Review: Sweet Unrest b y Lisa Maxwell

Sweet Unrest by Lisa Maxwell

Publisher- Flux

Released- Oct 8th 2014

Purchase- Amazon / B & N

Lucy Aimes has always been practical. But try as she might, she can’t come up with a logical explanation for the recurring dreams that have always haunted her. Dark dreams. Dreams of a long-ago place filled with people she shouldn’t know…but does.When her family moves to a New Orleans plantation, Lucy’s dreams become more intense, and her search for answers draws her reluctantly into the old city’s world of Voodoo and mysticism. There, Lucy finds Alex, a mysterious boy who behaves as if they’ve known each other forever. Lucy knows Alex is hiding something, and her rational side doesn’t want to be drawn to him. But she is.As she tries to uncover Alex’s secrets, a killer strikes close to home, and Lucy finds herself ensnared in a century-old vendetta. With the lives of everyone she loves in danger, Lucy will have to unravel the mystery of her dreams before it all comes to a deadly finish.

My Thoughts:

Wow, now this was an impressive debut! I'm really surprised how much I enjoyed  Sweet Unrest.  I always knew I wanted to read this, but I didn't think I'd be this mesmerized by everything this book had to offer.

Lisa Maxwell is a fantastic writer. The storyline has a little bit of everything I crave in a good escape. Voodoo magic, reincarnations, ghost stories, dreams, mystery, suspense and a fierce all consuming love. I also really loved all these characters and felt instantly connected to their stories. Past and present. I was instantly charmed by Maxwell's smooth writing style, absorbing plot and engaging characters. The writing is very smart and sharp and always kept me interested and invested chapter after chapter. To some, the pacing may seem a tad slow, but I rather enjoyed the steady rhythm of intrigue and suspense. I loved the way Maxwell connected us to the past and present by linking us through Lucy while bleeding her dreams into reality. I also really got a kick out of the voodoo element. I can't say that I've read this particular lore in other books before and I've learned that I quite enjoyed the readings, ceremony and dark magical history that comes with it, or at least in Maxwell's world. It was completely fascinating and hands down freak-worthy. Combine all that with the beauty of New Orleans and the mystery of the plantations and you have yourself an irresistible read.

Lucy is an amazing fiery protagonist. She's an ever practical person who doesn't exactly believe in all this voodoo business, but I like that she doesn't flat out reject the idea and keeps an open mind, especially considering  what she's been seeing in her dreams and then seeing it re-enact in her own life. I think that was one of my favorite parts, seeing the dreams, nightmares and visions unfold and watch the mystery play out with thrilling anticipation.

Alexandre is a very alluring character, he's definitely intense in that dark almost threatening mysterious way but also has a playful kindness and charm that you can't resist. His story is haunting and heartbreaking and I couldn't seem to get enough. I absolutely adored the love story. It's a beautiful fierce endless  love that you just want to squeeze and hold close. It may feel like insta-love to some, but I think given the circumstances between Lucy and Alex and their tortured past lives together, this felt more fated then instant and it definitely goes on the list of swoon-worthy goodness.

I also liked the rest of the character, everyone played their parts well and at one point of the story I wasn't sure who I could trust. One of my favorites though was Mama Legba. She gets a huge round of applause. She's the local Voodoo Queen and written with an otherworldly uniqueness that brought in such a perfect tone and flavor to the entire length of the story.  

All in all, I really enjoyed this book so much. It's been a long time since a story as captivated me in a way that I simply could not put the book down at any given point. It's the kind of story that you can just relax and sink into and let the escape take you way. The ending was pretty bittersweet and apart of me - the hopeless sap part - wished for something more, but in it's own way it was kinda perfect. I'm thinking this is a stand-alone, but you wouldn't hear me complain one bit if we get a sequel. I'm simply not ready to let this world go. An amazing and incredibly entertaining debut novel  by Maxwell.  I greatly look forward to see what she comes up with next! 

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                               4.5 Snowflakes

Review: A Breath of Frost by Alyxandra Harvey

A Breath of Frost by Alyxandra Harvey
Publisher- Walker Children
Released- Jan 7th 2014
Purchase- Amazon / B & N

In 1814, three cousins—Gretchen, Emma, and Penelope—discover their family lineage of witchcraft when a binding spell is broken, allowing their individual magical powers to manifest. Now, beyond the manicured gardens and ballrooms of Regency London, an alluring underworld available only to those with power is revealed to the cousins. By claiming their power, the three cousins have accidentally opened the gates to the underworld.
Now ghouls, hellhounds—and most terrifying of all, the spirits of dark witches known as the Greymalkin Sisters—are hunting and killing young debutante witches for their powers. And, somehow, Emma is connected to the murders…because she keeps finding the bodies.
Can the cousins seal the gates before another witch is killed…or even worse, before their new gifts are stripped away?

My Thoughts:

I've always been a huge fan of Alyxandra Harvey since her debut novel, Hearts at Stake and continued to devour the entire Drake Chronicles as well as her ghostly novel, Haunting Violet and fantasy fae novel, Stolen Away. So I was thrilled to see that Harvey has come out with an entirely new trilogy to love, and love it I did. A Breath of Frost has everything I love about reading. Whodunit mystery and murder, magic and maddens, witches and warlocks, witty characters, a blossoming romance, all set against high society historical London. Perfection!

Emma Day has always hated high society parities and could never stand for the dull guest, and snobby proper ladies. Nothing exciting every happens…that is till Emma accidentally broke her mothers old perfume bottle setting off a chain reaction of binding spelled secrets and opening a gate to the Underworld, unleashing nasty wicked undead creatures. Emma should have been more careful for what she wished for…

Wow! What a fun book! I was afraid I wasn't going to enjoy this book the way I wanted to since I’m not the biggest fan of historical and find myself easily lost. But Harvey totally put my mind at ease giving unique and refreshing touches to the plot and her characters and I was able to really appreciate everything and just enjoy the captivating world, fun filled plot and hilarious characters.

There is a lot going on here plot wise, and even though I felt slightly confused and overwhelmed at the beginning of the story, once I stopped asking myself endless questions about what’s going on, I started to just let the story guide me along and soon enough I was able to sink into the world and just enjoy myself as the story unfolded.

This is told in four parts and several point of views and while I would usually find this distracting I actually liked being able to go inside the heads of the other characters. It provided a rounder view to understanding them and the story better.

There are a lot of characters. Cousins, and sisters and love interests and yes, it did take a little bit to get everyone and their family’s straight, but everyone has such unique attitudes and personalities, it wasn't hard getting there.

We also have the history and mystery of Emma’s mothers past and how it links to all the secrets of the Lovegrove sisters. I really enjoyed this part of the story since it connected us even more to Emma and was really the heart of the storyline.

Then we have the Keepers and the Order and all the Underworld creepiness soaking up the streets in historical London and causing mischief, chaos and murders. The creatures were all deliciously dark and disturbing. And every step of the way I adored Harvey’s dedication to detail. The setting was fabulously vivid and rich with historical wonder and even the language was perfectly pitched. I loved the quick witted dialog and crisp banter and sarcasm. It was all beautifully amusing and constantly brought a smile to my face.

But my favorite part of the story is all the lovely twist and turns with every new chapter, I've always been a big fan of magic and witches but the way this story flows and bleeds together was incredibly constant, there was just always something new to learn and it was fun to discover everything this book had to offer.

I enjoyed all of these characters. They were all fantastically put together, likable and easy to connect with. I was invested from minute one till the very last page.

Emma, Penelope and Gretchen are cousins, sisters and best friends. They are all uniquely wonderful in their own ways but are all equally sassy, brave and fiercely protective, supportive and loyal to one another. They didn't know they were witches from the start and I loved how they each grew into their magical ability and learned this new world together. I also thought each witch having their own families (an animal that takes on the shape of their magic to protect them) was such a nifty idea. It’s those little details that make this feel more real, refreshing and imaginative.

Cormac was a little hard to like at first since he was very hot and cold towards Emma. He’s a conflicted creature who wants to prove himself worthy of the Order even though he lacks any magical talents and  has feelings for Emma that he’s not suppose to have. The romance isn't exactly forbidden, but it’s slightly frowned upon given Emma’s family magical background. But it doesn't stop Cormac and Emma from having an undeniable attraction to one another. I love all the little moments between them. The blushed cheeks, stolen kisses and hidden smiles, proving that you don’t always need sexy-times to make a huge impact when it comes to love. It was warm and sweet and more real somehow and even more anticipated since their infuriating uncertainty and flirtatious dance was both comically adorable and maddening.

I also loved all the other secondary character -the good ones and the bad ones- and enjoyed what entertainment they brought into the storyline.

All in all, I had a lot of fun with, A Breath of Frost. It’s surrounded with all the wonderful qualities I love in my escape. Magic, adventure, love stories and old secrets that opened up a shinny new world and I can’t wait to discover more! Another charming and amazing hit from Harvey! Loved!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                          4.5 Snowflakes

Review: Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

Secret by Brigid Kemmerer
Publisher- Kensington Teen
Released- Jan 28th 2014
Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

EARTH. FIRE. AIR. WATER.Nick Merrick is stretched to breaking point. He's trying to keep his grades sky-high or he won't get in to college. He's trying to keep his brother's business afloat or the Merricks will be out on the street. He's trying to keep the secret of where he's going in the evenings from his twin brother Gabriel - or he fears he'll lose his family. And he's trying to keep his mind off the hot, self-assured dancer who is his 'girlfriend's' partner.And then Quinn takes to hanging around his sworn enemy, and an Elemental Guide is counting the hours until he can try again to kill the Merrick brothers. Storms are brewing. On all sides.SECRETS IN THE WIND. DANGER IN THE AIR

My Thoughts:
Secret, is the forth Elemental story and is told in Nick and Quinn’s perspective. I loved how easily Kemmerer entwined their stories together, witnessing the different struggles that these characters are facing and how they go about dealing with it. Nick’s story is more of a journey that he needs to take but fears at the same time. Acceptance is a scary word when you have a house full of brothers and Nick doesn't want to lose them. While Gabriel is complex, bad tempered and troubled, Nick is the good twin, kind and sweet but he’s also tormented by the secrets that are weighting him heavily down. Nick might finally know who is, but he’s scared to let everyone know it too. He’s torn between what he is and what his family will think. With that constant struggles also comes with the added pressures of the Guide who wants his family dead, school, the business and wielding elements they can’t always control. While Quinn is dealing with a very unstable family life and rather play the illusion as Nick’s girlfriend then deal with more rejection and turns to someone unexpectedly for comfort.

Wow, Kemmerer does not disappoint! While I love all the books in this series, I’d have to say this is my new favorite of the four. Secret, is the prefect name for this novel, since that’s exactly what this book is laced with, lots and lots of secrets. But when you’re holding something too tightly, eventually you have to let go and with it comes the fears and hopes of the outcome that will inevitable follow. I have to give high props to Kemmerer for writing this book and not shying away from hard subject matters like; self-discovery, sexuality and abuse. Kemmerer moves this story with gentleness and determination, carefully and cautiously going through each layered emotion and tender and terrifying moments. Secret may be the least action packed out of the series, but it’s also the most emotionally charged. And while I missed the trademark Merrick brother banter, this story still had enough laugh out moments, fun filled banter and sarcasm that made those heavy moments light and fun filled. I think that’s what I love about these books the most. They are just wonderfully addicting, fun, entertaining solid reads that have real characters with real problems who also just happen to have kickass powers that influence the elements as well, making each book standout in both action and heart.

Nick Merrick broke my heart in a million different pieces. His feelings throughout this novel were both so beautiful and painful to endure. I could really feel the agonizing emotions going through his mind and wanting to start a new life with new feelings and explore those moments freely without regret or doubts. I'm proud of a Nick for owning up to who he is but I could also understand his genuine paralyzing fear confessing his secrets to his brothers who may have their own issues but have always been solid and caring and close like a family should be. I can also see why it was so difficult to admit his secrets to his best friend and twin, Gabriel since they have a deeper connection then the rest of the boys. Gabriel has never made it easy on the readers to really fall heads over heals for him -a perfect example in this book-but when push comes to shove, Gabriel is still someone I’d want by side no matter what. 

Nick’s thoughts and feeling for Adam is really so adorable. I never really thought of Nick as an insecure guy, but when real feelings are behind real emotions it’s a whole new story. 

The relationship between Nick and Adam was tastefully done, but it was also pretty dame sexy and romantic. Kemmerer doesn't back down from the hot, heavy and intense and I was surprised by how far she took the intimacy. I loved every minute of it.

~Adam is an amazing character who is patient and kind and understands what Nick is going through. He has his own sad story and my heart broke even more hearing it, but it’s what made him stronger and comfortable enough to help Nick deal with his new found lifestyle. 

~I have very mixed feelings for Quinn and thought she was kinda all over the place. Most of the time she’s great, supportive and funny and I understand and sympathize with her horrific family life and that she’s tired of being lied to and used. But a lot of her decisions left a funny taste in my mouth since it tasted a whole lot like betrayal. She felt like such a hypocrite, tired and pissed off with everyone's secrets and yet she has enough of her own. 

~Then we have Tyler and in all honesty, I’m not sure how I feel about him. There is a lot of history and hatred between him and the Merrick boys and I’m not sure a couple good turns deserve redemption for all the crap he’s pulled. I guess I’ll have to see how I feel about him in the next book.

All in all, another Kemmerer hit! I love me these Merrick boys and I couldn't love a book more. Kemmerer is a fantastic storyteller who gives real depth to her characters who are easy to connect with, amazingly put together and extremely likable. Part contemporary, part paranormal and hundred percent consuming and addicting. Fans of this series will want this for gem for their must have collection. I can’t wait till the next installment and Michael's full length novel, Sacrifice!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                               4.5 snowflakes 

Review:The Unseemly Education of Anne Merchant by Joanna Wiebe

The Unseemly Education of Anne Merchant 
by Joanna Wiebe
Publisher-BenBella Books
Released- Jan 14th 2014
Purchase- Amazon/ B & N

So many secrets for such a small island. From the moment Anne Merchant arrives at Cania Christy, a boarding school for the world’s wealthiest teens, the hushed truths of this strange, unfamiliar land begin calling to her—sometimes as lulling drumbeats in the night, sometimes as piercing shrieks.One by one, unanswered questions rise. No one will tell her why a line is painted across the island or why she is forbidden to cross it. Her every move—even her performance at the school dance—is graded as part of a competition to become valedictorian, a title that brings rewards no one will talk about. And Anne discovers that the parents of her peers surrender million-dollar possessions to enroll their kids in Cania Christy, leaving her to wonder what her lowly funeral director father could have paid to get her in… and why.As a beautiful senior struggles to help Anne make sense of this cloak-and-dagger world without breaking the rules that bind him, she must summon the courage to face the impossible truth—and change it—before she and everyone she loves is destroyed by it.

My Thoughts: 
Wow, what a handful.

I don’t even know how many times I wanted to give up on this book, but as I kept reading, my pesky curiosity would keep me turning the pages till I figured out what the hell was going on. A big part of me was really glad I did since all the revelations turned out to be worth the frustration, exasperation and pure bewilderment of this novel, but man, what a freaken trip getting there.

Getting a fresh start at Cania Christy boarding school is just what Anne Merchant needs. After the death of her mother, Anne hasn’t been the same and having a mortician for a father doesn't usually pay the big bucks, but some how he got her in an expensive school on Wormwood Island, Maine, an Academy that only admits the best of the best. But once Anne gets to Cania Christy things go from strange to plain ol’crazy. Just exactly what kind of place did her father land her in...

... And that my friends, is the biggest question here and the biggest asset, The Unseemly Education of Anne Merchant has to offer. The mystery of Wormwood Island. There is a lot to process here since this book has got to be one of the most evasive and intricately connected storylines I read in a very long time. The sheer mystery alone will have readers curious and hell bent to try to figure out what going on. Once the big reveal happened and our protagonist finally gets in on the big secrets, I could see why Wiebe chose to be so deceptive. It’s actually very clever once I go back and lock the pieces together and intertwine the island, the village, the school, the students, the tuition and the crazy-ass Headmaster. The twist and turns really made this book standout and demand attention.

But wait, there’s more. I can’t leave out the Big V and PT. It all starts off with the obsessive competition all the students are racing for, the Big V, which is to win Valedictorian. Each student has a Guardian to oversee their progress academically but mostly making sure they are using their PT selection to the fullest. Prosperitas Thema is a moral quality statement that marks your strength and success in order to win the Big V. Strangely enough, Anne first quality selected is Seduction, but she actually went with her alternative PT, which was, Looking Closer. Why the first was even mention is beyond me since it was never really applied to the storyline except as a sexual advance by another character. The parents of the students also play a big role into the story; asking how far would you go for your child? 

Now, given that we don’t learn anything till almost near the end gave this book a huge info-dump making the beginning of the story hard to get through but the end of the book hard to put down. The pacing and flow feels way off, but was actually intentionally off balance to throw the reader and our main protag into a frenzy of questions with endless possibilities. It was difficult at times to wrap my head around, but I ended up really liking the ideas, concept and the paranormal twist that Joanna Wiebe created.

I wish I could say the same thing about the characters though. They were driving me insane. The one character that I did like was Anne. I liked that she can total handle her own and that she’s not afraid to ask questions or stand up for herself, which sadly she had to do a lot in this book. She lives with a housemother who treats her like a business deal, the over played mean girls don’t waste anytime harassing her simple cause they can and the Headmaster’s idea of a warm welcome were insults and sexual innuendo’s and this pretty much happens within the first few chapters. So be warned, it starts off a bit ridiculous but it does get better.

As for the rest of the characters, Ben and Pilot, I liked but I didn't. Ben acts cold and cruel towards Anne almost through the entire novel, but since he was trying to protect her, he’s easy to forgive. And as for Pilot, well, he was a good friend, the only friend that Anne had, but not everything is as it seems in this book. And that’s all I’m gonna say about that.

My biggest issue here was Teddy. This is one guy I just did not understand. His looks are less then desirable, and he has a creepy factor going on that makes me want to shutter just thinking about him. He’s pleasant and supportive one minute and hostile and demanding the next. I also didn't care for his ‘it would be an abuse of power’ comment, only to turn around and suggest otherwise. Sick. But what I don’t get the most about this guy is I'm still not sure if he's good or evil. Everything about him felt very inconsistent, damaged and wrong.

I also had a little issue with all the other sexual-attention used in this book, it was uncomfortable, tacky and gave the book an ick-factor that wasn't really necessary nor needed to get any points across.

And last but not least, the love story. I’m not sure if I can say there was any real romance in this book since the mystery pretty much took up the entire novel, but I will say that I loved the connection between Ben and Anne and who Ben turned out to be. I never saw that coming and thought it was a very sweet touch to the storyline and probably one of my favorite moments.

In a nut shell, I liked this book, but it was a struggle getting there. The writing is good, frustrating yes, but smart. The character drove me nuts, but even I have to admit, everything happens here for a reason and I liked that nothing is what it seems. The plot has a million twists and turns that made my head spin and made me feel like I was constantly missing something but when push comes to shove, this has a really great and creative story, and I’m curious enough to want to know what happens next. If you’re a fan of boarding school books, paranormal and crazy mystery then this may be a book you’d enjoy. It may not have always been easy to get through, but it was still worth the read.

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                                3.5 Snowflakes

Review: Daylighters by Rachel Caine

Daylighters by Rachel Caine
Publisher-Penguin Group (NAL)
Released- Nov 5th 203
Purchase- Amazon / B & N

While Morganville, Texas, is often a troubled town, Claire Danvers and her friends are looking forward to coming home. But the Morganville they return to isn’t the one they know; it’s become a different place—a deadly one…Something drastic has happened in Morganville while Claire and her friends were away. The town looks cleaner and happier than they’ve ever seen it before, but when their incoming group is arrested and separated—vampires from humans—they realize that the changes definitely aren’t for the better.It seems that an organization called the Daylight Foundation has offered the population of Morganville something they’ve never had: hope of a vampire-free future. And while it sounds like salvation—even for the vampires themselves—the truth is far more sinister and deadly.Now, Claire, Shane and Eve need to find a way to break their friends out of Daylighter custody, before the vampires of Morganville meet their untimely end

My Thoughts:

I was late to the party when the first Morganville book came out back in 2006. I ended up reading the first book, Glass House, four years later, in 2010, quickly fell in love with it and proceeded to read the next eight books in the series. With ever addition I became head-over-heals addicted and couldn't wait to dive back into my beloved town filled with the most witty characters, bone-chilling vampires and crazy action. So, I write this review with a heavy heart. Fifteen books later and my beloved Morganville is over. Even though I was ready to let them go, I will never forget the amazing experience I had with this escape. It was a place, I indeed, never wanted to leave.

Daylighters starts off minutes after Fall of Night ends. There is a new boss in town and he’s cleaning up all the imperfections by repairing old buildings and houses and taking out any trash he finds along the way. Which are namely, Vampires. It’s up to Claire, Shane and Eve to find a way to stop Fallon and the Daylighters foundation and get back their friends in a heart-pumping, pulse-pounding and action-packed finale that screams Morganville style!!

Since this is the last book, I don’t like to give out any spoils, so all I’m gonna say is that I love that this book delivered all kinds of awesome. Caine gave us one last explosive hurrah in this fast-paced, twisty and intriguing conclusion in the Morganville series. I love the hellhound’s idea and how it affected a couple of these characters. I though I saw it all in these books, but leave it to Caine to give us one more paranormal goodie one last time. I also love that Caine gave us a little surprise in this book. I never thought it could happen, or well, be possible and I kept thinking how brilliant of a move it was and very well played for the final book. I feel so blue. There are just so many of my favorite series ending and it feels like I have nothing to look forward to anymore. I know it’s not true and it’s just the sadness talkin’, but it’s just so odd to imagine that I won’t be picking up another Morganville book next year. Claire, Shane, Michael, Eve and Myrnin were some of my all time favorite characters ever written. I can’t even express how much I will truly miss them.

There is a something Oliver said to Claire in this book that stayed with me;

“You know, you are not the mousy little thing I met that morning in Common Grounds,” he said. “You've become something else entirely. It’s to your credit, but it’s also extremely inconvenient.”
Now, this quote is really saying something when you have someone like Oliver who actually recognizes how much Claire has grown in this book. She has become a very strong, independent and fierce friend and ally. Be gone is the girl who let Monica Morrell push her around and is replaced by a character that has faced endless maddening challenges, and comes out of each experience with her head a little higher and her skills-both in mind and body- a little more kickass. I've never been prouder.
Shane has had many bumps along the road in this series, but one thing that’s never truly wavered was his loyalty to his friends and his love for Claire. He may have acted like an asshat on occasion and may still be a punk, but he’s my punk and he will always own a piece of my heart.
Eve and Michael deserve all kinds of happiness and I’m glad that they got to do it right in the end. And last but not least, my beloved crazy-ass bipolar Vampire, Myrnin. I've always adored Myrnin’s eccentric behavior and will miss his flip-flops, vampire bunny slippers and his pet Bob-the-spider. He’s been one of the most entertaining and corky character that I've ever read and as crazy as it sounds, I think I’ll miss him the most.

I really don’t know what else to say, expect that these books will be forever loved and missed. I will always treasure the friendship between Claire, Shane, Eve and Michael. They have some of the best chemistry, banter and wit that never failed to put a smile on my face or dip my stomach in butterflies. I can’t even count how many times I've reached for these books when ever I have readers-block and I’m sure I’ll still visit these old friends the next time that happens.
I hate to say good-bye to Morgaville, but I’m happy with the way it ends. With hope and happiness and Tacos;) Congrats and thanks to Rachel Caine for bringing us thrills, chills, laughter, friends and romance in the world of Vampires. They will never be forgotten.

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                                4.5 Snowflakes

Review: Pretty Dark Nothing by Heather L. Reid

Pretty Dark Nothing by Heather L. Reid

Publisher-Month9Books

Release- April 23rd 2013

Purchase-Amazon / B & N / Chapters

When demons invade her dreams and tease of her death, Quinn, and Aaron, a boy with amnesia, must find a way to banish the darkness back to the underworld for good. That is, unless the demons kill them first.Book Summary: It’s been twenty three days since Quinn has slept for more than minutes at a time. Demons have invaded her dreams, stalking her, and teasing of her death. The lack of sleep and crippling fear are ruining her life. Energy drinks and caffeine pills don’t make a dent. When Quinn dozes off in the school hallway, Aaron, an amnesiac with a psychic ability, accidentally enters her nightmare. The demons are determined to keep them apart, and Aaron from discovering the secret locked away in his memory. Together, they could banish the darkness back to the underworld for good. That is, unless the demons kill them first.

My Thoughts:
It's been 18 months of relentless nightmares terrorizing Quinn's dreams, every since her father walked out on them and never came back. Quinn hasn't slept in 23 days and does everything she can to stay awake. She can't go back there. The veil to reality and the dreamworld are to thin. The shadows will always find her, unleashing tendrils that snake around her body pulling her into an endless eerie darkness, toying with her mind and driving her insane. Threatening to take her. Soon. With no escape and no one to save her.

They even haunt her during the day, ensuring she finds no comfort or release. They hide in the shadows festering her mind, taunting, stalking, pushing and dancing on her heightened emotions.

Quinn use to feel normal. Use to be a cheerleader and had a boyfriend, but her depression and sleep-deprivation changed all that, leaving her a former shell of what she use to be as she watches her boyfriend be with another girl, taking the life she use to have with total ease. She aches for teenage normalcy and peace. Something she may never have.

Aaron Collier has always harbored a secret obsession for Quinn Taylor the minute he meet her. But he also has a secret psychic ability every since the accident that took his mom and sister away and then later his own life and memories. So when Quinn collapses in the middle of the hallway and Aaron catches her he can't help get a glimpse into her living nightmare, watching as dark creatures try to destroy her from the inside out. He does the only thing he can by trying to manipulate the situation by using the connection to bring her back. But the dark creatures recognizes him somehow and what he's trying to achieve, attacks then recoils. Could Aaron be Quinn's only hope and saving grace? Can he save her from the dark prison of evil that has taken over her entire life? Or will the demons find a way to keep them apart...

Pretty Dark Nothing is a spine-tingling paranormal debut novel that is very dark with heartbreaking characters that you can't help feel sympathy for everything they had/have to endure. This is the stuff that really breaks your soul. Heather L. Reid, really captures that deep dark desperate depression in her writing. Almost to the point where you feel like your drowning in nothing but pain and sorrow right along with these characters. There really isn't much happy times in this escape or much for these characters to look forward to. 

But then the story started to move in a different direction with your typical high school issues; mean girls, ex-boyfriend, angst and head games. I also was really upset with the whole Jeff/Quinn deal and couldn't believe that Quinn took it that far (okay, so a sinister twisting voice got in her head, but still). And to top it all off Kerstin's news shifted the whole story into overkill drama. 

However, it was the ending and the final revelation that made this book finally come together. Like all the missing pieces to a puzzle finally clicked in place for us to see and appreciate the grand picture. I found myself completely absorbed and upset that it had to end where it did, I wanted more.

Overall, this turned out to be a decent read. The writing is a tad uneven but has a lot of potential, passion and promise. Reid can write, she has good ideas, they're just a little scattered. These characters are flawed and messy, but they also had their moments of warmth and tenderness and they make you feel and make you believe, which is always a good thing. And last but not least, we have an ending worthy of a sequel and I for one have high hopes for what's still to come.

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website

                                                                   3 Snowflakes

Review: Prophecy Girl by Cecily White

Prophecy Girl by Cecily White
Publisher: Entangled
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Amelie Bennett. . . . Ending the world, one prophecy at a time.

I was born to slay Crossworld demons.
Big black flappy ones, little green squirmy ones. Unfortunately, the only thing getting slain these days is my social life. With my high school under attack, combat classes intensifying, and Academy instructors dropping right and left, I can barely get my homework done, let alone score a bondmate before prom.
Then he shows up.
Jackson Smith-Hailey. Unspeakably hot, hopelessly unattainable, and dangerous in all the right ways. Sure, he’s my trainer. And okay, maybe he hates me. Doesn’t mean I’ll ignore the wicked Guardian chemistry between us. It’s crazy! Every time I’m with him, my powers explode. Awesome, right?
Wrong.
Now my teachers think I’m the murderous Graymason destined to bring down our whole race of angelbloods. Everyone in New Orleans is hunting me. The people I trusted want me dead. Jack and I have five days to solve the murders, prevent a vampire uprising, and thwart the pesky prophecy foretelling his death by my hand. Shouldn’t be too difficult.

Getting it done without falling in love. . . that might take a miracle.

My thoughts:
Prophecy Girl was just okay for me.  It kinda felt like the same ole YA paranormal story, but it did have a good twist at the end that pulled me a little more.  Until the end though I wasn't really into the story and I had a few major problems that I wasn't able to get over even with the twist. 

The first thing that bothered me was the pacing of the story.  It felt like it went from zero to one hundred in one page.  The first fourth of the book was set up and then BAM we are thrown into a very intense situation with nothing more than a small paragraph to explain what happened over the 3 days or so that Amelie was unconscious.  I needed way more than a paragraph and it felt like the author went "oh I need action!  I forgot!"  then just threw it in.  I can't lie I did like the whole situation that occurred but I didn't like it all thrown at me. 

The story kinda lagged then after with too much "I want him but he hates me" stuff going on.   I have read this type of romance before and while I did like Jackson to some degree I hated that he kept calling her Miss. Bennett and I hated that she had to wait so long to find out her history.  Like I said in the beginning it all just felt like the same ole same ole story. I would have much preferred to read about the world that the author created because it was unique and different, instead the story focused on the romance and the sarcastic wit of the main characters.

Amelie and Jackson were fun characters and did have a few fun moments.  They aren't unforgettable though. Amelie was sarcastic and kick bookies, but not as tough as other characters I have read and the same with Jackson.  He was just okay.  I hate saying stuff like this but this is how I feel.  I wanted more from them and I can't get passed that.

I am not sure what else to say about this one.  Again I have a feeling that this is just me and my mood since I have seen a lot of favorable reviews for this, but it wasn't for me. Prophecy isn't bad as you can see I am going with 3 snowflakes, it just needed more.  i am giving it a 3 because it was good for your typical YA paranormal story.

3 Snowflakes