Showing posts with label Paranormal Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paranormal Books. Show all posts

Hemlock (Hemlock #1) by Kathleen Peacock Review

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Hemlock (Hemlock #1)

by
Hardcover, 416 pages
Published May 8th 2012 by Katherine Tegen Books











Plot:


Mackenzie and Amy were best friends.

Since then, Mac's life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac's hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy's killer:

A white werewolf.

Lupine syndrome--also known as the werewolf virus--is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy's murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy's boy-friend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.

Kathleen Peacock's thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spell-binding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.


My Thoughts:


I have never read a werewolf story like this one. This plot has so many twists and turns and I enjoyed experiencing every single one of them. This novel reminded me why I love YA so much! The tastes of first love and crushes as well as betrayal are all present here. 

After rereading the above plot, I realize I can't say much without giving away a ton, but can I just say I am team JASON ALL THE WAY. You'll see what I mean when you read it. I know he's not the intended love interest, but he has that same quality that Jacob from Twilight has, you can't help but to notice and love him. Gah! There's just something about him that draws you in. 

When Mac gets to the bottom of Amy's murder it's like OMG I didn't see that one coming! Ms. Peacock did a great job throwing in a ton of suspicious people to draw my attention away from the real killer, but it wasn't like a blindside when I found out who. It was more like, why didn't I see that? The signs were right there!!  


Anyway, this is a must read! This is like Veronica Mars mixed with Buffy!!




Everneath (Everneath #1) by Brodi Ashton

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Everneath (Everneath #1)

by
Hardcover, 370 pages
Expected publication: January 24th 2012 by Harper Collins / Balzer + Bray 
Source: Netgalley


Plot:

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...


My Thoughts:
I just closed this book and felt compelled to write this review right away. There are so many paranormal books out there that sometimes they all seem to blend together. Then, when you least expect it, you begin a paranormal novel that is so different you can’t put it down. I love it when a novel is so out in left field, it defies ever rational thought I have about what the underworld is suppose to be like. Plus, anything that can tie in Greek mythology and make you wonder if some things could actually be true…is a fantastic book. EVERNEATH grabbed me by the arms and yanked me into it’s world. I could not put it down. I read it in, like, two sittings. It’s that good!

The Everneath is a place where immortals called Everlastings, take Forfeits, basically human sacrifices, to the Feed.  They feed off emotions. And when we meet our main character she is just coming out of the Feed, and things are a little confusing, but so interesting you’ll find that you can’t turn the pages quick enough to find out what’s going on and how things got to the point they are. This was so different. This was a completely new description of hell and what is like. And I’ve never met an immortal like these.

Another interesting thing about this book is the transitions. Often times I find myself skimming parts of the story on how a character gets from one scene to the next. Everneath there wasn’t a need to do that. There will just be a short italicized line that says: In my room, in my car, at Cole’s condo. That was really refreshing. I liked it because it cut to the chase and kept me hooked.

I recommend this novel to ANY paranormal lover. I cannot wait for book #2. I gotta know what happens. Nik and Jack’s love story tore me apart and I want more. It’s so great. This novel makes my top ten best books I read in 2011 list! Mark this one on your TO BE READ list immediately.


Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Title: Queen of the Dead
Author: Stacey Kade
Hardcover, 288 pages

Expected publication: June 7th 2011 by Hyperion Book CH (first published May 31st 2011)
Series: The Ghost and the Goth #2
Source: ARC Tour



Plot:
After being sent back from the light, Alona Dare - former homecoming queen, current Queen of the Dead - finds herself doing something she never expected: working. Instead of spending days perfecting her tan by the pool (her typical summer routine when she was, you know, alive), Alona must now cater to the needs of other lost spirits. By her side for all of this - ugh - “helping of others” is Will Killian: social outcast, seer of the dead, and someone Alona cares about more than she’d like.


Before Alona can make a final ruling on Will’s “friend” or “more” status, though, she discovers trouble at home. Her mom is tossing out Alona’s most valuable possessions, and her dad is expecting a new daughter with his wicked wife. Is it possible her family is already moving on? Hello! She’s only been dead for two months! Thankfully, Alona knows just the guy who can put a stop to this mess.

Unfortunately for Alona, Will has other stuff on his mind, and Mina, a young (and beautiful) seer, is at the top of the list. She’s the first ghost-talker Will’s ever met—aside from his father—and she may hold answers to Will’s troubled past. But can she be trusted? Alona immediately puts a check mark in the “clearly not” column. But Will is - ahem - willing to find out, even if it means leaving a hurt and angry Alona to her own devices, which is never a good idea.

Packed with romance, lovable characters, and a killer cliffhanger, Queen of the Dead is the out-of-this-world sequel to The Ghost and the Goth.
My Thoughts:

I really liked Ghost and the Goth--stories from mean girls points of view rock, but I have to say I think I actually enjoyed the sequel, QUEEN OF THE DEAD, more than the original story. Will's voice and personality made this story for me. Guy first person perspectives are rare, and when done well they can totally put a fresh spin on a story. Alona and Will's feelings really come through in this novel, which is so important to me because I am a romance junkie. If there's no romance in a story, it kinda fizzles for me.

Now I won't tell you what happens, but let's just say it'll be interesting to see how they deal with the outcome of the problem of the book in the next installment. Seriously, it was a brilliant twist. Hooked me and now I just have to know more. Kudos Ms. Kade for another rockin' book!

Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Title: Haunting Violet
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Hardcover, 352 pages

Expected publication: June 21st 2011 by Walker Books for Young Readers
Source: ARC


Plot:

Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.


Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?

My Thoughts:

In the last year or so I've read a few books set in the late 1800s. That was a huge time period for people doing seances and talking to the dead. Haunting Violet takes place during this time and our main character, Violet, is wrapped into that world. Violet's mother leads fake seances in order to make a living and at the beginning of the novel we find Violet taking on a role in the family business.

Things go as planned until Violet actually starts seeing ghosts and discovers there is a murder that needs to be solved.

Historical paranormal novels aren't my favorite, but this one keep me interested. The pacing was good and the writing was fresh. I also enjoyed the romance that developes between Violet and her mother's assistant, Colin. Colin has been around Violet forever, so this isn't one of those novels where they lock eyes and things happen. Their romance is sweet and seems genuine.

Read this if you like ghosts, historical novels and paranormal in general.

Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton - ARC Review

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Title: Blood Magic
Author: Tessa Gratton
Hardcover, 416 pages

Expected publication: May 24th 2011 by Random House Books for Young Readers
Series:The Blood Journals #1
Characters: Nick Pardee, Silla Kennicot



Plot:

This page-turning debut novel will entice fans who like their paranormal romances dark and disturbing. It's a natural next-read for fans of Stephanie Meyer, Carrie Jones, and Becca Fitzpatrick. But instead of mythical creatures, blood magic has everything to do with primal human desires like power, wealth, and immortality. Everywhere Silla Kennicott turns she sees blood. She can't stop thinking about her parents alleged murder-suicide. She is consumed by a book filled with spells that arrives mysteriously in the mail. The spells share one common ingredient: blood, and Silla is more than willing to cast a few. What's a little spilled blood if she can uncover the truth? And then there's Nick—the new guy at school who makes her pulse race. He has a few secrets of his own and is all too familiar with the lure of blood magic. Drawn together by a combination of fate and chemistry, Silla and Nick must find out who else in their small Missouri town knows their secret and will do anything to take the book and magic from Silla.



My Thoughts:

I'm a sucker for a dark, gothic romance and I totally got that in this novel. I loved Silla and Nick. Blood Magic has alternating chapters from both character's point's of view, so you totally get inside their head and get to see how they tick. My favorite part of alternating chapters is having first person prospective from a different point of view. We get to dive into the internal thought that goes behind the dialog.

The plot twist was great!! There was a nice spin that kept me hooked. I will say things happened a little quick, so I had to re-read a couple scenes to make things click, but the description and emotion was enough to get me through those tiny little parts.

This one is a must read for paranormal romance junkies!

After Midnight (The Youngbloods #1) by Lynn Viehl - ARC Review

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Title: After Midinght (TheYoungbloods #1)
Author: Lynn Viehl
Paperback, 336 pages
Expected publication: May 8th 2011 by Flux
Source: ARC




Plot:

Sophomore Catlyn Youngblood is used to the nomadic existence she and her two older brothers have shared since the death of their parents. When they settle down for good in the sleepy backwoods town of Lost Lake, Florida, Cat thinks they might finally fit in. Instead, they're shunned by the locals.


While riding her horse late one night, Cat meets an enigmatic and handsome boy named Jesse Raven. Even more strange than her overpowering attraction to him is Jesse's apparent aversion to the sun. As their attraction intensifies, long-kept secrets come to light. Cat learns that the Ravens are a centuries-old vampire clan . . . and worse still, that she and her brothers are descendents of Abraham Van Helsing, the world-famous vampire hunter. Mortal enemies by blood, the two families do all they can to keep them apart. But Cat and Jesse will risk everything to be together—including death.


My Thoughts:

If you've read my past reviews, you know I am a serious sucker for paranormal romance. This book is full of it. Yes, I will tell you parts of the this relationship feels rushed. They become too gah-gah for each other a little soon. However, I still love it when two characters are willing to do anything for each other. Abandon their families, chance dying or whatever it takes to be together. It totally adds to the romance.

There really isn't any elements that make it stand out among other YA paranormal romances I've read, but that didn't keep me from enjoying this one. The element that makes Cat and Jesse mortal enemies was a nice touch though. I love the VanHelsing story as well as the movie with Kate Beckinsale and Hugh Jackman.

Read this one if you like paranormal romance.

YA Books I Loved That Didn't Get A Lot of Hype

Saturday, March 12, 2011

My book case is a complete mad-house because I have an obsession with buying books. Seriously, I probably have a couple hundred books, if not more, on there. Some of them I haven't read yet, while others have been read more times them I care to admit to. So, when I was at Borders yesterday rummaging around their 'Going Out of Business' Young Adult Section I couldn't help but to notice a lot of my favorites still sat on the shelves. The I started thinking, "why don't people love these books like me?" The only answer I came up with in my brain was that maybe it was because people have never heard of them. Let's face it. Some books are hyped so much they are everywhere you turn, while others you only hear about from book bloggers and word of mouth.

Now, I'm talking books published by the big time agencies here too, not just independent ones. I know that the way books are advertised stems back to how big of a deal was made on the book and all that, but sometimes I find I liked the less-hyped books better.

My long-winded point is, I thought this would be a good time to share some books I have recommended to people and sometimes they've never heard anything about the book and/or series.


The Touch Series:

I loved this one for the romance and the plot. I just had to figure Ben out and Cameila was an awesome main character. I loved the whole mystery in this book. The newly released Clarity actually reminds me a lot of this series, so naturally I loved that one too.

Book One: Deadly Little Secrets

Plot:
Some secrets shouldn't be kept...


Up until three months ago, everything in sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades; an okay relationship with her parents; and a pretty cool part-time job at the art studio downtown. But when Ben, the mysterious new guy, starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes anything but ordinary.

Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She's reluctant to believe the rumors, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. She's inexplicably drawn to Ben...and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help--but can he be trusted? She knows he's hiding something... but he's not the only one with a secret.

From the best-selling author of Blue is for Nightmares comes a story of paranormal romance that's sure to be a thrilling and chilling teen favorite.

Book 2: Deadly Little Lies
 
Book 3: Deadly Little Games


The Dark Guardians Series:

Rachel Hawthorne is hands down one of my favorite authors. I can count on any novel I pick up from her to leave me with that warm and gooey love-sick feeling. Each Dark Guardian novel is first person tense told by a different girl in the overall plot of the series, which is a great spin to a YA series. So, each book is fresh with a new love story while the main plot moves along. This is her paranormal series that I totally love. It makes me sad when people say they've never heard of her or this series. If you haven't read it, you are truly missing out on a great YA paranormal romance.

Book 1: Moonlight

Plot:

I see him and knows what this turmoil inside of me means: He's the one. My forever.


KAYLA is the nature lover, the all-American beauty who can't understand why she's so drawn to distant, brooding Lucas. Adopted as a young child, she has no way of knowing that she's inherited a terrifying-and thrilling-gene that will change her life forever.

LUCAS is dangerous, gorgeous ... and a werewolf. As leader of the Dark Guardians, shape-shifters who gather deep within the state park, he has sworn to protect his pack. But when Lucas finds his true soul mate, his love could put them all in harm's way.

As Lucas and Kayla struggle with their feelings for each other, a greater danger lurks: Humans have discovered the Dark Guardians and are planning their destruction. Kayla must choose between the life she knows and the love she feels certain is her destiny

Book 2: Full Moon

Book 3: Dark of the Moon

Book 4: Shadow of the Moon
 Giving Up the V:

I love gritty, true Contemporary Young Adult Fiction. When authors let go and really let their inner-teenager shine through, a book becomes spectacular. I felt like Spencer was a real girl and I was concerned who she was going to give it up to. The secondary characters in this book blew me away. It takes a lot to make your minor characters stand out in a way that the reader will care as much about them as you main character. The Duff actually reminds me a lot of this one, because the dialog is true to teens.


Giving Up The V

Plot:

Spencer Davis just turned sixteen. But unlike most hormonal teenagers who seem obsessed with sex — like her entire crew of friends — Spencer just doesn't get it. She'd rather wait for the right guy and the right moment. But that moment may be arriving sooner than she'd thought.


Enter Benjamin Hopkins, a new transfer student who seems to have his eyes on our V-card-carrying heroine. He's gorgeous, funny, suave, athletic, and capable of making Spencer's knees wobble with a single glance. Spencer has never felt this way about anyone before, but is Ben truly V-worthy?


Tell me, are there any great series out there that YOU love that people don't know about?? Shout-out and share with us. Maybe, we'll love them too.

Double Take Covers: Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris

Sunday, February 6, 2011

This is still one of my favorite series. The next Sookie Stackhouse novel comes out May 3rd 2011 by Ace. This is book number 11 in the series and I know Charlaine is contracted to write a total of 13 novels in this series, so we are getting close to the end.




Plot:

With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. But Sookie suspects otherwise and she and Sam work together to uncover the culprit - and the twisted motive for the attack. But her attention is divided. Though she can't 'read' vampires, Sookie knows her lover Eric Northman and his 'child' Pam well - and she realises that they are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, she is drawn into the plot -which is much more complicated than she knows. Caught up in the politics of the vampire world, Sookie will learn that she is as much of a pawn as any ordinary human - and that there is a new Queen on the board . . .

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare --Review

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Title: Clockwork Angel
Author: Cassandra Clare
Hardcover, 479 pages

Published August 31st 2010 by Margaret K. McElderry
http://theinfernaldevices.com/index3.htm
SeriesThe Infernal Devices #1
Characters:Tessa Gray, Magnus Bane, Will Herondale, Jem Carstairs, Jessamine Lovelace, Jessamine Lovelace, Henry Branwell, Charlotte Branwell, Nathaniel Gray



Plot:

Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.




When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.



Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.



Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.
My Thoughts:
 
Okay, okay so you've caught me. I have never read The Immortal Instruments series, but decided to read this one anyway because I say that Ms. Clare said you didn't have to read it before reading CLOCKWORK ANGEL to be able to follow along. With that being said, I can't say if this novel, being a prequel and all, is better or worse that the original series, but I will tell you I loved this novel. It was fast paced and the characters were witty, especially Will. TEAM WILL here all the way! Tessa had her moments when I didn't connect with her, but she somehow found a way to redeem herself and draw me back in.
 
PLUS I love when characters have a quest to go along with learning about their supernatural powers. That always makes for an awesome read.
 
The only thing that keeps this from being a 5 star read for me is it is written in 3rd person. But, that's a personal nitpick I have because I'm a 3rd person snob. Very few books written in 3rd get an "I love this book" from me. This one was pretty dang close, though.
 
Read this if you like supernatural creatures set in a different time period on a great quest!
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