Cover Reveal! Amber Smoke by Kristin Cast

Today we have a special treat! 

This book is for 18+ as it New Adult. 

The door to the massive New York Times bestselling HOUSE OF NIGHT series has closed. 

    Now, Kristin Cast kicks down a new door to welcome her millions of fans to her latest sizzling series.

Ready for this guys...

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Here it is...

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Amber Smoke by Kristin Cast
(The Escaped #1)
Published by: Diversion Books
Publication date: June 9th 2015
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal

There is a world that runs parallel to our own, a world in which the souls of the damned are caged, where they are looked over by the Furies, and where they spend eternity in torment, mirroring the devastation and mayhem they created when alive.
Someone has opened the cage.
The worst of terrors has crossed the barrier that separates our world from theirs, and the Furies send a great, albeit untested warrior—their only son, Alek—to try to bring those souls back.  He is young and handsome, headstrong and impulsive, and he won’t be able to do it alone.
Eva has grown up, beautiful and beloved, but surrounded by secrets.  First, she will be hunted in an ancient feud that will threaten her life.  Then, she will become the hunter.
With the police closing in and two worlds on the verge of crumbling around them, Alek and Eva must find each other, discover the limits of their powers, and work together to save everything they hold dear, including one another.  Blending elements of mythology with the dazzling storytelling that her fans have devoured through the HOUSE OF NIGHT series, Kristin Cast weaves a spellbinding and passionate tale that starts a thrilling new series with an explosive charge.

Add To Goodreads:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23946098-amber-smoke?ac=1

Pre-order: 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QW9029C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00QW9029C&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwdiversio08-20&linkId=NSGBM5RKUFWYGS5V

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/amber-smoke-cast/1121065332?ean=9781626815537

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/amber-smoke?utm_source=linkshare_us&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=linkshare_us&siteID=7W0jeRqnKFU-wTrZYNi5CRcmHmUKBSTROw

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/amber-smoke/id950848253?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

AUTHOR BIO:

Kristin Cast is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author who teamed with her mother to write the young adult House of Night series. She has stories in several anthologies, as well as editorial credits, and a thriving t-shirt line. The first book in her new adult paranormal romance series releases June 9th, 2015!

Author Links:

https://www.facebook.com/KristinCastAuthor

http://www.kcastauthor.com/

https://twitter.com/KCastAuthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17010.Kristin_Cast

Review: The Dark World by Cara Lynn Shultz

The Dark World by Cara Lynn Shultz
Publisher- Harlequin Teen
Published- May 27th 2014
Purchase- Amazon / B & N

Paige Kelly is used to weird--in fact, she probably corners the market on weird, considering that her best friend, Dottie, has been dead since the 1950s. But when a fire demon attacks Paige in detention, she has to admit that things have gotten out of her league. Luckily, the cute new boy in school, Logan Bradley, is a practiced demon slayer-and he isn't fazed by Paige's propensity to chat with the dead. Suddenly, Paige is smack in the middle of a centuries-old battle between warlocks and demons, learning to fight with a magic sword so that she can defend herself. And if she makes one wrong move, she'll be pulled into the Dark World, an alternate version of our world that's overrun by demons-and she might never make it home.

My Thoughts:
After the accident that very much took her life, but was brought back, Paige Kelly's life hasn't been the same. For one thing her best friend, Dottie, is a ghost from the 50's and only Paige can see and talk to her. She may be considered the school freak and insane but soon Paige will find out just how sane she really is. With the help from Logan, a new transfer at school, Paige learns that she's actually a Traveler; a person with a type of energy who can open a portal to the human world and the Dark World and with an old-aged war brewing between the Demons and Warlocks for control over the throne, Paige is caught in a spiralling twist between the demons who want to kidnap her and the boy trying to protect her and hopefully find a way to come out of this alive.

The Dark World is a very fun ghostly paranormal that has everything I  like in an escape. Witty warm characters, funny dialogue, incredible writing and smart world building. Plus give me a book about Travelers, Demons, Slayers, Magic and Warlocks and I'm completely sold. I've read Shultz Spellbound series and already knew that I love the way this women writes, but I think she's stepped it up even more with this book. It's solid, intriguing and fascinating, and I had a great time learning along with Paige about the different demons and how they create havoc in the human world and what the role of a slayer and warlock entails. I also got a kick out of Paige's training sections. It was comical and enlightening and gave the perfect excuse for our two main leads to learn each others strengths and weaknesses and it doesn't hurt that the tension was very yummy indeed.

Paige is an amazing character. Despite being a freak in everyone's eyes, Paige doesn't take crap from anyone. I love her good natured humor, random liners and the ability to go with the flow. I also love that she's quick to do the right thing even to those who don't exactly deserve it. She resistant, brave and a good person. 

Logan is made of awesome. Skilled, confident and collected when in battle-mode but awkward and shy when it's just one on one. He may be a badass demonslayer with a magical sword but he still has his uncertainties and secrets that make him feel more real. 

Ajax, is another character that I just adored. Funny, sexy and a real charmer, he brought endless amusement and entertainment to the story. The romance was also very well done and set at a gradual pace but inevitable just the same. The moments between Paige and Logan are really very sweet and touching and has an all consuming touch that the sap in me can't seem to get enough of. I also liked the ending, not exactly a cliff hanger but enough to have me craving for more.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It's chalked full of non-stop demonic and magical action that kept the story moving at a quick and steady pace. The writing is very smart and these characters had me invested from minute one. A promising start to a new series I very much plan to continue. Well done!

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                              4 Snowflakes

Review: Beware the Wild by Natalie C. Parker

Beware the Wild by Natalie C. Parker
Publisher- Harper Teen
Published- Oct 21st 2014
Purchase- Amazon / B & N

It's an oppressively hot and sticky morning in June when Sterling and her brother, Phin, have an argument that compels him to run into the town swamp -- the one that strikes fear in all the residents of Sticks, Louisiana. Phin doesn't return. Instead, a girl named Lenora May climbs out, and now Sterling is the only person in Sticks who remembers her brother ever existed.
Sterling needs to figure out what the swamp's done with her beloved brother and how Lenora May is connected to his disappearance -- and loner boy Heath Durham might be the only one who can help her.
This debut novel is full of atmosphere, twists and turns, and a swoon-worthy romance.

My Thoughts:
After a huge fight with his sister, Phineas takes off into the forbidden swamp that stretch throughout the town. Scared and worried about her brother, Sterling waits for him to come back but instead of Phin, a girl named Lenora May, emerges from the swamp. She took over Phin's life and no one seems to remember him besides Sterling and what's worse is she's starting to have memories of the sister she's never had. Sterling will do anything to get back her brother, but she doesn't know if she has the heart to send Lenora May back to the one place she fears the most.

Truth? I had my doubts at first about this one, but it turned out that I really ended up enjoying this book a lot more then I thought. Beware the Wild isn't like most books I've read, it has a really unusual but fascinating plot, likeable and animated characters that piece the story out in a suspenseful, haunting and intense way and the writing has this irresistible pull that had me completely absorbed. If your gonna tell a swamp story? This is a nifty way to do it!

I really enjoyed the plot concept, it's definitely out there, but given this is a paranormal, it was easy to just go with the flow. My favorite part of the story was learning about the swamp and hearing the stories related to it and then later how it's connected to Sterling's family. The swamp was written so vividly that it was it's own main character. It's alive with evil forces and ghost of the victims consumed but it. Riddled with darkness and danger and magic that has the power to entice and repulse you at the same time. It's eerie and maddening and completely intriguing.

While the swamp was definitely it's own force, I have to hand it to these amazing characters that made it so worth the while.

Sterling is such a great character. I love her determination, strength and bravery. She's been through a lot in  her life with an abusive father but the bond that she has with her brother is unshakable. Phin was always there for her, protecting her and taking care of her and my heart really went out to Sterling for losing such an anchor.

I was a little surprised that I liked Lenora May has much as I did. By all rights the reader should have hated her for taking Phin's place, and yet I found myself sympathetic towards all she's been through. Parker really could have went either way with a character like this, but I'm really glad with the direction she went with. Lenora is a good person who was lost and wanted to taste life again. Like Sterling, it's hard to fault her for it, no matter the circumstances of how she came into her life.

I also really loved Heath. He's the only one who believed in Sterling when everyone else had no memory of who Phin was. He know she wasn't crazy since he's been through the same ordeal by losing his best friend to the swamp. Together they made a really sweet team. 

All in all, I had a lot of fun with this book. I love that Parker took her time and plays with the readers mind. I loved that this had such a creep-worthiness to it's tone and setting and that the characters never gave up hope even when all seemed so hopeless. A great entertaining escape.

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                              4 Snowflakes

Review: Firebug by Lish McBride

Firebug by Lish McBride
Publisher-Henry Holt and Co.
Released- Sept 23rd 2014
Purchase- Amazon / B & N

Ava can start fires with her mind . . . but is it a blessing or a curse?Ava is a firebug—she can start fires with her mind. Which would all be well and good if she weren't caught in a deadly contract with the Coterie, a magical mafia. She's one of their main hit men . . . and she doesn't like it one bit. Not least because her mother's death was ordered by Venus—who is now her boss.When Venus asks Ava to kill a family friend, Ava rebels. She knows very well that you can't say no to the Coterie and expect to get away with it, though, so she and her friends hit the road, trying desperately to think of a way out of the mess they find themselves in. Preferably keeping the murder to a minimum.

My Thoughts:
Ava wishes she could be a normal girl who wasn't home schooled, who could be have normal friends and go on normal dates. But Ava isn't normal. She's a rare firebug who can create fire with just her mind. She hates her job, but she doesn't have a choice since she has a blood pact with Coterie and the women who killed her mother, Venus is now her boss. They own her and Ava has to hunt down any one they want. But when Ava is assigned to kill a close family friend, she refuses and take off with her team, but one simply doesn't run from the Corterier and if Ava want so have any kind of normalcy, she has to face them down.

I've read McBride's Necromancer series and simply loved her dark humor and laugh out loud characters. Firebug is in the same universe as her other series, but you can read them separate and not get lost. McBride is a seriously awesome writer, I love how fun and alive her stories feel. They have some of the best energy and flare. This is paranormal twisted with  perfectly timed comedic flavor  that is easily devoured. I was only a few chapter in and already in with love with the set-up and tone. It's just unbelievably fun entertainment. But I think my favorite part of any McBride escape is how she crafts these amazing character chemistry's. The moment I met Ava, Cade, Lock and Ezra I was already completely invested and connected.

Ava is a great protagonist, she's got spunk and has fierce skills, but also has a big fuzzy heart. You know she doesn't want to hurt anyone but doesn't have a choice since Venus threaten to kill everyone she knows. But when push comes to shove, Ava isn't afraid to stand her ground and fight back. Lock is my boy! He's a half-dryad, which means he can talk to trees, it may not sound like a cool skill, but I think it was pretty awesome the way he uses it. He's charming, alluring, not exactly mysterious but he's got something behind those smouldering eyes that makes you see something simmering. He's also a born leader and I love how assertive and protective he is with his team.

Ezra is also the best. He's a shape-shifting were-fox and a natural thief and he stole my heart from minute one. He's hilarious and his comical timing was pitch perfect. The three of them have some of the greatest chemistry I ever had the pleasure of reading. Fun filled banter, witty sarcasm, sharp zingers and amusing dialogue. I love how they work together and always have each others back. They are a force when united and completely owned every second of this escape. There isn't a huge spot for romance, but I did see a lot of tension-bubbles throughout the story and I'm hoping that McBride will add that for the next book. I need more Ava and Lock!!

All in all, I absolutely had a blast with this book. The writing is captivating, the plot is action packed, entertaining and thrilling and the characters are addicting and funny as hell. I can't wait for the next book, I need more!

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                              4 Snowflakes 

Review: White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publisher- Harlequin Teen 

Released- Feb 25th 2014

Pre- Order- Amazon / B & N

One kiss could be the last.
Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world

My Thoughts:

Ever since I read the prequel, Bitter Sweet Love, I was hooked in this irresistible world of Wardens and Demon and couldn't wait to get my grabby hands on the first installment in the Dark Elements series,White Hot Kiss! There is absolutely nothing like curing up with a JLA novel. I’m always guaranteed solid entertainment, sensational writing and swoon-worthy romance that Jennifer delivers time and time again. This is one author that I will follow for life!

 

I really can’t believe this outstanding storyline. It feels like I had a good intro into this world after reading the prequel, but there is just so much more to explore and devour in this novel. Jennifer gotz some mad skills when perfecting her worlds. I loved learning about the Wardens and love seeing them phase into gargoyles and ready to kick some serious ass. It’s not usually an element I find in my paranormal escapes and I am completely fascinated by this refreshing lore. But, this installment really focuses on the sinister side to Layla’s heritage, demons, and who better then to give us an intriguing demonic tour throughout the novel, then the most favored Upper Level demon himself, Roth! The Lux books has its Daemon, but the Dark Elements has its own brand of badass and it comes with tattoos, piercing and unusual pets. The moment Roth comes into the picture, we just know it’s going to pierce everything Layla has ever known about her world, specially when there’s been some increase in demonic activity that has been linked to Layla and the deep dark secrets that the Warden’s have been keeping from her.

My favorite part of any JLA book is meeting all of her wonderfully put together characters. She has such a natural ability when crafting the perfect people to tell her stories. Each one of them all has such a unique voice and personal depth that make them complex but compelling in their own ways.

Layla is stuck between two worlds. One that she doesn't want to be apart of and the other she can’t ever really be apart of since she’s a half warden/half demon hybrid.

Because of her demonic side, she can’t phase like other Wardens and can’t have a real relationship because of that whole pesky soul-sucking kiss thing, but she does have an uncanny ability to see into souls and tag demons for the Wardens to take care of after and while Layla is happy to do her part, she still can’t help feeling empty and alone and really struggles with her inner-demon and the rush she feels when taking a soul.

I really loved Layla, she’s smart, strong and so sweet. I loved watching her take action of her own life and grow throughout the story. This life can’t be easy for her, but with a little help from Roth, I think Layla is finally accepting that she’s more then a Warden, she’s a Demon too, but she doesn't have to cause all manners of hell to be one.

I loved Zayne!  We first meet him in Bitter Sweet Love and even then he’s always been such an important force when it comes to Layla and it’s quite clear that they are still very close to this day. But Zayne wasn’t always easy to like. I’m not sure if he’s doing the big bother protective act or if he wants to keep her safe for more personal reasons. Maybe it’s both, but at this point in the story it’s still not clear. Still, Zayne is an amazing character and I loved all the little moments between him and Layla.

But my favorite character would have to be Roth! This guy completely owned this book. I absolutely loved his quirkiness and sometimes awkward social behavior. He’s cocky, infuriating and sexy as hell. Being an Upper Level demon, I wasn't always sure I could trust him, but he made me so want to. The way he was with Layla was hilarious but we also get to see a much warmer and seductive side to him that had me glued to the pages and want to live in those moments a little bit longer.

The only character I didn't care for was Abbott. I found his demanding and strict ways a little too forceful and demeaning. I understand that he was the one who saved Layla when she was a little girl, but he doesn't seem to treat her like his own and always seems to remind her of what she really is even thought she’s being raised as a Warden. I don’t care for double standards or the fact that Layla acts immature and childish because they've never given her a chance to prove what she’s capable of for their own protective but selfish reasons. I believe he cares about her, but he has an awful way of showing it.

I also really liked Stacey and thought she was a good best friend who encourages Layla to live in the moment. I also loved Sam and his random fountain of knowledge. They gave the storyline that amusing touch that balances the book beautifully. I also loved Bambi! 

As for the romance, well it’s not a love triangle yet, but it’s on its way. I’m very conflicted here since I liked both guys. Funny enough, Roth seems the likely choice given they don’t have to worry about having a physical relationship and like-attracts-like. Layla can’t have that kind of connection with Zayne, but I've always been a sucker for forbidden denied love so I’m mighty curious and excited to see how this will all play out.

 

Bottom line, I couldn't love a book more and am thrilled to have a brand new series to love and play in. White Hot Kiss has everything I love in my escape. Great plot twist, unpredictability, heart pounding action, outstanding characters and a huggable romance. I couldn't ask for more.  Loved this book, JLA is freaken unbelievable! MORE!!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                                  5 Snowflakes

Review: Salt by Danielle Ellison

Salt by Danielle Ellison
Publisher- Entangled Teen
Released- Jan 7th 2014
Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

Penelope is a witch, part of a secret society protecting humans from demon attacks. But when she was a child, a demon killed her parents—and stole her magic. Since then, she’s been pretending to be something she’s not, using her sister’s magic to hide her own loss, to prevent being sent away.When she’s finally given the chance to join the elite demon-hunting force, Penelope thinks that will finally change. With her sister’s help, she can squeeze through the tests and get access to the information she needs to find "her" demon. To take back what was stolen.Then she meets Carter. He’s cute, smart, and she can borrow his magic, too. He knows her secret—but he also has one of his own.
Suddenly, Penelope’s impossible quest becomes far more complicated. Because Carter’s not telling her everything, and it’s starting to seem like the demons have their own agenda…and they’re far too interested in her.

My Thoughts:
Wow! I’m surprised how much fun I had with this book. I've always loved hocus pocus type books and I’m still kinda amazed how much I've grown to love demon lore, but I was really impressed with Salt. It has everything I look for a good paranormal escape. Its action punched, suspenseful, mysterious and has a romance that’s totally kissable.

Danielle Ellison’s writes an amazing debut novel. The concept may not be something exactly new but I still really enjoyed Ellison’s take on this genre and I really liked the twist and turns in the plot. It kept me on my toes and anticipating what comes next.

Ellison also really knows how to write some mean ass-kickin! From badass demonic action to Pen’s examination training, to its gripping conclusion, this book is chalked filled with excitement and entertainment that kept my imagination on thrill. But it wasn't all fightin’ there is plenty of hugable romance that saps like me crave for, and Ellison really delivered those moments beautifully.

There is a lot happening here plot wise, but I thought the flow and pace of the story was well done. It never felt dragged out or dull, in fact, I was completely absorbed throughout the entire story. Lies and secrets seem to be the running theme in Penelope Grey’s life. The mysterious surrounding Pen and her families history was a great element I was completely intrigued with, but there are so many factors in this story that make the bigger picture really standout. Carter’s has his own secrets and agendas and I thought it was well played how those secrets affected his magical chemistry with Pen. I also really liked Poncho’s character and was surprised with the secrets he too was hiding. Everything about the story-line was calculating and connected in one way or another and I had a great time trying to piece the string of clues together while kicking back and just enjoyed the comfortable ease of the characters themselves.

I really loved all of these characters. They are filled with fun filled banter, wit and sarcasm. Okay…I admit that Penelope Grey is a character that did have a few flaws. I found her to be a bit hypercritical concerning the lies and deceit. She’s kinda not one to talk since she’s been keeping quite a few secrets to the people who matter the most and her reaction to Carter’s ‘betrayal’ was a bit of an overreaction and little more then childish. She also comes off a little repetitive, and her desperation to become an Enforcer and hunt down the demon that stole her magic and killed her parents tended to scream right off the pages a little too frequently, but as a whole, I liked and admired her determination, passion and strength, especially when it mattered most. I also adored her snark, sass, and fire and the fact that she didn't just roll over when she meets Carter. She’s a fighter, she makes things challenging and she can totally handle her own.

Carter was my by far my favorite, he is simply a fully loaded blast of a character. He’s arrogant, overly confident and drips with charm, wit and charisma. There were a few surprises concerning his character as well, which I loved, but I don’t think one of the earlier revelations should have been that dramatic. I guess I just don’t see the big deal.

This boy knows how to kick some serious ass but I like that he knows how to right a wrong and that he’s supportive and genuinely cares for Pen. Plus, he bakes cookies.

Need I say more?

Together, Pen and Carter steal the show as well as my heart. I really enjoyed the chemistry between them. They have an adorable playful banter thing going on that I found really sweet, sexy and adorable. Pen has a bit of an inner-battle concerning Carter at first since he makes her feel vulnerable in ways only her family has seen, but the connection between them is undeniable when they learn what they can accomplish together in both magic and heart. 

I also loved Pen’s sister Connie and her best friend Ric. They were amazing secondary characters who brought constant loyalty, smiles and support when it was needed.

In a nutshell, Salt was just a lot of fun to read. The plot was sizzling with action and mystery. The magical aspect was refreshing, the writing was smooth and these characters were wonderfully put together, easy to love and be invested with from minute one. I’m really looking forward to seeing what Ellison does with the sequel. A solid escape.

Find the author:

Goodreads /Website                                4 Snowflakes

Teaser Tuesday, #44

Welcome to Teaser Tuesdays! Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser Tuesday is for the following...




Tainted (Broken, #2) by A.E. Rought
Publisher: Strange Chemistry
Expected Publication: October 1, 2013

A note from Author A.E. Rought...

When Amber asked me about contributing to Teaser Tuesday, I knew immediately which tidbit from TAINTED I wanted to share. This snippet is between 1/3 to 1/2 in, it’s from Alex, in a complicated scene full of emotions. Emma’s returned to his house after having gone missing. She has no memory of where she’s been, or what' she’s done. Her moods are fluid, flushing from cold to hot, and pushing Alex along on that wave of physical and emotional tension.

Teasers from Pages 127 to 128:

Behind the closed bathroom door, Emma sheds the bloody cocoon of a quilt. Beneath, she’s a glorious, terrible beauty. Flushed cheeks, blond hair tipped in red, clothes a map of the grotesque. I really shouldn’t like it like I do.

AE Rought
Author of BROKEN, released 1-8-2013
Some boundaries shouldn't be crossed...

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here if you don’t have a blog Thanks!

Aussie Review: Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart

Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart
Publisher- Random House Australia
Released- Sept 1st 2011
Purchase- Amazon / B & N / TBD

I wanted to turn but I was held captive by the song on the wind. I’m coming, I told the voices. Please, wait for me. When her sister becomes betrothed to a prince in a northern nation, Zeraphina’s only consolations are that her loyal animal companions are by her side – and that her burning hunger to travel north is finally being sated.Already her black hair and pale eyes mark her out as different, but now Zeraphina must be even more careful to keep her secret safe. Craving blood is not considered normal behaviour for anyone, let alone a princess. So when the king’s advisor, Rodden, seems to know more about her condition than she does, Zeraphina is determined to find out more. Zeraphina must be willing to sacrifice everything if she’s to uncover the truth – but what if the truth is beyond her worst nightmares?

My Thoughts:
This being highly recommended by my Goodread friends, I've had this book on my shelf for over a year and I'm only just getting to it now. I could kick myself. I had no idea that this book was filled with such an entertainment story, witty characters and fantastic writing.

For as long as Zeraphina could remember, she's always been different from her sister and mother. With her striking blue eyes, pale skin and dark raven hair, but she also has a shameful secret, she hungry's for blood and has strange phantom dreams calling her to the North. So when her sister, Lilth becomes engaged to Prince Amis from the northern lands of Pergamia, there  Zeraphina will seek answers to her many questions about her clueless curse and find an unlikely companion in Rodden, the King's advisor who knows more then he lets on, but hides the truth from Zeraphina till it's to late to turn back.

Fantasy is one of my favorite genres but it's also one of the hardest to get into, luckily Blood Song was an effortless experience and I was able to sink into Hart's imaginative world with total ease. I love what she did with this story line. It's deliciously mysterious, intriguing and evasive. We know that things aren't what they seem, but we aren't given any real facts till almost the end of the story. This wasn't in any way frustrating or annoying, in fact, I found myself anticipating  every chapter and enjoying all the charming and humorous banter between Rodden and Zeraphina as well as her sister and mother amusing exasperation's. 

When we finally do get the answers to Zeraphina's condition, we are treated to a very unique lore, a wicked race with a promise of danger and excitement and a fight that's only just begun.

Just as easy as it was to lose myself within these pages, it was easy to connect with all of these characters.

Zeraphina is a wonderfully lost creature who seems so strong and vulnerable in the same breath. I love her determination, bravery and fire. I love that she's curious and doesn't give up and that she's not afraid to stand and fight for her people and the ones that she loves. I also love that she cares deeply for her cat, Leap and her eagle, Griffin and that they stay connected throughout the entire story.

Rodden is one of those characters that makes brooding an art form. Mysterious, complex, stubborn and arrogant and yet you can see traces of warmth and tenderness when no one seems to be looking. There's still a big question mark hanging over his head and I'm looking forward to discovering more of his back-story in later books. 

The relationship between Rodden and Zeraphina isn't about hugs and kisses or swooning, 
but they still had their sigh-worthy moments. I loved their easy wit, banter and playful sarcasm and the respect and admiration they found in one another come the end. They make an intense pair but undeniable one all the same. 

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I don't get a chance to read many awesome Aussie reads, so I'm glad I had the chance to finally read this one and better yet, not have to wait to read the sequel; Blood Storm. If your looking for a paranormal fantasy with charming characters and an intoxicating world, then look no further, Blood Song is a wondrous magical escape that I highly recommend.

Find the author: 
Goodreads / Website                                  5 Snowflakes

Review: Reboot by Amy Tintera

Reboot by Amy Tintera 

Publisher-Harper Teen

Release May 7th 2013

Purchase- Amazon / B&N / Chapters

Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation).Wren’s favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she’s ever seen. As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human. His reflexes are too slow, he’s always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. Yet there’s something about him she can’t ignore. When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line—or she’ll have to eliminate him. Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she’ll be eliminated, too. But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum. The perfect soldier is done taking orders.                                                                                            

My Thoughts:

Reboot is a smart, fresh and entertaining story that brings in an unusual twist to sci-fi and paranormal genre. This isn't your typical zombie book, but that's what rebooting basically is. An odd reaction to the KDH virus, killing millions, but there is always the possibilities of people coming back to life when they Reboot. Depending on the number of minutes you've been dead will determine how far you'll make it. The longer you've been dead will make you more strong and powerful but it will taint your emotions. The smaller your number is, the more human is left in you, which will make you slow and weak. Wren Connolly's number is 178. She feels nothing. That is, till a lowly 22 changed everything she's ever known.

What a fun book! Amy Tintera's writing is sharp, strong and very clever. I love this plot concept! I've read many different kind of zombie books, but I would have to say that this one is the most original since it throws in sci-fi elements into the package. I liked the training and missions but I must warn you, that this tends to get pretty cruel and unmerciful. My insides wanted to scream right along with some of these characters. The first half is all business and very direct but the second half seems to make room for the romance to developed properly, without HARC zooming in. I thought the pacing was well done and it was easy to follow our characters right up to it's explosive ending. 

When we meet Wren we can tell that she's very cold, intimidating, ruthless and an unfeeling creature. Her number is her reputation after all. 178 minutes dead means that you come back an emotionless killing machine. Almost robotic, so it was really fun to see someone get under her skin, bringing back her humanity and making her feel hopeful for the first time since she was twelve years old. 

Callum Reyes is infectiously adorable! Coming in at 22 (the lowest of numbers) he's basically still all human. I adore his zing for life, good nature and high spirits. He's just such a positive force, nothing gets him down for long. It was hard to read through his training since I was nervous and anxious for him, but through all the pain and anguish he takes everything so light and easy. Together Wren and Callum bring out the best in each other even during some of the darkest times for Callum, Wren cared enough to do what needed to be done. I really enjoyed their opposite-attracts chemistry and sweet moments.

All in all, Reboot turned out to be a fun experience. It brings something fresh to both sci-fi and paranormal. Great writing, likable characters and a story-line that will grab you from minute one. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website

                                                                  4 Snowflakes 

Review: School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins

School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins

Publisher-Disney Hyperion

Release-May 14th  2013

Pre-Order-Amazon / B & N / Chapters

Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters. For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures. But when Izzy’s older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy's mom decides they need to take a break.Izzy and her mom move to a new town, but they soon discover it’s not as normal as it appears. A series of hauntings has been plaguing the local high school, and Izzy is determined to prove her worth and investigate. But assuming the guise of an average teenager is easier said than done. For a tough girl who's always been on her own, it’s strange to suddenly make friends and maybe even have a crush.Can Izzy trust her new friends to help find the secret behind the hauntings before more people get hurt?

My Thoughts:
Fun fun fun! I simply adored Rachel Hawkins series, Hex Hall, and was rather sad when it finally came to an end, but I was happy to learn that we were getting a spin-off. I wasn't ready to let go of this world just yet and I'm happy to say that Hawkins hasn't lost her touch. School Spirits is just as fun and marvelous as I'd hope it would be.  

Like all the Brannick women, with their fierce green eyes and blazing red hair, sixteen year old Isolde has all the wonderful traits that comes with hunting down pesky prodigium. Fast reflex, quick healing and in Izzy's cast, she can always sense where a prodigium is and even what kind it is. That little talent usually comes in handy, but not on the night when she let a sniveling Vamp get in her head and get the best of her. A year ago, her sister Finely disappeared during a easy routine job in New Orleans that involved a coven of dark witches selling spells to humans. It should have been a fast job. In and out, no big deal, but Finley never came back. Which brings us to Ideal Mississippi. Aislinn felt like her daughter, Izzy could use a little distraction, get her confidence back on track and what better then a no-brainier ghost hunting job over at Mary Even High. Only Izzy would have to actually attend a real life high school, with real life teenagers. Sure, she's trained to fight powerful dark creatures and monsters, but normalcy? What's that? 

School Spirits turned out to be such a pleasant surprise. True, I was a little worried that I wasn't gonna enjoy it as much as I did with Hex Hall. I have this nasty habit with judging and comparing series with spin-offs, but I wasn't even done the first chapter before I found myself sinking with ease. The world, the writing, the humor and wit, it all felt so familiar. I've always been such a fan of Hawkins imagination and love that she gave us another exciting  story that's set in the same world, but with new sparkly characters for us to get to know and fall in love with. I also found it very clever that Hawkins decided that her protag would go to a normal high school with normal non-magical students compared to Sophie's experience. But still makes sure to include all the magically fun and lovely paranormal goodness we've come to expect in these books.

Izzy Brannick is such a remarkable protag, I love her just as much as I loved her cousin, Sophie Mercer. She has such an easy personality, doesn't take her talents to seriously but still knows what she's capable of. She has one of those big giant genuine hearts where even though she's not exactly in her comfort zone in a-first-time-school, she still knows what's right and wrong (just don't play dodge-ball with her. Trust me). Soon she meets a new group of enthusiastic characters. Romy is a sweet Asian girl who set up a club called the Paranormal Management Society or PMS (hehe). She's all about supernatural weirdness.

Anderson is one of the members, he's a sweet guy and is all about Romy and then we have Dex which I adored! Dexter is your average charmingly adorkable, fashionably eccentric guy who has asthma and lives with his Nana, whom he adores, which in turn, makes me adore him more. He's instantly liked as soon as we meet him. Great personality, sharp zingers and has that fun chemistry that I like in my leading men. 

Together this group of friends hit it off beautifully, sharing wonderful banter, sarcasm and wit while trying to solve a ghostly encounter at Mary Evans High. People are already getting hurt and it's up to Izzy and her friends to put this ghost to rest, but ends up having a very unexpected twist.

I liked Izzy's mom, but I thought she was a little to distracted throughout the story, but one very unusual character I really enjoyed was Torin. I liked his wisdom and his advice, but he's also good-humored and even though he's a 400 year old dark wizard trapped in a mirror, he makes me feel like I can trust him. He has an old fashion charm and as this air of mystery surrounding him. I'm dying to know more about his back-story and what Izzy has to do with him come the end.

All in all, I had a lot of fun with this book. It's a delightfully fun and entertaining read fit for fans who are looking for a more lighter paranormal/supernatural escape but still crave some pondering mystery, a bubbling romance, sensational writing and a new cast of colorful and witty characters that will capture your heart from minute one. I'm so excited to have a new series to love from this amazingly talented author and I can't wait to see where Hawkins takes us next! 

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website

                                                                      5 Snowflakes