OBSIDIAN BY JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT

Obsidian (Lux Series #1)

By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Goodreads Summary:
             Starting over sucks.
             When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring… until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up. And then he opened his mouth.
           Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something… unexpected happens. The hot alien living next door marks me. You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
           If I don’t kill him first, that is.

Taylor’s Review:

           This book was actually pretty good. It was very fast paced and not at all difficult to read. The main character, Katy has plenty of spit, which is a must have for me. She is constantly being called Kitten and Kitty cat by her outrageously hot next door neighbor, who, might I add, is a fricken amazing alien. Daemon is basically described as a modern day Adonis. Pretty typical, but he has major character flaws, mostly him being a major jerk.
           I really only liked the book because of the characters and the constant witty banter between the two main ones. I won’t lie, some of it made me laugh right out loud, drawing a few stares. You don’t really know why Daemon is a jerk, but it’s hinted at, so as long as the reader doesn’t need in your face explanations, it works. Unfortunately the book brings in Dee and then kind of puts her off to the side, having Kat focus on Dee’s brother, Daemon, did I mention they were twins?
          There was a lot of tension and angst throughout the whole book, right from the start, which I really liked. That aside, I thought it lacked a strong plot, which had many holes. The Aliens are super powerful and have to hide the powers, but they go about and do this and that and don’t do a great job of being secretive, yet no one notices anything. I found this wholly unrealistic.

                                     I would say this was a good book, earning 3.5 out of the 5 stars.

Sisters of Blood and Spirit

Sisters of Blood and Spirit

By Kady Cross

Goodreads Summary: Wren Noble is dead—she was born that way. Vibrant, unlike other dead things, she craves those rare moments when her twin sister allows her to step inside her body and experience the world of the living.

             Lark Noble is alive but often feels she belongs in the muted Shadow Lands—the realm of the dead. Known as the crazy girl who talks to her dead sister, she doesn’t exactly fit in with the living, though a recent suicide attempt and time in a psych ward have proved to her she’s not ready to join her sister in the afterlife.

            Now the guy who saved Lark’s life needs her to repay the favor. He and his friends have been marked for death by the malevolent spirit of a vicious and long-dead serial killer, and the twins—who should know better than to mess with the dead—may be their only hope of staying alive.


Gabrielle's Review:

            This is the first book I read by Kady Cross and it was good enough for me to be intrigued enough to read more by her but there seemed to be a lot of background information left out. I didn't realize (until I  looked it up on the author's website) that this was going to be a series. Even though there will be more books, I still felt like too much was left open ended.

           Lark and Wren are twin sisters but Wren was a still born, but that wasn't the end of her. She grew up along side her twin, Lark, but as a ghost. As a child, people thought it was "cute" that Lark played with her "imaginary dead twin" which I found disturbing people thought it was cute. But Wren wasn't imaginary, she is real. The author didn't give much information on HOW it was possible for a ghost to grow up with her sister, or who raised her. They questioned everything but never found the answers.

           The book begins with Lark returning to her old school after she was home schooled for a while. She attempted suicide but Wren yelled out to any alive human who could hear her, which ended up to be Kevin, a "medium". He called Mace, his friend who lived next door to Lark and saved her.

           Now, cue the what feels like a hundred people in their group of friends. There is Kevin (who is in college and didn't even get into trouble but was along for the scary ride), Gage, Mace, Ben, Sarah, and Roxie. There are no personality differences between Mace and Ben and they were both really attractive and flawless. The group of kids go to an old asylum and get marked by an angry and psycho ghost so they ask the only person who could truly help them: Lark.

           The story had a unique plot line that I enjoyed. I read the book within 12 hours of starting it. I loved the strong bond between Lark and Wren and how they both stood up for each other. Even though there were plenty of flaws, I still wanted to find out what happened. It was really fast paced and kept you on the edge of your seat. It is definitely worth the read but don't be surprised if you stumble upon all its flaws.

 

Overall, I give Sisters of Blood and Spirit 3.5 stars.

Uninvited Review

Uninvited (Uninvited Series #1)

By Sophie Jordan

Young Adult Dystopian

Author's Summary:

You can’t change your DNA…even when it says you’re a murderer.
               When Davy tests positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome, aka “the kill gene,” she loses everything. Once the perfect high school senior, she is uninvited from her prep school and abandoned by her friends and boyfriend. Even her parents are now afraid of her—although she’s never hurt a fly. Davy doesn’t feel any differently, but genes don’t lie. One day she will kill someone.
               Without any say in the matter, Davy is thrown into a special class for HTS carriers. She has no doubt the predictions are right about them, especially Sean, who already bears the “H” tattoo as proof of his violence. Yet when the world turns on the carriers, Sean is the only one she can trust. Maybe he’s not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.


Gabrielle's Review:
               After reading all of Sophie Jordan's books (yes, they're all AMAZING), I wasn't sure what to expect with Uninvited. It typically isn't the type of book I would read for two reasons: I don't usually read dystopian, and I wasn't sure if I could connect with a girl who would turn into a killer. BUT it's one of the best dystopian reads I have read so far. I CAN connect with Davy because I tried to imagine what it would feel like to one day wake up and have my entire life ripped away from me for something out of my control. Her situation is terrifying but she is stronger than she looks, and the sexy Sean looks out for her.
               Davy makes two friends while in "the cage". Gil and Sean, even though Sean tells her to stay the hell away from him and any other person with the kill gene in them. They all go to a special training camp together and they soon realize they're being forged into weapons and they'll do anything to control the teenagers there, including threatening the people she loves. It's a thrilling story about coming into your own, friendship, and first love. Just because someone says they know your destiny, doesn't mean they're right, even if they try to force you into it. You chose your own fate.
               I couldn't stop reading Uninvited until I finished it. That's how all Sophie Jordan books are for me. She knows how to weave a story to keep you captivated and needing more.

TURTLE BAY COVER REVEAL

Turtle Bay

By Tiffany King

Shadow Falls: Awake at Dawn Review

Shadow Falls Series: Awake at Dawn (Book #2)

YA Paranormal Romance

By C.C Hunter

Goodreads Summary: Step into the world of Shadow Falls, a camp that helps teens tap into their special... talents. Once you visit, you’ll never forget it—and you’ll never, ever be the same.

From the moment Kylie Galen arrived at Shadow Falls Camp, she’s had one burning question: What am I? Surrounded by vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, fairies and witches, Kylie longs to figure out her own supernatural identity…and what her burgeoning powers mean. And now she’ll need them more than ever, because she’s being haunted by a new spirit who insists that someone Kylie knows—and loves—will die before the end of the summer. If only she only knew who she was supposed to save. And how...

But giving Kylie the most trouble is her aching heart. Gorgeous werewolf Lucas left camp with another girl, but he’s still visiting Kylie in her dreams. And Derek, a sexy half Fae who’s always been there for her when she needed him, is pushing to get more serious—and growing impatient, especially when Lucas returns. Kylie knows she needs to decide between the boys, and it’s tearing her up inside.

Yet romance will have to wait, because something from the dark side of the supernatural world is hiding in Shadow Falls. It’s about to threaten everything she holds dear... and bring her closer to her destiny.

Gabrielle's Review:

This is the second book in Shadow Falls Series. Now that Kylie fully believes in the paranormal world, she is still on her path of self discovery. Weird things begin to happen that she can't explain. Like, she drinks blood and realizes that she actually liked it.  She knocked a solid oak door down when she thought Derek was in trouble (but he was only showering). She learns how to deal with the ghosts who keep needing her help (which honestly freaks everyone at the camp out.) 

The series keeps getting better and better. The romance is heart stopping, the action is exhilarating, and discovering Kylie's new abilities is exciting. C.C Hunter knows how to pull a little of everything and make it a grand story. I couldn't put the book down. I read it almost in one sitting. I have even re-read it about five times. This is one of the best series I have ever read. I can't wait for more from C.C Hunter! The last book of Shadow Falls: After Dark comes out toward the end of this year. (It's Della's story.)

Shadow Falls: Born at Midnight

Shadow Falls Series: Born at Midnight (Book 1)

YA Paranormal Romance

By C.C Hunter

Goodreads Summary:

Welcome to Shadow Falls camp, nestled deep in the woods of a town called Fallen…

One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever. Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.” Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.

Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either. Or does she? They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason. As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas. Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past. Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart. 

Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs.

Gabrielle's Review: 5 Star Review *****

This is the first book in a five book series. The main character, Kylie Galen gets sent to an overnight summer camp for "troubled teens" but what her parents don't know is that it's really a camp for supernatural teens who need help adjusting. Some, like the werewolves, grew up knowing who and what they were but then there are people like Kylie... Her mom isn't supernatural but her dad is so Kylie thinks everyone is pulling her leg when she is told about supernaturals.

Kylie immediately meets Derek, a half fae, who is the sweetest guy. But when she arrives at the camp, she notices Lucas, a werewolf. Her initial feeling toward him is fear because she remembered him from when she was a child and she believes he killed her cat but as the book progresses they become closer and Kylie isn't sure who she wants to be with. It is a typical love triangle but it keeps the romance interesting and keeps you guessing who she will end up with until the last book.
Warning: this series is addicting! It pulls you in right from the beginning when her life is turned upside down because her parents were acting like children.

I love each of the characters. Everyone is different and none of them blend together. Kylie becomes best friends with her two cabin mates: Della and Miranda. Della is a sassy vampire who doesn't let her emotions show. Miranda is a sensitive witch. Kylie is quiet and kind to everyone. 

The moment I finished the first book I went out and bought the next two because I discovered the series after the 3rd book was released and I couldn't put the books down. Then after that, I pre-ordered each book so I could begin reading it right away. I love C.C Hunter's creative mind and her gripping plots. Her Shadow Falls Series will NOT disappoint.  The only time I was disappointed was when I finished the last book and there was none left to read BUT don't worry! She came out with Shadow Falls: After Dark Series! (Which I also posted reviews for!) Della's story is just as good if not better!

Soon, C.C Hunter will be releasing her novella for Miranda and I can't wait! I'm dying to see how much Miranda grew and how she turns into the witch she's supposed to be.

Good job, C.C Hunter! Keep writing so I can devour the more of your books!

C.C Hunter's Book Tour

 

C.C Hunter's 2015 Book Tour Dates and Locations:

January 23, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, She'll be at Mostly Books in Tucson, Arizona.

March 27-29, She'll be teaching workshops and attending the California Dreamin' Conference near Los Angeles.

May 12-17, She'll be kicking up my heels at the RT Booklovers Convention. She will be teaching several teen workshops and participating in their Giant Book Fair on May 17th along with 800+ authors. If you live in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area, you can't miss this one!

 

I met C.C Hunter when she came to Manchester, NH last year. She is the nicest, most generous author I have ever met. If you live nearby one of these locations, make sure you don't miss her!

 

C.C Hunter Books:

Shadow Falls Series: Born at Midnight, Awake at Dawn, Taken at Dusk, Whispers at Moonrise, and Chosen at Nightfall.

Shadow Falls: After Dark Series: Reborn, Eternal, and Unspoken.

Find C.C Hunter:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CCHunterFans

https://www.facebook.com/ShadowFallsSeries

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/CCHunterBooks

Website:

http://www.cchunterbooks.com/news.html