Review- The Elite (The Selection #2)

Title: The Elite

Author: Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection book 2

Rating: 4/5






Summary

The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Timesbestseller The Selection.

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

My Review
It was a long time ago that I read book one and all I remembered was liking it but not much more, well now I know I liked it a bit more than this one, of course I very much enjoyed this book but I was so much more annoyed with America and her inability to decide but most of all I was annoyed with her rashness to terrible decisions because she was "mad" or "betrayed". I am not a fan of love triangles really but in book one I was not really bothered by it, but in this book America spent was to much time worrying if Maxon loved her or not when he chased her for so long and then she made him wait cause she needed "time" and just when I thought she had decided she let small problems sway her so quickly. There was also a lot more to this book, it had a bit more on the rebels but I really really want more and I am hoping that book three "The One" tells me all I want to know. The focus is of course America, Maxon and Aspen but there are other characters that grabbed my heart and attention. The Marlee thing was very unexpected and it shook my faith in Maxon, but don't worry he recovered it and maybe I was jsut in shock, the King was also a big shock I was not ready for Maxons big reveal and it again changed the way I looked at and felt about Maxon which happened a lot in this book, I felt as uncertain about Maxon as America did at times but I did not jump to conclusions like she did.
I hope that the ending means that America has made a choice and I hope she will stick to her word and her promises. I really want to read the next book and find out if she will stand her ground and prove the King and the country she is worth it.

Good sequel to a great series.

Review- City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments 6)

Title: City of Heavenly Fire

Author: Cassandra Clare

Series: The Mortal Instruments 6

Rating: 4/5







Summary
In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother.

Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.

The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?

When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned...

Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!

My Review
Well another Cassandra Clare series comes to a close and although I was not in love with this book as I was a few of the others, I do feel that the ending left me satisfied and that makes me very glad. I did my research before reading this book and I`m glad I did because I got reminders of why I loved this world and the people in it, and when I started reading I was happy to be back. I really do love Cassandra Clare`s writing and I admire the wit she gives each of her characters, each with their own way and their own voice and it is the best part of all the books it makes me that much more attached and makes them that more real for me.
***spoilers ahead***
There was a lot to take in at this point, I mean we are at book six and each book contains so much, and at first I must admit I felt a little overwhelmed by it all, plus it jumps back from person to person so many story lines weaving together, but I found myself very curious and very hooked by about page 200 (it`s 725 pages so I had a lot left to enjoy), but I have to say with it being so long there were a few parts that felt a little dragged out, I won`t say which ones as not to offend anyone but there were a couple. I was pleased to see so many people get what they wanted, of course there was much loss and a lot of hard times to come but to see so many of the relationships end in a fragile peace just like life itself was great, things may be uncertain but they have this victory and this moment, small as it may be but worth it all the same. When Simon was the price they paid to get home from the demon realm, I was so heartbroken for them all Isabell most of all, but I should have known they would never give up and after all that Simon has been through and survived I am now not surprised that this is just another one for the list of ``Simon for the win!`` 
I am a little sad the series is over but at the same time I feel like it ran it`s course and we all got a little bit of closure.
I have so many thoughts and feelings on this book and this series and it`s combination to the Infernal Devices and I don`t think they will all fit on here but I do hope every one enjoys or enjoyed this book and I can`t wait for the discussions to begin.

Review- Persistence of Memory (Den of Shadows 5)

Title: Persistence of memory

Author: Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Series: Den of Shadows book 5

Rating: 4/5






Summary
Sixteen-year-old Erin Misrahe just wants to be like everyone else in her new school. But Erin has more to worry about than passing AP Chemistry or making friends. In times of stress, she has always been overcome by her alter ego, Shevaun, whose violent behavior wreaks havoc on those around her. Erin can never remember anything about these episodes, and she’s grateful to have been spared them for a while.

But when a protective friend comes back into Erin’s life, he insists that Shevaun is a vampire who actually exists apart from Erin. Shevaun has dangerous allies, like the handsome witch Adjila—and they’re determined to sever Shevaun’s connection to Erin once and for all.

My Review
First of all I want to say this is number five in Den of Shadows series and I have not read any of the others but that does not matter, they are more companion Novels set in the same world, and I have been told some characters show up in different ones so that's neat, but this book on it's own gave me all the information I needed and it read like a book one not a book five and I am really glad for that since this book caught my eye and I got it cheap and really wanted to read it before having to buy and read four others lol. The story definitely held my attention first because I wanted to know if Shevaun was real and then because I wanted to know how it was possible that she could be real. 

The world contained Witches, Vampires and Shape shifters but I really liked the little twist each of them have in this book and I was glad to see new ideas on an old concept. I raced through this book and I enjoyed how things were wrapped up, I am a sucker for a happy ending and this book delivered a cute one. I would really like to read others in this series as I really enjoyed the writing and the world the characters live in and I think it would be fun to see more of it.

First Reads Review- Reckoning (Silver Blackthorn book 1)

Title: Reckoning

Author: Kerry Wilkinson

Series: Silver Blackthorn book 1

Rating: 5/5






Summary
In the village of Martindale, hundreds of miles north of the new English capital of Windsor, sixteen-year-old Silver Blackthorn takes the Reckoning. This coming-of-age test not only decides her place in society - Elite, Member, Inter or Trog - but also determines that Silver is to become an Offering for King Victor.

But these are uncertain times and no one really knows what happens to the teenagers who disappear into Windsor Castle. Is being an Offering the privilege everyone assumes it to be, or do the walls of the castle have something to hide?

Trapped in a maze of ancient corridors, Silver finds herself in a warped world of suspicion where it is difficult to know who to trust and who to fear. The one thing Silver does know is that she must find a way out . . .

My Review
* I won a paperback copy of this book on Goodreads First Reads*

"It is a reckoning in every sense of the word"

I was instantly in love with this book, it's adventurous, thrilling and twisted (in the best possible way) The Afterward in the book was fun and a wonderful addition, like bonus features on a DVD, the author said in it that she wanted a mix of mid evil Castle and future tech...well that is exactly what she did, as a lover of the mid evil era I loved how it applied in this dystopian world and who knows maybe this is our future as the downfall of this world started with the loss of all the Oil in the world, causing war and the division of all the countries, and we all know the fight for Oil is always on. The fact that the King was so sick and twisted and yet still so beloved by the people was an interesting notion, making me think about Propaganda and fear, those who knew the truth were to afraid to speak out and everyone else just chose to believe what they were told, that a good an just king reigns over them, but Silver discovers that rebel forces still exist and not everyone is blind to the terrible condition of the country and although they were not that present in this book I assume they will have their part to play soon.
I loved Silver she was the perfect Hero, flaws and all and through the power of togetherness she found a way to prove that people are strong and they deserve equal rights and freedoms. Watching the offerings forced to fight each other to the death, forced to work hard without much food or water, and pinned against each other with false promises and fear made my stomach turn and I don`t know how it went on for so long, but I do know that Silver saw the wrong being done and made the choice not only to save herself and Imrin, but as many as she could in hopes to prove a point and make the suffering stop. I can`t wait to watch Silver lead a rebellion against the terrible King and his equally sadistic Minister Prime.

This book was so much better than I expected and that`s saying a lot cause I had high expectations after reading the summary and seeing the beautiful cover that drew me in to begin with. I am so glad I got this book and got to experience this world and I can`t wait to experience more.

Release day Review- Radicals ( Blood and Fire 2)

Title: Radicals
Author: Frankie Rose
Series: Blood and Fire book 2
Rating: 5/5

Summary
When Kit ran from the Sanctuary, she left behind the ghosts of all those she killed. However, unlike the dead, the living she left behind aren’t so easily escaped. Her father and his men are searching for her, and they won’t stop until they find her.

Reunited with old friends, Ryka and Kit must put their trust in the man who killed Ryka’s father if they are to survive.



My Review
*Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review*
So book one blew my socks off and I didn't think it could get any better... well then I read book two and my brain and heart exploded (in a good way lol). This book was absolutely EPIC and I want to ride the high this book gave me forever, I am so amped up for this series and I can't wait to watch these characters fight it out and set things right. I will try to do this book justice and with my review, but I strongly suggest you get your hands on this book and if you have not yet then get book one as well because living them yourself is the only way to truly enjoy how fantastic they really are.
I usually have a bit of trouble getting back into a series when it has been a while between books, but the world is so well built and the story so engaging and memorable that after a couple pages of Rose's fantastic writing I was instantly transported back with all my memories and along for the heart breaking ride that is "Radicals".  Oh how this book broke my heart, I cried a few times and yes mostly at the end but heartbreak is only one aspect to this book it's also about love, sacrifice, family, and the fight for freedom and ones beliefs, and if you ask me just the whole entire package. The action in this book is so intense and real and then you are pulled into the emotional struggle of a girl who is only just learning the depth and power of emotion and  it is all done so smoothly and perfectly that I could not put this book down...I wanted to live every second and then some, I am not looking forward to the wait for book 3.
I can not believe I was left hanging like that, but I get it it's the power of the cliffhanger and they are all doing it, and I will say this Rose picked a GREAT way to end it, it was crazy wonderful how perfectly the sad and the determination could be felt all at once, I was so amped by the words at the end that I wanted to punch something (don't worry I didn't lol) I could feel Kit's determination and it sent shivers down my spine thinking about what's next .....oh my I just can't wait for book 3 this book was so so so fantastic I want more ASAP.
This book is all that and so much more I just can't say enough so please, please, please get this book and book 1 they need to be read by all!!!

Review- Slayers (Slayers 1)

Title: Slayers
Author: C.J. Hill
Series: Slayers book 1
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary
Dragons exist. They’re ferocious. And, in this novel from C. J. Hill, they’re smart: before they were killed off by slayer-knights, they rendered a select group of eggs dormant so their offspring would survive. Only a handful of people know about this, let alone believe it—these “Slayers” are descended from the original knights and are now a diverse group of teens that includes Tori, a smart but spoiled senator’s daughter who didn’t sign up to save the world.
The dragon eggs have fallen into the wrong hands. The Slayers must work together to stop the eggs from hatching. They will fight; they will fall in love. But will they survive?


My Review
I had very high hopes for this book, I love Dragons good or bad and I have fallen in love with many Dragon tales or books containing Dragons, Eragon being my favorite, and so when I saw this one I was very eager to see what it had in store, well I was a little disappointed and that is not to say that I did not enjoy this book overall because I did, but I think I had hyped it up way to much in my mind and it did not deliver on that hype. First of all the plot to this story was well done and I love the part of the book describing the Dragon traits and how the Slayers play their part, I liked the originality of this idea and it certainly kept me reading. I also really liked that most of it was told from Tori's point of view but there were also a few other POV's were present, best of all Brant Overdrake, I always love getting some inside info on the bad guy lol. Now a few things that I did not like, Tori was my biggest pet peeve of this book, I felt like she was constantly saying she was not some spoiled rich kid, but her actions and a lot of her thoughts just proved to me that she was, I was very annoyed with her, now I guess she did have a little bit of growth but I still just could not connect with her, she seemed like one of those girls I would be civil to but we would never be friends. Jesse who I guess was part of the love triangle was very very flat to me, it was like reading about a talking bird (he could fly and he was emotionless). Dirk was the other part of the love triangle and he was a bit better for me, I found he had a bit more layers and of course his big secret made things that much more interesting. So as you can tell the characters were a big issue for me, I just could not feel for ANY of these people and I really need that when I am reading. My next issue is that all of this happens in three days, I am sure that things could happen that quickly but I would have really liked time to get to know about Tori's Slayer abilities and maybe I would have been more connected knowing a bit more about each character over a bit of time.
Despite my few issues I did enjoy the book and I would like to read the next book and see if there is more Dragon action, not as much was in this one, I have also become curious about a few things so yes I will continue this series and yes people should give it a go and see what they think.

First Reads Review- All The Truth That's In Me

Title: All The Truth That's In Me
Author: Julie Berry 
Rating: 4/5


Summary
Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years ago, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by those who were once her friends and family. Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to the boy who’s owned her heart as long as she can remember—even if he doesn’t know it—her childhood friend, Lucas. But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose: continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever. This startlingly original novel will shock and disturb you; it will fill you with Judith’s passion and longing; and its mysteries will keep you                                                                                   feverishly turning the pages until the very last.                                             

My Review
I won this book from goodreads first reads and I was very excited to read it, and although it was not at all what I expected I found that I very much enjoyed this book and I was pleasantly surprised with so many things about it. The writing style of this book was very different and it took me a while to get used to it and be able to follow along smoothly, but once I did I found it rather enjoyable and because it is written almost as a letter from one character to another I found it to be a little more personal, which I liked, I noticed that the writing grew with Judith either that or as she grew I got more accustomed to the style and it seemed that way to me but whatever it was I found it cool and I liked it, even if it was just me I thought it sort of reflected her growth and self discovery.
It was unexpected for me the time frame or era of the stories setting, I am not sure why but I thought it was a present day tale, but I am very glad it took place when it did, I think it just made sense, especially in regard to the way Judith was treated upon her return, In that day and age her being shunned and feared because of what she went through would have been considered normal, I could understand the church and townsfolk being afraid, but I was shocked at the treatment she received from her mother and brother, I think her mother blamed her for her fathers death but it's sad she couldn't let go like her brother finally did.
Poor young Judith suffered so much in her short life I ached for her and I felt an instant connection to her and the book being written from her point of view in a letter style made the connection all that much stronger because at times I forgot she was writing to someone else it almost felt like it was to me. I must say I was glad to see she got some happiness and good fortune even if the price she seemed to pay was high and often. I am still a little upset with Lucas and I just hope he proves himself to Judith, she deserves the best after the fight she lived through so I hope he is it, I guess I just don't 100% forgive him. I have to mention Maria because she threw me for a loop, I thought she was just another pretty, uptight socialite, but man did she prove me wrong, she was the small miracle that Judith needed, I would be glad to call her friend.
Not only was this a story of growth and self discovery through a terrible tragedy, but it was also a towns struggle through War, murder, scandal and lies to come out the other side a more great full and accepting place. I read this book quickly, ready to get to the bottom of the mystery and see the happy ending that so many of these characters had earned. Speaking of the murder the way this book was written I was sure I had the killer pegged and most of the story figured out, well I was WAY wrong and I bet I am not the only one, it's very cleaver indeed.
I really enjoyed this book and found a lot of it to be unexpected and fresh I think many many others will also enjoy it.