Book Review: Bittersweet in the Hollow by Kate Pearsall

Bittersweet in the Hollow
Author: Kate Pearsall
Genre: YA Fantasy/Mystery
Release Date: October 10, 2023
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Description:

In this beautifully dark and enthralling YA, four sisters with unusual talents investigate a mysterious disappearance in their secluded Appalachian town. For fans of House of Hollow and Wilder Girls!

In rural Caball Hollow, surrounded by the vast National Forest, the James women serve up more than fried green tomatoes at the Harvest Moon diner, where the family recipes are not the only secrets.

Like her sisters, Linden was born with an unusual ability. She can taste what others are feeling, but this so-called gift soured her relationship with the vexingly attractive Cole Spencer one fateful night a year ago... A night when Linden vanished into the depths of the Forest and returned with no memories of what happened, just a litany of questions--and a haze of nightmares that suggest there's more to her story than simply getting lost.

Now, during the hottest summer on record, another girl in town is gone, and the similarities to last year's events are striking. Except, this time the missing girl doesn't make it home, and when her body is discovered, the scene unmistakably spells murder.

As tempers boil over, Linden enlists the help of her sisters to find what's hiding in the forest... before it finds her. But as she starts digging for truth--about the Moth-Winged Man rumored to haunt the Hollow, about her bitter rift with Cole, and even about her family--she must question if some secrets are best left buried. 

Bittersweet in the Hollow is the first book in a captivating new young adult fantasy series that will have readers eagerly turning pages until the very end. It's been a while since I've enjoyed a book as much as this one. It was a lovely breath of fresh air for the genre. I really enjoyed everything about this book from the characters and the setting to the plot and the themes.

I loved Linden as the main character in the book. She's down to earth, strong, brave, smart, a loving daughter and sister, and fiercely protective of her family and those she cares about. She has her flaws, like everyone, but it only makes her more realistic and easy to identify with. I connected with her right from the first page of the book and felt like I was right beside her throughout the story.  I liked watching Linden grow and come into her own during the story. She ran into a lot of obstacles and trials she had to overcome, but ended up finding the strength within herself and relying on those closest to her. The secondary characters are all well-rounded with their own distinct personalities and traits. I enjoyed getting to know each of them and watching their lives unfold.

The plot was interesting in multiple ways. The author blended several genres together - fantasy, contemporary, folklore, romance, thriller, and mystery - to create something fresh and new. There were a lot of layers in the story but they all worked together seamlessly. I absolutely loved the magic/witchcraft that was infused into the story. How Linden's family all have special gifts or abilities and how they always refer to "the old ways." How the women in their family have always been different and how their wisdom has been passed down through each generation. I got major "Practical Magic" vibes more than once during the book, which made me smile each time. The story definitely had similarities to that book and it comes through quite a bit. I also enjoyed the thriller/mystery part of the story, especially with the folklore of the Moth-Winged Man. It kept me guessing right up until the reveal, which is impressive because I can normally guess things pretty quickly.

Overall, this was an awesome debut and a fantastic first book in a new YA fantasy series and I'm already counting down until the next book comes out. Highly recommended for fans of YA fantasy, romance, contemporary fiction, mysteries, and readers who like books about witches and magic.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 

Review: The Woods Are Always Watching by Stephanie Perkins

The Woods Are Always Watching
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Genre: YA Contemporary Fiction/Suspense/Survival
Release Date: August 31, 2021
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers

Description:

New from bestselling author Stephanie Perkins, and the perfect companion to her New York Times bestseller There's Someone Inside Your House, soon to be a Netflix feature.

Bears aren't the only predators in these woods.

Best friends Neena and Josie spent high school as outsiders, but at least they had each other. Now, with college and a two-thousand-mile separation looming on the horizon, they have one last chance to be together—a three-day hike deep into the woods of the Pisgah National Forest.

Simmering tensions lead to a detour off the trail and straight into a waking nightmare … and then into something far worse. Something that will test them in horrifying ways.

Stephanie Perkins, the bestselling author of There's Someone Inside Your House, returns with a heart-stopping, gut-wrenching novel about friendship, survival, and navigating unmarked paths even as evil watches from the shadows.

'The Woods Are Always Watching' is a new standalone survival thriller from bestselling author Stephanie Perkins. The story follows two best friends, Neena and Josie, as they embark on a three-day camping trip in the mountains surrounding their hometown. The girls soon realize that they aren't just trying to survive their natural surroundings but something much worse is also watching them from among the trees. The girls' friendship and very lives are threatened as things become more frantic and dangerous in the forest.

This is the first book by this author that I've read. I'm a huge fan of young adult thrillers so this novel jumped out at me immediately. It ended up not being what I had expected or hoped for, which was a disappointment. The main characters, Neena and Josie, are realistic enough and I enjoyed getting to know each of them throughout the story. They were a bit lacking in some aspects and I felt like a lot of stereotypes got thrown in - not just with the girls but with the story overall. Neena and Josie's friendship is interesting and I was empathetic to their situation - with them being separated across the country because of the colleges they were attending. The cultural references mentioned felt a bit forced and overdone to me and it actually ended up bothering me more than I thought it would.

Another aspect of the book that I personally didn't care for was the writing style. The story is told from the third person and divided into three sections - when the girls are together, when they are separated, and when they are reunited. In the second section, where they are separated, each chapter is told from the specific perspective of one of the girls. I don't like the third-person POV because I don't think it allows a deeply personal connection between the reader and the narrator. That definitely holds true for this book. If it had been told from either of the girls' perspectives or even alternating points of view, I would have liked it so much more. This is only my personal opinion and other readers aren't going to agree with me.

The overarching themes of friendship, survival, and hope were woven into the story seamlessly and fit perfectly with the story and characters. Although this book didn't turn out to be what I had hoped or wanted, I know that other readers will definitely enjoy it. I'd recommend it to fans of YA, contemporary fiction, survival stories, action/adventure, and fans of the author's other books.

 

Review: The Queen's Assassin by Melissa de la Cruz

The Queen's Assassin (Queen's Secret #1)
Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: February 4, 2020
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Description:

Caledon Holt is the Kingdom of Renovia's deadliest weapon. No one alive can best him in brawn or brains, which is why he's the Guild's most dangerous member and the Queen's one and only assassin. He's also bound to the Queen by an impossible vow--to find the missing Deian Scrolls, the fount of all magical history and knowledge, stolen years ago by a nefarious sect called the Aphrasians.

Shadow has been training all her life to follow in the footsteps of her mother and aunts--to become skilled enough to join the ranks of the Guild. Though magic has been forbidden since the Aphrasian uprising, Shadow has been learning to control her powers in secret, hoping that one day she'll become an assassin as feared and revered as Caledon Holt.

When a surprise attack brings Shadow and Cal together, they're forced to team up as assassin and apprentice to hunt down a new sinister threat to Renovia. But as Cal and Shadow grow closer, they'll uncover a shocking web of lies and secrets that may destroy everything they hold dear. With war on the horizon and true love at risk, they'll stop at nothing to protect each other and their kingdom in this stunning first novel in the Queen's Secret series.

Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Red Queen, this is the first novel in a sweeping YA fantasy-romance duet about a deadly assassin, his mysterious apprentice, and the country they are sworn to protect from #1 NYT bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz. 

The Queen's Assassin is the first book in a lush new YA fantasy duology that fans are going to love. I've read some of the author's other work, so I knew the writing was going to be fantastic. The description had me a little hesitant because it kind of sounds like a lot of the other books out there right now. And it is - to a point. There are some key points to the plot that are basic for this story archetype, but the author puts her own magic into the book to make it stand out from the rest. I'm glad I decided to give this one a shot because I ended up liking it way more than I thought I would.

The main characters - Shadow and Cal - were both realistic and easy to connect with. They each have positive traits as well as obvious flaws and they both make lots of mistakes. Shadow is headstrong, brave, daring, smart, and determined to make her own fate instead of accepting the one she was born into. Cal is the master assassin to the Queen, which makes his life not his own either. He has to finish a quest - find the scrolls - before the blood oath that binds his family to the royal family can be broken. He also follows the Queen's every order - including getting rid of people who threaten the throne. When Shadow and Cal meet, it's the usual frustration and annoyance with each other, working together for a common goal but barely being able to stand the other one. Which then grows into a beautiful romance as they get to know each other more and experience more obstacles and experiences together on their journey. I normally don't like a strong romantic aspect in a book that's supposed to be about something else because it always feels like the romance part takes over the story and overshadows everything else. I didn't feel this way with this book. The romance was always going to be a part of the story and I felt it was woven into the plot effortlessly and didn't take over the entire story line. The author struck a perfect balance between the two that I really enjoyed.

The writing style is always a big deal for me personally as a reader. I almost always prefer the first person point of view. The great thing about this novel is that it's told from both Shadow's and Cal's perspective. Shadow's part of the book is told from the first person POV with her as the narrator. We get to really know her on a deeply personal level throughout the book and by the end of the story I felt like we were really close friends. We get to see inside her mind - her hopes and fears, dreams, memories, desires, and innermost thoughts. This helped me connect with her immediately from the beginning and only grew throughout the book. Cal's side of the story is told from the third person POV, which I didn't like nearly as much. I loved the fact that the author chose to tell the story from their alternating viewpoints - which was fantastic! - but I think if Cal's part of the story was told in the first person POV as well, it would've been basically perfect. I loved getting to know Cal throughout the story but (again) I wish his part was written in the first person as well so we could really connect with him on the same level as Shadow. 

Although the majority of the book was easy to predicate - which is fine because it wasn't meant to be a mystery - there were some interesting twists I didn't see coming that made things really exciting. There's also political intrigue, secrets, treason, and so much more woven into the story. I will admit that the ending killed me. I guess I didn't realize how deeply I had fallen into this world and connected with these characters until the ending. It hit me like a ton of bricks and I felt every emotion in my heart. I don't normally physically react to a book, but while reading the ending and after I had finished - I cried. I couldn't help it. I hated the ending because it broke my heart. This is the first book in a series so I'm really hoping that things will change and be the way they should be (in my mind). I hate having to wait so long until the next book releases because I need to know what's going to happen and what's ahead for our heroes. I very highly recommend this book for fans of YA fantasy, romance, and for fans of the author.

 

Review: The Grownup by Gillian Flynn

The Grownup
Author: Gillian Flynn
Genre: Suspense/Thriller/Short Story
Release Date: November 3, 2015
Publisher: Crown

Description:

A canny young woman is struggling to survive by perpetrating various levels of mostly harmless fraud. On a rainy April morning, she is reading auras at Spiritual Palms when Susan Burke walks in. A keen observer of human behavior, our unnamed narrator immediately diagnoses beautiful, rich Susan as an unhappy woman eager to give her lovely life a drama injection. However, when the "psychic" visits the eerie Victorian home that has been the source of Susan's terror and grief, she realizes she may not have to pretend to believe in ghosts anymore. Miles, Susan's teenage stepson, doesn't help matters with his disturbing manner and grisly imagination. The three are soon locked in a chilling battle to discover where the evil truly lurks and what, if anything, can be done to escape it. 

The Grownup is a chilling short story that will leave the author's fans begging for more. I personally have been a die-hard fan of the author's since reading her first book - Sharp Objects - years ago. Since then, I've stalked followed her every move and freaked out when I learned about a new novel that was going to be released. There never seems to be enough of her work to keep me (and other fans) satisfied, and I'm constantly checking the web for any talk of a new book.

When I heard that Ms. Flynn was going to be releasing a new book - I freaked out and immediately started learning as much as I could. I was really disappointed to find out that it was only going to be a short story though. Any of her fans know that we need a full length novel in order to get as much of the dark and twisted goodness we all are dying to read. I knew I was going to read this one though, purely for the fact that she wrote it (and the description sounded intriguing). Once again, Ms. Flynn messed with my head with loads of twists and turns, characters who may (or may not) be who they seem, and basically no possible way of guessing what was going to happen or how it would end. It's the kind of writing that I expect from the author - and it's also the reason I'm such a huge fan. It's hard to imagine that all of these attributes could be attained in a mere 64 pages - but she manages to do it. There's lots of twists and turns, odd characters, strange happenings, and her trademark dark and twisted writing style. The only negative thing I have to say about the story is that it was way too short! There's a ton of potential and promise in those 64 pages - plenty enough to craft a full novel from. If it had been a full length book, I would've given it 5 stars (my seemingly normal rating for her works) - but she had to go and give us a little taste of something unique - and then leave us hanging; begging for more. I highly recommend this short story to fans of the author's other books, along with those readers who enjoy short stories, thrillers, horror, suspense, and mysteries. If the author happens to read this review, I would like to say one thing: PLEASE write a new book - a real, full length novel - to help keep your rabid avid fans from going completely crazy!

 

* I received a copy of the book from the Blogging for Books Program in exchange for an honest review.

 

Review: Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

Why Not Me?
Author: Mindy Kaling
Genre: Memoir/Humor
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Publisher: Crown

Description:

From the author of the beloved New York Times bestselling book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? and the creator and star of The Mindy Project comes a collection of essays that are as hilarious and insightful as they are deeply personal.

In Why Not Me?, Kaling shares her ongoing journey to find contentment and excitement in her adult life, whether it’s falling in love at work, seeking new friendships in lonely places, attempting to be the first person in history to lose weight without any behavior modification whatsoever, or most important, believing that you have a place in Hollywood when you’re constantly reminded that no one looks like you.

In “How to Look Spectacular: A Starlet’s Confessions,” Kaling gives her tongue-in-cheek secrets for surefire on-camera beauty, (“Your natural hair color may be appropriate for your skin tone, but this isn’t the land of appropriate–this is Hollywood, baby. Out here, a dark-skinned woman’s traditional hair color is honey blonde.”) “Player” tells the story of Kaling being seduced and dumped by a female friend in L.A. (“I had been replaced by a younger model. And now they had matching bangs.”) In “Unlikely Leading Lady,” she muses on America’s fixation with the weight of actresses, (“Most women we see onscreen are either so thin that they’re walking clavicles or so huge that their only scenes involve them breaking furniture.”) And in “Soup Snakes,” Kaling spills some secrets on her relationship with her ex-boyfriend and close friend, B.J. Novak (“I will freely admit: my relationship with B.J. Novak is weird as hell.”)

Mindy turns the anxieties, the glamour, and the celebrations of her second coming-of-age into a laugh-out-loud funny collection of essays that anyone who’s ever been at a turning point in their life or career can relate to. And those who’ve never been at a turning point can skip to the parts where she talks about meeting Bradley Cooper.  

Why Not Me? is a memoir created from various essays and stories about the author's personal thoughts and life experiences. I have to admit that I haven't read her first book or watched the hit TV show "The Mindy Project," so I wasn't quite sure what to expect going into the book. I've read a lot of great reviews about both books and I've read a small section out of this book previously, so I decided to take a chance on it. I'm so glad that I did! This book was a fantastic choice. Once I started reading the essays, I couldn't stop - so it (sadly) ended up being a quick read for me.

The author's writing style is very conversational in tone - it's laid back and personable throughout - which makes it feel like the author is a close friend and is simply telling us stories that stand out in her memory for one reason or another. The relaxed writing of the book gave the stories a more realistic feel and I could practically hear the author telling these stories - complete with hand gestures, facial expressions, and all the other small details you get when speaking with someone. The essays and stories had a wide range of topics - from media expectations of women to her own struggle with self consciousness. Most of the anecdotes were funny and I found myself giggling or laughing out loud while reading. The stories aren't just fun though - the author is taking her real life experiences and feelings (which aren't always positive) and sharing them - and the knowledge she's gained - with the entire world. That's gutsy - especially for a woman in the entertainment industry - but she lays it all out there for us to experience and to realize that it's not always as great as people think. I loved her stories about issues that bother her - like Hollywood's obsession with women's weight, for example - because she tells it like it is and does so with snarky observations and true feeling. The essays and stories vary widely throughout the book, so there's really something for everyone. I definitely enjoyed this book and look forward to going back and reading her first one soon. Highly recommended for all kinds of readers - especially women from their teens and up - due to the universal truths that are revealed and the fact that we can relate to her and her stories in our own lives. If you're looking for a quick and fun read - this is a fantastic choice.

* I received a copy of the book from the Blogging for Books Program in exchange for an honest review. *

Review: Frozen in Amber by Phyllis Ames

Frozen in Amber
Author: Phyllis Ames
Genre: Urban Fantasy 
Release Date: August 4, 2015
Publisher: DAW Mass Market

Description:

Amber Treganis constantly reinvents herself. New clothes, new hairstyle, new car—anything she can do to exert a level of control over her life. What she can't control is her shape-shifting other self: the WerCougar that sinks its claws into her brain during the three nights surrounding the full moon.

Though she is a natural-born shifter from a prominent WerCougar family, Amber has been unwilling to change into her cat form ever since a terrible tragedy cost her the man she loved. And she has little patience with Wers of any species who embrace their otherness more than their humanity. She focuses on her life as a defense attorney in Mt. Hood, and stays out of Wer politics.

But after a blurry night of hunting, Amber begins to notice changes in her transformation. When she hears rumors of research to discover a treatment for shifting, she suspects she may have been unknowingly given the experimental therapy.

With the help of Adler, a WerEagle active in community politics, Amber tries to hunt down the truth about this cure, while staying off the radar of the FBI, which tracks and manages Wer communities in secret.

But Amber doesn't realize how much she depends on her Wer sense until, one by one, they begin to fade. And Amber is left increasingly ill—and increasingly human. Can shifter who is losing her abilities survive for long in either human or Wer society? 

Frozen in Amber is a fantastic urban fantasy novel that centers on our main character - Amber - who is also a WerCougar. After a terrible tragedy that happened several years before, Amber only shifts into her other form when absolutely necessary. She places all of her time, energy, and focus into her human life as a lawyer. During one of the rare occasions when Amber shifts into her cougar form, she has terrifying glimpses of her memory from that night. Things were very different than normal. Amber was being hunted by humans, and she remembers a sharp pain followed by her body being paralyzed and being hurt by hands grabbing at her. After hearing that one of her firm's clients has developed a possible Wer cure, Amber begins to piece together the mysteries of that night in the woods - and comes to the conclusion that she was targeted and given this treatment without her knowledge. Teaming up with Adler, a WerEagle, Amber goes on a mission to learn more about this so-called cure - all while staying off the FBI's radar. As time passes, Amber begins to lose more and more of her Wer abilities and senses, causing her to realize just how much she actually relies on them. Not only are her Wer attributes disappearing, but Amber is becoming more ill each day along with turning more human as well. Will Amber and Adler be able to figure out what this cure really is before it's too late? Does Amber hate her Wer self enough to let the treatment turn her completely human? 

It's been a really long time since I've read any books about shifters. I was a bit wary of this book before reading it - I've never been a huge fan of shifter fiction. Don't get me wrong, I like to read it - but I prefer other paranormal beings to shifters and tend to gravitate towards those kinds of books. I'm glad that I decided to give this book a shot, because it was nothing short of amazing. You'd think it would be hard to slip inside a world where there are all types of Wer creatures hiding among humans - but somehow that's precisely what the author managed to accomplish. I found myself transported into Amber's world from the very beginning of the book and I didn't emerge until after I had read the final words. There's something about the author's writing style that made it so easy to fall into this alternate world. The story had vivid imagery and incredibly detailed descriptions that seriously brought this world - and novel - to life. I could easily close my eyes and see myself alongside Amber as she experiences everything in the book. There was another aspect to the writing that I can't quite put my finger on - I don't know how to describe it. All I can say is that the fast pace of the story coupled with the author's intricate writing style made this book feel so natural to read. It felt like it flowed naturally - not hurrying along, although there was lots going on and the pace was fast. There's just something about it that immediately caused me to integrate myself into the story and it all felt so amazingly natural. That's some serious talent - if you can create a world full of paranormal creatures and then have the reader just slip inside of it without really knowing that it happened. 

The writing style was definitely a huge part of my experience with the book, maybe even more so than the plot itself. I think the author could have written the weirdest science fiction/dystopian novel ever - and I would have happily immersed myself inside of that world without even knowing it was happening. Another major aspect of the book and writing was the point of view that it's told in. It's written in the first person from Amber's perspective - and I honestly don't think it could have been done any better. I sound like a broken record when I talk about the importance point of view and my belief that first person is almost always the best choice. The reader gets to know the narrator on such a deep and personal level this way, which only heightens the realism of the characters and the book itself. I loved getting to experience the everything that happens through Amber's perspective. We also get a peek inside of the main character that is normally inaccessible to us - we learn so much about them, from their hopes and dreams to their fears and weaknesses, emotions, memories, and so much more. I loved getting to watch Amber's character change and grow throughout the book, and being able to see it happen from her own perspective was fascinating.

The plot of the book was pretty original - as far as I know. It was something new to me, but I'm not a huge reader of the genre - so I don't know if this has been done before or not. The idea of a treatment that had the power to change shifters back into human form permanently was intriguing and I wanted to know as much about it as I could. Along with this aspect of the story comes the underlying topics such as ethics, being able to choose who you are/want to be, and lots of political concepts too. I loved that there was a deeper level to the novel - the main story line would have been great on it's own, but the addition of these more serious topics that apply to us as a society created a whole new tangent that makes the reader stop and ponder things over a bit. The plot was enjoyable and I was reading as fast as I could to see what was going to happen next and what was going to become of Amber and this cure. The author blends several genres to create a riveting novel that I couldn't stop reading until I finished. Once I was in Amber's world - I wasn't coming back out until I read the final words. I very highly recommend this book to fans of shifter novels and urban fantasy - as well as those who enjoy fantasy, paranormal fiction, action, adventure, and some suspense!

Phyllis Ames loves tramping through the forests of the Pacific Northwest with a camera and binoculars. Her most treasured moments are catching sight and photos of elusive white-tailed deer, bear cubs, coyotes, and cougars. She is more afraid of things that go bump in the night than the shadowy depths of forest trails. 

 *A huge thank you to the wonderful people at DAW for sending me a copy of the book for review!*

 

Review: The Veil by Chloe Neill

The Veil (Devil's Isle #1)
Author: Chloe Neill
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: August 4, 2015
Publisher: NAL Trade

Description:

Seven years ago, the Veil that separates humanity from what lies beyond was torn apart, and New Orleans was engulfed in a supernatural war. Now, those with paranormal powers have been confined in a walled community that humans call the District. Those who live there call it Devil's Isle.

Claire Connolly is a good girl with a dangerous secret: she’s a Sensitive, a human endowed with magic that seeped through the Veil. Claire knows that revealing her skills would mean being confined to Devil’s Isle. Unfortunately, hiding her power has left her untrained and unfocused.

Liam Quinn knows from experience that magic makes monsters of the weak, and he has no time for a Sensitive with no control of her own strength. But when he sees Claire using her powers to save a human under attack—in full view of the French Quarter—Liam decides to bring her to Devil’s Isle and the teacher she needs, even though getting her out of his way isn’t the same as keeping her out of his head.

But when the Veil threatens to shatter completely, Claire and Liam must work together to stop it, or else New Orleans will burn…   

The Veil is the compelling first book in a new urban fantasy series that is set in New Orleans after a brutal war that happened when the Veil - one that separated the humans and the magical world beyond, along with the creatures who lived there - was torn open. Paranormal creatures of all kinds came through the rip in the Veil and started a supernatural war that would devastate the majority of the city, along with much of the South of the U.S. The story follows our main character - Claire Connolly - as she tries her hardest to live a normal life running her store in New Orleans, and hiding the fact that she's a Sensitive and gained magic abilities when The Veil was torn open. All paranormals and Sensitives with any magic were rounded up and locked away in a part of New Orleans now referred to as Devil's Isle. 

Claire found out that she was a Sensitive only months ago and is still trying to adjust to her new life. She's been working hard at the store her father owned previously - and not doing anything involving magic. Claire's doing whatever she can to hide the fact that she's a Sensitive so she doesn't get hauled off to Devil's Isle to become a monster like the other souls trapped inside. Enter the utterly gorgeous bounty hunter Liam Quinn, whose job is to bring in anyone with magic to the government and Devil's Isle. Liam happens across Claire in an unexpected situation - she's trying to save a human who's being attacked by wraiths in the middle of the street. Claire manages to get the wraiths to turn their attention to her - but quickly gets in over her head when they work together to trap her in an alley. Without any other choice, Claire must use her magic in order to save her own life and get the wraiths to back off. Liam knows that not all Sensitives are bad people - like Claire, for example - so he takes her to a friend of his in Devil's Isle who can help her learn to control her magic. Things seem to be going well until the Veil threatens to disappear completely - with Liam and Claire having to team up in order to stop it from happening and facing a war much worse than the first.

I really enjoyed this book and the world the author created within it. The world that the story is set in is one very different from our own, especially when you add in the Veil, the paranormals, and the huge supernatural war - among so many other things. With the use of vivid imagery and detailed descriptions, the author was able to breathe life into Claire's world - to the point where I could shut my eyes and see myself there alongside her. The setting was incredibly realistic - more so than I had even hoped for. I was able to slip inside the story right from the beginning of the book and stayed in there until the last words. I loved learning everything I could about what had happened when the Veil ripped. I was eager to know what the Veil was, what paranormals were and what abilities they had, along with every detail about how the Veil was torn and the supernatural war that followed. I felt like I was soaking up as much history and information as I could about these unfamiliar aspects of the story, and I absolutely loved learning as much as I could about it all. The depth of description and background that the author provides really helped to solidify Claire's world for me - it made everything more realistic and tangible. 

Claire is a great main character for this series. She's a great girl - smart, determined, a hard worker, keeps out of trouble, is a great friend, and holds on to her beliefs strongly. Even with these traits, it's obvious that Claire is a little naive about what happens in the world after the war. It gives her character a ton of room to grow and mature throughout the series, which I know we'll get to see happen. Claire does grow and mature some in this book - everything she thought she knew is tested, she learns how things truly are, and she begins to control her magic instead of hiding it like it doesn't exist. I'm eager to see what other transformations Claire will undergo throughout the series. Liam is, of course, the incredibly sexy love interest in the story. His character has distinct traits and a defined personality, which gives him the ability to grow and change as well. He already proves this in the book - when he meets Claire, he's a serious, no-nonsense bounty hunter with strict personal rules. As the story goes on, we see him falling for Claire - even though she's a Sensitive - and we get to see him be sweet and kind. I loved watching Claire and Liam's relationship blossom throughout the book, from meeting one another to having to team up to stop an impending war - and the romance that's sizzling between them almost the entire time.

The main plot of the book was phenomenal. It was wholly original and unique - I've never read anything quite like it before. As I mentioned, I was almost obsessed with learning as much as I could about the world and everything that had happened. It was written with such care that I wanted to know more about it all - and I'm really hoping that it continues in the following installments. I loved the idea of there being a Veil that separates humanity from a magical world beyond our own - and then asking what would happen if that Veil were to come apart, with the two worlds colliding as a result. There's your plot! We not only find out what happened, but we see the after effects it left on the city of New Orleans and the people who live there. I can only say that I found the entire story and plot line to be nothing short of mesmerizing, and yet I still want more. There's so many directions that the story can take and I'm anxious to see what will happen in the next book - what sucks is having to wait until it's released. I definitely recommend this book to fans of urban fantasy, paranormal fiction, fantasy, action, adventure, and romance - there's a bit of something for everyone to enjoy. Fans of the author's previous works and of the genre will love this book - so be sure to grab a copy and see what a treat you're in for.

 Photo by Dana Damewood.

Chloe Neill was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest—just close enough to Cadogan House and St. Sophia’s to keep an eye on things. When not transcribing Merit’s and Lily’s adventures in the Chicagoland Vampires Novels, she bakes, works, and scours the Internet for good recipes and great graphic design. Visit her online at www.chloeneill.com or on Twitter at @chloeneill.

Author Links:

http://www.chloeneill.com/ 

https://twitter.com/chloeneill 

https://www.facebook.com/authorchloeneill 

http://www.pinterest.com/chloeneill/ 

http://chloe-neill.tumblr.com/ 

http://instagram.com/chloeneill 

*A huge thank you to the awesome people at NAL for sending me a copy of the book for review!*

Review: The Fold by Peter Clines

The Fold
Author: Peter Clines
Genre: Science Fiction/Horror
Release Date: June 2, 2015
Publisher: Crown

Description:

STEP INTO THE FOLD.
IT’S PERFECTLY SAFE.
The folks in Mike Erikson's small New England town would say he's just your average, everyday guy. And that's exactly how Mike likes it. Sure, the life he's chosen isn’t much of a challenge to someone with his unique gifts, but he’s content with his quiet and peaceful existence.

That is, until an old friend presents him with an irresistible mystery, one that Mike is uniquely qualified to solve: far out in the California desert, a team of DARPA scientists has invented a device they affectionately call the Albuquerque Door. Using a cryptic computer equation and magnetic fields to “fold” dimensions, it shrinks distances so that a traveler can travel hundreds of feet with a single step.

The invention promises to make mankind’s dreams of teleportation a reality. And, the scientists insist, traveling through the Door is completely safe.

Yet evidence is mounting that this miraculous machine isn’t quite what it seems—and that its creators are harboring a dangerous secret.

As his investigations draw him deeper into the puzzle, Mike begins to fear there’s only one answer that makes sense. And if he’s right, it may only be a matter of time before the project destroys…everything.

A cunningly inventive mystery featuring a hero worthy of Sherlock Holmes and a terrifying final twist you’ll never see coming, The Fold is that rarest of things: a genuinely page-turning science-fiction thriller. Step inside its pages and learn why author Peter Clines has already won legions of loyal fans. 

The Fold is like nothing I've read before - in the best of ways. Even now, a couple of weeks after finishing it, I'm having a really hard time trying to write this review. I'm going to start by saying that I don't normally read a lot of science fiction. It's not that I don't like the genre - it's just not one of my favorites. The description of this book drew me to it like a magnet though, and although it claimed to be science fiction, I knew I had to read it. I'm so incredibly glad that I did! It far surpassed any kind of expectations or hopes I may have had - and then it proceeded to keep going until it blew my mind.

This novel is one of the most original and unique stories I've come across in my entire life. I honestly am at a loss as to what to say about it. It's one of those books that isn't a story to read - it's an experience. The characters were all well rounded, especially our main character, Mike. He was written with all the complexities of a real person, complete with a distinct personality, quirks, traits, and habits (to name a few things). I enjoyed getting to know Mike's character throughout the book and to see how he was effected by the situations he was thrown into and his reactions to the increasing strangeness around him. I found it interesting that the author gave him an eidetic memory - it was a bit of a curveball, but it didn't negatively effect my reading experience. I actually found it incredibly fascinating and loved learning everything I could about it, as well as Mike's strange descriptions and feelings - like all of the ants inside his head.

The plot was nothing short of phenomenal. There's so much that happens during the story that it almost feels like it won't fit into just one book. Somehow, the author was able to tell the entire story at once - but it didn't feel rushed and wasn't confusing for me as a reader. I thought it was the perfect pace to gain the desired effect of increasing tension, confusion, and fear. The story centers around main character Mike, as well as the mysterious Albuquerque Door, and the Fold that it creates. It talks of teleportation, several dimensions, and the greatly positive impact it's going to make in the world. We then learn that the Door is holding secrets - one that are dark and fill people with terror and fear. It's basically up to Mike to figure out what's really happening with the Door and the answer he comes up with could mean the end of the world as they know it.

When I read that this book was categorized as science fiction, I understood why that would be done just by reading the description. However, the further into the story I got, the more I found that it was only partly science fiction. It was also a blend of thriller, mystery, horror, and speculative fiction. I think that trying to put a label on this novel is pointless - it completely defies being put into a single genre and rightfully so. Again, I can't stress enough how completely unique and fully original this novel is. Because of this and the strange plot, not all readers will enjoy it as much as I did. But this is true of all books and to be expected. I honestly can't recommend this book highly enough! I believe it will appeal to fans of several genres; including fantasy, science fiction, mystery, thriller, and speculative fiction. If reading this review or any of the other reviews out there sparks an interest - then you need to read this book. Now. You won't regret it and just might find a new favorite for your shelf. I know that I'll be re-reading this book several times over and I'll catch something new each time.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the Blogging for Books Program in return for an honest review.

 

Review: Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty by Christine Heppermann

Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty
Author: Christine Heppermann
Genre: YA Fairy Tale/Retellings/Poetry
Release Date: September 23, 2014
Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Description:

Every little girl goes through her princess phase, whether she wants to be Snow White or Cinderella, Belle or Ariel. But then we grow up. And life is not a fairy tale.

Christine Heppermann's collection of fifty poems puts the ideals of fairy tales right beside the life of the modern teenage girl. With piercing truths reminiscent of Laurie Halse Anderson and Ellen Hopkins, this is a powerful and provocative book for every young woman. E. Lockhart, author of We Were Liars, calls it "a bloody poetic attack on the beauty myth that's caustic, funny, and heartbreaking."

Cruelties come not just from wicked stepmothers, but also from ourselves. There are expectations, pressures, judgment, and criticism. Self-doubt and self-confidence. But there are also friends, and sisters, and a whole hell of a lot of power there for the taking. In fifty poems, Christine Heppermann confronts society head on. Using fairy tale characters and tropes, Poisoned Apples explores how girls are taught to think about themselves, their bodies, and their friends. The poems range from contemporary retellings to first-person accounts set within the original tales, and from deadly funny to deadly serious. Complemented throughout with black-and-white photographs from up-and-coming artists, this is a stunning and sophisticated book to be treasured, shared, and paged through again and again.  

Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty is a collection of fifty poems where the author has taken fairy tale themes and stories and put a modern twist on them. These poems range from sarcastic and funny to gritty and biting. They deal with a lot of important issues that girls and women face today - eating disorders, lack of self-esteem, overwhelming pressure, judgment from others and yourself, and everything in between. Not all of the poems deal with completely negative themes - the author includes things that females can celebrate together, including friendship, family, sisters, and the power that women actually have in the world.

 

I'm a big fan of poetry and even write some myself. I've found it incredibly difficult to find a modern poet that I can identify with or simply enjoy their poetry. That all changed when I read this book. I didn't know what to expect at first glace - it was simply described as a book of poems that centered around fairy tales. I thought I'd take a chance on it, and I am SO glad that I did. This book far exceeded any type of expectations or hopes I may have had for it - and then it just kept going until my mind was blown. Admittedly, some readers don't like poetry as much as I do - but these are different. They are so easy to identify with (especially if you're a female) and easy to understand. The author doesn't try to sugar coat the real topic of her poems behind fairy tales or pretty words. They cut right to the bone of the topic and lay it all bare. I share almost all of the same viewpoints as the author, so each poem in the book made me do a little cheer because someone is finally speaking out about these issues that women and girls have to face in our society - and she didn't do it in a boring nonfiction book. She did it with poems and images. For each poem in the book, there was a corresponding picture on the opposite page. I adored them because not only were they darkly beautiful, but because they punctuate the point the author is trying to make. The images are a big Gothic and done without color - but I believe that this only adds to their appeal and the statement the author's making. I honestly don't know how else to describe this book. The poetry is very well done - in free verse - and I can honestly say that I loved every single one. The way that the poems present the various topics - be it eating disorders, the pressure of being what society calls "beautiful," or issues with lack of confidence and self doubt - is both enchanting yet caustic. I found myself swept away by the poems themselves along with the images, yet I was well aware of what the author was talking about in each one, and I was agreeing wholeheartedly the entire time. I have finally found myself a modern poet to adore, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this will have a permanent spot on my bookshelf (or beside my bed) and I'll be re-reading it constantly. I couldn't recommend this book more - my review doesn't do it near enough justice - so just give it a shot. Even if you're not a usual fan of poetry, this unique and wholly original collection will breath life into a basically dormant genre and you will undoubtedly leave with at least one topic stuck in your head to make you think for a bit. As I said before - READ. THIS. BOOK. I encourage fans of all types of genres to give it a read - there's something for everyone to enjoy or appreciate. I am now anxiously awaiting the next book of poetry by the author! (Note to Author: You have myself and tons of other readers addicted to your work, so pretty please write another book of poetry for us!)

 

Best Modern Poet I've Ever Read! I'm now obsessed with this book.

*A HUGE thanks to the awesome people at Greenwillow Books/HarperTeen for sending me a copy of the book for review!!*

 

Christine Heppermann is a writer, poet, and critic. Her book of poetry for young adults, Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty, has been called "a bloody poetic attack on the beauty myth that's caustic, funny and heartbreaking" (E. Lockhart) and a "powerful and provocative exploration of body image, media, and love" (Rae Carson).

Christine's first book, City Chickens (Houghton Mifflin, 2012), is a nonfiction story about a shelter for abandoned and unwanted chickens in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In 2015 Greenwillow Books will publish the first book of the Backyard Witch Series, written by Christine and Ron Koertge. The middle-grade series follows three best friends and a mysterious visitor who appears for curious adventures just when they need her most.

Christine was a columnist and reviewer for The Horn Book Magazine from 1996 until 2013. Her poems are published in 5AM, The Magazine of Contemporary Poetry; Poems and Plays; Kite Tales; Nerve Cowboy; The Mas Tequila Review; and The Horn Book Magazine. Her reviews of children's and young adult books have appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines. She has an MA in Children’s Literature from Simmons College and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University. (Taken from Goodreads)

Author Links:
http://www.christineheppermann.com/ 
http://www.twitter.com/cmheppermann 
https://www.facebook.com/christine.heppermann?fref=ts

Review: Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Don't Look Back

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Genre: YA Thriller
Release Date: April 15, 2014
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Description:

Samantha is a stranger in her own life. Until the night she disappeared with her best friend, Cassie, everyone said Sam had it all-popularity, wealth, and a dream boyfriend.

Sam has resurfaced, but she has no recollection of who she was or what happened to her that night. As she tries to piece together her life from before, she realizes it's one she no longer wants any part of. The old Sam took "mean girl" to a whole new level, and it's clear she and Cassie were more like best enemies. Sam is pretty sure that losing her memories is like winning the lottery. She's getting a second chance at being a better daughter, sister, and friend, and she's falling hard for Carson Ortiz, a boy who has always looked out for her-even if the old Sam treated him like trash.

But Cassie is still missing, and the facts about what happened to her that night isn't just buried deep inside of Sam's memory-someone else knows, someone who wants to make sure Sam stays quiet. All Sam wants is the truth, and if she can unlock her clouded memories of that fateful night, she can finally move on. But what if not remembering is the only thing keeping Sam alive?

 

Don't Look Back is a taut and completely gripping young adult thriller that had me hooked from the very beginning. I am a huge fan of this genre and I really can never find enough books that leave an impression on me. This one did just that - and then some. Everything about this novel - from the plot and characters to the writing style and the setting - was perfect. The characters were well written and easy to identify with - especially our main character Samantha. She was a fantastic leading lady - smart, determined, and brave - yet she still had her flaws, which I believe made her all the more realistic. The other characters in the book were well rounded too, which made slipping into the story alongside Sam even easier. 

The plot was full of unexpected twists and turns - ones that you definitely don't see coming and then are left with your mouth hanging open in surprise. With this genre, I love trying to piece together the mystery and figure things out before the main character does, but I have to admit that I failed to do that when it came to this book. That alone is enough to impress me and shows the amount of talent the author has. Add to that the depth of the story line - there's so much more going on than you think - and you have one of the best YA thrillers I've read in a very long time. The descriptions were incredibly detailed with vivid imagery and a fast pace - all of which came together to create a truly compelling novel. I honestly can't say enough good things about this book to do it justice, so I'll simply end by saying that this was one wicked thrill ride that will leave you devouring the pages to find out what happens. I very highly recommend this for fans of mystery, thrillers, and suspense fiction!!

Definitely a new favorite!!

 

 

*A huge thanks to the wonderful people at Disney-Hyperion for sending me a copy of the book for review!*