Title: Saving Raine
Author: Frederick Lee Brooke
Series: The Drone Wars book 1
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
"Matt, Raine went to California because her parents thought it was safe. It’s not. You’ve got to get her out as soon as possible. She could die, Matt."
When 19-year-old Matt Carney gets a cryptic message from his father telling him to go to California and save his girlfriend, Raine, he doesn't hesitate—he grabs his AK-47, revs up his blue pickup, and gets ready to make the 2,300-mile roadtrip.
But cross-country travel in 2021 isn't easy—or, sometimes, even possible. The U.S. has become a near-military state: 17,000 checkpoints severely restrict interstate movement, Predator drones target innocent civilians without cause, and explosions rock cities daily. Matt and his stepbrother, Benjy, face deadly attacks from a corrupt government, ruthless local law enforcement, and bloodthirsty terrorist groups as they embark on their trek. They're about to find out that their trip is much more than a private journey, and their success could change the face of the country—forever.
Can Matt and Benjy outrun the drone missiles raining down on their heads? Can they avoid assassination by government officials hell-bent on taking over what little is left of the country? Can they outsmart the deadly schemes set in motion against them?
Break the rules.
Save the girl.
He only gets one chance before she's gone forever.
My Review:
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This is a crazy dystopian world with a corrupt government all but controlled by the military and using technology to spy on people and control them. With the world in shambles Matt's trip to save his girlfriend Raine is full of explosions, gun fights and a lot of secret help along the way.
I liked Matt right away and getting a look into the insanity he suffered at home and then a cryptic message from his father really pulled me into the story and had me hooked and rooting for him. I liked how his journey across the dangerous country brought him some answers and I can't wait to continue the series because with all the drama and answers there were also a lot more questions raised and I am excited to see the fight continue.
At first I was a little bothered by what I called the side stories, mostly because I just wanted to follow Matt on his journey but they all ended up being WAY more important than I could have ever realized and looking back at the story as a whole they made the story much more well rounded and I love how perfectly the author weaved them together in surprising ways.
I almost always enjoy a corrupt power to fight against and I do enjoy this struggle but what I love most is that there is not really just one bad guy htere are a bunch of evil groups in this world and soem are not always what they seem everything is so intense and teisted that the only thing I know for sure is that I am on Matt's side and rooting for him to discover the truth and maybe find some peace, but the action and espionage are so good that I'm enjoying the crazy ride and I can't wait to see who ends up on top.
Book three of the series is out today (July 15,2015) so get started on this series if you haven't already now is the perfect time! and if you have started the series then get the final book and find out how it all ends!
Title: Of Royal Descent
Author: Ember Shane
Series: The Doyle Hawthorne series book 1
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis:
They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. But sometimes, under extreme circumstances, it's exactly that which kills you that makes you stronger. And faster. And a member to a new, elite race of zombies.
Armed with a current address for his biological grandfather and a slightly unusual, yet loyal best friend, Doyle Hawthorne sets out to discover the truth about his past. But answers don't come easily, and the closer Doyle arrives to his destination, the more confusing things become. Disturbing alterations to his physical appearance as well as to his personality flicker on and off as Doyle searches for a logical explanation.
Despite the increasing severity of these uncontrolled flare-ups, Doyle is determined to keep his first date with Addy - a beautiful, young woman he has met upon his arrival into town. After narrowly subduing his raging impulses, Doyle quickly decides not even death itself can keep him from her. Unfortunately, he is about to test that theory.
Once initiated, nothing can alter the process of shading - the term given to the three distinct phases of becoming a higher classification of zombie, commonly referred to as "royals". Doyle must learn to control his tendency toward violence as well as his newfound royal powers if there is any chance of protecting those he loves from a mad scientist, the government, the colony of royals, and most importantly... himself.
My Review:
*I won a paperback copy of this book from goodreads first reads*
This book took me a long time to get into and a long time to finish and I think it was the over descriptive parts about Dylan getting ready, it is a huge pet peeve of mine and a book turn off of mine, I know people have to get ready for the day that is a given but please don't spend a bunch of pages on it when exciting and informational things could be happening instead. Despite the slow start and the fact that is felt like it took forever for the story to get going, it did get interesting and I did find myself engaged as soon as the Zombie Gene was introduced I thought that was an interesting idea and I would really like to learn more about that aspect of the story. I'm not a fan of insta love and this book hard one but I guess they were pretty cute so I will get over it.
I wish there were not so many unanswered questions by the end of this book it was a pretty long book and I thought I would get more but I guess I will just have to read book 2 to get the answers I seek.
Title: Journey of the Marked
Author: Rebecca P. McCray
Series: The Miyran Heir #1
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
On a distant planet, Eros thrives in the Human settlement he calls home. Raised to follow his grandfather's noble footsteps, he studies the details of each species that co-exists here. But when his sixteenth birthday arrives and the mark appears, he's called to fight, which changes his life forever.
Forced to abandon his home, the mark makes him the hunted. He's attacked the night he arrives in the city, but a scrappy, street fighter named Kenrya saves his life. When they join others on the same journey, her less-than-perfect attitude drives a wedge between the group.
Given the perils facing them, can they put aside their differences and trust each other long enough to survive?
Discover this epic, dystopian adventure where an individual's unique abilities can change the course of the future.
My Review:
I was gifted an ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved everything about this book, the only complaint I have is that it came to an end and I have to wait for the next book.
The different points of view were great they helped give the world a well rounded view and with all the different reaces living on Zolei having a point of view from many of them helped me learn about their culture and how they fit into this wonderful world, I also liked how it gave so much history without getting boring. The struggle between the Tyrnott and Miyran was very interesting and I am very curious about the Miyran heir and who it is, although I do have my suspicions guess I'll have to wait to see if I am right.
I fell in love with the group of the marked ones and I don't think its possible for me to pick a favorite, all from different walks of life with different skills, they were great as a group but also as individuals:
"Yes, together, you're stronger. Together you may survive."
And getting points of view from the marked ones families gave an even more well rounded view making me more attached to them and their success.
"They were marked at the same time and brought together for a reason. He hoped they lived long enough to fulfill that destiny."
This was a fantastic read, I'm so excited to continue this series and dive back into this amazing world that I not so secretly wish was a real place I could visit.
Title: The Archer
Author: Casey Hays
Series: Arrow's Flight #2
Rating: 5/5
Summary:
It took some heavy convincing, a few white lies, and the death of her leader to pull her away from that village, but finally, Kate is with me. I have never felt such relief. I will keep her safe. I will protect her with my last breath if I have to. I won't let my fears get in my way. And in time, I will tell her the whole truth. About me. About Eden. Even if she hates me afterwards . . .
The Village is a mere memory. The world stands before Kate a wide-open door to the unknown. It is her life now. And her greatest fear.
Her only comfort is Ian with his promises of a new life in Eden. A refuge abundantly full of every good thing. A sanctuary of hope. A place of wonder. A paradise where the Archer doesn't exist, and Fate can't reach her. Together with the other boys from Eden, they embark on a harsh journey full of harrowing surprises and heart-wrenching secrets that forces them to prove their devotion to one another time and again.
But the boys of Eden? Just who are they with their unnatural abilities and dark secrets? Will entrusting her life–her heart–to one of them place her in graver danger than ever before?
Will Eden finally be enough? Or will her heart continue to ache for something greater?
My Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I must confess that I enjoyed book one a little more than book two and I think that is because this one was so heartbreaking and I know it had to be because that's life and even more so in this world but it made me very sad on many occasions, now I will say that I'm in love with this series and heartbreaking or not I will continue on because I'm totally hooked and that insane cliffhanger demands me to find out what happens, I am a liitle ticked off about the ending, to leave me hanging like that is just cruel especially since I can't get book 3 yet but as soon as I can I'm all over it.
I still love Kate she is strong and capable and I love the group that surrounds her on her scary journey to a new life.
"These boys from Eden are a mystery cloaked in rugged strength and equal tenderness."
I enjoyed the Eden boys Ian and Justin most of all and I really liked getting Ian's point of view in this book it gave me more info on Eden, Ian's super powers and also the insight I craved on Ian's feelings for Kate. Eden has a ton of secrets that I did not expect, it is not the utopia it was made out to be but the world is a crazy place and Kate does realize this eventually.
"The outside world is no better," I say quietly "It might even be worse."
I am crazy excited for book 3 there is so much I need to know and so many people I'm hoping find the happiness they deserve, they have been through too much heatache as it is and I know there is more to come.
"Grief does not keep track of time."
Amazing series with amazing writing and this has become one of my favorite dystopians.
Title: Breeder
Author: Casey Hays
Series: Arrow's Flight book 1
Rating: 5/5
Summary:
Beyond the Village, nothing exists ... except devastation. A war waged by men and their hateful weapons long ago made it so, and my people--the women of the Village--are the only survivors. This is what our history lessons teach us, and this is what we are to believe. But I am sixteen now ... and I question everything. The Archer has spoken, but I have no desire to heed his command. I long for more.
In a world demolished by war and ruled by the hands of Fate, individual choices have become obsolete. Essentially, there is only one requirement: Bow the knee to the wisdom of the Council without question. Many of the women in the Village have acquiesced to this mandate, including some of Kate's closest friends. But Kate longs for something more; she hears the call of another life. On the day of her sixteenth birthday celebration, the reality of what this means invades her with a vengeance, and she is forced to contend with her own moral conscience. Kate's destiny has always been the Pit--the life of the breeder--which she is expected to embrace without complaint. Her rebel's heart, however, refuses to comply with Fate's demand, and what she finds in the Pit draws her one step closer to finding the truth about herself and the Village. And it changes the course of her destiny for all eternity. Ages 14 and up.
My Review:
I received an ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Well this book was not what I had expected because it was better. I was just expecting another typical dystopian read which is not a bad thing I loved the genre and decided to read this book based a little on that (I also liked the summary) but I found this to be much more than just your average dystopian and I loved it.
I really loved the writing, it pulled me in right away and I found myself lost in the world because of the great but not over the top descriptions it was very beautiful and it made it very hard for me to put this book down.
Kate was great, a young girl ready for her life to be her own and sick of the Council and what they think her fate should be, I admired her determination to stand up for what she wanted and it usually came at a high cost but she stuck to her guns. I also really liked Ian but I found that he was a little rash when it came to Kate and I'm not sure I totally believed how strongly he felt for her but I'm definitely coming around and I am looking forward to watching them together.
Mona, The Council and the village was rather disturbing just when I thought it could not get any worse another layer of evil was revealed and I found myself shocked and cringing more than I thought I would but I also I was fascinated with the way things worked and how so many people can just accept this way of life even after all of the "disposing" of that was done. I loved watching Kate fight Mona it was so exciting but I did not see the ending coming it was not at all what I expected and it was also pretty great.
"...I feel free. Rebellion does that to you. It makes you bold about the cause before you've won. It plays tricks on your mind that give you hope."
This is an amazing book about fate and the role we allow it to play in our lives, this is one of those books that will stick with you, that will make you think and for that I am grateful and just once more I will say I loved this book.
Title: Dragon Marked
Author: Jaymin Eve
Series: Supernatural Prison book 1
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
Book 1 in Upper YA/NA Paranormal Romance Trilogy.
There are supernatural prisons hidden across the globe. Contained within these fortresses are some of the deadliest criminals from the five supernatural races: vampire, shifter, fey, magic users and demi-fey.
Jessa Lebron, twenty-two, has spent her entire life in Stratford, Connecticut, one of the gateway towns adjoining these prisons which protect the fortified borders. She’s a wolf shifter, and her father leads the town council. She learns that much of her life has been hidden from her, secrets which threaten to tear apart the very fabric of her world. Especially the biggest secret of them all.
She is dragon marked.
Jessa only knows what she’s been told about the dragon marked, that they are dangerous and must be eliminated to prevent the rise of the dragon king, the powerful warmonger who had his head removed a thousand years ago. So now Jessa's on the biggest hit list of all. Dragon mark hunters are lethal and her only hope to evade detection is to keep the energy contained.
As more secrets unfold she finds herself locked up in Vanguard, the notorious American supernatural prison. Thankfully she’s not alone. Braxton, the dragon-shifter has her back. Together they must survive long enough to free themselves and the other dragon marked.
Because it’s time for the dragon marked to rise.
My Review:
HOORAY FOR THIS BOOK
Okay I had to say that first before I say I received an ebook copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book was great, I am an instant fan of this world and the characters in it and I can not wait for book 2, I want, no I NEED more because it was that good and to be honest it could have been much longer and I would not have cared, I am not happy that I have to wait for book 2 but of course I will but I hope it's not to long (Hint Hint Jaymin Eve lol).
Jessa is awesome and I want to be her, she is a powerful wolf Shifter with four superHOT and super powerful best-friends/bodyguards The compass brothers, yes I guess she has a lot of crap to deal with being Dragon Marked and all but she gets to have her boys and I think they would make it all worth it plus I think her having the Dragon Mark is kinda cool. So if you have not already guessed I have a giant crush on these four hotties, Maximus (Vampire), Braxton (Dragon Shifter), Tyson (Wizard), and Jacob (Fey) were fantastic and their relationship with Jessa was maybe a tiny bit cheesy at times but it was also beautiful and heart warming. Braxton is my favorite and I believe he is Jessa's as well, I loved how subtle the change in their friendship was but I know it will play a bigger role as the series continues at least I hope it does. Having the four brothers be different supernaturals was really neat it was a great way to introduce each one as an individual and also explain a lot about the rest of that group at the same time, in my opinion it was genius.
The ending was perfect it wrapped things up enough that I was not left hanging but it also left me with a lot of unanswered questions making me crazy excited for book 2 and beyond.
This book has it all action, corrupt councils, friendship, and lots of cool supernatural characters so pick it up today you wont regret it!!
Title: Fangs and Fur (The Life and Trials of Persephone Black Book 2)
Author: L.M. Miller
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis
Parallel universes, cannibalistic gnomes, and bird-riding street races can’t stop Seph and her friends… hopefully.
After defeating a virgin-sacrificing vampire cult, Seph thought life at Monster Academy would go back to relatively normal, if a teenage vampire could have a relatively normal life. But things are never normal at Monster Academy. When Seph’s friends hear rumors about a parallel world hidden beneath the school, Abernathy and Linda just have to go and investigate it. Nevermind the rumors about a creature that none have seen the likes of before that rules this world with an iron fist. When the girls are captured by said beast, the rest of the gang have to save them, and that is only the beginning. Finding an intellectual gnome, some hippie-era wizards, and maybe a 300-year-old fire-witch, the friends can and will save the girls, whatever the cost
My Review
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Well this was a delightful sequel but I must say that of the two so far I liked the first one a little bit more. I liked that this book had more of an external struggle, where book one had the characters fighting within their group and within themselves this one had a struggle against an evil that sort of brought them together and made them face some truths that may have otherwise been swept under the rug, it made things a little more action packed but there was also lots of character growth and discovery while each small group faced a different journey to reach the end. The new characters that they discovered in the alternate world were interesting and it will be cool to see how they fit in as things continue (I really hope there is a book 3) but my heart still belongs to the original six.
I feel in love with Rodney in book one but this time around he sort of bugged me and I do sort of understand that the whole magic sharing and blood drinking complicates things for him and Persephone but I thought he was better than that and I really hope he does a bit of growing up soon. I really enjoyed Persephone's journey she learned a lot about herself and under the circumstances I think she handled herself rather well and like I said before I really hope there is a book 3 cause I really want to know more about the world and about all these characters especially Persephone.
I highly recommend this series to fans of paranormal it is full of action and even more heart and in my opinion it is balanced very well and it had me engaged from the start and I am now a big fan.
