Review: The Savage Blue (The Vicious Deep #2) by Zoraida Córdova

 

Source: Received an arc from Raincoast books for an honest review.

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Release Date: Already Released.
Number of Pages: 416 (Hardcover)

Blurb from Goodreads:

A storm is coming...

The ocean is a vicious place. Deeper and darker than Tristan could have imagined. Beneath its calm blue surface, an ancient battle is churning —and no one is safe.

In the quest for the Sea Throne, Tristan has already watched one good friend die. Now he must lead the rest on a dangerous voyage in search of the trident that will make him king. But while Tristan chases his destiny, the dark forces racing against him are getting stronger, and the sea witch of his nightmares is getting closer.

Battling sea dragons and savage creatures of the deep, Tristan needs his friends' support. But they each have their secrets, and a betrayal will force Tristan to choose between his crown and his best friend Layla — the only girl he's ever loved.

I've had this review also completely written for quite a while now, but have been procrastinating in finishing it all up, so I figured that with the final book in the trilogy releasing shortly, now was the perfect time to post it! I read The Savage Blue when I was in Mexico last year, and it was actually my first time being so close to the ocean and the first time I ever swam in it! My new experience gave me an entirely different feeling when I was reading the book, and it made it mean even more to me. I could picture everything more fully, and the story just completely enraptured me, and I didn't want the book to end...and instead I prolonged reading it for as long as I could during my vacation. 

The Savage Blue was an amazing sequel to The Vicious Deep! It took right off where the first book ended, and kept going at the fast pace that its predecessor had established! Along with the action, Tristan provided the constant humour and goodwill that encompasses this trilogy, and I had so much fun reading it! 

I absolutely loved the first book, but I loved this one, The Savage Blue, just as much, if not more! It was hilarious and had me constantly smiling and chuckling. It had me shocked, and heartbroken for the characters, and it had me completely riveted to every single thing that was happening on the page. I really do love this trilogy! The characters are fantastic, it's full of action, and it's hilarious! I also love Tristan as the protagonist. You don't read too many YA books with male leads, and I'm sure this is the only one where the male lead happens to be a merman...and I find that extremely refreshing! ;D

As soon as I finished reading The Savage Blue, I couldn't wait to read the next book, The Vast and Brutal Sea, and thankfully, the wait is almost over! :D It's a bit bittersweet because I love this trilogy and would love to have more of it to read, but at the same time, I really CANNOT wait to find out what happens next! :D 

What do you think of The Vicious Deep trilogy?

Have you started it yet?

 If you haven't, do you like the sound of a trilogy about mermaids, where the main character is a guy?

TYGER TYGER is free ALL WEEK!

You may have noticed me gushing over the Goblin Wars trilogy by Kersten Hamilton before...and I'm going to gush about it even more today because the first book in the trilogy, TYGER TYGER, is free all week!!! :D

Purchase Links: 
iBookstore | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 * Note: I've been told that it isn't free for everyone on Amazon yet, but it is supposed to, so check again later and see if it is. I know it's free for me, so hopefully it'll be free for everyone else, too.

Anyway, to help promote Tyger Tyger being free, I've thought of some nice handy tweets that you can just copy & tweet yourself, here they are:

Looking for a Halloween read? Try Tyger Tyger! Get your FREE copy: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tyger-tyger/id427571024?mt=11 | http://www.amazon.com/Tyger-Goblin-Wars-Book-ebook/dp/B004GB1T6S | http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tyger-tyger-kersten-hamilton/1100375064

Goblins & Travellers OH MY! Get your FREE copy of TYGER TYGER: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tyger-tyger/id427571024?mt=11 | http://www.amazon.com/Tyger-Goblin-Wars-Book-ebook/dp/B004GB1T6S | http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tyger-tyger-kersten-hamilton/1100375064

Finn MacCumhaill is a beast! Get your FREE copy of TYGER TYGER: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tyger-tyger/id427571024?mt=11 | http://www.amazon.com/Tyger-Goblin-Wars-Book-ebook/dp/B004GB1T6S | http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tyger-tyger-kersten-hamilton/1100375064

RT if you like GORILLAS! Get your FREE copy of TYGER TYGER: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tyger-tyger/id427571024?mt=11 | http://www.amazon.com/Tyger-Goblin-Wars-Book-ebook/dp/B004GB1T6S | http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tyger-tyger-kersten-hamilton/1100375064

RT if U want to travel w/ Finn! Get your FREE copy of TYGER TYGER: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tyger-tyger/id427571024?mt=11 | http://www.amazon.com/Tyger-Goblin-Wars-Book-ebook/dp/B004GB1T6S | http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tyger-tyger-kersten-hamilton/1100375064

And the last one, short, simple, and sweet: 

Get your FREE copy of TYGER TYGER: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tyger-tyger/id427571024?mt=11 | http://www.amazon.com/Tyger-Goblin-Wars-Book-ebook/dp/B004GB1T6S | http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tyger-tyger-kersten-hamilton/1100375064

If you've got another great idea for a short and sweet tweet, mention it in a comment and I'll add it to the list. :D

As, I've professed before, I'm a huge fan of this trilogy!
What about you, are you a fan?
If you haven't started the Goblin Wars trilogy yet, are you going to now that you can get the first book for FREE?! And if you aren't, why not? (Seriously...it's fantastic I can't say that enough!!!)


Pssst...if you need more motivation to read the trilogy you can find my reviews here: Tyger Tyger, In the Forests of the Night, and When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears. And you can check out their Goodreads pages here: Tyger Tyger, In the Forests of the Night, and When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears.

10 REASONS WHY I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT WAIT FOR ALLEGIANT! #Allegiant @HCCFrenzy

With less than a month to go, I'm getting extremely excited for the release of Allegiant, the last book in the Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth!

Here are my 10 REASONS WHY I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT WAIT FOR ALLEGIANT! And yes, the CAPS are totally necessary! ;D

1. The world-building in the Divergent trilogy is amazing...it feels as if you're right there with Tris and all of the other characters! I definitely can't wait to be there with them again! This trilogy is one of my favourites, and I am so excited to see how it all wraps up...I'm also already excited for a trilogy reread, with no wait time between books!


2. The teasers Harper Collins has been sharing in anticipation of Allegiant's release have certainly teased me, and now I'm ready for a full dose of Allegiant! :D


3. The Transfer, the novella that was released in September from Four's point of view, made me even more eager for Allegiant! Allegiant is in both Tris and Four's points of view, and after getting more of Four's perspective, I'm excited to see how both of their parts fit into the story! :D


4.  Veronica Roth is awesome...seriously, she's awesome. She's one of my favourite authors, and even if this were a new series or a standalone, and not the conclusion to a trilogy that I was already desperately awaiting, I'd still be absolutely eager and dying to read it because I just love her writing and I think she's an amazing storyteller. She also has a really amazing Tumblr. Plus, I was lucky enough to meet her during the Smart Chicks Kick It Tour in 2012, and she's just as awesome in person, too! ;D


5.  I NEED TO FINISH THIS TRILOGY BEFORE THE MOVIE COMES OUT!!! Okay, so this one is just a crazy little book tendency that I have...and I just feel the intense urge to already have the book read by the time I see the movie for Divergent! The movie looks completely amazing, by the way...I was unsure at first, but I am so excited now that my excitement is starting to get ridiculous. :P


6. I've been wanting to read Allegiant since before it even had a title...yup, I was eagerly anticipating this book back when it was UNTITLED (Divergent #3)...you can even see that I was eagerly awaiting it in the book survey post I did for 2012, here. I also raved about Insurgent multiple times. Plus, I've had Allegiant preordered since I was able to preorder it...so I can't wait for my copy to FINALLY arrive!! :D


7.  Divergent was AMAZING! It was an amazing start to the trilogy, and I completely gushed about it (and about Tris & Four :P) in my review back when it was first released...and it's still one of my favourite books!


8. Insurgent was AMAZING, too!!! And just like Divergent, I totally raved about it in my review not long after reading it. It was one of my favourite books of 2012! Seriously, both books were amazing, and immediately after finishing Insurgent, I knew that the wait for Allegiant would feel far too long! :P


9. I NEED MORE FOURTRIS!!!! Yes, I've combined their names because they should not be separated. ;P Anyway, I need more...like now, or you know, when the book comes out, which thankfully is in less than a month!! Can we all just cheer for that right now!!! *insert fangirling here!*


10. And finally! After seeing the movie posters that were just released, and the new promo video I'm even more excited for the movie, which is making me even more excited for Allegiant!!! I can't wait to read the conclusion to this fantastic trilogy! I also am super excited to see Shaliene as Tris, and Theo as Four because in all of the promo movie stuff so far, they look and sound perfect!!! :D

If anyone hasn't seen the awesome movie posters featuring Four and Tris yet (or just wants to stare at them again, like I do :P), here they are!

Are you excited for Allegiant? 

What are some of the reasons that you can't wait for Allegiant?

Review: When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears (Goblin Wars #3) by Kersten Hamilton

Source: Received an ARC from Thomas Allen and Sons for an honest review.
Publisher: Clarion Books
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Number of Pages: 400 pages (Hardcover)


Description from Goodreads:

“People will die.”

Locked doors are opening, and uncanny creatures are tumbling through mysterious portals from Mag Mell, the world-between-worlds, into the streets of Chicago. The Dark Man has marked Aiden with a new song that’s scared him badly, and a frightening new group of sídhe is lurking nearby.


Teagan knows this is war, and she must protect her family. She leaves her flesh and bones behind to join Finn in hunting the evil beings across the city. Meanwhile, their relationship is heating up—almost faster than they can control. But he is still bound to fight goblins his entire life . . . and by blood she is one of them now.


Then the gateway to Mag Mell cracks open again, and the Wylltsons find themselves caught in a trap. As her loved ones begin to die, Teagan realizes that she must destroy the Dark Man and his minions once and for all in order to save those who remain . . .

. . . before it is too late.

Oh boy!!!! I absolutely loved the first two books in this trilogy, and When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears does not disappoint as a conclusion! This book completely blew me away. I expected to love it, and I did, but I did not expect all of the things that happened in this book. I tend to predict a lot of things as I'm reading, but Kersten Hamilton ALWAYS keeps me on my toes, and I LOVE that! I also love Finn...just had to get that out there. :P

I'm not going to go into too much detail because this is the final book in a trilogy, but I will tell you a bit about it. We see Teagan come into herself even more in this book, and she kicks some serious butt. We also see Finn be awesome as always, and the rest of the fabulous characters also play their parts. Overall, this trilogy is one of my favourites and I wholeheartedly recommend it to absolutely everyone. This trilogy is completely amazing, and all three books were fantastic on their own, but together they create one amazing trio of books. They will have you laughing, crying, and they'll have you grinning like a giddy school-girl.

The Goblin Wars trilogy is amazing. It's unique, and frankly it covers some of the paranormal that I've never even dreamed about before...after all, it's not often that you read stories about goblins...or at least I hadn't before this trilogy and I haven't since. These books are refreshing, they're heartwarming, and they're all-around awesome. Seriously, if you haven't started them yet, you need to because you will love these books, and you will simply adore the characters. I don't think I'll ever forget Tea, Finn, Aiden, or any of the others...and I definitely won't forget about the magic of Mag Mell.

I recommend this to anyone who likes paranormal books that are different, and especially if you like intricate folklore and worlds that fit seamlessly into our own...this trilogy is similar to Cassandra Clare's in that way. Just as the Shadow-world fits into our own, so does the world that the goblins and other beings come from in the Goblin Wars trilogy. :D Also...if you like hot YA dudes and adorable romances, I think you'll enjoy Finn and his relationship with Tea...they're fantastic together. :D

Add the Goblin Wars to your Goodreads to-read list:

1. Tyger Tyger (Goblin Wars #1)
2. In the Forests of the Night (Goblin Wars #2)
3. When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears (Goblin Wars #3)

Well...I got a bit fangirly there, but what can I say! I totally love these books, and I hope that some of you get the chance to read them because they're amazing! The titles of the books also all come from William Blake's poem "The Tyger"...it's pretty neat actually, and the poem pops up throughout the trilogy. Here's a link to the poem online if you'd like to read it: "The Tyger" by William Blake.

I also just have to say, I'm super smitten with these covers, too! They're gorgeous!


So...what do you think?
Have you read any of the Goblin Wars books yet?
Do you want to?

Review: The Vicious Deep (The Vicious Deep #1) by Zoraida Córdova

Source: Received an egalley from Raincoast, Sourcebooks and Netgalley for an honest review.

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Release Date: Already Released.
Number of Pages: 384 (Hardcover)

(Goodreads Link.)

Blurb from Goodreads:

For Tristan Hart, everything changes with one crashing wave.

He was gone for three days. Sucked out to sea in a tidal wave and spit back ashore at Coney Island with no memory of what happened. Now his dreams are haunted by a terrifying silver mermaid with razor-sharp teeth.

His best friend Layla is convinced something is wrong. But how can he explain he can sense emotion like never before? How can he explain he’s heir to a kingdom he never knew existed? That he’s suddenly a pawn in a battle as ancient as the gods.

Something happened to him in those three days. He was claimed by the sea…and now it wants him back.

---

I'm of The Little Mermaid generation...meaning I watched the movie at least once a month (in some cases a week :P) throughout my childhood, and ever since I have absolutely loved mermaids. The Vicious Deep takes it to a whole new level though, and the male narrator is certainly one of the reasons for that. :)

In most stories about mermaids...or rather merfolk, the mermaid is a girl and she's the narrator, but this one is totally different. I loved that, and I really enjoyed Tristan. He was pretty cocky and a jerk at times, but I actually really liked him. He was straightforward and he knew he could be a prick...which was kind of refreshing. It also helped that he was hilarious, and that most of the other characters were really funny too. :D I'm a sucker for great chemistry between characters, and for lots of jokes and The Vicious Deep had tonnes of both of those! I also really loved Tristan's best friend, Layla. I'm gonna keep mum about my feelings towards Tristan and Layla, but I totally loved the two of them together. Read into that however you like. :P

I also really loved the descriptions, and the way that the different species of creatures: mermaids, fairies, vampires, and an abundance of others were incorporated into our world. When Zoraida Córdova described things, I almost felt like everything was in technicolor and super vibrant. I think that finding theperfect balance with how you describe something is an art, and Córdova is excellent at it! :D There are so many times where you read something and it's so descriptive that you almost get bored with all the adjectives, but not with The Vicious Deep. Instead, you feel as if you've been submerged in the same world as Tristan, and you're just as mesmerized and overwhelmed with it as he is. I also love that Tristan's reactions are realistic. He's so confused, and he acts like a snarky and sarcastic teenager, which I found pretty amusing.

Along with the awesome descriptions, and characters, I loved the whole story in general. It was such an interesting plot, and while the story was very character-driven, it was also full of action. There was always something going on, or something to be figured out, and because of that, The Vicious Deep constantly keeps you on your toes! :D

Overall, I loved this one! So much! It's definitely on the top of my favourite reads this year, and I'm counting down the days until I can read the next book, The Savage Blue! :D I would recommend this to someone who loves mermaids, or even someone who isn't a mermaid fan. This book is so versatile with its male narrator and the action throughout, I think it would appeal to a lot of readers. It would also be great if you're a YA fan and are looking for an awesome story with a male lead. I know I personally like to mix it up and read a story with a male narrator every once in a while and there aren't too many YAs out there with them. :D

Have you read The Vicious Deep yet?
Are you a mermaid fan?
Does this sound like a book that you'd enjoy?

Purchase Links:
Book Depository: UK / US
Amazon: UK / US / Canada
Barnes and Noble

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

 Source: Bought/Personal Library

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Release Date:Already Released.
Number of Pages: 534 (Hardcover)

(Goodreads Link.)

I haven't included the description from Goodreads because I don't want to spoil anyone who doesn't want to read the description...if you do want to read it, it can be found on the book's Goodreads page.

---

I was extremely torn after I finished the book before this one, City of Fallen Angels, so I was going into CoLS just hoping that I would love it like I'd loved the first three books...and thankfully, I did! :D I am super happy to be able to say that I absolutely loved City of Lost Souls, and I'm extremely excited for the final book, City of Heavenly Fire now...and we have to wait until 2014 for it! It's gonna be a long wait, but at least now if I decide to reread the series, I know it'll end for the time being on a note I'm happy with...so yay for that! :D

One big difference between CoFA and CoLS from the first three books, is that that there are way more narrators! Instead of just being more Jace and Clary centric, these ones include lots of Simon, some of Alec, and in CoLS's case, even some of Maia (and some other characters who shall not be named to avoid spoilers :P)! I like that there are more sides to the story now, but it's definitely a big shift from the earlier books. Hopefully it's one that most fans will adapt to, and like. :)

The biggest thing I'm going to stress in this review is the fact that even if CoFA left you conflicted and kind of tormented (like it did for me :P), then you can still enjoy City of Lost Souls! I seriously was kind of nervous about going into this one because I was just so out of it after I read CoFA. I didn't even know how to react. I knew I loved the writing, but the story as a whole left me just so sad, and so broken up inside...so when I read CoLS I was just hoping and hoping that this one would end on a better note for me...and it did! Yes, it had a cliffhanger, like most of Cassandra Clare's books, but this one wasn't nearly as brutal as CoFA, and it left me content and excited for CoHF rather than feeling all jumbled! What I'm trying to get at here is that I think if CoFA wasn't necessarily a hit for you, you shouldn't be afraid to keep going with CoLS because if you don't read it, you might just miss out on one amazing story! :D

I think by now we all know the characters in this series, but I'll mention some just because. I've read some reviews where people said Clary annoyed them, but I've always loved Clary...I don't care what anyone says. I think Clary is a great heroine. She's strong, determined, and always stands up for what she believes in. She may be impulsive, and doesn't always consider her own safety, but she does it for the people she loves, and I can't help but admire her for that. Yes, maybe she mopes around about Jace and misses him...but seriously? Wouldn't you?! Honestly, I think some people forget that characters are supposed to be people too, and that they're supposed to behave as if they have feelings. :P Anyway, I think Clary is awesome, and I think that she's grown a lot over this series, and in CoLS she really shows it. She shows off some of her awesome Shadowhunter moves, and proves as always that she is willing to do whatever she can for what she believes in and to help those she loves. I'm going to avoid talking about my number one YA heartthrob, Jace, because I really don't want to ruin anything for you all...but I will say that he is in the book, so don't worry, he shows up. :P

So, if you've been afraid to start CoLS because you were unsure after CoFA, I'm going to encourage you to give it a shot! Also, if you've been waiting to read the final three books in this series until they all come out to avoid cliffhangers...I say go for it now! CoLS ends on a great note...one I was seriously okay with it ending on, so I think if you're waiting, it's time to pick it up. :)


Have you read City of Lost Souls?
Are you waiting to read the last three books until they're all out (I actually know someone who's doing this, which is why I'm asking in case you were wondering :P)?
Did you read City of Fallen Angels? Were you torn like I was?
Anything else you'd like to share? Haiku's about Jace? Rants about Clary (or should I say counter-rants since my comment turned into a bit of a rant :P)?
Whatever it is, feel free to discuss. :)

Purchase Links:
Book Depository: UK / US
Amazon: UK / US / Canada
Barnes and Noble

Review: Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Source: Bought/Personal Library

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Release Date: Already Released.
Number of Pages: 525 (Hardcover)

(Goodreads Link.)

Blurb from Goodreads:

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.

---

I absolutely loved Divergent, so to say I've been waiting for Insurgent to come out would be a serious understatement! Thankfully its release day has come and passed, and all Divergent fans have probably already read and devoured Insurgent...and if you haven't yet, you really need to! It is amazing, and it's one of those sequels that definitely lives up to the first book! I don't have a single complaint about Insurgent...I absolutely loved it! It constantly kept me enthralled and had me constantly in anticipation about what would happen next, and I loved every single moment of it.

The plot of Insurgent is obviously a continuation of Divergent's since they're part of a trilogy, but it definitely intensified in Insurgent! There were secrets revealed, plot twists, and you also learn more about the other factions and the whole mystery surrounding the factions and the people in general. I really wasn't expecting to actually learn so much in Insurgent...but you figure out tonnes, which makes me so much more excited for the final book in the trilogy because I just know that it will be AMAZING! :D

I can't write this review and not mention Tobias/Four...seriously, I just can't! I can't even put into works how awesome I think he is...I'd probably just end up gushing for a couple of paragraphs, so I'm gonna stop now. :P haha And while I love Tobias, I'm glad that the love element doesn't completely take over the story. Yes, it's a big part, and I love that it is because I'm pretty much a romance fiend and I look for it in every book I read, but I love that this trilogy is about more than romance. It's about choices, and it's about fighting for what you believe in, which is exactly what Tris is all about. :) She's one of my favourite heroines because she uses her head, and while she sometimes let's her feelings take over, she always does the smart thing when it matters. She knows that sometimes sacrifices have to be made, and I think that's one thing that many heroines don't do. Tris will make a sacrifice every time if it means accomplishing or fighting for what she believes in, and I really admire her for that. I also love that Tobias and Tris make each other better people. They challenge each other, but they also don't let themselves be completely consumed by their relationship...although when they are together, they are fantastic. I just really love their dynamics. :)

Insurgent definitely goes down in my book as one of my favourite middle books in a trilogy! It quells your curiosity after reading Divergent and answers some important questions, but it also leaves you on your toes and makes you incredibly excited for the next book. It's gonna be a long wait for the next one (even if logistically it isn't a long wait---only about a year, it is gonna feel long :P haha), and masochistically I may just enjoy the wait by rereading the first two books before then. :P If you haven't started this trilogy yet, I completely urge you to...yes, I urge you because it is URGENT that you read this series! It's amazing, and I would recommend it to anyone. It's action-packed and character-driven in a way that I think it's pretty versatile for most readers. If you're going to take my advice about a trilogy only once...let it be able this one. Seriously, read it now. :D

Have you started this trilogy yet?
Have you finished Insurgent, too?
What did you think?
And if you haven't started the Divergent Trilogy yet, what's holding you back??

Purchase Links:
Book Depository: UK / US
Amazon: UK / US / Canada
Barnes and Noble

Review: Black Heart (Curse Workers #3) by Holly Black

 Source: Received an ARC from Simon and Schuster Canada for an honest review.

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Number of Pages: 296 (Hardcover)

(Goodreads Link.)

Blurb from Goodreads:

Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy.

But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love.

---

I still remember reading White Cat, and trust me I went fangirl over that book! I have always loved the concept behind this series, it's so unique, and it's so remarkably well done! I love Holly's Modern Faerie Tale books...but the Curse Workers, they blow my mind! I absolutely LOVE THEM! And this one...Black Heart is by far my favourite of the trilogy! The perfect ending to an incredible trilogy! :D

I absolutely love Cassel. He just gets better throughout the trilogy, and I always just want to give him lots of hugs. He's had some rough times, and I always feel bad when he's trying to deal with stuff that he's done or thinks he's done when it isn't really his fault. He was awesome in Black Heart though! Seriously clever, and probably at the most honest we've ever seen him...which, let's face it for Cassel is quite the feat! :P

Overall, Black Heart was amazing! There was a lot of relationship/friendship drama, and some extreme stuff (I'm being overly general here, but I don't want to spoil anything :P) that constantly keeps you reading. I barely put this book down, and I only stopped reading because it was late at night and I was falling asleep. If you start it early don't be surprised if you finish this book in one solid read, it's seriously addictive!

If you haven't started this trilogy yet...you need to! It's one of my favourites, and since I've just finished the final book in the trilogy, I can also tell you that this is one of those trilogies that will leave you satisified from the beginning to the end. The ending is a bit open-ended, but it settles everything that you feels NEEDS to be settled, which is always awesome...plus, the ending of Black Heart was perfect! I honestly don't think I could have thought of a better ending than what was there! Holly Black has definitely hit the perfect score with it! I'm seriously so happy that it ended the way that it did, and I hope that everyone else will love it as much as I did! :D

Have you read White Cat, or Red Glove, yet?
Are you anxiously awaiting Black Heart?!
Any thoughts on this series?

Also, I guess with this one you have to mention it...the covers?
What are your thoughts on the cover changes that this trilogy has had?

After the first book, White Cat, there were slight changes to the Red Glove cover, and with Black Heart the entire cover concept has changed. No people, no smoke, nothing that the others had.
I'm not really a fan of the new covers, and I'm still upset that my other two hardcovers will never match this one, but I will tell you that, the book is worth it. Even without the matching covers, it is one heck of a story!

Purchase Links:
Book Depository: UK / US
Amazon: UK / US / Canada
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Review: Vanish (Firelight #2) by Sophie Jordan

 Source: Received an eGalley from NetGalley and HarperTeen.

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: Already Released.
Number of Pages: 304 (Hardcover)

(Goodreads Link.)

Blurb from Goodreads:

To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?

In bestselling author Sophie Jordan’s dramatic follow-up to Firelight, forbidden love burns brighter than ever.

---

Vanish takes off right where Firelight ends, and I mean that literally...and let's just say, it's an intense moment! I have been wanting this book from the moment that I finished Firelight...and when it popped up on Netgalley, I freaked out a bit...and when I was accepted to review it, I freaked out even more...and when I started it...well, I think you get the picture. :P I absolutely loved Vanish. :D

The characters...oh the characters. I loved Jacinda in Firelight, and I still loved her in Vanish. She's so feisty...and she's a real fireball...okay, even I admit, that pun was pretty awful, but...it's true! She goes for what she wants, and while she may be a bit selfish by not taking her family in account when she does things, she's so passionate that I usually don't mind. :P Her sister, Tamra, has a much bigger role in Vanish, and it was interesting to see her and Jacinda pretty much switch places. Then the boys, oh Will and Cassian...this is one of those series where I struggle to choose. I really do, they're both so amazing, and I do not envy Jacinda having to decide between them. :P The one positive thing about me liking both boys is that I'll be satisfied with whichever ones she ends up with though. haha

Onto the story itself. Vanish is so intense. One of my favourite parts was getting to see Jacinda fly. I love the flight scenes of these books, they're so vivid, and I can almost imagine what it would be like...almost because let's face it, I don't have wings so it's a big harder to picture, but that doesn't stop it from being so amazing to experience through her. :D I'm not going to tell you too much because I think it's hard to describe a middle book without giving too much away, but I will say that if you loved Firelight...you will love Vanish! At least, I hope you will because personally, I absolutely loved it. :D

I recommend this series to anyone who loves dragons, especially if you're a fan of reinterpretations of paranormal beings. Firelight is an incredibly unique series, and it brings a fresh new brand of paranormal entities to the table. It will keep you on your toes, and leave you craving more to read. :D

Have you started this series yet?
Just Firelight? Vanish, too? Or is this the first time you're hearing about it?

Also, what are your thoughts on dragons, and on reinterpretations of traditional paranormal creatures?

Review: The Iron Knight (The Iron Fey #4) by Julie Kagawa

Source: Received an eGalley from NetGalley and Harlequin Teen.

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: Already Released.
Number of Pages: 386 (Hardcover)

(Goodreads Link.)

Blurb 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 archrival, 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.

---

If you haven't read The Iron Queen yet don't even read the blurb...seriously, just don't read it! I'm going to try not to spoil anything with this review, but I might not be able to refrain from spoiling bits for the earlier books...I'll try though.

I think the biggest change between The Iron Queen and The Iron Knight is quite obvious...this one is NOT in Meghan's point of view, instead, it's in Ash's. I know lots of people were worried about Ash losing his mystery and all that, but honestly, I was never worried...Ash is even a mystery to himself ...seriously. haha I loved getting to read an entire book written in his POV. It only made me love Ash more. I loved getting to know his thoughts, and getting to see things from his side of the story. It was incredibly interesting and I think Ash managed to maintain his mystery...although I feel like I know his feelings for Meghan a lot better, which just made it even more awesome. Ash has always been able to make me swoon...honestly, I'll stop reading a sigh, no joke...so getting a whole book from his POV was a dream come true. Plus, I'm pretty glad that the story didn't actually end up being finished with The Iron Queen...as much as I loved that book, I think I would've been a bit upset if it ended there. :P

If you've read the other three books, you already know the characters, so you already know who you love and maybe some who you didn't love...but I'll mention them anyway. Ash, Puck, and Grimalkin, of course, are in The Iron Knight aplenty! The Big Bad Wolf and some other characters also pop up. The Wolf and Grim are hilarious together...seriously it's like Puck and Ash's banter, but they're animals...plus cat and dog jokes, that good stuff. I just mentioned Puck and Ash's banter...and I loved it in this one, I also loved getting to be inside Ash's head when he'd think about his past with Puck...or just think about Puck in general. It was interesting to get to see their relationship from the inside rather than just in passing through Meghan. Overall, the characters were fantastic in this one...as always, Julie always writes fantastic characters. :D

If you haven't started this series yet, then I'm just going to say right now that you should definitely go out and start it. If you're unsure, borrow the first book, The Iron King, from the library, and once you're hooked you can get your hands on the other books. :P

I'd recommend this one to fans of the series...although I'm sure by now most of you have read it already. :P And if you haven't started The Iron Fey series yet, then I recommend it to anyone who loves stories about the fey, stories with awesome heroines with some fabulous leading men, and anyone who's a fan of fabulous one-liners and banter....also, if you're a sucker for a forbidden (or even maybe impossible) romance you'll love this series. :)

Since this one's been out for a while, have you read The Iron Knight already??
If you have, thoughts?? Were you worried during some? (I was...I left it out of the review to avoid spoilers, but I was defintiely worried for a bit. :P)

If you haven't read this one, or even started this series yet, what's stopping you?
Or are you like me and have a monumental TBR list...and it's somewhere in there? :P

Review: Everneath (Everneath #1) by Brodi Ashton

Source: Received an ARC from Harper Collins Canada for an honest review.
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge 2012

Publisher: Harper Collins / Balzer and Bray

Release Date: Already released.
Number of Pages: 370 (Hardcover)

(Goodreads Link.)

Blurb from Goodreads:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

Learn more and read at excerpt on Harper Collins Canada's webpage for Everneath, HERE.

---

Everneath is an amazing debut, and it's the start of what will surely be a fantastic trilogy. Told in one point of view, but from alternative points of time, it crafts an addictive story. One where you're desperate to discover what has brought Nikki to the place she's at.

At first, I wasn't really sure about Nikki. She doesn't really have much personality at the beginning of the book...although as you get further into the story this makes a lot more sense, but underneath her stone facade you learn things about her that compel you to keep reading, even if you're not really sure about her just yet. Plus, Nikki happens to have two fabulous boys who revolve around her throughout her story. Cole, the bad boy from the Everneath, and Jack, her ex-boyfriend.

As a narrator, I think that Nikki grows, partially because you get to see her become stronger, and also because you get to see her reasoning for the things she's done. She definitely acted impulsively in her past, but I couldn't help but respect her for the choices she was making. She was trying to do the right thing, and she didn't care if she was the one who suffered as a result of her choice. She took the blame for her poor choices, and I think that shows a lot of strength. I also liked how certain characters had different names for her. Cole called her Nik, while her best friend, Jules, and Jack called her Becks. I think that part appealed to the side of me that's always wanted a cool nickname...and Nikki has a couple, which let's face it, means she must be awesome. :P Also, the more you get to know her, you see that she really is awesome. She has faults, but she recognizes them, and she fights to try and overcome her problems. I also loved her sense of humour. :)

I'm really not sure which boy I prefer after reading Everneath. I definitely love me some Cole. He's addictive, and I have to say that he appealed to me. You don't actually get to see all that much of Jack in the first part of the book, other than from Nikki's memories, so it's pretty easy to be taken in by Cole...and you really don't mind when it happens, as I've said, he's pretty appealing. ;) I can't wait to see how Nikki's story evolves in the following books and I'm excited to see how the boys fit into the story, too.

One of the major things that I loved about Everneath was how Brodi Ashton wove myths into it. I'm always fascinated by stories involving mythology, and Brodi took Greek myths in very interesting ways. :D She didn't just take one myth...no, she interwove several myths and manipulated them to fit her story, plus, her whole "Daughters of Persephone" thing reminded me of the mysterious cult that used to worship Demeter and Persephone. They had initiation ceremonies called Eleusinian Mysteries every year, and I liked being reminded me of that because I thought it was so fascinating when I studied it. :D Anyway, I think that Brodi brings myth into her story in ways that myth-fanatics and newbies-to-myth alike can enjoy. She brings a fresh perspective, and reworks them in ways where there is definite plausibility...and I don't know about anyone else, but I love the possibility of mythology being real....at least most myths. :P

I'd recommend Everneath to pretty much everyone. If you like paranormal stories with a twinge of mystery, then you'll love it. If you like mythology, you'll love it...and if you love any story involving some hot boys, well then, yes, you will also love it. :) Everneath is a captivating story with a heroine who faces a daunting future, but is still determined to do the right thing, and not give it. I loved this story, and as a narrator, Nikki really won me over. :)

Have you read Everneath yet?
Are you planning on reading it?
Any thoughts on Cole or Jack?

Purchase Links:
Book Depository: UK / US
Amazon: UK / US / Canada
Barnes and Noble

Happy Reading!!!

♪♫ Ambur

Review: Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

Source: Received an ARC from Harper Collins Canada for an honest review.

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Release Date: September 6, 2011
Number of Pages: 352 (Hardcover)

(Goodreads Link.)

Blurb from Goodreads:

Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they're triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

---

Holy Goalie! Did I ever love this book! :D haha and if you can't tell I also love Tera's different slangs. I loved how Grace said, "Holy Goalie!" and how Gretchen would say, "Hades" instead of Hell. :P It's such a small thing, but so adorable! :D

I've been wanting to read a Tera Lynn Childs book for so long now, and I'm so glad that I got the chance to read this one because I absolutely loved it! I love mythology, and I love when authors go all out and take a small element of myth and turn in into a fabulous story of their own, and Tera definitely did that. Medusa isn't a huge part of mythology, and I always felt like she got a bad rap. Before Perseus kills her she's actually raped by Poseidon...but does anyone feel bad for her...no! Instead Athena gets pissed off and curses her with her reptilian hair because said rape happens in one of her temples...isn't that horrible?! Anyways...now that you all know that poor Medusa was a victim...and not really the bad guy that everyone insisted she was, you're in a great mindset for this book...and at the moment, this review. ;P

In Sweet Venom, Gretchen, Grace, and Greer discover that they're all descendants of Medusa, destined to protect our world from the monsters who come through from their dimension. I loved this idea! The idea that Medusa wasn't evil, as I mentioned with her myth before, really appealed to me, and I loved that Tera took her story in a different way and made her someone who was misunderstood rather than the big villain. I loved Grace and Gretchen...Greer was alright, but she was kind of stuck-up...I choose to blame her parents for that though. :P haha I also loved Milo and Nick...cute boys just always make a book better, and I happened to love these two. ;) Grace's brother, Thane was awesome, too! He didn't say much...reminded me of my brother in that way. :P lol

My favourite part of this book was Grace discovering what she was. Her training with Gretchen was awesome, and I loved learning about their different abilities while she did. I also loved getting to see Gretchen be all hardcore, and the way that the relationship between Grace and Gretchen evolved...and once Greer came into the story, their relationship with her too. :D

I thought that Sweet Venom was a fabulous story! It kept me on my toes, and I loved that Tera managed to mix ancient mythology into a current setting, while putting a very welcome twist on the ancient mythology involving Medusa! I think that Sweet Venom is pretty much perfect for anyone! If you don't know mythology I think you'll like it, and if you do, I think you'll love it even more because it offers a welcome new perspective! :D

Seriously...I can't say it enough, go read Sweet Venom, it's fantastic! :D

Are you a fan of mythology?
And I'm curious, what do you think of when you hear, "Medusa"?

Happy Reading!!!

♪♫ Ambur

Review: In the Forests of the Night (Goblin Wars #2) by Kersten Hamilton

 Source: Received an ARC copy from Thomas Allen and Sons for an honest review.

Publisher: Clarion
Number of Pages: 288 (Hardcover)

Release Date: November 22, 2011

(Goodreads Link.)


Blurb from Goodreads:

Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have made it out of Mag Mell alive, but the Dark Man's forces are hot on their heels. Back in Chicago, Tea’s goblin cousins show up at her school, sure she will come back to Mag Mell, as goblin blood is never passive once awoken. Soon she will belong to Fear Doirich and join them. In the meantime, they are happy to entertain themselves by trying to seduce, kidnap, or kill Tea’s family and friends.

Teagan knows she doesn’t have much time left, and she refuses to leave Finn or her family to be tortured and killed. A wild Stormrider, born to rule and reign, is growing stronger inside her. But as long as she can hold on, she’s still Teagan Wylltson, who plans to be a veterinarian and who heals the sick and hurting. The disease that’s destroying her—that’s destroying them all—has a name: Fear Doirich.

And Teagan Wylltson is not going to let him win.

---

To say that I was excited for In the Forests of the Night is a severe understatement...I have been anxiously awaiting this book since the moment I finished...no, maybe the moment I started Tyger Tyger...yup, I love this series that much. As soon as I start one I'm anxious for more...and more. I've got a pretty big To-read pile, so I haven't taken much time to reread a story in a while, but I made an exception for this series. I didn't want to start In the Forests of the Night without remembering all of Tyger Tyger, so I reread it beforehand...which was an excellent idea, not only did it help me remember, but it also gave me a double dose of Finn MacCumhail, that sexy beast, his words not mine...although I may have called him something similar to that in my head once or twice. ;)
 

Moving on from how much I love Finn...okay, I'm totally lying, there will be plenty more gushing about Finn in this review...anyways. In the Forests of the Night takes off immediately after Tyger Tyger, the last few pages of Tyger Tyger are actually the same as the Prologue of In the Forests of the Night, which is awesome if you choose not to the first book...plus those few pages are so freaking adorable, and awesome! I can't even reread them without smiling a gigantic grin and if I'm in the right mood, tearing up.

Teagan was fantastic in this one! I loved her in the first book, but she's really starting to grow into herself, and discover what she's capable of in In the Forests of the Night. She's starting to accept what she's found out about herself, even if she doesn't like it, and although she's still not happy with it, she knows that there's nothing she can do to about it all. And in some other big news Cindy the Chimp gets a boyfriend! :D Sorry if I spoiled that for anyone, but you will love that part, seriously it's so cute! :D If you can't tell, I'm also one of those people that see a puppy on TV and starts in on the babytalk...it's really hard to not do, seriously, they're just so cute, like Cindy and her boyfriend! :D

Since I've already told you about Cindy, I'm going to talk about the action in this one. There's lots of running. That is all. Okay, that's not all, but that's all I'm going to tell you so that you aren't completely spoiled by this review. :P There are also lots of goblins, and you get to see several different kinds. You also learn more folklore about the first Finn MacCumhail, and more of the Travellers' history. I absolutely loved learning about the history, and the former MacCumhail, and pretty much everything about this book. Honestly, In the Forests of the Night completely blew all of my expectations for Tyger Tyger's sequel out of the water. It was so much more than I expected, and I probably couldn't have loved it more than I already did. There was some epic use of foreshadowing in this one, and throughout the story I was kept on my toes, trying to figure out what would happen next.

In the Forests of the Night was an amazing sequel, and I think all fans of Tyger Tyger will be thrilled when they read it. Just as she did with Tyger Tyger, Kersten Hamilton has once again woven a wondrous story that draws you in right from the first page. The characters: Aidan, Teagan, Finn (♥♥♥) to name a few, welcome you back into their world as if you'd never left, and you'll be spellbound until the very last page. I, for one, am already anxiously...and I mean ANXIOUSLY, awaiting the next book!

Have you started the Goblin Wars series yet?
And if you haven't, why not?

Happy Reading!!!

♪♫ Ambur

Review: Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

Source: Received an ARC from Hachette Book Group Canada for an honest review.

Publisher: Poppy
Number of Pages: 273 (Hardcover)

Release Date: September 5, 2011

(Goodreads Link.)

Blurb from Goodreads:

A contemporary reimagining of the Greek play, "Lysistrata," in which high school senior Lissa decides it's time to end her school's ridiculous sports rivalry once and for all by starting a hook-up strike.

---

I read The DUFF before reading Shut Out, so I wasn't surprised when I read it...couldn't put it down, and absolutely fell in love with it!

Kody Keplinger has a way of writing characters that are so realistic that you genuinely feel like you've met them and personally know them, after reading about them. Her dialogue is fresh, completely realistic, and when I read it I'm constantly left thinking things like: "I'm pretty sure I've actually HAD that conversation with my friends before." She has a way of weaving a story which seems like it would be simple, but when it's all put together it creates one powerhouse of a story. If you haven't read a book by Kody Keplinger yet, you're completely missing out!

I'm a reader who loves her characters. If I don't like the characters, I generally don't like the books. In Shut Out, I never had that problem at all. Lissa, the main character, was insecure, yet she was full of sass. She had a douche (excuse my use of the word douche...it just happens to be one of my favourite words to use when complaining about guys...it can also be substituted for jerk if you prefer) of a boyfriend, and I was seriously so proud of Lissa for how she handled the different situations that Randy put her through. So freaking proud...I may have even actually said "You go girl!" while reading. :P

Now onto the yummy and awesome-tastic Cash, who was so awesome I just added a -tastic when describing him. He was smart, about most things anyways, and just all around amazing. The chemistry between Cash and Lissa was so amazing, and I found myself gushing over every single moment that they were together. I loved that Cash was more than just a jock too. He's a soccer player...which seems like it shouldn't be a big deal, but in Lissa's school, it is. Instead of there being rivalries with other schools, they have a rivalry within the school. The soccer and football teams endlessly torment each other, and it even leads to violence. It's even gotten to the point where the players don't even remember why their whole rivalry started.

Now onto the whole idea of the book itself. It's loosely based off of the Greek play "Lysistrata" by Aristophanes where the women of Athens are getting so fed up with the violence going on around them during a civil war that they decide to go a sex strike, which is led by Lysistrata. Now, I haven't read this play, but after reading Shut Out, I definitely want to. Lissa hadn't actually read Lysistrata, it's Cash who initially introducing the play to her (I know! He's smart too...seriously awesome-tastic I tell you!). She starts the whole hook-up strike because she's fed up with her boyfriend, Randy, placing more importance on the rivalry than he does on their relationship. She's also fed up with the violence after a soccer player gets injured after one of the football teams "harmless" pranks. Lissa manages to get a bunch of the girls on her side, and she leads them, just like Lysistrata did, and she helps keep them from caving in to their boyfriends. Then the boys start fighting back.

I absolutely loved Shut Out, if that wasn't already obvious. I loved the idea, the way it was written, and the characters. This story was hilarious, and I encourage everyone to read it! I really don't think you'll be disappointed!

If you want to get yourself a copy of Shut Out, it comes out on September 5th. :)

Happy Reading!!!

♪♫ Ambur

Review: Tyger Tyger (Goblin Wars #1) by Kersten Hamilton

Source: Originally read on NetGalley, but I also received a copy for Christmas from my little brother. :)

Publisher: Clarion Books
Number of Pages: 308 (Hardcover)

Release Date: Already released.

(Goodreads Link.)

Blurb from Goodreads:

Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.

     Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right. The goblins are coming.
Kersten Hamilton is the author of several picture books and many middle grade novels. When she's not writing, she hunts dinosaurs in the deserts and badlands outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she lives. This is her first novel for young adults. For more about Kersten, please visit www.kerstenhamilton.com.

---

Before reading Tyger Tyger, I'd never read a story with goblins in it, and I must say, after Tyger Tyger, I will definitely be looking for more of them! :D Although to be honest, the thing I mostly want more of is Finn Mac Cumhaill. :P

Tyger Tyger is a fabulous story. It has an amazing narrator named Teagan, who is so smart, but has lived a pretty normal and sheltered life, so she's not experienced with adventure at all. It was like you were taking your first adventure with her. I loved Teagan! She was so goal oriented, and I could relate to her so well. Her family and friends were fantastic, too. Aidan was such a cool little kid, and his singing...just imagining it made me smile. Elvis Impersonators...so funny! Her best friend Abby would say whatever was on her mind, and I was constantly laughing during her parts. Her parents were awesome too, and their family history about Merlin and all that, so cool! I just loved all of the details in Tyger Tyger, they were so intricate, and I loved learning little things about Irish travellers and their history. :D

Kersten Hamilton has crafted a wondrous world in Tyger Tyger. One woven out of stories of old, and placed into the world that we know. She's taken a classic Irish hero and made him into a YA heartthrob. After all, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one swooning over Finn and his magical duct tape that can fix anything. :P I thought Finn was AMAZING! He's definitely one of my favourite book crushes, and I could reread this book over and over and still never get my fill of the Mac Cumhaill! ;)

Along with the magical story that Kersten has created, the relationships between characters is remarkable and realistic. I love Finn and Teagan! Absolutely love them! They're so innocent...well Teagan is, Finn's past is kind of a mystery. :P I especially love how much they go through with each other, and how their relationship evolves at such a gradual pace, at least when you combine the way they both feel. :P For Finn, his love is pretty much instantaneous! For Teagan, though, it's much more gradual, and I loved the authenticity of that growth...the love, not the whole situation with the goblins. haha

I thought that Tyger Tyger was a beautiful story! It was imaginative, and full of adventure, with a side of romance that kept me on my toes! I definitely recommend it! :D

Have you read Tyger Tyger yet?
If you have, what did you think?
And if you haven't, what's holding you back?

Happy Reading!!!

♪♫ Ambur

Review: Supernaturally (Paranormalcy #2) by Kiersten White

Source: Received an ARC from HarperCollins Canada for an honest review.

Publisher: Harper Teen

Release Date: July 26, 2011
Number of Pages: 352 (Hardcover)

(Goodreads Link.)

Blurb from Goodreads:

Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.

So much for normal.

---

I bleeping loved the first book, Paranormalcy, and I bleeping loved Supernaturally, too! The only thing that I could have wished for more of was tasey! That poor taser didn't have nearly enough screen time. :P

Anyways, I loved getting to read about Evie (and Lend ;D) again! It was interesting seeing her after what happened at the end of Paranormalcy. Poor Evie has a lot to think about in this book, and she's trying to find out who she really is. She's definitely going through the whole "Who am I?" and "What am I?" phase in Supernaturally. I felt bad for her, Lend is off to college and she's definitely clung to him like a life preserver. If she has Lend then she feels like she knows who she is, but that's not true at all. Lend doesn't define her, even though he is pretty awesome. ;)

I felt like Evie lost herself, and Lend was her crutch. She was basing all of her plans around him, and while I love Lend, it made me sad that Evie felt like she had to decide everything based off of how it would play into her relationship with Lend. I missed the fierce and confident Evie from Paranormalcy. She was so vibrant, and her personality was so bright! While her personality is still there and she's still fantastic at witty banter, I felt like she let life bring her down. Before she was defined by her job with with IPCA, and now she's defined by Lend, but with him gone for most of the week at school, she's let her fierce spirit hibernate.

The end of Supernaturally and Evie's journey throughout the book gave me hope though. She goes through so much stuff in Supernaturally...seriously there is tonnes of stuff! There are unicorns,  poltergeists, trolls, and more vampires...it's great! By the end of the book, I felt like Evie was regaining her confidence. She was also gaining a purpose, and realizing where she belonged and who she belongs with. The last couple of chapters are a whirlwind of action, emotion, and intensity, but the ending, the ending was perfection! Since it is the middle book of a trilogy it wasn't one of those endings that leave everything settled, but it was definitely satisfying. I loved it, and I am so excited to read the next book, Endlessly....that's right, the third Paranormalcy book has a name if you haven't already heard (or read) about it! I'll repeat, the next book is called ENDLESSLY! :D

A few other things that I loved in Supernaturally were Jack, and Raquel...I totally think there's something going on with her and David, Lend's dad, and I don't think it's work related. ;) And Jack, that boy was strange and incredibly volatile...but some of the things he did were so hilarious! As always, I loved Lend, too! ;D

Have you read Paranormalcy yet?
Are you excited to read Supernaturally?
And finally, are you a Lend or Reth fan? ;)

Happy Reading!!!

♪♫ Ambur

Review: Forever (Wolves of Mercy Fall #3) by Maggie Steifvater

Source: Received an ARC from Scholastic Canada for an honest review.

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Release Date: July 12, 2011
Number of Pages: 386 (Hardcover)

(Goodreads Link.)

Blurb from Goodreads:


The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stievater
In Maggie Stiefvater's SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

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Goodreads links to the other two books in The Wolves of Mercy Falls Trilogy:
Shiver (#1), and Linger (#2)

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I first started the Wolves of Mercy Falls Trilogy a few years ago. I came across Shiver in the bookstore, and I absolutely loved the cover (I'm a real sucker for shiny stuff haha) and the description on the back. To this day, I am so glad that I picked up Shiver, and I will continue to encourage people to read this series. It's fantastic!

The whole story within this trilogy is definitely one of a kind, and it's one that I think even readers who don't really like paranormal stories would enjoy. It's the kind of story that actually helps you try to understand what goes on to the people who become "supernatural" and doesn't just tell you that's how it is, and you need to get over the fact that you just will never know why. I absolutely love that there's some science mixed in with the whole paranormal aspect. I found it refreshing, and honestly, it kind of made me want to learn. :P

Back when I started reading this series, I immediately fell in love with Maggie's writing, and the world she created. I loved the crazy way that the chapters in Shiver were organized with temperatures and months and all those goodies, and I have absolutely loved reading about Sam, Grace, Mercy Falls, the wolves, and all of the other fabulous things that make this trilogy so amazing *cough*COLE*cough*. Maggie writes amazing characters, and the emotion that she puts into their thoughts and narratives is genius. Plus, Sam and Grace's whole relationship was amazing. Their love is so genuine, constant, and it can seriously withstand anything...plus, how could Grace not have fallen for Sam, he's written songs about her. ;) I also absolutely love the chapters when you get to be inside of one of the character's heads while they're a wolf. She's given the wolves such unique thoughts, and the way that they process and think about things has continued to astound me. I also love the way they exchange thoughts between their pack. They throw around images to each other, which is just so interesting...it also makes me curious about real wolves.

I am of course, a little sad that the series is over, but I feel that Maggie has ended this series on a note of hope, and it left me satisfied...curious, but definitely satisfied. I also loved her Author's note at the end of the book, it was so heart-warming, and I will definitely admit it had me tearing up. I cried while reading the book too, just in case anyone is curious. :P I also laughed, and smiled on countless occasions. One of the things I love about this series is that in each book you get more and more narrators. In Shiver, you have Grace and Sam. Then in Linger, you get Grace, Sam, Isabel, and Cole. And in Forever, you get Grace, Sam, Cole, Isabel, and even Shelby in the prologue. I remember reading Linger and being all..."What? new people!", but honestly, I absolutely love Cole now...I'm kind of a Cole fangirl, but I totally still love me some Sam. They're so different that you can honestly love them both. :P

In Forever, so much stuff happens. The timeline of the book isn't actually very long, but it's packed with tonnes of stuff. You get to see the characters in completely different places than they were in the last two books, and you get to see how the series ends...who doesn't love that?! The Wolves of Mercy Falls is an amazing series, and it's one that I want encourage everyone to start because I really think you'll love it! This is a series you can connect with while reading, and you will find it hard to walk away from these books without feeling something for these characters. If you by some chance don't love it, then that's fine too, after all, not all books are for everybody!

In case you couldn't tell from my review, I loved Forever, and while I'm sad the series is over, I'm happy for the characters and the ending definitely left me satisfied. :)

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Have YOU started the Wolves of Mercy Falls Trilogy yet?
Are you anxious for Forever's release???

Happy Reading!!!

♪♫ Ambur