Mini-Reviews: Angels and Demons Edition

Angels and Demons Edition: Fallen by Lauren Kate & Personal Demons by Lisa Derochers

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Author: Lauren Kate 
Publisher: Delacorte Press

Released: 12/8/2009
Pages: 452
Rating: 3 Stars!

There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

 Summary Taken from Goodreads

My Mini-Review:
The reason it took me so long to write this review is because this book was just THERE for me. It wasn't amazing, but it wasn't bad. I enjoyed the ride, and have picked up the other books, but I can't say its the best angel book I have ever read. What I enjoyed most about this book is the mystery about Luce and Daniel's background. I can't wait to see what more is revealed in Torment, and I heard Passion is very HOT!

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Author: Lisa Desrochers

Publisher: Tor Teen

Released: 09/14/2010

Pages: 365

Rating: 4 Stars!

Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She has spent years keeping everyone at a distance—-even her closest friends—-and it seems as if her senior year is going to be more of the same . . . until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can’t seem to stay away from him.

What she doesn’t know is that Luc is on a mission. He’s been sent from Hell itself to claim Frannie’s soul. It should be easy—-all he has to do is get her to sin, and Luc is as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance. But he has to work fast, because if the infernals are after her, the celestials can’t be far behind. And sure enough, it’s not long before the angel Gabriel shows up, willing to do anything to keep Luc from getting what he came for. It isn’t long before they find themselves fighting for more than just Frannie’s soul.

But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay . . . for all of them.

 Summary Taken from Goodreads

My Mini-Review:
Like the Story Siren, I thought Frannie's choice between Heaven and Hell would be easy.... definitely NOT! When they say Luc is a demon, they aren't kidding. He's not the usual dangerous guy, trying to be good... he could give three shits -pardon my language- until he meets Frannie. And Frannie is seriously torn between the devilishly sexy bad boy and the gorgeous golden good guy. This was my first audio book and I really enjoyed hearing Luc and Frannie's voicing their thoughts. I fell hard for this book and I am really excited to read the second book. If you are looking for a hot, fast paced, fun read... this is your pick!

Series Review: Vampire Academy Books 1-3

Book 1 Synopsis:
St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimir's the very place where they're most in danger. . . .

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy's ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi the world's fiercest and most dangerous vampires make Lissa one of them forever.

I have no idea what I was thinking waiting so long to read this series!!!!!!!!!! Seriously! I can't even give you a comprehensive review of it because I just loved it so much I didn't even take one single note down. Books 1-3 were amazing. I read VA and the second book Frostbite between two days and I only stopped because I was like I have reviews to work on. Then I started reading book 3 when I saw that Lynn from Bring the Epic was reading the series and I have to say that Shadow Kiss if my favorite of the first three! I thought the other two where made of awesome, but Shadow Kiss is made of heaven.

This is definitely a fan girl geek out review and I wish I could give you specific of what I did like, but let's just say this book has everything you could like in a book: FIERCE KICK ASS GIRL LEAD, HOT UNATTAINABLE GUYS, COOL BEST FRIENDS, FRIENDS THAT BECOME VILLAINS AND VILLAINS THAT BECOME FRIENDS.

Also, this review by Liz pretty much says everything I was thinking while reading the book!

PS: I have the rest of the series waiting to be read, and I will try to take notes this time hehe

Book Review : Falling Under

By: Gwen Hayes

Publisher: New American Library
(March 1, 2011)
Date Read: June 2, 2011
Pages: 324
Source: My Kindle

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did, but it so wasn't what I was expecting. It was dark, twisted, and really scary at some points. And when it wasn't that it was hot and romantic. I couldn't put it down!

I don't know why dangerous is equal to sexy, but its so the case with Haden. He's mysterious and kind of a jerk, but not as much as other reviews make him out to be. In the words of innocent and naive Theia...

If I was going to begin the kind of games boys and girls play in high school, I should have started with a nice boy who didn’t make me feel like Little Red Riding Hood alone with the Big Bad Wolf.

And then as we get to know him he's shy one minute, and charismatic devil the next. Yes, there was a bit of insta-love, but I am starting to come of the opinion that if done right, insta-love can lead to some of passionate romance novels I have ever read. On top of really loving the romance (and let me tell if there is one thing Gwen rocks, its writing romance - see reviews of her novellas by clicking the tag Gwen Hayes below!) I was really intrigued by the mythology and the seriously twisted "Under."

I really can't wait for the second book and am so glad this book was gifted to me by Neri @ In the Name of Books Thanks Again!!

My Review in a Tweet: This Tim Burtonesque book is scary, sexy, and scary sexy. Really enjoyed falling 'Under' with Theia and Haden and looking forward to what comes next!

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 3/5
Characters: 4/5

Memorable Quotes:
This is one of my favorite scenes:

Haden stopped walking, watching me warily. I, however, didn’t stop. I didn’t even slow. Like that first day in the hall, it seemed that the world stood still. When I reached him, I pulled him into the grass and cupped his surprised face in my hands. “I missed you,” I said, and before he could respond, I kissed him with all the unpracticed ardor I possessed.

“What the hell?” I heard Noelle say, but by then Haden was smiling into my kiss and returning it. He placed his hand behind my head and pulled me closer. Noelle left in a huff.

“You’re a minx,” he said when I allowed him up for air. “And you’re going to get us both detention for PDA and walking on the grass.” “I had to make sure you weren’t another dream,

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Book Review : The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Book: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (#1)
Author: Michelle Hodkin

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Date Published: September 27, 2011
Pages: 464
Source: ARC
Date Read: June 2, 2011

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

This was the ARC I was most excited about getting at BEA. I felt like everyone was talking about it, yet no one knew what it was about. And that just might be what I loved most about it. I went in expecting nothing, and being sucked into this giant mystery, which yes got a little crazy at points, but was so intriguing and new!

Mara Dyer's story has a little bit of everything: mystery, romance, suspense, family, mean girls, etc, etc. I was seriously sucked in, from the first pages to the last. Not that I didn't put the book down, at some points I had to, just so my brain function could return to normal. I haven't been this excited for a series in a long time.

The writing is fantastic. The scene with Noah (ahh <3) and Mara are fantastic. I never knew where the story was going, but it was one heck of a ride.

I don't want to spoil anything of the book, but if I have to say one thing I wish was a little different it would just be that if the story is in Miami (my hometown) can we have some more Hispanic representation?? Maybe the next book? Maybe a girl named Yanelys (just in case you didn't get this, that's my full name HAHA) =)

My Review in a Tweet: Exhilarating, suspenseful, magical debut by Michelle Hodkin that just may be one of my favorites this year! Who is Mara Dyer???

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Characters: 5/5

Memorable Quotes:

I narrowed my eyes at him. "I was warned about you, you know." And with a half-smile that wrecked me, Noah said, "But you're here anyway."

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Book Review : Die For Me

Book: Die for Me
Author: Amy Plum

Publisher: HarperTeen
Date Published: May 10, 2011
Pages: 352
Source: NetGalley
Date Read: May 30, 2011

In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

In this incandescent debut, newcomer Amy Plum has created a powerful paranormal mythology with immortal revenants. The Paris setting comes enchantingly alive as a relentless struggle between good and evil takes place in its streets. Rich with romance, atmosphere, and thrills, Die for Me will leave readers breathlessly awaiting its sequel.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I was really excited to read this book because I read so many adoring reviews of it, and maybe it was because I was expecting so much from it, but I was underwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong there was a lot of things I liked, a lot, I just didn’t fall head over heels beside myself because of it.

Let me break it down for you all:

Plot - Definitely more original of the paranormal. We are introduced to revenants, who are jokingly called zombies, but not really. It is an interesting premise and I definitely excited to see what other lore will come of it in the next couple of books.

Characters - I definitely felt like these main characters have been done before, but the families of the two where the highlight of the books for me. I loved Kate’s sister and grandparents and the whole revenant gang. But Kate and Vincent felt too Bella and Edward (see side note).

Romance/Swoonworthiness - Points for making the heroine actually think about what she was stepping into before she gets into a relationship with a “dangerous” guy. Also, despite feeling the eerily similar personalities, Vincent made me swoon in his own right. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE Jules, even that name just makes me think sexy artist.

While it is not my favorite read of the year, Die for Me is a refreshing take on paranormal romances. It has action, love, and zombies! Not really, but you should definitely read it and give it a shot!

Side Note: I had a convo on twitter the other day about comparing books with Twilight, and while I try really hard not to do this, sometimes its impossible. This was one of those books. Whats funny is that Jasmine over at Reading Housewives of Indiana felt that Starcrossed was just like Twilight, and while I was reading that book yeah I did see some similarities, but nothing to the extent of how I felt reading Die For Me. Now I can see what she means with the book, but I think what made me feel the Twilight similarities was how similar the two main characters are to Bella and Edward. Also, with Starcrossed I was sucked into the story, and Die For Me took me a while to get into. I can go into a whole comparison about both these books and Twilight, but just wanted to do this side note as more a discussion. As you can see everyone has different feelings about them.

Ratings:

Plot: 3/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Uniqueness: 2/5
Characters: 5/5

Memorable Quotes:
none that I highlighted

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Book Review : Firelight

Book: Firelight (Book #1)
Author: Sophie Jordan

Publisher: HarperTeen
Date Published: September 7, 2011
Pages: 323
Source: Library
Date Read: May 2, 2011

A hidden truth. Mortal enemies. Doomed love. 

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

The first thing about this book I really liked was it is not your typical vampire/werewolf paranormal romance. Jacinda is a draki -dragon- that can hide in human form, her kind's best kept secret. Her mom takes her away from the pride (her group of draki) because she doesn't agree with the pride's plan for her daughter. They want to use/abuse Jacinda's gifts as the only fire-breather to breed more like her. While Jacinda's mom and her twin could care less about the pride, being draki is a part of who Jacinda is and she could never give it up.

When she meets Will there is an immediate connection/zing that passes between them. Despite knowing he is a hunter and his family may have killed her father, she can't help but what to be near him. He brings out her inner draki, the thing her mom is desperately trying to kill. This is kind of a Romeo and Juliet paranormal type romance.

I would say the only thing that really bothered me was the immediate love thing. Although I understand the call and the attraction they felt, I just feel like somewhere in the plot a few scenes are missing. And while they have an amazing, intense attraction that I loved to read about, I wanted more.

Overall, I was thoroughly intrigued by the draki lore and what would happen with Will. My favorite parts where when Jacinda would describe her struggle with her mother trying to take a way this huge part of her, instead of understanding that it was something she couldn't give up. I can't wait to see what happens next in Vanish.

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Characters: 4/5

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Memorable Quotes:

"Well what are you waiting for," Mrs. Hennesy asks.

For it to get easier. For life to stop being so hard.

Book Review : Wolfsbane

Book: Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2)
Author: Andrea Cremer

Publisher: Philomel
Date Published: July 26, 2011
Pages: 400
Source: ARC Tour
Date Read: May 8, 2011

This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended–Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer–one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack–and the man–she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

Do not read without reading Nightshade first, unless you want to be spoiled!

I am a huge fan of Nightshade. I love Calla I love Ren, and I love the world building with the turmoil of the guardian/searchers/keepers. And with this book I love them all even more! Even Shay! I have divided this post into sections about what stood out to me the most in this book, I won’t talk too much about plot because I don’t want to give anything away. And trust me it gets really good!

Writing:

My favorite thing about the series is Andrea’s writing. She doesn’t hold back the cuss words or the sexual stuff it pertains to the story. She is a sex positive writer (see what that means here ) Some people may have problems with the cuss words, but if a guy is angry at a girl he doesn’t particularly like, of course he is going to call her a bitch. No matter how degrading that is, it is what really happens, especially in a time of extreme emotional anger and Andrea really understands that.

Also, being that this is the second book in the series, the reader may have forgotten some important parts of the first book. Andrea does a great job writing it into the story without boring the reader or being too detailed.

Team Ren vs Team Shay:

Calla is still unsure where her heart lies. Although she gave up everything to be with Shay she is still thinking about Ren (Yes!). I am a totally Team Ren girl, but I gotta say that Shay really grew on me in this book. He is not longer the helpless human we first met. He is a guardian inside and out and will do anything for Calla.

My heart is torn like hers, because in the end I wish she could choose them both... Only time will tell.

Worldbuilding/Action:

There was sooooo much new information and new characters and while I loved them all, it was a bit overwhelming. So much so that it did take me a while to read this book. It might be because of the book high I was on after reading Divergent or the fact there was so much new backstory and the plot was moving really quickly that this is probably the lonest it has taken me to read a book I was dying to read.

I really loved this book, and while I debated between giving it a five or four star rating, I picked five because I really couldn’t see the book being any other way. I am even more excited to see where this is going with all the new information and new characters that I am as invested in as the original ones.

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 5/5

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Book Review : A Need So Beautiful

Book: A Need So Beautiful
Author: Suzanne Young

Publisher: Balzer and Bray
Date Published: June 21, 2011
Pages: 252
Source: ARC Tour
Date Read: April 22, 2011

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

There have been others before who’ve felt the Need, but they’re gone—erased from the memories of everyone whose lives they had touched. It's as though they never existed. This is the fate that awaits Charlotte. But the last thing Charlotte wants to do is disappear, to be Forgotten. She wants to stay with her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend’s arms forever. She wishes she could just ignore the Need, but she can’t. And as everyone important in her life begins to slowly forget her, she has to decide if she’ll fight the Need in order to remain herself—no matter how dark the consequences.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I am so so so so so happy I signed up for this book tour. I read the description and it seemed promising, but when I got this instead of Wolfsbane in the mail I was dissappointed. That didn't last long! In the midst of studying for finals I had the next morning, I took a break and picked up this book. I told myself one chapter and I'll go back to studying. One chapter became another and another and another until I was done with the book at 2AM. Needless to say the final didn't go that well, but the book was that good! I could not put it down.

This is not your typical angel story. First off the protagonist, our hero, Charlotte doesn't even know who are what she is. She has a best friend, a boyfriend she loves, and an adopted family that love her and she's supposed to give this up to save some strangers?! That's what I loved about her... for being an Angel, she sure was no angel.But despite her struggle to keep from being forgotten, the Need (this uncontrollable urge to help others) was quickly taking over her life.


The story develops and you -slowly - learn more about what Charlotte is and her Need. Every time Charlotte comes close to learning more about herself the Need kicks in. Suzanne knows how to tease the reader, leaving us with the Need to learn what lies ahead for Charlotte and will she truly be forgotten by those she loves most?

My favorite part of the story was Charlotte's boyfriend Harlin. Scruffy face CHECK motorcycle CHECK family issues CHECK... all the makings of a sweet bad boy you can't help but love and Charlotte did, at first sight. For once the love at first sight thing didn't bother me, the whole book is based on desires and urges you can't control and those you just want. Charlotte can't help but want Harlin and neither can I.

This story is tragic and haunting, and just so beautiful. With an interesting premise, well developed characters, and the primordial conflict of good vs evil, A Need So Beautiful can do now wrong. I seriously NEED to know what happens next ???

{I hope you liked all my puns, it was just too easy =P}

Ratings:

Plot: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Characters: 5/5

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None! It's not like anything I have read before!!

Memorable Quotes:

There is nothing worse then being forgotten. Like I never existed.

Book Review : Hex Hall

Book: Hex Hall (Book 1)
Author: Rachel Hawkins

Publisher: Hyperion Books
Release Date: March 2, 2010
Pages: 323
Source: Bookshelf
Date Read: April 10, 2011

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. 


By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Yani's Analysis:
What can I say about this book that hasn't been said. This book has been sitting in my bookshelf after I bought a bargain copy from borders. Finally, after reading yet another positive review I picked it up. Rachel Hawkins you have a new fan in me! The book was soooo funny. It almost read like a satire of all things paranormal, yet still had the serious aspects and mystery to it.Rachel's writing is banter like, sarcastic, and filled with pop culture reference/jokes.

Although the book is very funny, there are some strong themes to it. Is evil is inherent or chosen? Does doing one bad things makes you a bad person? All these things are ideal that Sophie struggles with as she doesn't know who to trust is the new school full of paranormal Prodigium.There are so many secrets and more is revealed as you get close to the end.

Sophie goes into that school a carefree and naive girl and in the end she becomes a girl that struggles with the amount of power she possesses."With great power comes great responsibility." I by the end of the book I think Sophie understands that.

Really liked this book, it was so different from other paranormal books and includes every paranormal species.Can't wait to read what comes next!

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 5/5

Similar Titles:

Memorable Quotes:

"What, no witty retort? No standard-issue Sophie Mercer comeback?"

Book Review : Shift

Book: Shift (Shade #2)
Author: Jeri Smith-Ready

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Pages: 384
Source: Simon Pulse
Date Read: April 8, 2011

Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to. 


Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.
As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart.

Yani's Analysis:
There could not have been a better sequel to Shade than Shift. It's freaking perfect! And if it where to end right now, without a third book it would leave me satisfied. Don't get me wrong, I am dying to know what comes next for Aura, but the ending was just fantastic.

As you all know I love my ghosts and Logan, despite his immature behavior at times, is my favorite ghost boy. In this book you can see how his afterlife has affected him, he has matured. Even though has hasn't aged a day over 17, he is becoming more adult. But as much as I love Logan, Zachary stole my heart in this book.

As it is the second book more is revealed about he shift, and how the solstices and all that astronomy stuff has to do with it. I have never been into astronomy before, but this book makes me want to go sit outside and stare at the stars.

There where some unexpected twists, especially in the first couple of pages and the last, so even though the mystery is unraveling there is till more to learn. I don't want to give too much away other that one of my favorite scenes that was both just funny and heart wrenching was this scene that Aura, Megan, Logan and Zachary where all in the same room having a meeting of the minds. I just loved that scene.

If you have read Shade Go out and pre-order this book now!! It comes out May 3!

Ratings:

Plot: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Characters: 5/5

Similar Titles:

Memorable Quotes:
coming soon

Review: Shade

Book: Shade
Author: Jeri Smith-Ready

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: May 4, 2010
Pages: 309
Source: My Kindle
Date Read: April 7, 2011

Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart. 

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone. Well, sort of. 

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift.

Yani's Analysis:

I started this blog last December, but before that I was so busy with school that I wasn't really reading many blogs either. So I guess around that time the world was buzzing about this book, and oblivious me didn't know anything about it until I got an ARC copy of Shift (book 2). With so many great books in my reading pile I put the ARC aside and thought to myself, "if I don't get to it that's okay." NO definitely not okay!! I am so glad my twitter pals where talking about this book, because it made me purchase a copy from Amazon and start reading it right away. And once I started I couldn't stop!

If you are a fan of the mediator series, like I am, you will enjoy this book. It has a lot of the same elements such as the mystery behind the powers that allow to see ghosts. But while Meg's books are all about the character building, Jeri series also has a lot of world building as well. It has a different premise than most ghost books I have read, the fact that there was an even "The Shift" that causes not just one but a the entire population after said event to see ghosts it intriguing.

And I loved Aura and the two boys she was torn between. Sometimes in these love triangle situations you just want to hit the person over the head and scream PICK ONE!! But Aura, she never gets annoying, you understand where she is coming from. It is hard to move on with the past staring you in the face. Also, in the mediator series I was a big Jesse (the ghost) fan, so obviously I connected with Logan. But Zachary was just such a sweet guy. I was torn, so I could see how Aura could be torn too.

I really LOVED this book and Shift even more, but I will get to that later. I highly recommend if you like mystery, paranormal, and amazing reads!!

Ratings:

Plot: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 5/5

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Memorable Quotes:

"We had lost forever."