3 Star Review: The Colossus Rises by @PeterLerangis #seriesreview #3star

Title: The Colossus Rises (Seven Wonders #1)
Author: Peter Lerangis
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, Middle Grade
Release Date: February 5th 2013
Source: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon

One Boy

Jack McKinley is an ordinary kid with an extraordinary problem. In a few months, he’s going to die.

One Mission

Jack needs to find seven magic loculi that, when combined, have the power to cure him.

One Problem

The loculi are the relics of a lost civilization and haven’t been seen in thousands of years.

Seven Wonders

Because they’re hidden in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

I have to admit, this was the first book that I have ever read by this author. And I wasn't actually going to read it until I had the opportunity to get a copy of book 4, The Curse of the King, from Night Owl Reviews, and that's only because it really didn't seem like it would be my cup of tea. But you know what? I actually enjoyed the book for the most part.

This story follows 4 teenagers as they are told they are the heirs to the lost city of Atlantis. Being told that their only chance to survive is by being given special treatments in a secret lab, a lab that not even their parents know about. And, speaking of parents, their parents don't even know where they are or what they are supposed to set out to do.

So far, this story has some pull. It does pull you into a world of action and adventure. However, there are some key flaws, in my opinion. The story seems to go smoothly and then it seems as if the author kind of pushes you through certain parts. As an example, literally, in the span of two paragraphs you go from being thrown around in a airplane to sitting in a cab looking around Greece. Sometimes you don't know what is going on and you have to back track a couple of paragraphs just to make sure you weren't missing anything.

But, other than the story being rushed in certain parts and being slightly confused at times, I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to read the second book, Lost in Babylon.

Peter Lerangis is the author of more than one hundred and sixty books, which have sold more than five million copies and been translated into thirty-three different languages. His books include The Colossus Rises and Lost in Babylon in the New York Times bestselling Seven Wonders series, and two books in The 39 Clues series (The Sword Thief and The Viper's Nest). Peter is a Harvard graduate with a degree in biochemistry and has run a marathon and gone rock climbing during an earthquake—though not on the same day. He lives in New York City with his wife, musician Tina deVaron, and their two sons, Nick and Joe. In his spare time, he likes to eat chocolate.

Find Peter: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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[Review] The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White

Title: The Chaos of Stars
Author: Kiersten White
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre: Teen, Fantasy, Mythology
Release Date: Sept 10th 2013
Source: YA Book Exchange

Summary from Goodreads:

Isadora's family is seriously screwed up—which comes with the territory when you're the human daughter of the ancient Egyptian gods Isis and Osiris. Isadora is tired of living with crazy relatives who think she's only worthy of a passing glance—so when she gets the chance to move to California with her brother, she jumps on it. But her new life comes with plenty of its own dramatic—and dangerous—complications . . . and Isadora quickly learns there's no such thing as a clean break from family.

I love anything to do with mythology, so when I heard this was about Egyptian mythology, I jumped at the chance to read it. More and more books are about Greek mythology, so this was a bit different and a very amazing book.

I was immediately pulled into Isadora's world, and the chaos that soon follows. She can't wait to leave home and get away from her mother and father, Isis and Osiris, and live on her own. She soon finds that moving in with her brother, Sirus, is her way out and makes it seem as if it's her mother's idea for her to go. She is soon making friends and a life away from home when chaos comes in the form of her half-brother which takes her back home.

I really enjoyed Kiersten White's Paranormalcy series, so I knew I would enjoy this. The characters are great, and there is even some eye candy in here with amazing blue eyes and dark hair. I would recommend this book to ages 13 and up.

Hi! I'm the New York Times best-selling author of Paranormalcy and Supernaturally. I also give the most awkward hugs in the world. You should probably opt for one of my books over one of my hugs, but then again, maybe you like awkward hugs.

As for me, I like writing flirting scenes, and fighting scenes, and sometimes I write scenes that fall somewhere in between the two, but only if I can't avoid it.

Find Kiersten: Website | Goodreads | Twitter

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[Blog Tour] The Shadow Prince by Bree Despain Review + Giveaway @EgmontUSA @breedespain

Welcome to my stop on The Shadow Prince blog tour! Today I have my thoughts on this amazing book plus 2 giveaways! That's right, 2! I will be hosting a giveaway for one ARC copy (US only) and one finished copy (US/CAN only, sent via Egmont USA).

Haden Lord, the disgraced prince of the Underrealm, has been sent to the mortal world to entice a girl into returning with him to the land of the dead. Posing as a student at Olympus Hills High—a haven for children of the rich and famous—Haden must single out the one girl rumored to be able to restore immortality to his race.

Daphne Raines has dreams much bigger than her tiny southern Utah town, so when her rock star dad suddenly reappears, offering her full tuition to Olympus Hills High’s prestigious music program, she sees an opportunity to catch the break she needs to make it as a singer. But upon moving into her estranged father’s mansion in California, and attending her glamorous new school, Daphne soon realizes she isn’t the only student in Olympus who doesn’t quite belong.

Haden and Daphne—destined for each other—know nothing of the true stakes their fated courtship entails. As war between the gods brews, the teenagers’ lives collide. But Daphne won’t be wooed easily and when it seems their prophesied link could happen, Haden realizes something he never intended—he’s fallen in love. Now to save themselves, Haden and Daphne must rewrite their destinies. But as their destinies change, so do the fates of both their worlds.

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Teardrop by Lauren Kate

Title: Teardrop (Teardrop #1)
Author: Lauren Kate
Publisher: Delacorte Books
Genre: Mythology, YA, Fantasy
Release Date: Oct 22nd 2013
Source: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Never, ever cry... Seventeen-year-old Eureka won't let anyone close enough to feel her pain. After her mother was killed in a freak accident, the things she used to love hold no meaning. She wants to escape, but one thing holds her back: Ander, the boy who is everywhere she goes, whose turquoise eyes are like the ocean. And then Eureka uncovers an ancient tale of romance and heartbreak, about a girl who cried an entire continent into the sea. Suddenly her mother's death and Ander's appearance seem connected, and her life takes on dark undercurrents that don't make sense. Can everything you love be washed away?

I am never disappointed with any Lauren Kate book I read. This book was phenomenal! It had me entranced from beginning to end and left me wanting to know what happens.

I really loved the whole idea of this amazing story! I have always been fascinated by the stories of Atlantis. So when I read the blurb on this book, I knew I had to read it. Even if it didn't mention anything about Atlantis, just the idea of someone crying a continent into the sea? Now that deserves a read!

Eureka is such a strong person. I don't know what I would do if I lost one of my parents. I don't think that I would have gone as far as Eureka did by trying to commit suicide though. It seems everyone is against her, making her try to forget she lost her mom just a few months prior to the events taking place. Her step-mom is total witch, and that is putting it mildly. I was a step-parent for 10 years (still consider myself one now), and I didn't treat the kids the way she treats Reka. She tells her what to do and how to be, and seems to make all the decisions with her regarding her life without consulting her husband. Now maybe I was a cool step-parent, but I always made sure I cleared things that affected the kids with my ex first, just because they simply were not mine.

Brooks, he seemed like a cool guy. He was fun, laid back and understanding. He had a thing for Eureka but didn't push the subject with her. He also was understanding with her about her mom. Since they grew up together, they were like family. It wasn't until the middle of the book where I started to not like him. (You'll have to read it to find out why).

Ander was a mystery. He always seemed to be there where Eureka was, but no one ever saw him watching. I admit, the watching thing is pretty creepy, but there is a good explanation for it in the book. I would love to meet someone like Ander, especially with the eyes like turquoise. He's also quite passionate about things, which is another plus for me.

There were some aspects that I didn't quite like. For one, Eureka kept pushing people away. Okay, so her mom died, I understand, but when someone is trying to help you, you would think that you would want it. You would want someone to lean on for support. She just didn't seem to trust anyone enough for that, especially her dad. There was also the fact that her twins brother and sister are four years old but acted like they were a bit older at some points in the book and then they acted like an actual four year old in other parts (I have a four year old, so I know the difference). Also, everyone is pushing for Eureka to forget about her mom, even her shrink. I don't know if that's how shrink's really are, but you would think that they would want you to embrace what happened so you can move on, not forget about it, and especially forget about someone you love, someone who brought you into the world.

Because of some of the things I didn't like I decided to give this a 4 star rating out of 5. I do highly recommend this book to anyone who loves mythology and fantasy. Even if you haven't read anything by Lauren Kate in the past, you should read this! I think this will make you a huge fan!

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Review: Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

Title: Carrier of the Mark (Carrier #1)

Author: Leigh Fallon

Publisher: HarperTeen

Genre: YA, UF, Mythology

Release Date: Oct 4, 2011

Source: RAK

Purchase: TBD | Amazon

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRÍs.

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

This was an amazing read! For some reason I have been putting off reading this, maybe because I hadn't had the time, but I never owned a copy until recently. I received it as a R.A.K. and started reading it instantly. I am so glad that I did. I had a hard time putting this one down at bedtime. I found myself pushing the time before I finally had to put the book down and go to sleep.

This has mostly every girls dream. Most of us are drawn to foreign accents and mysterious guys. Adam DeRis is the perfect example. Mysterious, good looking and with an Irish accent to top it off. When Megan Rosenberg moves from the United States to Kinsale, Ireland, she knows that there is something different about Adam but she's not quite sure what yet. She's heard the stories about him and his family and the strange things that happen. But that doesn't bother her, she is still drawn to him. Adam can't quite put his finger on what it is about Megan that he is drawn to either, but he will soon find out.

The story and characters are just amazing, I have always been a fan of all things Irish and this book really drew me in. I recently started to read about Irish folklore and been wanting to study the mythology. So this one really had me intrigued. And now I can't wait for the second book of the series, Shadow of the Mark.

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Book Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Title: The Goddess Test

Author: Aimee Carter

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Genre: YA, Mythology, Paranormal Romance

Release Date: April 19th 2011
Series: Goddess Test

Source: ebook

Challenge: TBR Pile

Amazon/The Book Depository

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

 

My Review:

I quickly dove right into this book feet first. I was so engulfed into this story that I never wanted to put it down. I have always loved Greek Mythology ever since I was in high school, but this book has made me want to learn so much more about the subject.

The characters were so likable; I had an immediate connection with Kate and felt something for Henry. The match was perfect for the story.  

Kate is very strong willed and determined to save her mother’s life, even though she is dying of cancer. They decide to move to Eden, Michigan (I, being from Michigan, decided to look this place up to see if it exists, haha) from New York City. Upon arriving in Eden, Kate almost hits a cow in the middle of the road, or so she thinks it’s a cow. And that’s just the beginning of the ‘fun’ Kate starts to have in Eden.

Soon she meets James and Ava. James is a little strange for Kate but soon finds him as a good friend. Ava on the other hand thinks that Kate is trying to steal her boyfriend, Dylan, and decides to get even with Kate. That’s when the accident happens and Kate’s world will never be the same…

When Kate meets Henry, he offers her a solution to her problem in the form of a deal. Kate reluctantly accepts his offer and starts to regret it. But as time passes, she grows fonder of Henry.

Final Thoughts:

This story was just great from start to finish. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good YA romance with a twist of Greek mythology. 

Star Rating:

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