The Rise

Title: The Rise 
Series: The Alexa Montgomery Saga Book 3
Author: H.D. Gordon
Rating: 5/5

Goodreads Summary:
The supernatural world in which Alexa Montgomery has found herself is on the brink of war. She is charged with the task of raising an army, defeating an evil dictator, and struggling to contain the bloodthirsty monster that lives within her.

These are things Alexa can handle, but when the person she loves most in the world takes a turn for the worst, Alexa's loyalty and determination will be tested in the most horrifying of ways. Will she be able to rise to the challenge, or will her love for her sister kill her once and for all?

My Review:

 wow, just wow I don't know what else to say. This book was just as good as the others if not better I feel like with each book I love this series more and more I just cant get enough. I love diving head first into this world and felling like I am right there living it with these exceptional characters. The one thing that has always impressed me so much about this series is that the books are so full of darkness and heartbreak yet I can feel the hope and love just waiting at the edges leaking in when appropriate and bringing me to root once again for what they have left to win. I find myself a little scattered as I right this, the book was just that good.
 Alexa is still by far one of my favorite heroines, she is complicated and bad ass and strong in her struggle to maintain her humanity and find balance between being Alexa, a warrior, and a monster, which I think she does well considering all the bullshit she has had to deal with in a short amount of time.
Nelly I think is the main thing keeping Alexa grounded, even now after all that has happened Alexa's undying love for Nelly makes my heart swell and it was for me that light of hope in the darkness, I believed that they could save each other with that love. Reading of Nelly the way she was after letting her power "out to play" made me realize that her and Alexa had more of a bond then anyone could have known and I am dying to see what happens next.
Kayden was his ever present and gorgeous self and that love scene between him and Alexa was hot and in my opinion perfect for two warriors such as them.....*sigh* in my top five for sure!!!!
The whole Jackson thing had my head spinning and my heart breaking, I believe he meant well but being the son of one of the most evil of evil people in my opinion he was brain washed and lied to making it hard for him to know what was right. I just wanted him to be good and maybe in his own way he was.
 Overall I love, love, LOVED this book and I cant wait to continue this fantastic series, if you have not started it or continued on (yes Justine I mean you!!!!) then I recommend you do!!!!!

Phoenix Angel (Shardwell Series Book 1)

Title: Phoenix Angel
Series: Shardwell series book 1
Authors: A. Gerry and C. Hall

Goodreads Summary:
What is happening to us? I’ve asked this question a thousand times, but there is no answer.

I was a normal teenager, trudging my way through senior year with my best friend. Then a boy named Kyle Spencer came to Idaho Falls, and since then everything has fallen apart. Something mysterious has passed among the three of us. We’ve developed terrifying abilities—strange powers that separate us from normal people.

Even worse, someone—or something—has taken a deadly interest in us. We never know when they are going to strike, or how to protect ourselves. We don’t even know who they are.
All we know is that they want one of us alive, and we don’t know who. The others they want dead.

Which will I be?

My Review:
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review and right away I want say I LOVED this book and I am so glad I was picked to read this. I think the cover is beautiful, I believe the figure perfectly captures the heartbreak that seems to be present for all the characters at some point in the book, also the green Phoenix was odd in an awesome way, so just overall Great. I liked the third person point of view it kept me guessing and added a bit more drama and suspense, I found it also made it easier to become invested in the characters. I thought this was a great first book for a series, it took the time to develop very well rounded and complex characters and gracefully leads up to a big reveal and twist, then boom we come to the end I was left wanting more and am so excited ti see what happens left. I love it I believe you should leave them wanting more and I did.
I found most of the characters to be very relate able and easy to root for, even when they were troubled it made them seem more human, they were able to both struggle and triumph in real world and paranormal situations handling them in the best way they knew how. I was happy to be along for the ride, even some of the `bad guys were interesting.
I liked Maggie right off the bat i understood her inability to trust after being hurt and putting up walls to protect herself, only allowing Lily in at first, the one person willing to put up with her, but also Lily is able to understand Maggie like no one else. Lily is the polar opposite she is bubbly and optimistic I believe they were good for each other creating a sort of balance. Kyle was like an all american jock with a little twist, I think him and Maggie are perfect for each other they challenge each other and with Maggie`s gift Kyle's honesty was something she really needed.
I did not expect the twist I mean I knew they had powers and I knew they had to come from somewhere but the revelation of where and why was NOT at all what I had expected and I was stunned.......in a good way.
The ending was great I mean yes I was disappointed it was over and the cliffhanger is crazy but it was also really really awesome, this book was a great starting point for what I believe is going to be a great series and I can not wait to see what is to come, and all I have to say is thank goodness I was also sent book 2 and I will be continuing on very soon. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes good writing and great characters.

A Dragon Forsaken (Enchanted Island 2)

Title: A Dragon Forsaken

Author: Krystal George

Rating: 5/5

Goodreads Summary:
In a world of mystery and magic, Daphne is unique.

Unlike her friends, who have awakened to the magic inside of them, Daphne was born with it. Daphne was born a Dragon.

When her past begins to resurface, forcing her into a web of lies and deception, she is forced to accept unexpected alliances and risk everything for the sake of love. Something that she swore she would never let into her life.

As the newest installment of The Enchanted Island Series unfolds, she'll learn that nothing is ever what it seems, and when webs get this tangled, everyone's fate hangs in the balance, and nothing is coincidence.

My Review:

I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review actually as you may know I was given both in a read to review on Goodreads and after reading book one and knowing that this one was told from an alternate point of view form book one, I found that both exciting and a little refreshing. I get all the same characters but told through someone else's perspective that was a big plus for me. I must also mention the beautiful cover it drew me in a was perfect for the book, both books have great covers but for me this one wins!
I found this one a bit more exciting and a bit more drama filled since all the tension from both books comes to a head, as it is all connected and in a large climax many details are exposed and some questions answered as to how they all found each other and managed to end up in this cluster of crazy with all such a different experience. There was also much more heartbreak and betrayal, not only for Daphne but a few others as well.
Daphne starts out a bit to cocky and it gets her into a lot of trouble although as this book proves all of our choices lead us somewhere and even though she must face many struggles they all lead her to make choices that will help her and a few others around her.
   "I was too cocky for my own good. I knew what I was capable of, but I let that make     me forget that other people were capable of much worse than I was."
I think that was a huge turning point for her and I liked her character as I read more. She was strong and she was also weak in her love for others whether she wanted to admit it or not, but they were strong in their love for each other, cheesy for some maybe, but I liked it.
Teagan had a lot to prove after book one I know he helped but it was hard for me to trust him and I want you to find out for yourself, but I will tell you he had some adorable moments in my opinion and it was nice to have him around in book two if only for the mystery of it all.
Okay and now the one very small thing in both books that I did not like, they called each other babe and baby a few times and as I have said I like a bit if cheesy or romance if you will but to me it always feels a bit awkward in a book but it was a small thing easy to over look.
Overall good book, good series and I will for sure continue on. I can't wait to read book 3. The Goblin's Daughter told from Gianna's point of view. can't wait to see were her story leads and if she will find Drew. 

The Witches Lottery (Enchanted Island 1)

Title: The Witches Lottery

Author: Krystal George

Rating: 4/5

Goodreads Summary:

When Sophia and Drew McKibben's parents are killed in a tragic car accident, they are shipped off to live with an aunt they never even knew existed. Believing that they are moving to a privately owned island just off of the coast of Mystic, CT to live alone with her, they are surprised to find a sort of under-aged bed and breakfast.

Sophia draws the attention of one of the locals, Falen, immediately. He always seems to know exactly what she is thinking, and to her frustration, everything she does seems to amuse him. When a newcomer to the island brings with him a sense of deja vu, she begins to ask herself the ultimate question: Am I going crazy?

Sophia's world starts to unravel when she notices her own brother acting just as abnormal as the rest of them. When she begins to realize that the life she left behind looks even more bizarre then the one she was forced to leave it for, she's faced with a decision to make: embrace the new life that has been given to her, or drown in the past. Either choice brings with it more secrets and deceptions to unearth. The problem now is that the two worlds may actually be more intertwined than she thought.

My Review:

I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review, I had actually signed up to read book 2 unaware that they were a series so the author being so great she sent me both so naturally
started with this one.
Sophia and Drew are shipped off to live with an aunt they never knew on Enchanted Island and the mystery that follows them and surrounds the Island was what kept me reading, the author had a way of being mysterious yet informative so it had me wondering and pushing on. I read this book rather quickly and I found it cute and exciting.
I liked the explanation for Witches lottery and just so you know I had a guess but I was WAY off oh and the books explaination was way better. I liked Sophia but I didn't feel a strong connection to her she was a little off in my perspective, Falon on the other hand I LOVED, he was carefree and funny and as much as I love a dark and brooding man it was nice to see something different. 
The ending was a bit shocking some things I expected but a few things were very surprising to me. Overall good book and I am excited to more on to book 2 and find out more.

The Twelfth Keeper

Summary:
When sixteen-year-old Kennedy Mitchell is proclaimed the world’s last keeper, she thinks it’s a cruel joke. Come on- her? Impossible. She’s no warrior. She isn’t wise beyond her years, or more importantly, capable of keeping Earth safe.
Except...no one will listen. And since all evidence says otherwise, the job is hers whether she likes it or not.
During the highly demanding training regime that follows, Kennedy struggles to fit in with Earth’s renowned protectors. Especially Phoenix Jorgensen, who openly despises her. Problem is, he may be the only one she can trust. The keepers have big secrets surrounding them. Secrets Kennedy isn’t comfortable knowing, much less being apart of. With Phoenix’s help, she’ll have to find a way out.
Either that, or die trying.



Title: The Twelfth Keeper
Author: Belle Malory
Rating: 5/5

My Review:

    I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
 I must start by saying that just because the main characters name, Kennedy, is the same as my last name that was only one small reason why I loved this book and the hot leading man being named Phoenix with a sexy British accent sure didn't hurt either. :)
 I confess I have not read many books about aliens and space but I am glad I read this one. I will be continuing this series as the world created was so easy to live in, I could imagine myself up in space living on Olympus looking down at the rest of the world, easily relating to Kennedy's wonder, loneliness and disbelief she could be so powerful.
 I liked Kennedy she was just trying to be a normal girl after losing her Dad, leaving a stressed out single mother willing to fight for Kennedy, but Kennedy puts aside her doubts to try and make like easier for her mother and siblings, going to Olympus to train as the twelfth keeper even when she believes it to be impossible, I liked how her indifference kept her on her toes and also opened Phoenix's eyes to the true nature of some of the scum of Olympus.
 Phoenix was a big sexy mystery at first that had me flipping fast through the book trying to learn more about him and when I did I was not disappointed. The hot passion between Kennedy and Phoenix that existed without words was so delicious I wanted to cook this book up and eat it!!!!
The ending was fantastic happy which is always a plus for me yet a big surprise that left me longing for the next one and I will be on the edge of my seat waiting for book 2.
Thank you very much to the author Belle Malory this was a great book and I am glad you let me read it.

Review: Daynight

Daynight by Megan Thomason
Rating: 5/5

The second book of the daynight series, arbitrate is targeted for a summer 2013 release.

Summary:
Meet The Second Chance Institute (SCI): Earth’s benevolent non-profit by day, Thera’s totalitarian regime by night. Their motto: Because Everyone Deserves a Second Chance™. Reality: the SCI subjects Second Chancers to strict controls and politically motivated science experiments like Cleaving—forced lifetime union between two people who have sex. Punishment for disobeying SCI edicts? Immediate Exile or death.

Meet Kira Donovan. Fiercely loyal, overly optimistic, and ensnared by the promise of a full-ride college scholarship, Kira signs the SCI Recruit contract to escape memories of a tragedy that left her boyfriend and friends dead.

Meet Blake Sundry. Bitter about being raised in Exile and his mother’s death, Blake’s been trained to infiltrate and destroy the SCI. Current barrier to success? His Recruit partner—Miss Goody Two Shoes Kira Donovan.

Meet Ethan Darcton. Born with a defective heart and resulting inferiority complex, Ethan’s forced to do his SCI elite family’s bidding. Cleave-worthy Kira Donovan catches his eye, but the presiding powers give defect-free Blake Sundry first dibs.

Full of competing agendas, romantic entanglements, humor, twists and turns, daynight is Megan Thomason’s debut young adult dystopian novel and first in the daynight series

My Review:

*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*

First I must say that I was very impressed with this book. I was so fired up at the end and I am still thinking about it wondering what will happen to this group of characters I became so invested in I just can not wait for book 2.

 Right off the bat I was sucked in with the mystery of the SCI (second chance institute), an explosion and two very different but equally handsome men (Blake and Ethan) for Kira the complex and awesome female main character. The book is told from the three points of view of Kira, Blake and Ethan and I loved having an insight to all three it kept me guessing while I was learning more about each one.

 The whole idea of Thera and it being a polar Earth was super cool, well I thought so anyway lol, I don't know if you would call it Dystopian but I think I would and even if it's not I loved it either way. The idea of a "second chance" that is supposed  to be blissful and perfect really being a terrible, controlling thing at it's core was dystopian to me so I'm sticking with it. :)

 The love web as I have called it since it was so much more than a triangle was so well done I could never guess who would pick who and with the added pressure of "cleaving" was made so much more complex and interesting and when I reached the end I must say I did not predict many of the pairs that resulted.

I really enjoyed Kira she was strong and she learned how to manage herself in the many unpleasant situations she was put in, keeping herself and loved ones relatively safe, but like most people having a moment of defeat was understandable, but when things went south she did try to see the good and be as happy as could be.

Ethan and Blake were very hard to choose between I could understand why Kira was torn. Ethan was an all around gentleman trying to make Kira happy while still fulfilling his duties to his family and the council of Thera, and I liked how his childhood that was described in his point of view gave more insight to him AND to the goings on of Thera. Blake on the other hand is a rebel exiler of Thera and his point of view gives a whole other look at Thera. He cares for Kira and even trusts her enough to tell her the truth. Both boys seemed great but I think that their "missions" will pull everyone apart or bring them together...I guess only time will tell.

 The last few chapters BLEW my mind and I was caught so off guard, it was just simply fantastic and I can't wait to get more. So overall I loved this book it was exciting and very full of adventure. I would recommend this book for sure it is sooooo worth it.  

Halfskin

Summary:
Biomites are artificial stem cells that can replace any cell in your body. No more kidney failure, no severed spines or blood disease. No cancer. Pharmaceuticals become obsolete. With each dose of biomites, we become stronger, we become smarter and prettier. 
We become better.
At what point are we no longer human?
Nix Richards nearly died in a car accident when he was young. Biomites saved his life. Ten years later, he’s not so lucky. The Halfskin Laws decree a human composed of 50% biomites is no longer human. Halfskins have no legal rights and will have their biomites shutdown. It’s not called murder, merely deactivation. 
Cali Richards has been Nix’s legal guardian since their parents died. She has lost far too many people in her life to let the government take Nix. She is a nanobiometric engineer and will discover how to hide him. But even brilliance can succumb to the pressure of suffering. And technology can’t cure insanity.


Cali and Nix keep a slippery grip on reality as they elude a maniacal federal agent dedicated to saving humanity from what he calls 'The Biomite Plague"

Halfskin by Tony Bertauski
Rating: 3/5

My Review:

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This was a new and different concept for me and I thought that the idea was well established and believable but the story was a bit blah for me, but I will say the conspiracy theorist in me was pleased by the 1984 reference:
  "I mean, Big Brother was just a pea shooter compared to M0ther."
and I did enjoy all the scientific back round with the Biomites and M0ther but the story itself was not that exciting.
Cali and Nix were a cute pair, a brother sister duo whose main purpose in life seems to be to protect and care for one another through the many hard times they faced and I was rooting for them to succeed. When I read the summary I thought the book would be about Nix, but it was more about the struggle between Cali and the God fearing man hell bent on destroying Biomites, Marcus Anderson, and it was good just not what I expected.
The big turn off for me was the M0ther stories peppered into the book all over the place and although they were pretty cool and informative they would mess up my rhythm of the book and I found it a little random.
The ending was a BIG shocker for me I did not see that coming but the excitement showed up a bit late and as good as it was it did not save it for me. Overall this book was okay but it did not wow me or leave me hungry for more.