you to feel they are real.  I loved the way she twists darkness and goodness together.

AAW #3: Stephenie Meyer

Twilight will always be a significant book for me.  After all, it brought vampire-sexy back.  It revived interest reading in younger people, hopefully also for the aspect of reading not just knowing who Edward is.

Post-Harry Potter time, Stephenie Meyer gave me something to fall into after HP.  Personally, it had more meaning to me than just the average love story because I was at a crossroad at the time I read the book.  It inspired me to look forward to something, like the next book, or the movie adaptation.  Her love for both music and writing opened doors for other writers and books to be known to many. 

Although some may love or hate her, no one can argue that her work definitely sparked change for different people or even the world. 

AAW #2: Becca Fitzpatrick

For my second author for the Author Appreciation Week, I chose Becca Fitzpatrick.  Author of Hush, Hush (November 2009) and the upcoming sequel, Crescendo (November 2010).


I consider my encounter with Hush, Hush as more than a coincidence but maybe destiny.  I remembering reading a post by our local bookstore saying that the book is available in their store.  I got curious with the book cover and their marketing putting vampires vs. angels.


Out of sheer whim, I searched ebay for the book and lo and behold, there was one copy on sale.  I bought it and the next day it was delivered.  May I say that it was a challenge putting down the book.  I had to or else I'll miss my classes!  I loved it!  Initially I had doubts about it reviewing it as not your twilight-kind of story.  But you know like love, it grows on you.  And I found myself falling-in-love with the story the second time around I read it. 


After my encounter with Hush, Hush the rest was history.  It sparked again my love for reading and inspired me to reach out to fellow booklovers.  I joined Fallen Archangel forum and became an active member.  I was never active in forums, only now.  I discovered new fantastic books and means to show my love for reading. 


I will always be thankful to Becca for sharing this story to the world.  Her story restored my love for reading and even for writing.  

AAW #1: Philippines' Mr. Joel Toledo

Quote:

"I keep telling young poets that they should read the lines before reading between the lines. We have been schooled thinking that poetry is a riddle with an elaborate punchline. So most people have no respect for form, only meaning. I'd like to think a big slice of enjoying poetry is in the appreciation of the craft."

For my first AA Week post, I decided to choose a writer from my own country.  Who else would be on top of my head than Mr. Joel Toledo.


Mr. Joel Toledo or Sir Joel was my former professor in high school (twice) and in college.  First for creative writing and research/formal writing, and the latter for Philippine Literature. 


During our first encounter, I could not believe that he is a teacher.  All rugged looking and defied the norms of the usual "teacher" appearance and demeanor in the high school community.  Even in class, he was something that I was not used to: a writer personified. 


My friend and I happened to chance upon an old copy of his work, "Pedro and the Life Force*."  It was his first published work, a novelette for young adults.  He never mentioned that he had published any of his works.  We only knew he writes.


I never get to appreciate him as a writer.  I only saw him as my teacher who tortured us with his homework and requirements.  There was a sense of loathing in my part because I enjoyed my previous English subject prior to his class, I was frustrated I can't enjoyed his. 


It was only when I began to start writing that I felt for him.  In subtle ways he did changed something in me that not only did I appreciate the written word but also felt for the writer.  He said that being a writer in our country can be a thankless or overlooked job.  But there he was, talented as he is choosing to do what he loves.  


In college, I was exposed to his poems and had the privilege to be one of his students in a critiquing class for Philippine Literature.  By that time, I surely enjoyed his class (even though it was still a pain).  I enjoyed him bringing us to poetry nights, making us read short stories from our own writers, and even bringing along some of his writer friends. 


I will always be thankful that I had the chance to encounter Sir Joel.  He is a walking inspiration to aspiring writers in our country, and gives back by teaching.

*Pedro and the Life Force has been adapted to theatre.  Entitled, "Amihan", the play  proved to be a success under the production of Miriam College.

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From WikiPilipinas:

He earned his undergraduate degrees in English and Journalism and his Master Degree in Creative Writing (Poetry) at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. He was also a former faculty member at UP. He is a faculty member at Miriam College, where he teaches Literature in their English Department.

In the 25th Anniversary issue of the official literary journal of the Philippine Literary Arts Council (PLAC), he was a co-editor of Caracoa 2006. Joel M. Toledo is a regular contributor to the Philippine Post Newspaper. Having a passion for music he is also a musician reviewer for Volume Magazine. He plays the drums for the Los Chupacabras Band. While performing, they read poems on the side where the audience can also participate by reading their own poems. They play regularly at Purple Haze.

His first published work was the poem “Pedro and the Life Force”. It was a novelette for young adults. He also published his first collection of poetry entitled “Chiaroscuro”, which as of this writing is out of stock. Some of his poems and short stories have come out in the Philippines Free Press and The Philippine Graphics. Recently some of his newer poems have been published in online poetry journals Softblow, Rogue Poetry Review, Concelebratory Shoehorn, Washington Square, and the Asia Pacific Writers Network.

He won the first and second prizes in the 2004 and 2005, respectively, for the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Poetry in English. He was awarded second prize winner for poetry in the 2006 Bridport Prize in United Kingdom for his poem “The Same Old Figurative” for which he got a prize money of 1,000 pounds. He also got the first and third prize in the Meritage Press Poetry Prize in San Francisco, USA. In 2006, he received a grant for poetry in English from the Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Writers Prize.

YALITCHAT Presents: MADE FROM AWESOME EVENT

MADE FROM AWESOME EVENT sponsored by MundieMoms!

We’ll have giveaways, virtual popcorn and loads of fun. It’s a celebration of YA on twitter and you’ll be a memorable part of the inaugural event! One night wasn’t big enough, so we need two! That’s right YALitChatters, mark your calendars because April 14th AND 15th we’re having a party and it’s MADE FROM AWESOME!

Night I April 14 @ 8:30-9PM EST: Pre-Show discussion of BEST scenes from each of the author’s books!

9-11PM EST: Melissa Marr, A.S. King, Becca Fitzpatrick, Lisa McMann, Ellen Hopkins, Margaret Stohl, Carrie Ryan, Alyson Noel

Night II April 15 @ 9-11PM EST: Holly Black, Michelle Zink, Scott Westefeld, Kami Garcia, Cassandra Clare, Bree Despain, James Dashner, Sarah Rees Brennan

Additional Information from MundieMoms:

Here's the information:

Both evening chats take place from 9:00 to 11:00 pm EST on Twitter, under the hashtag #yalitchat. After that, all the authors will be joining on MundieMoms site, for more late night party chatting and GIVEAWAYS!!

You can get more information from their yalitchat site here: http://yalitchat.wordpress.com/ or follow them on Ning here: http://yalitchat.ning.com/

Cover of Torment (Fallen #2) by Lauren Kate!

 

Torment by Lauren Kate

This cover is pretty cool, I must say!  I kind of like this better than the cover of Fallen.

I'm not really a fan of the first book but I'm looking forward to Torment to redeem Fallen in a sense.  The premise of the story is interesting and it' still worth reading.

CLOCKWORK ANGEL's cover unveiling on March 18!

Mark your calendars, TMI fans!  Cassandra Clare announced the newson her blog, http://cassandraclare.livejournal.com/36011.html. The revealing will be done on Entertainment Weekly on  March 18, 10:00 AM!

On the same link that day, 25 lucky people can win in the Clockwork Angel sweepstakes where they can win an ARC of the Clockwork Angel!  That's months before the release!  How awesome is that???  Cover and a chance to get your hands on it!

For more information, head on Cassie's blog and read the other details straight from her.

Twilight ECLIPSE Trailer #1

 

Eclipse has more of the actions among the four books (I don't really like the action in the fourth book).  And next to Twilight, Eclipse is my next favorite books in the saga.

I like it when Jacob said, "I'm going to fight for you 'til your heart stops beating."  Seriously, Bella.  Thank you for not choosing him because we can have him instead. lol.

Melissa Marr posted synopsis of e-sequel to Ink Exchange!

Stopping Time stuff & WL free download

 

For those asking,  here is the official synopsis of "Stopping Time":

An exciting e-story original sequel to INK EXCHANGE!

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Stopping Time and Wicked Lovely will be available for free download via e-readers like BN and Amazon.  

So this kinda suck for someone like me who have to e-readers (yet).  ^_^  But Melissa said that the print version will be available in the paperback version of Fragile Eternity.  So I'm looking forward to it!

YA lovers join this chat!

Fallen Archangel will host a chat on Young Adult Books and its influence on young readers. 

Join the chat tomorrow night, March 11 9PM EST at www.fallenarchangel.com

Smart Chicks Kick It Tours!

September 13th—Tour launches at Book People in Austin, Texas w Kelley Armstrong, Melissa Marr, Alyson Noel, Holly Black, Rachel Caine , & Cassandra Clare 7:00 pm BOOKPEOPLE BOOKSTORE

September 14th—B&N The Woodlands in Houston, TX w Kelley Armstrong, Melissa Marr, Alyson Noel, Holly Black, Cassandra Clare, & Rachel Vincent. 7:00 pm B&N, THE WOODLANDS 1201 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, TX 77380

September 15th—Blue Willow in Houston, TX w Kelley Armstrong, Melissa Marr, Alyson Noel, Holly Black, Sarah Rees Brennan, & Cassandra Clare 7:00 pm Remote location details to come Off site event hosted by: BLUE WILLOW

September 16th—Lemuria Jackson, MS w Kelley Armstrong, Melissa Marr, Alyson Noel, Holly Black, Cassandra Clare, & Sarah Rees Brennan 6:00 pm LEMURIA BOOKS 202 Banner Hall 4465 I-55 North Jackson, MS 39206

September 17th—Poisoned Pen Phoenix, AZ w Melissa Marr, Alyson Noel, Kelley Armstrong, Holly Black, Sarah Rees Brennan, Kimberly Derting, and Becca Fitzpatrick 7:00 pm Hosted by POISONED PEN at the Scottsdale Civic Library Auditorium (holds 300 people)

September 18th—Keplers SF, CA w Melissa Marr, Alyson Noel, Kelley Armstrong, Melissa de la Cruz,, Becca Fitzpatrick, & Rachel Vincent KEPLERS

September 20th—Vroman’s w Melissa Marr, Alyson Noel, Kelley Armstrong, Rachel Caine, Melissa de la Cruz, & Mary Pearson 6:00 pm VROMANS BOOKSTORE

September 21st —Mysterious Galaxy w Melissa Marr, Alyson Noel, Kelley Armstrong, Mary Pearson, Rachel Caine, & Carrie Ryan Time & Remote location details to come

September 22nd —Anderson’s Chicago w w Alyson Noel, Kelley Armstrong, Melissa Marr, Jackson Pearce, Jennifer Barnes, & Carrie Ryan 7:00 pm ANDERSON'S BOOKSHOPS 123 West Jefferson Avenue Naperville, IL 60567-3832

September 23rd —Dayton w Alyson Noel, Kelley Armstrong, Melissa Marr, Jackson Pearce, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, & Kami Garcia 7:00 pm “BOOKS & CO: AT THE GREENE”

September 24th —Cincinnati w Alyson Noel, Kelley Armstrong, Melissa Marr, Jessica Verday, Jeri Smith-Ready, & Margaret Stohl 7:00 pm Joseph Beth

September 25th —Toronto w Alyson Noel, Kelley Armstrong, Melissa Marr, Jeri Smith-Ready, Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl 2:00 pm CHAPTERS BRAMPTON 52 Quarry Edge Drive, Brampton, ON

Viggo Mortensen to play Freud in The Talking Cure

Just got the news this morning that Viggo Mortensen has replaced Christoph Waltz as Freud in The Talking Cure.  The film will be directed by David Cronenberg, who directed Mortensen in Eastern Promises.  They will be joined by Michael Fassbender (as Jung) and Keira Knightly (as their patient).

Sources:

http://www.joblo.com/index.php?id=31175
http://www.movieweb.com/news/NErc6ywy1qcCus
http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/People/Celebrities/Actors,+Agents/Viggo+Mortensen

Raven: A Review

Raven
by Allison van Diepen

From Goodreads:

"The door that was always closed is opening, and I am consumed. I don’t know if a full minute goes by that I don’t think of him, that I don’t replay how it felt to have his hand brush mine, his eyes look my way.

And yet he’s hiding, still. He talks as if my feelings for him are in the past, as if they couldn’t possibly be relevant now that I know the truth about him. But I don’t have that kind of power over how I feel. And if he doesn’t know that, he’s blind."

Zin dances with fire in every step, speaks with a honey-sweet voice, and sees with eyes that can peer into your soul. It's no wonder Nicole is madly in love with him. Their friendship is the only thing that saves her from the boredom of school and the turmoil of her family life. But she cannot understand why he keeps her at a distance, even though she can feel his soul reaching out for hers. Zin carries a very old secret. When Nicole uncovers the truth, her love may be the only thing that can save him from it.

Review:

Raven is quite good to be honest.  Although I'd rather borrow a copy to read than own one.  I didn't felt dragged reading it, but although it was short, it felt like forever for me to grasp the story.  There are insights there that are good to note.  It talks of friendship, passion, life and death.  Sometimes living forever is not as lovely as it sounds like, even if you don't need to drink blood, there's always a catch to living forever.

Rating:

Love supernatural romance? Then this one's for you!

From Sarah Rees Brennan's lj (sarahtales):

The authors in this anthology include: Caitlin Kittredge, Karen Mahoney, Diana Peterfreund, Carrie Ryan, Maggie Stiefvater, Becca Fitzpatrick, Michelle Rowen, Rachel Vincent, Daniel Waters and Justine Musk. And me.

It is out in August.

The theme is Supernatural Romance, and so I HIGHLY anticipate there being a zombie boyfriend story in it.

I also anticipate seeing all the different ways unruly authors can run away in different directions with their stories. In The Eternal Kiss, also edited by the lovely Trisha Telep, very few vampires involved remained unharmed. (I have heard it referred to as the Screw You, Vampires! anthology). But people seem to enjoy it! I enjoyed writing my boyband vampires story, I know that.

My story in Kiss Me Deadly is called The Spy Who Never Grew Up, and it is about Peter Pan in a tux with a dead leaf as a bowtie, the Queen of England, and the captain of a crack team of killer fairies called Ninja Star. My editor, who said 'How about fairy romance?' may come for me at any moment. In which case - livejournal, avenge my death!

Captivate: A Review

Captivate
by Carrie Jones

From Goodreads:

Zara and her friends knew they hadn't solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king's needs grow deeper every day he's stuck in captivity, while his control over his people gets weaker. It's made him vulnerable. And now there's a new king in town.

A turf war is imminent, since the new pixie king, Astley, is moving in quickly. Nick nearly killed him in the woods on day one, but Zara came to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he's one of the good guys. Nick isn't buying it, though Zara isn't as sure -- despite herself, she wants to trust the new king. But it's a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It's her life -- and his.

Review: (spoiler alert)

Zara does not only have a personality, she can be stubborn as well.  At least she makes her own choices, hopefully for everyone's best interests.

In the sequel to Need, the Zara and Nick is faced still with pixie problems.  Suddenly there's an influx of pixies!  With the former King held prisoner in his home, weak and unable to feed the fairies are left unchecked.  To make things worse, rule over the fairies of Maine are being coveted by other kings who comes to town.  And in order to assume kingship, they need Zara.  Now Zara is torn between listening to his father and accepting help from a fairy king, Astley who claims he's the good king.  Her choices becomes limited after Nick is kidnapped and brought to Valkyrie.  Her choice might be able to save the town and Nick but mean consequences in her relationships.

The book was left hanging!  I can't wait for the next book to find out what happens in the battle of pixies in Maine and what will come of Zara and her friends.  What will become of her and Nick now that Astley is now in the picture.  What will happen to her father and the rest of the town?  Questions, questions, questions.  Next book please.

Rating:

Need: A Review

Need

by Carrie Jones

 

From Goodreads:

Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.

She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.

In this creepy, compelling breakout novel, Carrie Jones delivers romance, suspense, and a creature you never thought you"d have to fear.

Review:

In line with the fairy frenzy after reading Wicked Lovely and waiting for the next installment in the series, here comes Need by Carrie Jones.

Lightly written for young adults, it's an easy read and an intriguing concept of a story.  Although some may find it weird or strange, it's fiction and these are fairies so expect the strangeness and weird.

Zara just lost his father and already her mother sent her to her grandmother which she felt as an exile.  If not for her cool grandmother, she would feel abandoned in town.  But it seems like she's not the only one who came in town.  She keeps on seeing a man that she feels is stalking her leaving traces of gold dusts.  Already the guy is giving her the creeps.  If not for her new found friends and well, love interest, she would think that she's losing her mind.

Zara's character is quite promising.  She has a personality so to speak.  And the other characters in the story as well.  Especially her grandmother!  Uberly cool.  The story may seem a bit predictable but you get surprises and twist in the end.  I for one still question their choices but it's a premise for the next story, Captivate.

A fun read if you love fairies and  a bit of mystery.

Rating:

It's The Book Resort 1st Blogoversary!

It's The Book Resort 1st Blogoversary!  

And they are giving away a Sony PRS600!  

Shiver: A Review

Shiver
by Maggie Stiefvater

From Goodreads:

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human ... until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

Review:

I was left a bit teary eyed after reading Shiver.  You can really feel how hard it is for this two to be together.  And to think how much they mean to each other makes you think (and feel) how unfair their situation was.

Poetically written, Shiver will evoke emotions and make you fall-in-love with the heartbreaking story of Sam and Grace.  The end will make you want to wish there is really a way for them to be together despite the tragedy of the consequences.

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