Dreamland (Riley Bloom Series #3) by Alyson Noel

Blurb about the book:

     Riley’s finding that the afterlife can be a lonely place when all you do is focus on work. So she goes to the place where dreams happen, hoping to find a way to contact her sister, Ever. She meets the director, who tells her about the two ways to send dreams. As a Dream Jumper, a person can jump into a dreamer’s dream, share a message, and participate. As a Dreamweaver, an entire dream can be created in a studio and sent to the dreamer. But Dreamweaving was outlawed decades ago, and the studio was boarded up. Thinking it’s her only way to reach out to her sister, Riley goes in search of the old studio. There she finds a ghost boy, who’s been creating and sending nightmares to people for years. In order to stop him and reach out to Ever, Riley is going to have to confront and overcome her own fears.

My POV:

     Disappointed.  She had a great concept but she didn't run with it, instead she focused on the same topics as she had in the previous books.  Like her other books, she focused more on the character development rather than the plot itself.  We get it already, Riley is stuck at 12 years old and she has trouble moving forward in the Here & Now because of it.  Not to mention Bodhi, who is a main character in other books, was significantly missing in this one.  I still thought it was good, but it was definitely lacking.  I hope the next book can pull me back in, otherwise I probably won't bother with the rest of the series.

My Score:

     Needs some serious work.  ♥♥♥ (3 hearts)

Virtue by Amanda Hocking


Blurb about the book:

     In a world filled with magic, love might be the final answer in the eternal battle between good and evil. When Lux is tasked with retrieving the virtuous Lily for his master, his entire world is put in jeopardy. Lux must battle goblins, demon dogs, and sea dragons to rescue the one he loves, and that's only the beginning of what he must face...

My POV:

     Many have said this is supposed to Amanda Hocking's best work yet, and as a fan of her YA books, I would disagree.  I did enjoy reading it, but it seriously only took me a little shy of two hours to finish it all. While the story line was good and creative, it was also incredibly rushed and I felt as though the book itself was juvenile.  I did, however, love her Snow White references and details, it gave it a little something extra.  I think one of the biggest problems is that there is a disconnect with the characters, you don't really get attached to any of them like in the rest of her books. 

My Score:

     Could use some work.  ♥♥♥ (3 hearts)

Doomed (Ancient Legends) by Jayde Scott

Blurb about the book:

     Enter a paranormal world of dark magic, rituals, love bonds and legends.  Fallen angel Cassandra wasn't supposed to fall in love with Dallas. It should've been just a bit of fun she couldn't resist. The bond they share is said to save her from her curse before she's forever bound to Hell. Trouble is, she's Lucifer's daughter and Dallas is mortal, an easy target for her enemies who can destroy her by killing the mortal soulmate. But where Cass comes from, losing one's twin flame is a fate worse than death...

     Will chaos-loving Cassandra find a way to sway her immortal family in time with a revengeful killer wracking havoc in Hell in her quest to get the one thing half the paranormal world desires?

My POV:

     I love books with suspense, but usually can figure out the twist/killer/etc about 2/3 of the way through. I did not have that problem with this book. It had me hooked from the first chapter, all the way to the finish. This is by far one of the most thrilling series I have ever read, you are always guessing, when you think you have solved it, it just turns and make you think again.  There are a few editing issues, but if you can look past it and some of the cheesy plot it's a must read.   

My Score:

     I can't wait for the next one!  ♥♥♥♥ (4 hearts)

A Job From Hell (Ancient Legends) by Jayde Scott

Blurb about the book:

     Enter a world of forbidden love, rituals, dark magic and ancient enemies...

     An ancient bond draws Amber to the immortal Aidan shortly before her eighteenth birthday when she starts her summer job in Scotland and unknowingly wins the deadly prize in a paranormal race, turning her from a mere mortal into a priceless commodity. With every immortal creature hunting her for her new ability, Amber's life will never be the same again, unless she searches the Otherworld to retrieve what everyone wants.  But to do so, Amber must die.

My POV:

     If you are trying to decide to read this series or not, don't wait! Trust me.  A Job From Hell is the first book in the Ancient Legends series.  It's a fantastic paranormal story with a vast array of intricate, complete and original story lines and dialogues.  Enticing story?  Yes.  Characters you can fall in love with?  No doubt about it.  Action and drama?  Absolutely.  Funny and entertaining?  You betcha.  I am hooked on this series and I can't believe I only paid 99 cents for it on my Nook.

My Score:

     You'd be crazy to not read this one!!!!  ♥♥♥♥♥ (5 hearts).

Demonglass (Hex Hall Series #2) by Rachel Hawkins

Blurb about the book:

     Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch. That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

     Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.

     But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?

My POV:

     After reading the spectacular prequel to this, I couldn't wait to read more about Sophie, Archer, and the rest of their friends and foes. Demonglass is not only better than Hex Hall, but it also has made me love this series and Jayde Scott even more.  I loved the plot twists, the romance triangle, the layers of magic and knowledge, and Sophie's snark and wit.  It was so action packed that there wasn't a time I wasn't sitting on the edge of my seat, curious to know what would happen next.  The ending will leave your mouth hanging open and desperately needing the third book. 

My Score:

     Break our your inner demon and indulge!  ♥♥♥♥♥ (5 hearts)

Bloodlines (Bloodlines Series #1) by Richelle Mead

Blurb about this book:

     When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

 

     Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

My POV:

     This was a highly anticipated spin-off of the Vampire Academy series and I have to say, it was well worth the wait.  Having the point of view from Sydney, the alchemist, was absolutely brilliant.  You learn about her background and find out more about her as a person giving her character amazing depth.  I also love the fact that Adrian is in this book, I was a huge fan of his character in the VA books.  All in all another great read from Richelle Mead, I think she is my favorite author at this point and I highly recommend her books. 

My Score:



     Loved it!  ♥♥♥♥♥ (5 hearts

Hex Hall (Hex Hall Series #1) by Rachel Hawkins

Blurb about this book:

     Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It’s gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie’s estranged father—an elusive European warlock—only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it’s her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

     By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tag-along ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

My POV:

     This book is the farthest thing from boring.  It's a perfect novel filled with paranormal creatures, dark mystery, romance, and strange societies.  Every chapter had some sort of action in it so there wasn't a chance to get bored.  Not to mention, after reading the first few sentences you get reeled in and want more.  I loved the author's sense of humor and the quips she blended so perfectly into the dialogue. 

    

     With that being said, the only issue I had was the "Trinity", (which is a coven of witches at her school), reminded of the movie The Craft, kinda hokey.  Other than that, I am very excited to read the next installment. 

My Score:

     Eagerly anticipating the next one.  ♥♥♥♥♥ (5 hearts).

Matched (Matched Trilogy Series #1) by Ally Condie

Blurb about the book:

     Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

My POV:

     Condie's dystopian world is believable and imaginative.  Some say that she borrowed the exact society imagined in The Giver for her storyline, but since it's been forever since I've read that, I have no basis to judge it.  I do, however, believe that the plot in this book is slightly lacking.  There are only two main issues going on, her decision between two guys and her decision about the society.  If this story were based purely on love, I have to say that in comparison to the deep, justifiable romance seen in the Hunger Games, it feels shallow and forced. 

     She also makes numerous references to the color of Ky's eyes, which is slightly annoying.  We get it already, he has nice eyes.  Anyway, I continued to read, feeling like it was building up to throw us something at the end, but the climax never happened and I was disappointed.  It's possible that in the second book she will dig deeper into the characters, giving them more depth and I hope that's true, otherwise, I will be disappointed for a second time.   

My Score:

     It could have been better.  ♥♥♥ (3 hearts)

The Hunger Games Trilogy (Hunger Games, Catching Fire & Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Blurb about the book:

     Book One (The Hunger Games):  In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

     Book Two (Catching Fire):  Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defying the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion.

     Book Three (Mockingjay):  The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.  Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss Everdeen.

My POV:

     If you have any doubts about reading this series, you should get rid of them right now. Both adults and teens will find this series entertaining. From the very first book it was captivating and addicting.  Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. It had everything a great book should; an amazing plot line, great character development, cliff-hangers at the end of almost every chapter, and so many heart-wrenching moments.  The writing style and editing were fantastic.  I highly recommend this trilogy!

My Score:

     Fantastic but beware, you might not want to sleep, eat or use the bathroom while reading. 
     ♥♥♥♥♥ (5 hearts)

Dragon's Oath by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Blurb about the book:

     In early 19th century England, long before he’s a professor at the Tulsa House of Night, Bryan Lankford is a troublesome yet talented human teen who thinks he can get away with anything… until his father, a wealthy nobleman, has finally had enough, and banishes him to America. When Bryan is Marked on the docks and given the choice between the London House of Night and the dragon-prowed ship to America, he chooses the Dragon – and a brand new fate.

     Becoming a Fledgling may be exciting, but it opens a door to a dangerous world.... In 1830’s St. Louis, the Gateway to the West, Dragon Lankford becomes a Sword Master, and soon realizes there are both frightening challenges and beautiful perks. Like Anastasia, the captivating young Professor of Spells and Rituals at the Tower Grove House of Night, who really should have nothing to do with a fledgling…

     But when a dark power threatens, Dragon is caught in its focus. Though his uncanny fighting skills make him a powerful fledgling, is he strong enough to ward off evil, while protecting Anastasia as well? Will his choices save her—or destroy them all? 

My POV:

     If you love the House of Night series like I do, then you definitely should read this!  Beautifully written and keeps you entertained the whole way through.  Yes it's a novella, but its 100+ pages long, way better than the 25 page ones I've read lately.  Plus, it gives you a brief back story on Dragon Lankford, who is going to be a major character in the new book Destined.  This is just enough of a bite to satisfy me until then.

My Score:

     Loved it.  ♥♥♥♥♥ (5 hearts)

Loved (Book #2 In The Vampire Journals) by Morgan Rice

Blurb about the book:

     Caitlin and Caleb embark together on their quest to find the one object that can stop the imminent vampire and human war the Blacktide Coven is hellbent on starting: the lost sword. An object of vampire lore, there is grave doubt over whether it even exists. If there is any hope of finding it, they must first trace Caitlin's ancestry. Is she really the One? Their search begins with finding Caitlin's father. Who was he? Why did he abandon her? As the search broadens, they are shocked by what they discover about who she really is.

My POV:

     Yowza.  This book isn't nearly as terrible as the first one, but it's still not great.  There were tons of grammar/editing errors (i.e. Caitlin and Caitlin ran when it should say Caleb and Caitlin, etc.) and way too much description about things that didn't matter.  Personally, I found that for a little over half of the book I was just skimming the pages looking for dialogue to pique my interest again.  She squandered a fantastic storyline; it had amazing potential, but she didn't do it justice. 

My Score:

     I won't be reading the rest of the series.  ♥♥ (2 hearts)

Turned (Book #1 In The Vampire Journals) by Morgan Rice

Blurb about this book:

     Caitlin Paine finds herself uprooted from her nice suburb and forced to attend a dangerous New York City high school when her Mom moves again. The one ray of light in her new surroundings is Jonah, a new classmate who takes an instant liking to her. But before their romance can blossom, Caitlin suddenly finds herself changing. She seeks answers to what's happening to her, and her cravings lead her to the wrong place at the wrong time. Her eyes are opened to a hidden world, right beneath her feet, thriving underground in New York City. She finds herself caught between two dangerous covens, right in the middle of a vampire war.

     It is at this moment that Caitlin meets Caleb, a mysterious and powerful vampire who rescues her from the dark forces. He needs her to help lead him to the legendary lost artifact. And she needs him for answers, and for protection. Together, they will need to answer one crucial question: who was her real father? But Caitlin finds herself caught between two men as something else arises between them: a forbidden love. A love between the races that will risk both of their lives, and will force them to decide whether to risk it all for each other...

My POV:

     Another book with an interesting summary but when read is quite disappointing.  Enough with the terrible editing already, it's giving me a migraine.  There are words in sentences that should not be there and that makes it hard to understand where the writer is going.  It was also overly descriptive with things that didn't matter when the focus needed to be more on the main plots.  Once again, one of the main love interests is shoved into the last few chapter's and after barely meeting they profess their undying love for each other.  Really?  They hardly know one another, how could that be plausible?  Regardless, the plot is interesting enough for me to give the second book a shot.

My Score:

     It's piqued my interest ♥♥ (2 hearts)

Immortal by Lauren Burd



Blurb about the book:

     The wound inflicted only a few minutes before was nearly healed. A small cut was the only sign that anything had occurred. I watched in disbelief as it finished closing and eventually disappeared. "What are you?" Gods, demons,vampires eighteen year old Alina doesn't believe in any of them, until she meets Samuel and Duncan, and discovers a world that could destroy everything she loves.

My POV:

     Another interesting summary which got me excited to read the book and was only slightly less disappointing than the Shadow Vampires series.  There are so many similarities to Twilight though that I wanted to gag.  Where is the creativity people?  She meets a hot guy that all the girls flock to but is standoffish with her, they share a class together and sit next to each other where she shies away from him, he saves her from a car, he whisks her away when a "hunter" goes after her etc. etc.  Lame.  Halfway through the book it switches gears a bit and gets better but ends on a cliffhanger that drives you nuts.  I'm now left wondering whether I should purchase the next one or not.  Probably not.  Also, while the editing in this book wasn't as bad as other's I have read, it still isn't great. 

My Score:

     Stop being a copycat and think for yourself.  ♥♥ (2 hearts)

Saved (Book #1 of the Shadow Vampires) by Allegra Skye

Blurb about the book:

     Keira and Amanda, twins, move with their family to a new town, and start their senior year at a new high school. But though they are twins, the girls have different fates. Amanda, beautiful, popular, is sought out by everyone. Keira, who has always lived in Amanda’s shadow, is smaller, awkward, different. It becomes clear that something strange is going on in Everstock. The town and the school are very divided. After a terrible accident involving the twins, not only are Keira and Amanda’s lives changed forever, but a new dimension of life begins to open to Keira.

My POV:

     When I read the summary before I purchased this book, I got really excited.  It seemed like something new/different and I was eager to dive right in.  Turns out, I was completely mislead.  This book is filled with really annoying contradictions, underdeveloped characters and in the end it left way too many things unanswered.  Not mention, the main character's love interest was a complete bore.  It isn't until close to the last 3 chapter's that they get together and she starts using her "powers."  She shouldn't have dragged out the beginning and shoved everything in at the end.  Also, terrible editing.  She would say so and so was wearing a pink dress but the next paragraph she would say they were wearing something else.  Which is it?  Didn't you proofread?  Sheesh.

My Score:

     It had potential but I'm not biting.  ♥ (1 heart)

First Frost (Mythos Academy Series Prequel) by Jennifer Estep

Blurb about this book:

     I am Gwen Frost, and I have a Gypsy gift. It's called psychometry - that's a fancy way of saying that I see images in my head and get flashes of other people's memories off almost everything I touch, even guys.

     My gift makes me kind of nosy. Okay, okay, maybe a lot nosy--to the point of obsession sometimes. I want to know everything about everyone around me. But even I don't want to know the secrets my friend Paige is hiding or the terrible loss that will send me to a new school - Mythos Academy, where the teachers aren't preparing us for the SATs, but to battle Reapers of Chaos. Now I have no friends and no idea how my gift fits in with all these warrior whiz kids. The only thing I do know is that my life is never, ever going to be the same. . .

My POV:

     Stupid novellas strike again!  Wish I would have realized that before I had bought it.  Nothing exciting or new happens in this "book" it's boring and I had to seriously drag through it, and it's only 27 pages long! 

My Score:

     Lame!  I should have started with the actual book #1 instead.  ♥ (1 heart)

The Witches of Santa Anna (Books 1-7) by Lauren Barnholdt and Aaron Gorvine

Blurb about the book:

     The complete set of season one of the Witches of Santa Anna series of novellas...Includes CLAIMED, TRICKED, RUMORED, HUSHED, PURSUED, ENTICED, and RUINED.

     Natalia Moore is the new girl at Santa Anna Prep, and all she wants to do is fly under the radar -- get to her classes, meet a few friends, and try not to make a total fool of herself in the meantime. But when handsome and popular Campbell Elliot goes out of his way to be nice to the new girl, Natalia's plan to go unnoticed flies out the window.  Cam’s hot, but he’s completely off-limits. Raine Marsden, the most popular and meanest girl in school, has had her eye on him ever since the summer. And Raine doesn’t like competition.

My POV:

     Maybe I should have been paying closer attention but when I saw that it was seven books in one for .99 cents I was ecstatic, that's just unheard of.  What I found, much to my displeasure, was that these were actually novellas or in my opinion 7 chapters of a whole book and not 7 individual books.  It is also clear that it wasn't professionally edited as the formatting caused a lot of dialogue confusion.  As for the storyline and plot, I didn't have high hopes but as it progressed it developed more depth and intrigue.  It's not the best book I have ever read, but I enjoyed it a little, probably not enough to continue paying $3.00 for a 27 page "novella" but if I ever get bored down the road, who knows.

My Score:

     Because I feel slight ripped off I'm giving these "books" ♥♥ (2 hearts)

Illusions (Laurel Series #3) by Aprilynne Pike

Blurb about this book:

     "I don't do patrols, I don't go hunting, I just stick close to you. You live your life. I'll keep you safe," Tamani said, sweeping a lock of hair from her face. "Or die trying."  Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year.  Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice.  But just as life returns to normal, Laurel realizes that a hidden enemy lies in wait.  Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible.  And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail.

My POV:

     The first half of the book is her trying to decide between the steadfast human David and the steamy Tamani who is Lauren's personal faerie guardian; they're equally loyal and smitten.  Her daily life hits a road block when Klea, a tough special-ops fighter who frequently saves Laurel's life but seems untrustworthy, asks Laurel to befriend Yuki, an exchange student who's very suspicious.  This book was the best of all three; although her love triangle is really starting to wear on my nerves, just pick one already!  The end of the book was left on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the fourth one to come out. 

My Score:

     I give this book ♥♥♥ (3 hearts).

Spells (Laurel Series #2) by Aprilynne Pike

Blurb about the book:

     Although Laurel has come to accept her true identity as a faerie, she refuses to turn her back on her human life—and especially her boyfriend, David—to return to the faerie world. But when she is summoned to Avalon, Laurel can no longer deny her feelings for the charismatic faerie sentry Tamani. She is forced to make a choice—a choice that could break her heart.

My POV:

     Laurel goes to the Academy of Avalon to begin a summer of intensive training as a Fall faerie in order to protect her family from the threat of her troll nemesis, Jeremiah Barnes.  Her relationship with David, her human boyfriend, has deepened, but she still feels ties to Tamani, her faerie sentry, and she constantly questions where she belongs.  In the end, she is forced to choose between her two worlds.  As before the beginning of the book drags on and on but towards the middle it got a little better.  Again, the concept is fantastic but the execution was a little lacking.

My Score:

     I would give this book ♥♥♥ (3 hearts).

Wings (Laurel Series #1) by Aprilynne Pike

Blurb about the book:
    

     Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words. Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings. In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

 
My POV:
 

     The concept of the book was phenomenal!  There were so many things that I've never read in a story before.  Now for the cons.  This book gets off to a very slow start, there's tons of back-story dumped in awkward places throughout and back to back chapters full of nothing but dialogue.  All in all, I see some definite potential, and I'm excited to see what the next few books hold.  

 
My Score:

     Liked it but could use some work.  ♥♥♥ (3 hearts)

Balefire: A Chalice of Wind - A Circle of Ashes - A Feather of Stone - A Necklace of Water by Cate Tiernan

Blurb about this book:

     Seventeen-year-old Thais Allard never knew about her sister-or her legacy-until her father died. Now Thais has been sent to live in New Orleans, where she meets her identical twin, Clio Martin, and learns that they both possess powerful magick flowing in their blood.

     It's not an easy discovery for either sister. While Thais struggles to unlock the magick within her, fiery Clio must learn to share the spotlight with her new-found twin. Together, they are capable of greater magick than they realize - and there are those who will stop at nothing to ensure that they don't live to reach their full potential.

My POV:

     I was consistently annoyed with this book.  The first couple of chapter's are her trying to introduce 13 different characters.  That in itself was messy enough to make me almost put the book down and walk away; but, I kept going anyway, vowing to finish.  It was a struggle, but towards the middle of the book, I was getting into it more, finally starting to learn more about Thais and Clio, who have very different, yet very strong likeable personalities.  Then you get down to the last chapter or so and you get hit with a very abrupt, forced and seriously incomplete ending.  There are so many loose ends that don't get tied up that you're left wondering "why me?"  Although I didn't enjoy any of those parts, I still liked learning about magic and darkness in this world.  I recommend this as a last resort read.

My Score:

     My score for this is ♥♥ (2 hearts). 

Giving Scores

     Out of the several books I've already review, I think most of the scoring has been 4 out of 5 stars.  This is because I didn't find them 100 percent amazing but I didn't think there was very much to improve on.  Sort of contradictory I suppose.  However, don't let this discourage you from reading the opinions or for that matter just getting a brief idea of what the book is like.  These are my personal thoughts about them and I would love to get additional feedback.  So if you've read one of these books and you agree and/or disagree with me, please send me a message or comment and let me know what's up.  

     Also, keep in mind that while there aren't any negative book reviews yet, there will be.  I have read plenty of books that I thought were terrible doozies that I just haven't gotten to yet, so stay tuned!

Shimmer (Riley Bloom Series #2) by Alyson Noel

Blurb about this book:

     Having solved the matter of the Radiant Boy, Riley, Buttercup, and Bodhi are enjoying a well-deserved vacation. When Riley comes across a vicious black dog, against Bodhi’s advice, she decides to cross him over. While following the dog, she runs into a young ghost named Rebecca. Despite Rebecca’s sweet appearance, Riley soon learns she’s not at all what she seems. As the daughter of a former plantation owner, she is furious about being murdered during a slave revolt in 1733. Mired in her own anger, Rebecca is lashing out by keeping the ghosts who died along with her trapped in their worst memories. Can Riley help Rebecca forgive and forget without losing herself to her own nightmarish memories?

My POV:

     Riley's newly discovered talents are put to the test when she meets Rebecca as she tries to find a way to free the trapped souls, and help Rebecca let go of a horrible event in her past.

     Alyson Noel has many hidden talents and being able to perceive a world through a 12 yr old's eyes and write about themes such as slavery, and the horrid things that happened during that unpleasant time in our history, while always keeping a glimmer of hope on the horizon is absolutely amazing.

My Score:

     An amazing follow up to Radiance.  I give this book ♥♥♥♥ (4 hearts).

Radiance (Riley Bloom Series #1) by Alyson Noel

Blurb about this book:

     Riley has crossed the bridge into the afterlife and has picked up life where she left off when she was alive, living with her parents and dog in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. When she's summoned before The Council, she learns that the afterlife isn't just an eternity of leisure. She's been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a possibly cute, seemingly nerdy boy who s definitely hiding something. They return to earth together for Riley's first assignment, a Radiant Boy who's been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But all of that was before he met Riley...

My POV:

     This is Riley's story.  It's about her learning her place and purpose in the after- life.  She is spunky, a bit bratty, and finds herself in the end a bit wiser than she thought she could become.  I like the idea that she has her own story but would have enjoyed it a bit more if she at least had some form of contact with Ever, her sister from the Immortal's series.

My Score:

     Althogether good book with it being only 178 pages long.  I give this book ♥♥♥♥ (4 hearts).

Wisdom (My Blood Approves Series #4) by Amanda Hocking

Blurb about the book:

     For her eighteenth birthday, Alice Bonham takes a vacation to Australia only to have her trip cut short by an unexpected murder.  Alice tries to understand what happened and resigns herself to revenge while at the same time dealing with her own personal reeling emotions of regret at some of the choices she's made, especially the more permanent ones.

My POV:

    This book has just as much romance, action, mystery, thrills, twists and turns at the first 3. Almost everything about this book was enjoyable (except of course the typos).  Amanda brings out more of the character's you have yet to get a good view on, such as Bobby, her brother's boyfriend.  As opposed to the other books, most of the storyline takes place outside of the house which is a nice reprieve.

My Score:

     Can't wait for the next book to come out.  I highly recommend this series!  ♥♥♥♥ (4 hearts)

Flutter (My Blood Approves Series #3) by Amanda Hocking

Blurb about the book:

     Being undead doesn't make life any easier for Alice Bonham.  Her younger brother's love life is heating up, while hers is... more complicated.  Mae is falling apart, her best friend Jane is addicted to vampire bites, and if Alice doesn't get her bloodlust under control, someone will end up dead.  Alice volunteers for a rescue mission with Ezra, but going up against a pack of rabid vampires (lycans) might be too much, even for him.

My POV:

     This series had sucked me right in!  I love Alice's character.  The farther into the series you go, the more strong & independent she becomes!  Ending was very good and well written (sans the typos), and that to me is what added excitment to the series.

My Score:

     Fantastical!  ♥♥♥♥ (4 hearts)

Fate (My Blood Approves Series #2) by Amanda Hocking

Blurb about the book:

     Alice Bonham thinks she's found a balance in her life between the supernatural and real life Milo, her brother.  Jack keeps her at arm's length to keep her safe and his brother Peter, well, she's not sure where he's at.  When tragedy happens, Alice finds herself struggling with a terrible choice.

My POV:

     This series just get's better and better!  I recommend this to any that enjoy's a good vampire romance! Alice does get a little annoying with the Jack and Peter love triangle (pick one already, sheesh), but I think that's part of what keeps me wanting to read more.

My Score:

     Amanda Hocking is amazing!  ♥♥♥♥ (4 hearts)

My Blood Approves (My Blood Approves Series #1) by Amanda Hocking

Blurb about the book:

     Alice Bonham's life feels crazy after she meets Jack, who is different from anyone she has ever met.  Then she meets his brother, Peter.  Even though he can't stand the sight of her, she's drawn to him.  Falling for two guys isn't even the worst of her problems.  Jack and Peter are vampires, and Alice finds herself caught between love and her own blood

My POV:

     The story starts out just a bit slow but then the story takes off and really sucks you in!  I wish that Alice had figured things out a little bit faster (it was obvious they were vampires), though I still enjoyed the process of getting to know the characters. 

My Score:

     Good start to another fantastic series!  ♥♥♥♥ (4 stars)

Ascend (Trylle Triology #3) by Amanda Hocking

Blurb about the book:

     The final book in the Trylle Trilogy.  With a war looming on the horizon, Wendy’s fate seems sealed, but everything she sacrificed might be in vain if she can’t save the ones she loves.

     Her whole life has been leading up to this, and it’s all coming to an end.

My POV:

     It seemed a bit slow in plot progression at first but it redeemed itself.  The storyline is fantastic and I loved her depth as a character which has changed dramatically since the first book.  Her willingness to sacrifice her happiness for the greater good of the Kingdom is amazing.

My score:

     What a great ending to a triology!  I would give this book ♥♥♥♥ (4 hearts).



Torn (Trylle Trilogy #2) by Amanda Hocking

Blurb about the book:

     Wendy Everly thought she finally understood who she was and what she wanted, but its not long before everything she imagined changes when the rival Vittra come for her.

     Close to turning 18, she's now caught between two worlds, torn between love and duty, and she must decide what life she is going to lead.  Which kingdom will she choose to rule?

My POV:

     After running away with Rhys, back to her home with her brother Matt and Aunt Maggie, Wendy tries to live a normal life.  It's not long before the Vittra kidnap Wendy and take her to meet the Vittra King, Oren.  Wendy learns new information about the rest of her family, the side her mother conveniently didn't tell her about.  She meets a new ally and possible love interest who helps her escape back to the place she realizes she should never have abandoned.

     In this book, Wendy's character grows into a more rational, logical, and passionate person.  While she struggles to become the leader she is born to be, she needs to first overcome her fear of leading.  More twists, more turns, more forbidden love and plenty of mishaps along the way.  Another book I couldn't put down. 

  
My Score:

     A fantastic follow-up to the first book in the series.  I would give this book ♥♥♥♥ (4 hearts).



Switched (Trylle Trilogy #1) by Amanda Hocking

Blurb about the book:

     On Wendy Everly's sixth birthday, her mother, who was convinced she was a monster, tried to kill her.  Her brother Matt and her Aunt Maggie raised her, moving from town to town after incidents at each school would cause her to get expelled.

     Now seventeen, Wendy finds out her mother might've been telling the truth.  After an attack from the Vittra, Finn Holmes whisks Wendy away to a world she never knew existed.  She finds out she is more than a rebellious teenager with a chip on her shoulder.  But this new world is more than she bargained for and it's one she's not sure if she wants to be a part of, ever.

My POV:

     Wendy tries to acclimate to her new life with the Trylle while still holding onto her old one.  This book has secrets and lots of them, some revealed and some not, forbidden love and plenty of other sneaky plots to keep you entertained throughout.

     Although there are quite a bit of reviews comparing this series to Twilight, its not, and I completely disagree with that assumption.  The plot, characters and pretty much everything else are different.  During this book, I wasn't too impressed with the main character, Wendy.  She takes immature and bratty to new extremes.  However, all in all, this book was fantastic.  I really couldn't put it down and once you get past all the craziness and see it through, if you're like me, you'll be happy that you did.

  

My Score:

     Good start to a very interesting and completely different series than I've ever read so far.  I would give this book ♥♥♥♥ (4 hearts).

Everlasting (Immortals Series #6) by Alyson Noel

Blurb about the book:

     The sixth and final book in the best-selling Immortals Series by Alyson Noel.  With nothing standing in their way, Damen and Ever are able to explore every viable option available to free Damen from the poison lingering in his body.  If they can just find the antidote, they’ll finally be able to feel each other’s touch and explore each other in ways they've been longing to for centuries. 

     Little did they know that their fight for knowledge would lead them into the darkest part of Summerland.  Ever and Damen go back in time to the origin of their problems to find out why fate keeps tearing them apart.  Are they really meant to be together...forever?  When the final mystery is unraveled, Ever and Damen’s future will hinge on one ultimate decision that will put everything at stake, even eternity.

My POV:

     I think this was a great ending to the series.  At first, I wasn't sure where it was all going and although parts of it still seem irrelevant to me and/or rushed, I liked it all the same.  Ever and Damen set out on similar but separate journey's to find out just what's been keeping them apart.  Every time they get close to being together in the way they want forever, something happens and they have to take a giant step back.  This book has hidden twists, hard truth's, and even the romance you've been waiting for since book 1 (sorry for the spoiler). 

My Score:

     Ever and Damen are a one of a kind couple and this series is one of my favorite's, so I give this book in particular ♥♥♥♥♥ (5 hearts).