Book in Review: The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Forever Song
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publishing Date: April 15th, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary:
Vengeance will be hers.

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster? With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer.

Monster.

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions - her creator Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost - the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie. 

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, her triumph will be short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

THE FINAL HUNT IS ON.

After that HORRIBLE cliffhanger in Book 2, I thought I had seen the worst. How wrong I was.

Oh Julie. You will never make this easy huh.

The Forever Song was an epic, fantastic and excellent conclusion to the Blood of Eden series. I couldn't have wanted anything more for the last book. Wow... it was exciting, action-packed, gory, bloody, absolutely horrific! But at the same time it was awesome and so kickass. I was on the edge of my seat finding something to hold on to, because I was afraid I'd actually lose it. I certainly did not foresee that ending, but I loved how everything becomes full circle in the end.

In this third installment, Allison's struggle is the hardest. For a newbie vampire, she really is going through a lot with all her mixed up emotions of revenge, anger, and sadness. She certainly has her moments in the book, where she almost gives up to the monster within her, but she always, always finds a way to get back. I loved her character development in this last book, and she has gone a long way from that small weak girl dying in the rain. And my god, Allison is a scary killer with that katana. She is a brave and incredible fighter. This girl is practically my hero.

It was interesting to see a different side of Zeke in this book but Julie really pulled it off with her top notch writing. I can't see any other author write a nice guy into something as horrible as what Zeke turned into in this book and still feel like it makes sense. The character development is incredible, and you never for one second think Zeke is out of character or inconsistent. Everything just adds up!

And then Kanin - he is seriously one of the best characters ever. Truly a master vampire. I really really admired him even more in this book. He's a father figure to both Allison and Jackal and is great at leading people. Jackal, with his morbid sense of humor and his outward facade of bloodthirstiness, is actually a really really complex character. I can really say that he actually has a heart and cares about Allison no matter how much he'd deny it. I especially loved their constant bickering and interaction in this book.

As much as I loved all the characters in this book, I loved almost everything else too! I loved the DETAIL and how well developed every scene and plot point was. Every single thing that happens in this book is so descriptive and visual and so intense - I could imagine it happening right under my nose. Julie's writing is as always, excellent and commendable. I LOVED THIS BOOK AND CAN'T BE ANY HAPPIER WITH THE ENDING. It was hard and heartbreaking and we lost so much, but it was so good and was an excellent way to wrap up the series!

This is not a paranormal YA book series with hot shiny, or sparkly vampires. This is a dark, compelling series with scary, crazy and morbid vampires. Consider yourself warned.



Book in Review: The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

Title: The Darkest Part of the Forest
Author: Holly Black
Publishing Date: January 13, 2015
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Format: ARC

Summary:


Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they’re destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she’s found the thing she’s been made for.

Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries’ seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once.

At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking.

Until one day, he does…

As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough




Down a path worn into the woods, past a stream and a hollowed-out log full of pill bugs and termites, was a glass of coffin. It rested right on the ground and in it slept a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. 

How can you not love a book with a beginning like that?

I have to admit; I'm always a bit skeptical with reading fantasy/paranormal books, mostly because only few books can actually pull it off without being overly cheesy and unoriginal. But when it comes to Holly Black, I'd gladly devour anything she spews out. The Darkest Part of the Forest is not an exception to that, and when I got an advanced copy, I almost clawed my eyes out in sheer excitement.

And it was that good.

{Review, Giveaway, FFF} Book in Review: Wanted: Dead or in Love by Kym Brunner






Hey everyone! For this post we will be having our book review of Wanted: Dead or in Love by Kym Brunner (Many thanks to Kym for sending us a copy!), announcements of a GIVEAWAY (yes we will be giving away a copy of Wanted, just scroll down for more info!) and our Feature Follow Friday! :)

BOOK REVIEW

Title: Wanted: Dead or in Love

Author: Kym Brunner
Publication date: June 30, 2014
Publisher: Merit Press 
Pages: 286 pages
Format: ARC
Rating: 4/5 stars
Synopsis: (via Goodreads)
Impulsive high school senior Monroe Baker is on probation for a recent crime, but strives to stay out of trouble by working as a flapper at her father's Roaring 20's dinner show theater. When she cuts herself on one of the spent bullets from her father's gangster memorabilia collection, she unwittingly awakens Bonnie Parker's spirit, who begins speaking to Monroe from inside her head.

Later that evening, Monroe shows the slugs to Jack, a boy she meets at a party. He unknowingly becomes infected by Clyde, who soon commits a crime using Jack's body. The teens learn that they have less than twenty-four hours to ditch the criminals or they'll share their bodies with the deadly outlaws indefinitely.
Review:
This is one of the most unique books I've read this year. Its modern take on the Bonnie and Clyde story is really refreshing. I mean, paranormal mixed with Bonnie and Clyde added to gangsters will definitely make up an amazing and interesting story. 
I absolutely loved the chapters that were told from Clyde's point of view. It was funny and all in all, just new to me. He 'woke up' after a lot of years and suddenly the world is so much more advanced and different from his. Understandably, he'd be confused. The fact that Clyde's POV seemed to be the most entertaining part of this book actually contributed to the reason why I took away one star. Since Clyde's chapters were always so entertaining, the POV of the other characters like Monroe were overshadowed. I just couldn't get into their story as much as I did with Clyde's. Some might even end up merely skimming the pages. Also, Jack was a bit meh for me, but Monroe was entirely likable. 
The last parts of the book were definitely the most exciting parts. I didn't know what would happen in the end, how the book would play out, so I was hanging on to every detail. Another thing that I like about this book was how real the voices were. You could almost imagine them standing there and actually saying these things. The characters were unique, the plot was creative, and the story was new. 
All in all, I loved this book. It's excellent, unique, refreshing, and new. Though there are a few things that could be improved, it's a book worth reading.
Have you read Wanted: Dead or in Love? What do you think about it? Leave a comment!
GIVEAWAY!!!
If you want to win a copy of this book, we are hosting a giveaway now! YAY! GIVEAWAY! But, seriously, we're giving one free copy of this book. There's also a chance to win many other things such as swags and a copy of My True Love Gave To Me by Various Authors. If you want to know more about it and join the giveaway, click this link.

Feature Follow Friday

The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of Parajunkee’s View and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it’ll allow us to show off more new blogs!

How does this work?

The goal is to increase blog followers and make friends. First you leave your name here on this post, (using the linky tools — keep scrolling!) then you create a post on your own blog that links back to this post (easiest way is to just grab the code under the #FF picture and put it in your post) and then you visit as many blogs as you can and tell them “hi” in their comments (on the post that has the #FF image). You follow them, they follow you. Win. Win. Just make sure to follow back if someone follows you! What sets this Hop apart from others, is our Feature. Each week we will showcase a Featured Blogger, from all different genres and areas. Who is our Feature today? Find out below. Just remember it is required, if you participate, to follow our Features and you must follow the hosts (Parajunkee & Alison Can Read) as a courtesy. How do you follow someone? Well, if you have a preference, state it in your #FF post. A lot of blogs are transitioning to WordPress in which they do not have the luxury of GFC, so an RSS subscription is appreciated or if you choose an email subscription. If you don’t have GFC please state in your post how you would like to be followed. All features are chosen randomly to be the feature. They are not chosen by content or name.
This weeks Question:
What books did you give other people this holiday season? – viaAlisonCanRead.com
I got this one for my friend! :) What about you? Let us know in your comments! :)




BOOK IN REVIEW: Death Lies Between Us by Jody A. Kessler





Title: Death Lies Between Us
Author: Jody A. Kessler
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Rating: 3/5 
Received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

How can fate change two different people's lives? Death Lies Between Us is all about Juliana Crowson, a 19 year old girl who has different struggles all through out the book. She's very unknowing of her spiritual skills, and wants it all out of her. On the other hand, Nathaniel Evans, who is the Angel of Death, finds himself beginning to like Juliana even though he was sent there only to take her into the afterlife. 

I liked the book because it is full of mystery in everything that happens. I couldn't tell what would happen next. I was hanging on in every word and felt like I couldn't breathe until I know what's going on. This book was told in dual POV's, Nathaniel and Juliana's. At first, I was a bit worried because sometimes with two POV's, it gets confusing, but it actually helped me understand the story more. The book was also well written. It has a very interesting plot, that is new and fresh. I believe that Juliana and Nathan actually had feelings for each other that it wasn't just a simple crush. Their feelings were genuine and understandable. I love how they seemed to be made for each other. Yesterday was Valentine's day which is why I was able to appreciate this book even more. 

BOOK TOURS: True Colors by Melissa Pearl + REVIEW!



Title: True Colors
Author: Melissa Pearl
Publishing Date: February 16, 2014
Format: ARC
Rating: 4/5 stars

I have never read a Melissa Pearl book before but I was drawn to True Colors from the very start. What an interesting concept this book has. What would you do if you are bestowed a gift - not a physical one but a paranormal one that gives you the ability to see through people's masks? Caitlyn, the protagonist, deals with that question everyday ever since she met a homeless man who touched her and changed her life forever.

Caity has always been a follower and is frequently bossed around by her equally selfish and self-absorbed best friend and boyfriend. But everything changes when she earns the gift. Suddenly, she can see through the false demeanor of the people around her, and she is able to see their true colors. She cannot read their minds but she is able to read their emotions. With the help of her hot next door neighbor, Caity learns to control her power and use it for good.


Waiting on Wednesdays: Half Bad by Sally Green


"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.



WHAT WE'RE WAITING FOR
By: Sally Green
Publication Date: March 4, 2014

In modern-day England, witches live alongside humans: White witches, who are good; Black witches, who are evil; and fifteen-year-old Nathan, who is both. Nathan’s father is the world’s most powerful and cruel Black witch, and his mother is dead. He is hunted from all sides. Trapped in a cage, beaten and handcuffed, Nathan must escape before his sixteenth birthday, at which point he will receive three gifts from his father and come into his own as a witch—or else he will die. But how can Nathan find his father when his every action is tracked, when there is no one safe to trust—not even family, not even the girl he loves?

In the tradition of Patrick Ness and Markus Zusak, Half Bad is a gripping tale of alienation and the indomitable will to survive, a story that will grab hold of you and not let go until the very last page.

WHY WE'RE WAITING

We just can't wait for this! The premise sounds very very interesting, and we hope that this time we'd finally read a good book with witches! 

What are your picks this week? What you waiting on this Wednesday? Tell us below! :)

BOOK IN REVIEW: Cursed Hearts by Light and Lowell




Title: Cursed Hearts ( A Crossroads Novel) 
Author: Light and Lowell
PDF: 446 Pages 
Genre: YA, Romance, Paranormal
Rating: 3.5/5 

Received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Cursed Hearts by Light and Lowell is like a magical love story with witches, werewolves, vampires and many more. For me, it's a good book to read if you just want to relax and get lost with what you are reading. 

Pros: 
The book was a very, very interesting read and takes you to a place that you would never want to leave. The characters weren't perfect and had problems that you could relate to. It isn't all about the love story and the couple's relationship development but also about family, loss, standing up for yourself, sexuality. As the book progresses, the writing steadily gets better. Also, there are a lot of twists and turns that would leave you hanging on to Light and Lowell's every word. I felt a sense of lost when the book ended because I didn't want it to end. I just wanted to keep reading and reading the same book over and over again. It's interesting, curious, fresh, and definitely not your cliché bella-edward-jacob love story. I love how Light and Lowell thought about the plot since it's really complex. 

BOOK IN REVIEW: The Skinwalker's Apprentice by Claribel Ortega

Arc


Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


Title: The Skinwalker's Apprentice
Author: Claribel Ortega
Publication Date: February 24, 2014 (Available for pre-order January 20, 2014)
E-book: 120 pages
Source: ARC
Rating: 2/5 stars

The Skinwalker's Apprentice is about Margo Pennyfeather and Emerald Kipp, two witches separated by hundreds of years in time, but who share one inescapable fate. Margo Pennyfeather is a witch in the 1600s, struggling to survive in colonial America. Margo has always been an outcast, unkown and unloved by everyone except her family. She is given the chance of a lifetime; to apprentice for the Priestess, the most important witch of the magical world. However, Margo's apprenticeship is not what it seems, and the young witch ultimately faces a darkness that threatens to destroy everything she knows.   In contrast, Emerald Kipp is a normal teenager in New York City, 1980. The only remarkable thing about her is her bright blue hair and her magical ability. The book narrates her existential crisis as she gallivants around New York City. The Skinwalker's Apprentice is a prequel to The Empire Witch Series, the upcoming Emerald Kipp series.

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Kimi has read 3 books toward her goal of 100 books.
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