{Review} Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Title: Paranormalcy (Paranormalcy #1)
Author: Kiersten White
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy
Release Date: August 31st 2010
Source: Gifted
Purchase: TBD | Amazon

Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours. 

But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures. 

So much for normal.

Immediately this book grabbed me and pulled me in. I admit, I was a little confused at first, only because I didn't realize what the book was about. I just thought it was about ghosts, haha. But this one surprised me and I thoroughly enjoyed the first book of this amazing trilogy.

This book was different than most books that I have read. It was a light read, with a little comedy and some less then serious points with a good mix of serious takes. The beginning of the book is what really grabbed me, it started out with humor, which, let's be honest, not a whole lot of books start off like that. To me this was a bit of Buffy, with the whole bag and tag aspect of it with the paranormals. (Which, don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with that.)

The characters were diverse. You had humans, faeries, werewolves, vampires and just about all different types of paranormals. I have always favored anything to do with faeries and the like, so this was just a plus for me.

Evie was young, so she had a nice teenage feel to her as well as some mature tendencies. You could relate to her in some ways and you could follow her as she made some self discoveries about herself and about the IPCA. I also enjoyed her budding relationship with Lend and her friendships she had with Lish and later, Arianna.

I was slightly disappointed that some things were left a mystery about her, so maybe something will develop in the next book, Supernaturally. I would highly recommend this first book to teens ages 13 and older.

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Review: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia

Title: Beautiful Creatures

Author: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

Genre: YA, UF, Witches

Release Date: Feb 4, 2010

Source: Purchased

Purchase: TBD | Amazon

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

 

I was determined to read this book before I watched the movie. I had not been so lucky with previous book to movie adaptations, such as Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Twilight and a few others. So I was glad that once I got done reading some of the books on my TBR pile I had a chance to dive right into this one.

A phenomenal debut novel for authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. The story was captivating and alluring. It immediately pulled me right into their world. Very few books grab my attention within the first sentence, it usually takes a little longer to pull me in. I felt as if I was there in Gatlin, South Carolina right along with Ethan and Lena as they went on their adventure to find answers to their past as well as their future together.

This story was very well written. It made the reader feel like they were there. I could see the town and the people. I guess it also helped that I lived in Louisiana for four years, so it wasn't much of a stretch from one place to the other.

The characters were also great. I loved Ethan's character. Most of the books I had read lately were from the point of view of a young woman, so it was quite refreshing to have it from the point of view of a young man. Ethan is the determined type. Determined to be with Lena and determined to find a way to keep her safe and with him.

Lena was also a great character. She was an outcast at her other schools and immediately the outcast at Jackson High just because of her heritage. It mad me wish I was there just to knock the snobby girls out and put them in their place.

Macon, Amma and Link were great supporting characters as well. I love the support that Link gave and the cool calm of Macon. Amma was my favorite with her attitudes and they way she talked. She made me laugh a few times just because of how visually clear everything was. I could just picture her and her attitude with Ethan and Macon.

I think all and all this was an amazing story. I cannot wait to read Beautiful Darkness, the second book of the series. I will also be watching the movie tonight and hope that it's as great as the book and nothing is left out as with so many other book to movie adaptions.

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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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Guest Review: Switched by Amanda Hocking

Title: Switched 
Author: Amanda Hocking 
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin 
Genre: Ya, Paranormal
Release Date: January 3^rd, 2012   
Source: paperback 
Series: Trylle Trilogy

Buy the Book Here: Amazon

When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - a world both beautiful and frightening, and Wendy's not sure she wants to be a part of it.

Alexis’s Review:

As soon as I got the ARC for this one back in November, I knew that I had to read it. So I did, in two days. Yes folks, it was that good. I knew that I would probably like it because I have read some Amanda Hocking in the past; her My Blood Approves series is still my favorite self-pub books I've ever read. That's why I was so happy to learn that she had been picked up by a major publishing company!

I've heard that some people didn't like this book for whatever reason. I don't know why they didn't though! I thought it was great; the pacing, the characters (Wendy is a great heroine. Even though she is sometimes oblivious.) and the hot guy (because what YA paranormal would be complete without one??) The story takes off from the beginning and I never knew what was going to happen next.

There was one time that I felt the book dragged (near the end before the climax) but it was understandable; you can't have a book that is fast paced from beginning to end. Excluding maybe The Hunger Games. The end was probably my favorite part of the book. Can you talk about a cliff-hanger? I hope I get to read the second book in the series long before the publication date too! I don't know if I can deal with the suspense! I'll be interested to see if Amanda Hocking's other book series are also picked up by St. Martin's or another publisher or if this is the only series that she is going to seek major publication for.

Anyway, overall, Switched is the perfect fantasy/romance/adventure if you are in a reading slump or just want an amazingly quick joy-ride. :)

Star Rating:

Guest Review by: Alexis

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Book Review: Fairy Bad Day by Amanda Ashby

Title: Fairy Bad Day

Author: Amanda Ashby

Publisher: Speak

Genre: YA, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

Release Date: June 9th 2011
Source: ebook

Challenge: TBR Pile

Amazon/The Book Depository

While most students at Burtonwood Academy get to kill demons and goblins, fifteen-year-old Emma gets to rid the world of little annoying fairies with glittery wings and a hipster fashion sense. She was destined to be a dragon slayer, but cute and charming Curtis stole her spot. Then she sees a giant killer fairy - and it's invisible to everyone but her! If Emma has any chance of stopping this evil fairy, she's going to need help. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is Curtis. And now, not only has he stolen her dragon-slayer spot, but maybe her heart as well! Why does she think it's going to be a fairy bad day?

My Review:

A very awesome book. I absolutely loved it! The characters were simply the best ever. As I love fantasy, this has to top some of my lists. 

While I loved the main characters, Curtis and Emma, I couldn’t help but love their mischievous, betting, helpful friends, Loni and Tyler more. Those two added humor and laughs to this great book.

While the plot was somewhat predictable and the ‘Pure One’ was also predictable, I still thought this story was one of a kind.

I liked this book so much that I’m afraid that if I keep on reviewing it this review will be nothing but a huge spoiler, haha. So I just suggest getting yourself a copy and read it for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

Final Thoughts: 

A great book for anyone that likes fantasy or for the beginner reader into the fantasy world.

Star Rating:

  

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Review: Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves

Title: Bleeding Violet

Author: Dia Reeves

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Edition: Paperback, 480
Genre: YA, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

Release Date: December 7th 2010

Source: paperback

Summary (from Goodreads)

Love can be a dangerous thing....

Hanna simply wants to be loved. With a head plagued by hallucinations, a medicine cabinet full of pills, and a closet stuffed with frilly, violet dresses, Hanna's tired of being the outcast, the weird girl, the freak. So she runs away to Portero, Texas in search of a new home.

But Portero is a stranger town than Hanna expects. As she tries to make a place for herself, she discovers dark secrets that would terrify any normal soul. Good thing for Hanna, she's far from normal. As this crazy girl meets an even crazier town, only two things are certain: Anything can happen and no one is safe.

My Review: 

My first impression of this book and the main character, Hanna, blew me away. And I'm not talking about the "Wow, this book is amazing" kind of way either. More or less the "Wow, this girl is crazy, what will she do next" kind of way.

When my step-daughter's friend first told me of this book, I was told that it was about a girl running away fro home and encounters ghosts and the like, which had me intrigued. But when I started to read this truely strange book I began to realize that she was wrong and I began to wonder what would happen next to this manic-depressed girl named Hanna. She alone, with the help of her new boyfriend, Wyatt, urged me to continue reading this oddly fascinating book by Dia Reeves.

Nothing is as it seems in Portero, TX. Not only do you have Hanna trying to live with a mother she never knew and who never wanted her, she starts realizing things are just as odd and out there as she is. You've got these strange monsters that lure you to the windows only to suck out your life and turn you to glass, giants leeches that fly, possessions and the ones who are supposed to stop it all from happening, the Mortmaine. You'll just have to read this for yourselves on what happens to everyone, no spoilers here, lol.

I gave this book 3.5 out of 5 stars because of the strangeness of this first book by Dia Reeves. The writing was amazing, and the story was addictive (I read the book in 3 days, lol). But the overall feel of it left me wondering why these things were in Portero, TX and how they got there, and there was no explanation as to how they just were there in the first place. I think that if I got a better understanding as to how these "things" came to this town, and no other town, then my rating would have been higher. But this was a great book, and I think that anyone who likes strange and out of the ordinary things, you will love this book.

Make sure you check out her next novel, Slice of Cherry.

Star Rating:

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Review: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Knight

Author: Julie Kagawa

Publisher: Harlequin TEEN

Edition: Paperback, 361
Genre: YA, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

Release Date: October 25th 2011
Series: Iron Fey

Source: purchased paperback

Summary (from Goodreads)

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his arch-rival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

My Review:

I just want to start off by saying, this has got to be THE BEST Iron Fey series book thus far! I loved all of Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey books, but this one has to be my favorite. The tension between Puck and Ash was, as always, hilarious. They kept each other afloat through the whole book, and you could see how loyal they were towards each other. You also learned about Ash, and his past, and what makes Ash, Ash.

Ash's loyalty towards Megan was amazing, even after his surprise encounter with a past 'friend'. He sought his journey through to the very end, with a few bumps along the way. He encountered the Wolf yet again, and he was pretty funny with his and Grimalkin's encounters, always bashing each other. And, as always, Grimalkin just reminds me so much of the Cheshire Cat from Alice In Wonderland, just popping in and out of sight.

I love how she (Julie Kagawa) described Ash's past and gave us, the readers, a better understanding of why Ash is just Ash. You got to see his temper, his love and his fears as the cold hard exterior of the Winter Prince started to fade and melt away.

Puck delivered a great performance as the ever comedic faerie he is. Just a great comic relief that had me laughing many times throughout the book.

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars because of great writing Kagawa delivers again, I can't wait to read more of her work.

Star Rating:

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Review: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Title: Sisters Red

Author: Jackson Pearce

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Pages: Paperback, 324
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Release Date: June 7th 2010
Series: Fairytale Retellings

Source: purchased paperback

Summary (from Goodreads)

Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris--the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax and Scarlett's only friend--but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they've worked for?

My Review:

Ok, so this book was really quite good to me. The writer has a way of catching you from the beginning and pulling you in and on a ride. Right from the very beginning I was intrigued by the characters and their story and felt horribly bad for the two sisters, Scarlett and Rosie. But, as the story progressed I had some problems with the story, and I will explain.

First of all, I had problems grasping onto to the name of the werewolves she used. "Fenris", and I assume that the only reason that I had a hard time with it is because I have never read the name or heard of the name before this book. So I grasped the change in name. I'm always good with change.

Second, as much as I loved the sisters connection after losing their grandmother at such a young age and Scarlett's revenge driven angst and Rosie's need to branch out from hunting, I did not like how overly protective and selfish Scarlett had gotten with her sister and her happiness. Always thinking they way she did towards her (Rosie's) happiness and how angry she was with Silas drove me completely insane. And once you read it, you will know why.

Lastly, the story was predictable from about halfway through the book on.

But the story also had good points and I will touch on those as well, because not everyone likes to hear how bad a story may be. As I have said, the sisters share a special bond with one another. They feel as if they are twins that were born in two totally different years and share the same heart. Rosie has a passion to be free while Scarlett has a passion to hunt Fenris, the ones that scarred her from an early age.

Rosie has a hard time knowing what she wants until Silas comes back into their lives and changes everything. She starts viewing the world differently. That is why I like Rosie so much. She is able to see the beauty in things and know that there is life outside of hunting.

Scarlett has a strong passion for hunting. Lives, breathes and longs for hunting. She is very determined and strong willed, which I also like that about her.

I gave this book 3.5 stars because of the things that I didn't like about it, not because of the writer. The writer is a brilliant woman and knows how to write a story quite well. I do recommend this book to anyone 15 years or older.

Star Rating:

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