Sweet Evil (The Sweet Trilogy #1) by Wendy Higgins: review

Goodreads rating: 4.23

Paperback, 447 pages

Published May 1st 2012 by HarperTeen

Series: The Sweet Trilogy #1

Source: Bought

 

Embrace the Forbidden
What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?  

 

Okay, I'll admit it. I fell in love with this book because I fell in love with Kaidan. But I think that's what the author wanted. Anna's always been a good girl, but she doesn't know that she has an evil side that's waiting to come out. When Kaidan and Anna first meet, Kaidan thinks that she's supposed to have an "angel" with her. And of course, he has an accent *swoons*. Since it turns out Anna has no idea who she is (which is the child of a fallen angel, or in the case of this book, evil demons) and her father's in jail and her mother's dead, it's up to Kaidan to tell her who she is. When Anna has the chance to find out her secrets, she and Kaidan trek across the country to California. And you can imagine Kaidan and Anna alone together for days. The not-so-tightly-kept secret is that Kaidan is the son of Lust. I know, of course he is. And that picture of him on the cover totally does him justice, except that we see an even hotter personality when his walls start to crumble around Anna. She's more than just his next lay now, and that doesn't bode well for either of them. Not only is Anna still a good girl (and therefore obviously still a virgin), but Kaidan still has to "work". Hopefully you get what I mean by that.

In case I didn't say it before, Kaidan is beyond hot. He's a total arse, and being the son of Lust, he knows he's unearthly good-looking. Which, while she has to admit he's amazingly hot, doesn't exactly get Anna in the mood. But they keep getting pushed together, even though Anna knows she should stay away from him. But they intrigue each other. I think Anna wants to break through the bad boy exterior while finding out who she is, and Kaidan is trying to understand his feelings for Anna while at the same time hiding how he's starting to feel about her. And let's just say that there are times where their... urges get the better of them. Though they're never completely fulfilled, but there are enough sexy YA-appropriate scenes to push up the temperature in whatever room you're reading in. But I think there's definitely a relationship there, even with the way it ended.

Although this book was pretty much all about the romance, there's definitely a good story behind that. Anna still has her father, and she has to figure out how not to let the innate evil part of her to come out. But I get the feeling she's going to be tested in more than one way in the next book. What we're all really hoping for is more steamy scenes between Kaidan and Anna. Let's pray our hopes will come true. If you're looking for a good romance with a twist of paranormal, then this is for you. It's not just another angel book.

Building My Bookshelf (19)

This is a meme I've created here at The Reader's Antidote, which was inspired by the meme Dusty Reads from Giselle at .Xpresso Reads and the meme Books to Pine For from Kristi at The Story Siren. Here's what to do:

~ Feature two books I have on my shelf but haven't read yet. These are likely books that I would want to read if I had more free time.

~Feature two books that are on my wish list, one that is already released and another that will be released within the next year.

On my shelf:

Touch of Frost (Mythos Academy #1) by Jennifer Estep

PUBLICATION DATE: August 1st, 2011

My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy — a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest.

But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why—especially since I should have been the one who died. . .

My thoughts: I've heard mostly good things about this series, and I even have the second book, so I'll definitely have to get to this soon. Besides, I love mythology!

The Demon's Lexicon (The Demon's Lexicon #1) by Sarah Rees Brennan

PUBLICATION DATE: June 2nd, 2009

Nick and his brother, Alan, have spent their lives on the run from magic. Their father was murdered, and their mother was driven mad by magicians and the demons who give them power. The magicians are hunting the Ryves family for a charm that Nick's mother stole -- a charm that keeps her alive -- and they want it badly enough to kill again.

Danger draws even closer when a brother and sister come to the Ryves family for help. The boy wears a demon's mark, a sign of death that almost nothing can erase...and when Alan also gets marked by a demon, Nick is desperate to save him. The only way to do that is to kill one of the magicians they have been hiding from for so long.

Ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse, Nick starts to suspect that his brother is telling him lie after lie about their past. As the magicians' Circle closes in on their family, Nick uncovers the secret that could destroy them all.

This is the Demon's Lexicon. Turn the page.

My thoughts: Everyone has always raved about Sarah, and so I plan on getting to this some time soon. Especially since all the books are already out.

On my wishlist:

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

PUBLICATION DATE: July 3rd, 2012 (paperback)

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them both, this is a game in which only one can be left standing. Despite the high stakes, Celia and Marco soon tumble headfirst into love, setting off a domino effect of dangerous consequences, and leaving the lives of everyone, from the performers to the patrons, hanging in the balance.

My thoughts: I've heard so many people raving about this book. And now that it's in paperback, I'm that much closer to getting it.

Finale (Hush, Hush #4) by Becca Fitzpatrick

PUBLICATION DATE: October 23rd, 2012

Fates unfurl in the gripping conclusion to the "New York Times" bestselling Hush, Hush saga. Nora is more certain than ever that she is in love with Patch. Fallen Angel or no, he is the one for her. Her heritage and destiny may mean that they will always be enemies, but there is no turning her back on him. And yet their biggest challenge lies ahead. Can their love survive a seemingly insurmountable divide? The lines are drawn, but it's unclear which sides have been taken. And in the end, will there be enough trust left to rebuild what has been broken?

 

My thoughts: I adored Hush, Hush and the other books have been good too. If I'm being honest, I think this could have stayed a trilogy. But that cover is gorgeous!

What do you guys think? Have you read any of these? Let me know in the comments!

Something Strange and Deadly Blog Tour: Review, Interview & GIVEAWAY of Something Strange and Deadly (Something Strange and Deadly #1) by Susan Dennard

For my tour stop, I have a review of this amazing book, an interview with the lovely author, and a giveaway!

Goodreads rating: 4.06

ebook, 248 pages

Expected publication: July 24th 2012 by HarperTeen

Series: Something Strange and Deadly #1

Source: Edelweiss RC

 The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

In the world of YA steampunk zombies (which seems kind of like its own genre now), Something Strange and Deadly really lived up to my expectations. Our main character, Eleanor, is worried about her brother, as he's in Philadelphia and didn't come back on his train. There aren't just zombies now, but controlled zombies, who are being given orders by someone. Someone who will do anything to get what he wants. Eleanor thinks her brother is involved in it somehow, but the only way she can find out is by going to the Spirit-Hunters. And they don't have the best reputation. As soon as they move to another place, zombies seem to be causing trouble. Meanwhile, the general public has no idea how out of of control the zombie problem is getting. So Eleanor is immersed in this world of zombie-killing and bad-guy-finding. She has to make some sacrifices, and not everyone is going to like them.

I loved Eleanor. She's brave and so stubborn. And so is Daniel, our smart, dashing love interest. Eleanor and Daniel don't exactly like each other when they first meet. But as they're thrown together by Daniel's need to redeem himself and Eleanor's love for her brother, they begin to fall for each other. But, of course, they can't really be together. Daniel isn't exactly buddies with the government, and 1870's laws prohibit any public shows of affection. But that last part doesn't really matter, because Daniel and Eleanor don't have much of a chance to be in love: Eleanor's brother finally shows back up, and he's not the same person Eleanor used to know. Eleanor had so much to fight against in this book that you can't help feeling sorry for her. But she wouldn't be who she was if she didn't do everything to try and find her brother. This ends up putting other people she comes to care about at risk. She grows up really quickly and becomes cunning; nothing like the girl she used to be. But she'll end up losing people she loves because of it.

I fell in love with these characters. I liked that this wasn't dystopian, just in an alternate 1876. It made it more realistic, imagining it in the past. Dennard also brought in the steampunk part of this era, which I love. There are so many interesting inventions that we can't even imagine now. Inventions that could easily be turned against mankind, and the bad guy in this book finds a way to do that. One of the things that really kept me interested in this book is the science of it all. But there's also a paranormal element that was subtle, but still there. And I'm not talking about the zombies. You'll just have to read the book to see what I'm talking about. There were some good twists, and with that ending, I can't wait to see what happens next!

Me: Why did you pick that specific time period and place for Something Strange and Deadly?

Susan: Well, I've always been intrigued by steampunk/gaslamp stories from a purely aesthetic standpoint (soooo....prettyyyy....). Plus, some of my favorite classics were set in the late 19th century. I figured if I enjoyed reading about that time period, I'd enjoy researching it and writing about it. ;) Plus, I thought all the restrictions against women--both socially and with fashion!--would add a nice chunk of conflict to the story. So, after some preliminary searching, I settled on the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia as my setting. I loved the idea of the first American World's Fair in a city chockfull of history suddenly crawling with corpses!

Me: Zombies freak me out, but I find YA novels about them really intriguing. Why did you decide to pick zombies as your paranormal creature?

Susan: Because they freak me out too!! I thought if I was terrified, then I could probably transfer that fear onto the page. Plus, the whole idea of a heroine who must first learn to fight necromancy and corpses...and then eventually learn to use the magic and raise the dead herself--well, I just the juxtaposition of it!

Me: What was the hardest part about writing Something Strange and Deadly?

Susan: Honestly, the hardest part was believing in myself--dragging myself to the computer every day to write...and then rewrite...and then revise the book again. Making myself avoid looking at all the big deals everyone ELSE was getting and keeping my eyes on my own paper. Staying focused on the long game instead of racing to sell now-now-now. And just remembering that I loved this story--especially by the time I was on draft 12+--and that it was worth it to revise one more time.

Even now, self-doubt is the hardest part of the game. Reviews can be so harsh, and even when you try to avoid them, people will email you privately to tell you how much they just hated your book. ;) Fortunately, more people email privately to tell you how much they adored the book--and it's messages like those that keep me going. I wrote this story to move readers, and if I can do that with at least one person, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. That's an amazing feeling.

Me: What is your experience with getting your debut novel published?

Susan: It has been a constant learning experience, certainly! I had NO idea what to expect once I had an agent...then once I went on submissions, then once the book sold, and then after I finished revising. No one talks about what happens "after the book deal", so every new step--from copy edits to cover design to promotion--was totally new for me. One thing that really suprised me was how little control the author has. Very few people have any say with regards to their cover, their marketing plan, their store distribution, etc. I'm very zen about it now, but I have to admit: I wasn't very willing to give up the reigns at first! Lesson learned. ;)

Me: A love triangle or one true love? Why?

Susan: One true love! I think some people assume one of my characters is meant to form a love triangle, but--as they hopefully realize by the time they finish the book--he was never "right" for Eleanor. Eleanor never saw him as a possibility, and I always meant for a certain temperamental inventor to be Eleanor's one-and-only. Ahhh, temperamental inventors. Gotta love 'em.

Thanks for the great answers Susan!!

And now, for the giveaway!

Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #1) by Bethany Griffin: review

Goodreads rating: 3.88

Hardcover, 319 pages

Published April 24th 2012 by Greenwillow Books

Series: Masque of the Red Death #1

Source: Bought

Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her.

 

My only gripe with this book (although it's kind of a big gripe) is that I didn't feel myself connecting enough with the main character. I wanted to know what she was feeling but I never felt like the author dug deep, and the story wasn't good enough to cover up this issue that really plagued me throughout the whole book. Araby (which is a very strange name) lives the good life. She knows that isn't as well off as her best friend and that she has to stay on a budget, but her father is a head scientist appointed by the prince. He's the bad guy in this story, and the population has been so decimated by this disease that only the corrupt prince can give them relief. But he is even more evil than Araby can imagine. Araby's best friend is also related to the prince (hence while they're so well off), but the best friends brother, Elliot, wants to overthrow his uncle, and needs Araby's help. Specifically her father's blue prints for the hard-to-come-by masks that protect them from the deadly virus. But she risks everything she's come to find comforting, and she doesn't want that to shatter, especially since her brother’s death.

Araby had way too many secrets for me to try to relate to her. But I felt like she was most like the girl she wanted to be when she was with Will. Obviously I am team Will, even with the strange twist at the end.  Despite everything, he's sweet and funny and really does care for Araby. I wish i could say more but I don't want to give anything away. I never liked Elliot, our other love interest. He uses her over and over again, and she even knows she's being used. I guess that’s another thing that bothered me about her character. She just followed other people and did what they did so that she could have people to be around. Elliot never had Araby's best interests in mind, and as soon as he began to show emotions for Araby, the book was over. I just can't see their connection. And the truth is I couldn't see her and Will's connection much either, but I'll keep this YA boy for myself!

One thing I did love about this book is that it had so many facets to it. There's the simplicity of the deadly disease. But there's also the politics with the prince and how Elliot wants to overthrow him. There are the family issues not only between Araby and her parents, but Will and his brother and sister, and Elliot and his sister. It's about people trying to stay together, especially when the new plague hits, called the Red Death. There's also a religious group, but I'm not sure exactly what thy stand for. And this is just another intricate part of this book. My only issue was that, while there was all this great world-building, I didn't find myself sympathizing and identifying with the main character. There was emotion, but not enough to really feel for her. Overall, it was enjoyable. I just hope that in the next one, we'll get more of Araby's emotions involved.

Forbidden Friday (8) ~ In My Mailbox (46) + My Poison Pile (10)

I didn't get much this week guys, but I'm really gearing up for the read-a-thon I'm co-hosting that starts in August. Don't know what I'm talking about? Check the sidebar for more info!

Here's the deal with this "new meme": I wanted to make an easy title for when I do IMM and my meme My Poison Pile. So I came up with the name of Forbidden Friday, and of course I made up a button (above)! I am not saying the In My Mailbox meme is my own, as it belongs to Kristi of The Story Siren. I have simply put hers and mine together in one post and gave it a general name.

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren, where you create a post of the books you either received in the mail, bought at a bookstore, or borrowed from the library.

NOTE: If you're unfamiliar with how I do things with my IMM, I basically give a little back story to the books I have pictured. Also, if there are ARC's, I'll give a synopsis and date published.


BOUGHT

~ The Alchemy of Forever (Incarnation #1) by Avery Williams: I've been wanting to get this one and jumped at the chance when I saw it in paperback. There are so many extras in the back though that they nearly take up half the book. Hopefully I'll like it enough to want to read all those extras.

My Poison Pile is a meme created here at The Reader's Antidote, which features the next four books that I'm going to read next and a little about why I'm reading them.

Bridger (Bridger #1) by Megan Curd

The Light of Asteria (Kailmeyra #1) by Elizabeth Isaacs

Embrace (The Violet Eden Chapters #1) by Jessica Shirvington

Entice (The Violet Eden Chapters #2) by Jessica Shirvington

Sorry this post is a little haphazard. Let me know what you got in your mailbox this week!

Frost Blog Tour: Review, Deleted Scene, & GIVEAWAY of Frost (Frost #1) by Kate Avery Ellison

Goodreads rating: 4.10

Paperback, 194 pages

Published April 18th 2012 by CreateSpace (first published March 29th 2012)

Series: Frost #1

Source: Gift for review

 In the icy, monster-plagued world of the Frost, one wrong move and a person could end up dead—and Lia Weaver knows this better than anyone. After monsters kill her parents, she must keep the family farm running despite the freezing cold and threat of monster attacks or risk losing her siblings to reassignment by the village Elders. With dangers on all sides and failure just one wrong step away, she can’t afford to let her emotions lead her astray. So when her sister finds a fugitive bleeding to death in the forest—a young stranger named Gabe—Lia surprises herself and does the unthinkable.

She saves his life.

Giving shelter to the fugitive could get her in trouble. The Elders have always described the advanced society of people beyond the Frost, the “Farthers,” as ruthless and cruel. But Lia is startled to find that Gabe is empathetic and intelligent…and handsome. She might even be falling in love with him.

But time is running out. The monsters from the forest circle the farm at night. The village leader is starting to ask questions. Farther soldiers are searching for Gabe. Lia must locate a secret organization called the Thorns to help Gabe escape to safety, but every move she makes puts her in more danger.

Is compassion—and love—worth the risk?

I was surprised first how short this book was, and then how it was the perfect length. This is such an interesting world, and I guess my only complaint is that I wanted to know more about this world that hasn't been explained yet. Those monsters freak me out, but I hope we get to know more about them. Lia was an amazing character. She knew that she needed to take care of her crippled brother and much younger sister. The people of the Frost have been taught to be weary, not just of the monsters in the forest but also the Fathers. And they've been hanging around the Frost more recently, but no one knows why. Around the same time, Lia finds a young man bleeding out in the forest just before nightfall, which is when the monsters come out. And Lia has a particular reason to fear and hate the monsters: they killed her parents. Now Lia is stuck with taking care of the young man who turns out to be a Farther, keeping it from the villagers. But she knows she should tell someone. And all the while, she's falling in love with him.

The love story was slow-going, but I loved every moment. What I loved about this book though is that I remember as much about this strange world as I do with the romance. This book has so many secrets that come to light, and not just involving Gabe. Lia has to make some tough decisions near the end, and she has a problem deciding what's worth risking everything you've ever known, and everything that could ensure your family's livelihood. And all for the guy that she's inadvertently fallen in love with. But there are secret about her parents that she could have never imagined, and she'll be betrayed by someone she trusted, and it all spirals to a climactic ending. I know, I sound like I'm trying to sell this book, but I was surprised by how much I loved it. It's not just that the world is unique, it's the fierceness and loyalty of the characters that really drew me into this series.

With the way this book ended, I can't wait to see what's going to happen and how the author is going to expand this interesting world. I also hope that the romance grows too. Their interesting relationship really has me wondering what's going to happen to them now.

DELETED SCENE

[From Kate]

This is a scene that was (somewhat) deleted from an earlier version of Frost before I had changed the setting from a generic mountain to the sinister and snowy world of the Frost. In this version, there is no little sister named Ivy, and Lia plans to kill Gabe to put him out of his dying misery. Some remnants of the scene survived into the final draft, like when she cleans his wound and digs the shard of metal from his skin (although in the final draft it isn’t a dagger, but something else entirely). The point of this scene was to show how tough Lia was, as well as the stoic background she came from—I mean, hey, her mother was willing to put the family pet out of its misery with a rock!

    I came back with my father’s gun. I still wasn’t sure if it would fire, but I cocked it and aimed at his face anyway. His eyes fluttered open at the click, and he dragged his gaze up the barrel to my face. I licked my lips, held my hands steady, and pressed the end of the barrel against his forehead.

    I couldn’t bear to see this kind of suffering, not even in a monster.

    He was breathing in short little gasps. I looked away from him, at the weathered wood of the wall, and my heart did a little dance of terror in my chest as my slippery fingers tightened on the trigger.

    Once, when I was little, I saw my mother kill one of the farm dogs. It had come home torn up from a fight, its leg dragging and its stomach torn open. She’d taken a rock and smashed its head in. I thought of the dog and squeezed my eyes shut. The gun felt hot in my hand, like a firebrand. I breathed in and out, gathering my courage.

    The dog had been mine, I remembered. Storm, I’d called it. Him. I’d called him Storm.

    “He won’t heal,” she’d told me. “He’s miserable. It’s better this way.”

    The man made a sound like a groan. I pulled the gun back and went to the house. 

    I didn’t even know what I was doing until I was halfway done assembling the bucket of hot water, the rags, and the lump of soap. I lugged the things back into the barn and dropped them on the floor beside his still form.

   The thought that I was crazy might have gone through my mind as I turned him over so I could access the wound.

    He hissed with pain as the hot water touched his flesh. The wound was deep, but I saw no infection yet. I rinsed the blood away carefully, dabbing at the torn edges of his flesh with the rag. I could feel his muscles, tense and coiled, behind my hands.

    “What are you doing?” He gritted, his voice low and hard. I’d forgotten he knew the language of the Palm, and I was surprised to hear it from him. It took a moment to find my voice.

    “Lie still,” I managed, after a short silence punctuated only by his labored breathing. “I’m just cleaning the wound.”

    “Why?”

    I had no answer for that, really. I pressed the rag hard against his skin, and he twitched. “Lie still,” I said.

    He shut up after that. As I washed the blood away, I saw a glimmer of metal embedded in his skin. I got my fingers around it and tugged gently, and his hands grabbed at the straw as his face contorted in pain and a moan escaped his mouth.

    “That hurts,” he gritted through clenched teeth, turning his head to look at me. His eyes captured mine, and his gaze frightened me. But I shoved those feelings down, because I had to be strong. There was no room for fear in my world, not now.

    “Lie still,” I repeated, trying to speak firmly, but my voice shook. “Something is buried in the wound.”

    His whole body trembled as I touched the injured flesh, but this time he didn’t snap or try to pull away. I used the rag to wipe at the place, dislodging a flap of dangling skin and revealing more of the thing in his back. I pinched it between my fingers and tugged again.

    I couldn’t tell what it was—some kind of metal that had become buried in him, maybe. It wasn’t a rock. I pulled harder, wiggling the piece to dislodge it. His head snapped back, and a scream pried its way from his lips. I gave a final wrench and pulled it loose, and his whole body stiffened as he fainted against the straw.

    The barn was very quiet with the absence of his moans. I turned the thing over in my hands. It was a small dagger, silver and intricately carved, shaped almost like a hook and slick with blood across its razor-sharp edge. I wiped his blood on the straw and slipped the dagger into my pocket before I finished cleaning the wound. When I was done, I wrapped the shoulder in bandages and left him, still unconscious, in the hay.

    The ordeal had shaken me. I paced the house, examining the strange thing from his shoulder over and over. When I’d calmed down, I hid it in the vase on the mantle and prepared my supper. Sunset was glowing against the mountaintops where they touched the sky, and the red-gold colors leaked through the shutters and spilled across my table. I slipped my fingers into my pocket again to feel the shape of the thing, and then I remembered that it was in the vase on the mantle.

    I ate my bread and cheese and checked the cupboards. They were nearly bare—I’d have to go into the village for more food tomorrow. I got out my knitting and sat down in the chair by the fire, but I hesitated to begin my work.

    If I’d cleaned his wound, I might as well feed him too, right?

    I brought him a lump of greasy cheese and a few crusts of bread, softened in a bowl of milk. His eyes were open again, and they tracked my movement across the barn floor. I set the things down close to his hand and backed away.

    He might have spoken, I think, if I’d let him. But I fled for the house without looking to see if he’d reached for the food. I locked the barn and went inside, drawing my chair close to the fire and losing myself in work. 


Here are the other blogs on the tour:

Before I Wake (Soul Screamers #6) by Rachel Vincent: review

Goodreads rating: 4.44

Paperback, 339 pages

Published June 26th 2012 by Harlequin Teen

Series: Soul Screamers #6
Source: Bought

I died on a Thursday-killed by a monster intent on stealing my soul. The good news? He didn't get it. The bad news? Turns out not even death will get you out of high school...  Covering up her own murder was one thing, but faking life is much harder than Kaylee Cavanaugh expected. After weeks spent "recovering," she's back in school, fighting to stay visible to the human world, struggling to fit in with her friends and planning time alone with her new reaper boyfriend. But to earn her keep in the human world, Kaylee must reclaim stolen souls, and when her first assignment brings her face-to-face with an old foe, she knows the game has changed. Her immortal status won't keep her safe. And this time Kaylee isn't just gambling with her own life...

 

This series has taken a strange turn. WARNING: If you haven't read If I Die, there are going to be some major spoilers in this review for you. Kaylee is dead. Well, technically her soul lives on, and she's kind of immortal, but still dead as a doornail somehow. The ending of If I Die was literally one of the craziest endings to a book that I've ever read. But I'm now weary with this series because of who Kaylee picked to be with. I would be different if I had seen it coming that she wanted to be with Tod, but honestly I had no idea. I was Team Nash all the way, and I still kind of am. It's obvious that she's going to stay with Tod (or at least not be with Nash), and I can't knock it because it makes her happy. But I miss the old Nash, the guy he used to be before the demon's breath. He royally screwed up, and I think he's going to try and make it work with Sabine, but I wouldn't mind having Nash to myself. 

I've completely forgotten the name of the bad demon guy that's hell bent (pardon the pun) on getting her pure soul. So we shall call him BDG (bad demon guy). Somehow, he's found a way to possess human bodies, but they're of people that are already dead, some for a few months. So Kaylee has that to figure out. Mix that drama with Nash still being in love with her, her dad setting down reaper ground rules, and pages upon pages of making out (and more) with Tod, and that's what this book was about. I'll be honest, I liked the beginning of this series much better. Nothing had hit the fan yet and some characters were still alive. And Nash was still with Kaylee. I'm the kind of person that, when I start a book and there are guys that I can kind of choose from that the main character should pick, I stick with the one that I love most. And that's Nash. I actually kind of hated Tod for a while. But I can see now that Kaylee loves him and blah blah blah.

Kaylee's cousin gets the award for most surprising character. She knew a lot more about the Soul Screamers world than she was letting on. And with the addition of the necromancer being her boyfriend, she ended up kind of immersing herself into Kaylee's world. Which isn't exactly good when the BDG is out for her soul and will get it by any means necessary. Especially if that means hurting the people closest to her. And, again, Kaylee's best friend is thrown into the middle of it all, and something happens to her at the end of the book that infuriates Kaylee. Hopefully that'll gain her some power and she can defeat BDG. 'Cause that guy is just annoying. Overall, I enjoyed this book, but not as much as the first few books in the series. Although, I have to admit, I love this cover.

Building My Bookshelf (18)

This is a meme I've created here at The Reader's Antidote, which was inspired by the meme Dusty Reads from Giselle at .Xpresso Reads and the meme Books to Pine For from Kristi at The Story Siren. Here's what to do:

~ Feature two books I have on my shelf but haven't read yet. These are likely books that I would want to read if I had more free time.

~Feature two books that are on my wish list, one that is already released and another that will be released within the next year.

On my shelf:

 In the Arms of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane

PUBLISHED: May 1st, 2011

Two years ago Brenna did the unthinkable. She witnessed the aftermath of a murder and accused her only true friend — the first boy she ever loved — of being a killer.

Now sixteen, Brenna returns to Oklahoma only to discover that Isaac ‘White Bird’ Henry isn’t in juvie. The half-breed outcast is in a mental hospital, frozen in time, locked in his mind at the worst moment of his life. When Brenna touches him, she’s pulled into his hellish vision quest, seeing terrifying demons and illusions she doesn’t understand.

Feeling isolated and alone, Brenna’s up against the whole town: targeted by bullying former classmates, a bigoted small town sheriff and a tribe who refuses to help one of their own.

But when Brenna realises she’s as trapped by the past as White Bird is, this time she won’t turn her back on him. She’s the only one who can free them both. Even if she has to expose her secret — a ‘gift’ she’s kept hidden her whole life.

My thoughts: I got this one in Australia, but I'm just kind of burned out on angel books. 'll get to it as some point.

The Eternal Ones (Eternal Ones #1) by Kirsten Miller

PUBLISHED: August 24th, 2010

Have you ever fallen in love at first sight?
Do you long for a place you're never been?
Do you often experience the sensation of deja vu?

EVER SINCE HAVEN MOORE CAN REMEMBER,
she's experienced visions of a previous life as a girl named Constance, whose love for her soulmate Ethan ended in tragedy.

And then the sight of the world's hottest movie star, Ian Morrow, brings Haven to her knees. She knows she has met him before. Is Iain her beloved Ethan?

Unable to deny her past any longer, seventeen-year-old Haven flees to New York to find him - and an epic love affair begins. But its both deeply fated and terribly dangerous. Can Haven unlock the deadly secrets hidden in her past lives-and loves-before all is lost and Ethan disappears again...forever

My thoughts: This is actually another book that I got in Australia, but I'm definitely interested by it. And I have the second book, so I'll get to it.

On my wishlist:

The False Prince (The Ascendance Trilogy #1) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

PUBLISHED: April 1st, 2012

THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

An extraordinary adventure filled with danger and action, lies and deadly truths that will have readers clinging to the edge of their seats.

My thoughts: I've heard simply amazing things about this book. It's on my next-books-to-order on Amazon, so I'm hoping I can get a copy soon!

Enshadowed (Nevermore #2) by Kelly Creagh

PUBLISHED: August 28th, 2012

Varen Nethers is trapped in a perilous dream world -- a treacherous and desolate realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life. Isobel Lanley, plagued by strange visions and haunted by the nightmares of Varen's creation, is the only one who can save him.
 

Isobel knows that her only hope lies within a Baltimore cemetery. There, in the early morning hours of Edgar Allan Poe's birthday, a mysterious stranger known as the "Poe Toaster" will make his annual homage at the legendary poet's grave.

Only the Poe Toaster holds the key to the way between worlds. But even greater dangers lie ahead for Isobel. An ancient evil, draped in veils of white, is watching, challenging her for Varen's affections. When Isobel finally finds Varen, he is no longer the quiet and brooding boy who once captivated her, but a dark force, powerful and malevolent.

My thoughts: This is one of the three books that I was dying to get at ALA (the other two were Unravel Me and Scarlet, both of which I got). Sadly, they only had one display copy and it was gone before I could get my hands on it. But the end of August isn't to far away, so I shall painstakingly wait for it to release.

Have any of you read these books? Let me know in the comments!

City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) by Cassandra Clare: review

Goodreads rating: 4.35

Hardcover, 534 pages

Published May 8th 2012 by Margaret K. McElderry 

URL: http://www.cassandraclare.com/books/book-five-city-of-lost-souls/

Series: The Mortal Instruments #5

Source: Bought

The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace freed from captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing, so is the boy she hates: her brother Sebastian, who is determined to bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

The Clave's magic cannot locate either boy, but Jace can't stay away from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith's magic has wrought - Jace and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other.

Only a few people believe that Jace can still be saved. Together, Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle bargain with the sinister Seelie Queen, contemplate deals with demons, and turn at last to the merciless, weapon-making Iron Sisters, who might be able to forge a weapon that can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. If the Iron Sisters can't help, their only hope is to challenge Heaven and Hell - a risk that could claim their lives.

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary is playing a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing not just her own life, but Jace's soul. She's willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

I was one of those people that was a little miffed that she decided to extend the series. It was perfect as a trilogy, and while there were still some loose ends, I was satisfied with it ending that way.City of Fallen Angels was a bit of a disappointment for me, and as I said in my review of it, I was almost going to give it four stars until that amazing ending happened. Well you can rest a little easier, because City of Lost Souls was pretty dang good. The first chunk of the book is waiting for Jace (and, consequently, Sebastian) to show up. But we soon find out that Jace isn't the same person anymore. Sebastian has basically made him his lap dog. But what was really brilliant about what Clare did here was that she made him only barely unrecognizable. She knows her characters so well that she can barely tweak one of her most beloved guys so that we're not sure how much he's been messed up. I was definitely impressed by this, and Clare still has a way of surprising me.


So, as you may have guessed, the romance is a little... off. Clary is still so unhealthily in love with Jace, but Jace is sort of under Sebastian's evil spell. He has immense power that he got from Lilith, and he needs Jace to fulfill his plans. Once Clary is able to find Jace, she knows that she can't just let him go. So she agrees to be part of their plans, and she suffers a relationship with this sort of half-Jace. That totally broke my heart. You could watch how it was killing her, and there were instances where it seemed like the old Jace was back. Obviously, it eventually happens. That's not really a spoiler; but it doesn't happen like you expect it to, and it's at a very inopportune moment. But the little romantic moments that were there, were hot. It'll be interesting to see how Clare is going to mess with their relationship for one last book. You know it's not going to be just about beating Sebastian.


Again, I enjoyed this book. But I really wish it would have stayed a trilogy. She could go on and on with the perilous misadventures of Jace and Clary, but I think City of Glass ended with the perfect amount of uncertainty. It didn't need to be tweaked the way it was. But there are also parts of this book that I loved that I'm not sure I would want to give back now that I've read them. Besides, I love Cassie Clare's writing and the world o Shadowhunters. I'll be interested to see when she starts an entirely new world without Shadowhunters. Her writing is gorgeous, but I'd love to see it in a dystopian or something. Either way, I cannot wait for the next book! Of course, first we must wait for Clockwork Princess.

"Defend your reputation, or bid farewell to your good life for ever."

Shakespeare knew what he was talking about in Measure for Measure. I wasn't going to get involved in this (boy, is this the falsest statement of the blogging world right now), but I feel like things need to be said. I need to defend myself as a blogger, so that my readers and visitors know that bloggers are getting a really bad rap right now.

First, the reviews.

Apparently, people are being bashed publicly on Goodreads (it has not happened to me, but I think the more famous blogs that have Goodreads pages have been having these problems). We understand as bloggers that an author's reputation is very important. One bad review from an established blogger can affect sales of that author's book. But that doesn't mean that you can bash us on our Goodreads page, or delete our reviews. Our reviews (bad or good) are up there for a reason: to give people our opinions that want to read these books. Our reputation as a blogger is also very important. We want to read these books partially for enjoyment, but also because we want to share our opinions about it with people. It's why we put our reviews online for the entire world to read. I can imagine as an author being disheartened by a bad review, but I can't imagine taking the risk of bashing a reviewer for it. Because you can bet your coveted unpublished manuscript they're never going to read any of your books again AND they'll still put up their review for other people to read, and they will not be nice about it. The other part of our reputation that's apparently hanging by a thread is that people are saying we take money for our reviews. I hate to be dramatic here but: I WOULD NEVER. The idea that people are thinking that we receive compensation for our reviews is absurd and goes against everything I personally stand for. I am not afraid to write a bad review. And I know a lot of bloggers that aren't. We are a book blogging community, and while sometimes we get mad at each other, we support each other. And this is unacceptable.

For reference:
Here's an article about charging for reviews: http://michelegormanwriter.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/should-bloggers-charge-for-reviews.html
And here's the site about the Goodreads bashing: http://stopthegrbullies.com/

Now, about BEA and ALA:

You know, there's that saying, a few people ruin it for everyone. That's kind of what's happened with these book conventions. Some bloggers are greedy. I heard from a few people at ALA Midwinter that bloggers were being severely looked down upon and were told they shouldn't be there. I was actually unsure about going to ALA Annual in Anaheim because of this, but I didn't want to be intimidated. I wanted to meet with publishers and see what they were really excited about for this coming fall/winter. Yes, I did get a lot of books. There's something about all these people trying to grab books that gives you an adrenaline rush and makes you want to do the same. But when I would pick up a book, I would read the back and decide whether I really wanted it or not. If I didn't I would put it back. But I saw people just grabbing whatever. There was even this older gentleman who grabbed the most girly middle grade and YA books and he barely even glanced at them. So it wasn't a blogger this time that was grabbing what they shouldn't. We're not there to steal from you. Anyone can buy a pass to BEA or ALA. I understand that it's called American Library Association, but bloggers have a lot of say in what people will want to read as well. I have nearly 500 followers. While numbers don't mean a lot to me, that means that almost every single follower will at least skim one of my reviews and think, "I want to read this book now." And getting to read books early builds up the hype of it so that even more people will want to read it. I went to ALA because I wanted the books for two reasons: I want to read them because they sound awesome; I want people to know how awesome (or not awesome) they are. Reading is not just for me anymore.

Is there no more love for book nerds? Because that's all we really are at heart. And just because we're not librarians or physical booksellers, I still feel like we're professional readers. We deserve to be treated with respect too.

Alright, I'm done ranting. Hopefully this'll all blow over. I feel like there's been a lot lately that needs to blow over, but I believe in the blogging community. I love all of you guys, fellow bloggers and followers. You guys make it all worth it.

EDIT: I want to make a distinction in regards to the reviews. If I don't like the book, instead of completely tearing it to shreds with potentially hurtful words, I try giving constructive criticism. I can actually understand authors getting a little pissed off when a reviewer hates a book but never explains how it could have been better, just that they hated everything about it. If you write a review that is just hating on the book, then you should definitely be expecting some backlash, whether that's from the author or other book reviewers/readers.

Cover Poison: Shift (Firstborn #2) by Raine Thomas

Shift: Firstborn #2 by Raine Thomas

Release Date: August 24, 2012

e-book

Having the ability to shapeshift, Sophia is familiar with change. But even she feels the rising tension in her homeland.

A shadowy male and deadly beast reside in their midst. The births of the newest Kynzesti loom. Hostile Mercesti continue to hunt for the Elder Scroll, and a traumatized female is too afraid to use her abilities to stop them.

Topping off Sophia’s stress is Quincy, the male she’s convinced can’t stand her. She rues the loss of their friendship, but can’t figure out how to move past it. She’ll soon learn, however, that mending that rift bears more significance than she ever imagined.

The search for the Elder Scroll takes on unexpected urgency, and Sophia finds herself in a race across the mainland. To stop the Mercesti led by Eirik, she and her companions must get past their differences and unite against them. If they don’t, Eirik will acquire the immense power he seeks, and two of the beings Sophia loves most will die.

My thoughts: I actually like this better than the cover of the first book (which I have pictured below), but I'm annoyed that she's switching POV's. I'm interested in Sophia's story, but at the same time I want to see what happens to Tate and Zachariah from Tate's POV.

Add to Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15748241-shift

DEFY (Firstborn Trilogy, Book 1) - NOW AVAILABLE

Now Available: BECOMING | CENTRAL | FORETOLD

http://www.RaineThomas.com| http://twitter.com/Raine_Thomas

http://facebook.com/RaineThomas| http://pinterest.com/Raine_Thomas

  What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments!

Tempt Me Thursday (3)

Tempt Me Thursday is Teaser Tuesday on sexy YA steroids, and then a synopsis of my current read.

This quote is from Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins. This book had a couple very steamy scenes, and this one is my favorite.

 

"Seriously," I whispered, unable to look away. "You're doing that bedroom-eyes thing again."

We met halfway. His lips were as hot as his eyes, sending a shock wave through me. His tender mouth opened mine and I could sense the red of passion, like silk, circling us, pulling us closer. I was aware of a halfhearted battle within me, but I clambered nearer, pushing the notebook and papers to the floor.

His lips broke away from mine and moved greedily down my neck. A moan escaped me at the feel of his hot breath, and it was all the encouragement he needed. He was on top of me, and I was gripped by an unfamiliar hunger.

And that's not even the best of it, but I figured I'd leave the rest for when you go out and buy this awesome book.

I'm just starting my current read, Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard. I'm reading it for a blog tour and I did a mini-interview with her as well, so I can't wait to start reading it.

The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

What do you think of the quote? Have you read either of these books? Let me know in the comments!

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth: review

Goodreads rating: 4.33

Hardcover, 525 pages

Published May 1st 2012 by HarperTeen

Series: Divergent #2

Source: Bought, signed

One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

"New York Times" bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian "Divergent" series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

Insurgent was not better than Divergent. Okay, now that I've gotten that out of the way, this book made me so nervous. I was just waiting for someone to come out of the woodwork and kill Tris or Four or someone that Tris cared about. I guess my only issue was that Tris seemed kind of whiney in this one. She feels so guilty about what happened at the end of Divergent that she lets it consume her, and it effects her relationship with Four. I get trying not to think about the people you love being dead (although I can't imagine what it would be like to kill one of those people myself), but there's so much going on I don't think it would always be on my mind like it was with Tris. This book is pretty much nonstop action, which was good, but those low parts, while very well-written, made me want to put the book down sometimes.

The romance between Tris and Four heats up intensely before almost fizzling out completely. This is due to the fact that Tris is keeping the secret from him that drives her guilt, and he's keeping things from her as well. But that's ho early relationships are, even in a dystopian world like this one. You think you can get away with keeping things from the people you care about but don't yet completely trust because you don't feel like both/either of you will benefit from it. But what Four and Tris don't realize is how much they're hurting themselves and what they're fighting for by doing this. I could see why Four wasn't exactly all over Tris when she was being whiney and depressed. I think something teens reading this might not realize is that Four wasn't being mean. He and Tris may love each other, but they haven't had the time to grow as close to each other as say a couple that's been together for a few years. They're not ready to lean completely on each other yet, no matter how much they seem to love each other.

Wow, that got a little ranty. I guess those are my words of wisdom for the week. I did enjoy this book, but like I said, it was not as good as Divergent. I think Divergent kind of surprised everyone with how deliciously good it was. And Insurgent is good and we learn some new mind-blowing things, but it's nothing compared to the explosion of Divergent. And even in saying that, I still give it 5/5, so you can see how great this series is. It seems like there's so much more that's going to happen to this dystopian world, and Tris is in the middle of it. I cannot wait for the next one!!