Review: The Veil (Devil's Isle #1) by Chloe Neill

The Veil (Devil's Isle #1) 

by Chloe Neill 

Published August 4th 2015 by NAL Trade 

Seven years ago, the Veil that separates humanity from what lies beyond was torn apart, and New Orleans was engulfed in a supernatural war. Now, those with paranormal powers have been confined in a walled community that humans call the District. Those who live there call it Devil's Isle. Claire Connolly is a good girl with a dangerous secret: she’s a Sensitive, a human endowed with magic that seeped through the Veil. Claire knows that revealing her skills would mean being confined to Devil’s Isle. Unfortunately, hiding her power has left her untrained and unfocused. Liam Quinn knows from experience that magic makes monsters of the weak, and he has no time for a Sensitive with no control of her own strength. But when he sees Claire using her powers to save a human under attack—in full view of the French Quarter—Liam decides to bring her to Devil’s Isle and the teacher she needs, even though getting her out of his way isn’t the same as keeping her out of his head. But when the Veil threatens to shatter completely, Claire and Liam must work together to stop it, or else New Orleans will burn…

My Thoughts

I haven't not read any of Chloe Neill's books before but this was really enjoyable for my first one. She has an awesome take on the city of New Orleans and also on "Paras" or paranormals. This was probably one of my favorite Urban Fantasies I have ever read.

This story follows Claire Connolly, a teenage girl who is alone in a war torn world. A world ripped apart when Para's made it through the veil. Even though the Veil is now patched up, things are extremely desperate as humans fear for their lives. The government tried to contain all those with any magic to Devil's Isle whether they are harmful or not. This is Claire's worst fear. Since she is a sensitive, she is in constant fear of discovery. When a chance encounter tests her morality to the limits Claire makes a choice that catapults her onto path she never would have taken herself but is exactly where she needed to go. If she uses her magic to much and doesn't control it, it will devour her and she will became a wraith! I Thought the descriptions of the Paranormals were quite interesting just as I was intrigued by the way the magic worked in this story.

Even though the story starts extremely slow once the setting and characters are established the pace picks up a nicely. This became a fairly quick read for me since I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I actually couldn't resist the tension between claire and Liam, a man who works for the government but also has a heart of gold. He doesn't want to see Claire become a wraith and after witnessing her save the girl's life he knows she is something special. I loved the fact that weren't all over each other from the jump. This is going to be the slow smoldering type of romance. They are both smart and not letting their emotions get in the way of their thinking...yet anyway.

The setting was also a perfect choice. New Orleans is such a unique place. There is just a different vibe there. My father lived close for a few years and everytime I went to visit I could totally see how it was the birthplace of so much legend and lore. The way Neill incorporates the city into this story is perfection.

Overall, this was strong first story in an Urban Fantasy series I will be sure to continue!

3 Snowflakes

Review: Shadowshaper by Daniel Jose Older

Shadowshaper 

by Daniel José Older 

Published June 30th 2015
by Arthur A. Levine Books 

 Cassandra Clare meets Caribbean legend in SHADOWSHAPER, an action-packed urban fantasy from a bold new talent.
 Sierra Santiago was looking forward to a fun summer of making art, hanging out with her friends, and skating around Brooklyn. But then a weird zombie guy crashes the first party of the season. Sierra's near-comatose abuelo begins to say "No importa" over and over. And when the graffiti murals in Bed-Stuy start to weep.... Well, something stranger than the usual New York mayhem is going on. Sierra soon discovers a supernatural order called the Shadowshapers, who connect with spirits via paintings, music, and stories. Her grandfather once shared the order's secrets with an anthropologist, Dr. Jonathan Wick, who turned the Caribbean magic to his own foul ends. Now Wick wants to become the ultimate Shadowshaper by killing all the others, one by one. With the help of her friends and the hot graffiti artist Robbie, Sierra must dodge Wick's supernatural creations, harness her own Shadowshaping abilities, and save her family's past, present, and future.

My Thoughts

I am usually one to steer away from the blurb promise of X meets Y however, when it involves one of my favorite authors (Cassie Clare and the caribbean legends I couldn't help myself. I was instantly intrigued. I also was lucky enough to interview Jose on my person blog and it was one of the most fun interviews I have ever done. His answers were awesome and reflect his personality to a tee! If you want to check out that interview you can so *here*. Tons of people want to be a part of the We Need diverse Books movement. Well here is great place to start, by supporting some authors who have diverse M.C.'s. Shadowshaper was such a culturally rich and imaginative book that I devoured it in mere hours. I have veered away from Urban fantasy in lieu of more historical or medieval setting so this was a such a breathe of fresh air. Also the murals come to life?! How freakin cool is that?

It was very amazing watching this plot unfurl before my eyes. I thought things were going to be a bit slow at first but then the pieces started to click and it was a downhill sprint from then on. I have such a soft spots for grandparents since I was raised by mine. the knowledge they hold should be treasured and it was great to see Sierra take to that even though her grandfather hasn't been with it most of the time. The supporting cast was a riot. The romance was adorable as well! It didn't overwhelm the story of the Shadowshapers. It was simply icing on the cake. 

The thing that stood out most to me was Jose's portrayal of Brooklyn. It felt so realistic. You could truly see the author's love and respect for the city and its cultures shine brightly through in his writing. I am not a culturally diverse teen but it was nice to see some issues that are struggled with internally.

Shadowshaper is truly unique urban fantasy sure to please all fans who love art and a good story!

5 Snowflakes

Review: Unchained by J. Lynn

Unchained by J. Lynn
Publisher- Entangled Edge
Released- Sept 17th 2013
Purchase- Amazon / B & N / Kobo

Between the pissed off creatures that want demon-hunter Lily Marks dead and the fallen angel who just...wants her, Lily is about ready to trade in forever for a comfy job in a cubicle farm.The fact that she and Julian are civil to one another is enough to have her thrown out of the Sanctuary, but she can't shake her not-so-angelic stalker or how he brings her dangerously close to ecstasy.Her forbidden relationship with Julian provides the perfect fuel for suspicion when a traitor is discovered to be working within the Sanctuary. Lily quickly finds herself hunted by well, everyone.Her only hope is to discover the real traitor before she loses everything--and she'll need Julian's help. That is, if Julian is really there to help her...and not destroy her.Yeah, being a Nephilim isn't everything it's cracked up to be.

 ***warning: this is an adult urban fantasy: contains graphic sexual situations, violence, and profanity, recommended for 18 and up**

My Thoughts:

It's no secret that I devour anything JLA, so I was happy to finally get this book in my greedy little hands. It felt like forever for Unchained to finally come out, and I'm happy to say it was so worth the wait.

Jennifer doesn't waste any time turning up the heat to a scorching level. Right from the first chapter we get a taste of what's to come. I've read my share of angel books, but I love what Jennifer brought into this lore. The secret world of Nephilim's, the Fallen and deadheads is dark, distributing and even a bit sadistic at times, with more then a few twist to keep us glued to the pages. The action was chalked full of kickass moments. It's fast paced and entertaining with a great mix of mystery, suspense, intrigue and sizzling chemistry.

I've always love the way Jennifer gives a certain zest to all of her characters. They all have this witty sass and fire that has me completely invested and holding on to what they say and do next.

Lily is an awesome protag. Fierce and strong but vulnerable in her own way. She may be a powerful Nephilim but her passion for the hunt as taken over her life and she's more lost then she believed. That is, till Julian walked in her life and shakes up her entire world.

Julian is my favorite kind of trouble. The minute we meet him he sets the tone of the book to a roaring desire. Dark and brooding and just dripping with sex appeal. I love the way he always seems to be there for Lily, watching and protecting her. But there is so much more to this man and not knowing his true intentions right from the start made this even more fun to read.

The romance is heart-pounding and delicious. It's the kind of romance that's forbidden, dangerous, undeniable and completely irresistible and the sexy times were sweet and seductive. 

I really enjoyed the other characters as well and was surprised once we found out who was betraying the Sanctuary all along. I never saw that coming.  

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. The plot is smart the writing is, as always, remarkable and all of these characters are wonderfully developed and easy to connect with. I'm not use to reading very many urban fantasy, but leave it to Jennifer to have me begging for more. I'm looking forward to seeing where she will take this world and these characters next. 
A fantastic read!

Find the author:

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