Reached Review

512 pages

After leaving Society and desperately searching for the Rising—and each other—Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again: Cassia has been assigned to work for the Rising from within Society, while Ky has been stationed outside its borders. But nothing is as predicted, and all too soon the veil lifts and things shift once again.

Review:
This is definitely not the best novel in this series. This story is told from the points of view of Cassia, Ky, and Xander. All three of the main characters have grown quite a lot since the last novel and we see this in the different roles they perform in the Rising. I feel like there are a lot of confusing moments in this story that distract from the general storyline. There's a lot of things that just don't add up and that made me enjoy this story even less. I still think that there is a lot about this world that isn't generally explained. I did enjoy seeing how the whole love triangle unfolded, and a couple of surprises are thrown our way. However, I can't really recommend this novel unless you want a conclusion to this trilogy.

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The Crown of Embers Review

410 pages

Elisa is the hero of her country. She led her people to victory against a terrifying enemy, and now she is their queen. But she is only seventeen years old. Her rivals may have simply retreated, choosing stealth over battle. And no one within her court trusts her-except Hector, the commander of the royal guard, and her companions. As the country begins to crumble beneath her and her enemies emerge from the shadows, Elisa will take another journey. With a one-eyed warrior, a loyal friend, an enemy defector, and the man she is falling in love with, Elisa crosses the ocean in search of the perilous, uncharted, and mythical source of the Godstone's power. That is not all she finds. A breathtaking, romantic, and dangerous second volume in the Fire and Thorns trilogy.

Review:
This is a solid second book in this series. Elisa has a lot to deal with as queen especially since there are many attempts on her life. Elisa has learned a lot about politics and running her country, yet she has to do much more to help save it. There are returning characters who help Elisa on her journey to find what she needs. Although Elisa has gone through some serious tragedy, we see a new love start to blossom for her. While this book isn't packed with action it is full of intrigue and a great adventure. There are also some shocking developments with people Elisa thought of as enemies and friends. This novel is full with religious undertones yet it doesn't overtake the story itself, rather it enhances it. I absolutely enjoyed reading this novel and I can't wait to see what happens next. I definitely recommend you read this if you've read The Girl of Fire and Thorns first.

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The Goddess Inheritance Review

384 pages
Release date: February 26th, 2013

During nine months of captivity, Kate Winters has survived a jealous goddess, a vengeful Titan and a pregnancy she never asked for. Now the Queen of the Gods wants her unborn child, and Kate can't stop her--until Cronus offers a deal. In exchange for her loyalty and devotion, the King of the Titans will spare humanity and let Kate keep her child. Yet even if Kate agrees, he'll destroy Henry, her mother and the rest of the council. And if she refuses, Cronus will tear the world apart until every last god and mortal is dead. With the fate of everyone she loves resting on her shoulders, Kate must do the impossible: find a way to defeat the most powerful being in existence, even if it costs her everything. Even if it costs her eternity.

Review (ARC):
After this amazing roller coaster of a series the ending is a nearly perfect one. The things that Kate has gone through have made her a completely different person and its even harder to watch the things she has to suffer from Calliope, the Queen of the Gods. Although Henry is a good person, he has to do some pretty crazy things to help protect Kate and his child. Cronus is a difficult character to figure out. Although Cronus is the bad guy we see a side of humanity to him every now and again that almost gives hope. I think that the author did a good job of using the flippant attitude the Greek gods had towards relationships and combining it with real love triangles amongst them. There is some tragedy in this novel which makes me hope that this story will be continued in some way. This book is full of betrayal, love, intrigue, and action, which all come together to create a beautiful and exciting story. I definitely recommend this novel if you like books based on greek mythology but I recommend that you read The Goddess Test and Goddess Interrupted before you tackle this one.

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Unravel Me Review

480 pages

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance. She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch. Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

Review:
This is such a great mutant power series! Once again the story is told from Juliette's perspective which makes it a strange writing style. Juliette can be such a frustrating character but I can't help but feel sorry for her. Juliette has been through so much but she keeps holding things back from the people who care about her which makes a lot of things more difficult than they should be. Juliette is in one heck of a love triangle with Adam and Warner. Warner has so much more to him than the side we saw in the first novel and it actually makes me like him more. Adam is still the same sweet guy but it seems like his relationship with Juliette can't possibly work out to be a good thing. The other characters are just as memorable and endearing as we get to know some of them better from the previous book. A lot more about the character's backgrounds are revealed and some of these revelations are so unexpected they completely threw me. The war between the rebels and The Reestablishment finally comes to a head which leads to plenty of action especially towards the end. I'm excited to see what happens next for Juliette and the members of the resistance in the next novel. I definitely recommend you read this novel if you like reading about people with cool mutant powers but make sure to read Shatter Me first.

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Dualed Review

304 pages
Release date: February 26th, 2013

The city of Kersh is a safe haven, but the price of safety is high. Everyone has a genetic Alternate—a twin raised by another family—and citizens must prove their worth by eliminating their Alts before their twentieth birthday. Survival means advanced schooling, a good job, marriage—life. Fifteen-year-old West Grayer has trained as a fighter, preparing for the day when her assignment arrives and she will have one month to hunt down and kill her Alt. But then a tragic misstep shakes West’s confidence. Stricken with grief and guilt, she’s no longer certain that she’s the best version of herself, the version worthy of a future. If she is to have any chance of winning, she must stop running not only from her Alt, but also from love . . . though both have the power to destroy her.

Review (ARC):
There was so much about this book that I wanted to like but at the end it just fell short for me. I feel like the world-building isn't very strong, there are a lot of holes in the story. I didn't feel much of a connection to the characters. West seems like a strong character, although she does have issues with killing her Alt, yet she doesn't seem as developed as she should be. The other characters didn't really stand out at all, even West's love interest, Chord. I like action and fighting and this book has a lot of that but not in a way that makes you want to read more. The way that this book ended wasn't expected yet it wasn't very interesting either. I really felt like I had no idea what was happening for the majority of this book and that made it basically a chore to read. I can't say that I recommend reading this novel, I can only hope that if there's a sequel that it revamps this series and improves the story.

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Fuse Review

416 pages
Release date: February 19th, 2013

When the world ended, those who dwelled within the Dome were safe. Inside their glass world the Pures live on unscarred, while those outside—the Wretches—struggle to survive amidst the smoke and ash. Believing his mother was living among the Wretches, Partridge escaped from the Dome to find her. Determined to regain control over his son, Willux, the leader of the Pures, unleashes a violent new attack on the Wretches. It’s up to Pressia Belze, a young woman with her own mysterious past, to decode a set of cryptic clues from the past to set the Wretches free.

Review (ARC):
Once again we're brought back to the disturbing world of the Wretches although its just as disturbing emotionally inside the Dome. This novel is told from four different person's point of view, giving us a chance to see different aspects of life outside the Dome. Pressia is still the strong and capable heroine of this tale, always trying to help others although oblivious to the emotions in others. Partridge has learned a lot from his journey outside the Dome, but whether this will help him defeat his father remains to be seen. El Capitan has changed a lot, mostly due to Pressia's influence, and we get to see the more humane side of him in this novel. Lyda has probably gone through the most change from being exposed to the outside world, going from a life of relative ease to one of terror has made her strong. There are so many things to figure out in this novel, and everyone is in a race against time to try and stop Partridge's father. This story is full of action, adventure, some romance, and of course lots of danger. I definitely recommend you read this if you don't mind mutants, harrowing scenes and have a love for dystopian fiction. Make sure to pick up Pure first before attempting to read this story.

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Mind Games Review

256 pages
Release date: February 19th, 2013

Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future. Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways… or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.

Review (ARC):
I love reading about people with mutant-like powers and I think the thing that sets this book apart is it features girls with super abilities. This story is told from the points of view of two sisters, Annie and Fia, each with abilities that set them apart. Fia is so strong and fearless and seems at times to be a bit crazy although she also has a soft side. Annie seems to be more oblivious to the world, which isn't just because she's blind, but she also has a ruthlessness to her that is surprising. The relationship between the sisters is so complex and has become more so after everything Fia has been forced to do. I like the fact that the other characters in the book all have more to them than you may originally think so its hard to figure out who means well or who's truly the bad guy. There is a little bit of romance but it isn't a main focus of the book although it does play a critical role in the story. While there isn't an abundance of action in this novel, it is well paced and exciting, also using flashbacks to explain a bit more about how Annie and Fia come to the point that they are at. I really enjoyed this and will definitely be picking up the next novel in this series when it comes out. I recommend this novel to those who like paranormal novels and characters with cool powers.

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Asunder Review

416 pages

DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.
SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.
In this second book in the Incarnate trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful.

Review:
This is an exciting second book in the Newsoul series full of heartbreak, romance, and action at all turns. Although Ana has grown a lot since Templedark, she still struggles with the same insecurities that plagued her before. Ana now has to not only stand up for herself but also for the newly born newsouls. It's hard to take sides in this novel because on one hand you have the citizens of Heart who are used to always living and then you have the newsouls who haven't been allowed to live the lives they deserve. Both sides of this situation are easily seen in Ana and Sam's relationship since they both have a stake on each side of the issue. The newsouls being born have created fear amongst the original citizens of Heart and this is turn festers into anger. You can literally feel the terror and the mob mentality in Heart when they try to decide what is to be done with the newsouls. There is so much more going on beneath the surface and more secrets are revealed although these secrets also bring up more questions. By the end of this novel there is so much more I needed to know about what could really be going on in Heart. I can't wait for the next novel to come out so I can see exactly where Ana's path is taking her. I definitely recommend that you read this novel if you like utopian or dystopian fiction but make sure to pick up Incarnate first.

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Breaking Point Review

400 pages
Release date: February 12th, 2013

After faking their deaths to escape from prison, Ember Miller and Chase Jennings have only one goal: to lay low until the Federal Bureau of Reformation forgets they ever existed. Near-celebrities now for the increasingly sensationalized tales of their struggles with the government, Ember and Chase are recognized and taken in by the Resistance—an underground organization working to systematically take down the government. At headquarters, all eyes are on the sniper, an anonymous assassin taking out FBR soldiers one by one. Rumors are flying about the sniper’s true identity, and Ember and Chase welcome the diversion…. Until the government posts its most-wanted list, and their number one suspect is Ember herself. Orders are shoot to kill, and soldiers are cleared to fire on suspicion alone. Suddenly Ember can’t even step onto the street without fear of being recognized, and “laying low” is a joke. Even members of the Resistance are starting to look at her sideways. With Chase urging her to run, Ember must decide: Go into hiding…or fight back?

Review (ARC):

This is an exciting and gripping second book in the series! Ember has grown a lot as a character and has become the brave person she is meant to be, although she still has her moments of complaint. After Ember's escape from the prison you would think her life may have calmed down a little, but instead she is thrown headfirst into action and a lot of danger. The Resistance isn't exactly everything Ember expected and as she learns this is helps shape her decision about her future with Chase. There are a lot of new characters that all add something new whether good or bad to this story. Some of the characters threw me for a loop because I wasn't sure which side their loyalties truly lay with. As seen in the first novel, the world building is amazing here. We learn a great deal more about the creation of the Articles and how a lot of different factions came to be. There is plenty of action and some real heart-wrenching moments that create an exciting and engrossing story. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what happens next in the third and final book. I definitely recommend this if you like dystopian fiction but I recommend that you read Article 5 first. 

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Seraphina Review

451 pages

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high. Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

Review:
This novel has a distinct middle age feel to it which definitely fits the major theme of dragons here. Seraphina has always lived her life in the shadows to help protect her secret from outsiders. Honestly, Seraphina's secret was pretty obvious to me although I wasn't sure of the exact details in which it would manifest. Although Seraphina has inner strength and a need to protect others, she has a type of self-hate which is difficult for her to overcome. I loved Prince Lucian although the love triangle he seems to be getting himself into might turn out to be harder than he thought. The draconian way of thinking is an interesting one of cold rationality without the burden of human emotions unless in human shape. This of course creates quite a rift between dragons and humans, each seeming alien to each other. There is a lot of prejudice between dragons and humans which leaves them constantly one step away from war. Most of this book is filled with Seraphina trying to solve the mystery of who is trying to destroy the peace between the two species. Although this isn't a novel full of action, it consists of political intrigue and intellectual ideas that make for an interesting read. I really enjoyed this novel and I can't wait to read the next one in this series. I definitely recommend this if you like fantasy novels with dragons and the like.

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Prodigy Review

384 pages

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector. It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long. But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

Review:
It was pretty easy to get back into this story despite the long period between book releases. Once again the story is told from both June and Day's point of view which gives an interesting perspective on their individual lives. June is still amazingly strong and smart although when it comes to matters of the heart she isn't as strong. Day is a great guy when he's not complaining about those that have more than he has. June and Day both come from completely different worlds so its hard for them to understand the other's perspective at times. We get to meet new characters in this novel and see the return of old ones with new attitudes. June and Day both have to learn that not everyone and everything is exactly the way they've perceived it to be. There is a lot of action and harrowing moments that make this book an exciting and fun read. This novel ends in a straight cliffhanger which I can't wait to see continued in the next novel. I definitely recommend reading this novel if you like dystopian fiction but I recommend you read Legend first.

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Blood-Kissed Sky Review

368 pages

There's nowhere left to hide. I thought vampires were our enemies - they controlled our lives, isolated our cities, and demanded our blood - until I met Victor. With Victor taking over as the new Lord Valentine, things were supposed to get better. Instead, they're worse than ever. Day Walkers, a new breed of vampires who can walk in the sun, are terrorizing the city. Blood supplies are low, and if Victor's vampires don't get enough, they will become infected with the Thirst - a disease that will turn them into mindless killers. To stop it, I must journey across the desolate wasteland to the very place where the sickness began. I can only hope that the answers that await me are enough to save us all... before it's too late.

Review:
Why Why Why did this novel have to end on such a cliffhanger? I am desperate to read more! As the second novel in this series, this surpasses the first in excitement. The story picks up a little bit after the first one left off, leaving Dawn and her friends to pick up the pieces after a brutal attack. Dawn has become pretty strong and fearless which makes her a great heroine. Dawn does not disappoint in this novel, and continues to meet her challenges head on. Dawn has to deal with challenges in her romantic life as well both from her ex, Michael, and her new interest Victor. Although it seems like Dawn and Victor should finally be together, as the new Lord Valentine we see that Victor has a lot more on his plate to worry about. The action in this novel literally has you at the edge of your seat at moments. Dawn and her friends are continuously tested and put in danger at every turn that its hard to believe that they can survive. There are a lot of new revelations, most of which are completely unexpected. There is so much more behind the creation of Day Walkers and the Thirst than I even thought possible. This novel is packed with adventure and danger and exciting moments altogether. I definitely recommend that you read this novel if you like vampire novels but you should pick up Darkness Before Dawn first.

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