ARC Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton - Blog Tour

Title: Everneath
Series: Debut!
Author: Brodi Ashton | Website
Available: Now!
Genre: Paranormal
Reading Level: YA
Source: Teen Book Scene












Synopsis via Goodreads:


Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever. 

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists. 

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen. 

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's..

Quotable Quotes:

“Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.”

My thoughts:


Main character, Nikki Beckett, has just returned from the Everneath. While there she spent 1000 years attached to Cole who fed on her emotions. Nikki chooses to return to the life she left behind in order to say goodbye. Only 6 months have passed in the real world, but rumors are swirling with speculation about where Nikki has been and the relationships she left behind have been damaged by her unexplained absence. Nikki has 6 months to say goodbye before she’ll return to the Everneath permanently. Emotionless and physically spent, readjusting to her old life is harder than she could have ever imagined, but Nikki is determined to right her wrongs and say goodbye to her father, brother, and the boy she loved.

Loved this book! I was so impressed with the world Brodi Ashton created and her ability to make me feel such a strong array of emotions. I loved her take on the story of Persephone and the tidbits of Greek mythology that were laced throughout the plot. The best part was the characters. I’m very much what you would call a “character driven reader” and Everneath contains characters I just adored.


Now let’s talk about these fabulous characters. Oh my!  Everneath contains characters I couldn’t help but to connect with and care about. Nikki has experienced so much heartache. She returns from the Everneath depleted of all emotions. She is a shell of what she was before, but as memories return the wounds she forgot begin to surface. I’ve read reviews that fault Nikki for her choices, but girl had spent 1000 Everneath years attached to what can only be described as an emotion sucking leech. She lost memories right along with those emotions. A lack of good judgment, confusion, and delayed reactions are expected.

Oh poor tortured Cole. Where do I even begin. I should hate him. Cole is the book’s “bad guy”. Initially I didn’t like him at all. I mean he did escort Nikki to the Everneath in order to feed on her emotions. Yet, as the story progressed I found I felt sorry for him. As strong and secure as he presents himself, there just seems to be something more to him. A layer he doesn’t expose. We see hints of his vulnerability during Everneath, and I have to admit it made me warm up to him bad guy or not.  I have a soft spot for damaged, but redeemable characters. Not 100% sure if Cole fits that description, but I’m looking forward to getting to know him more as the series continues.

Jack is just 100% good guy. He is your boy next door. Loved him! He doesn’t offer the mysterious edge that we get with Cole, but he is so freaking sweet.  I can totally see why Nikki thought of him constantly while trapped in the Everneath and opted to come back in order to see him one last time.

The presence of two boys kind of sort of screams love triangle, but it isn’t at all what you expect. I’m not even sure if Cole is in the running for love interest. There is a connection between him and Nikki, but the struggle we see in some YA where the MC is conflicted over which boy she loves more is not present in Everneath. I don’t mind love triangles (actually I kind of like them), but I wanted to put this out there for those of you who don’t. 

So yes I really adored Everneath. It is a strong debut, with fantastic writing, and amazing characters. I can’t wait for the next!

 My Rating:

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ARC Review: Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey - Blog Tour

Title: Dragonswood
Series: Wilde Island Chronicles #2
Author: Janet Lee Carey | Website
Available: 1/5/2012
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: YA












Synopsis via Goodreads:

Wilde Island is in an uproar after the recent death of its king. The uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans is fraying, and a bloodthirsty witch hunter with a hidden agenda whips villages into frenzies with wild accusations. Tess, a blacksmith’s daughter from a tiny hamlet near the mysterious Dragonswood, finds herself caught in the crosshairs of fate when she is accused of witchery and has to flee for her life along with her two best friends. 

Not even Tess’s power to see the future can help the girls as they set off on their desperate journey, but she keeps having visions of a man wielding a sword. And when she finally meets him, Tess has no idea how to handle the magnetic attraction she feels for him, or the elusive call she hears from the heart of the Dragonswood. 

In this epic romance, an ancient prophecy comes true in a way neither dragon, fairy, nor human would have predicted.

My thoughts:

Dragonswood satisfied a craving I wasn't even aware I had. Obviously my book diet has been seriously lacking fantasy lately. I just didn't realize how bad until I started reading this enchanting novel.  Tess takes readers on an incredible journey. I found myself staying up late at night because I just couldn't bring myself to put her captivating tale down. The magical combination of a historical setting, dragons, fairies and romance had me falling in love at first page.


I absolutely loved Tess. She craved an independence that women during her time didn't typically have. Instead she was forced to live in fear with her mother and abusive father. Who would of thought being accused of witchcraft and forced to flee could be so liberating? Tess is a strong and admirable character. She stayed true to herself throughout the book and as a reader I appreciated this. The secondary characters were also a pleasure. I wish the dragons would have had a little more time in the spotlight. The few scenes where they spoke or interacted with the characters were without a doubt my favorites. I just have so much love for those scaled beasts ♥ 


I found the pacing of Dragonswood to be wonderful until the end. The ending just seemed a little rushed and the writing didn't flow as nicely as it did throughout the majority of the novel. I also had difficulty with the epilogue. Tess seemed to have a different "voice". I'm not sure if this was to help reflect the time that had passed and how she had changed. It just didn't feel like I was reading from the POV of the same girl I'd just spent almost 400 pages with. 


While the ending could have been smoother it didn't in any way squash the massive amount of love I have for this wonderful book. I still found Dragonswood an absolute delight to read! I highly recommend it and hope to read more by Janet Lee Carey very soon.


While visiting Janet Lee Carey's website I discovered Dragonswood is technically the second book in the Wilde Island Chronicles. I wasn't aware of this little bit of info when I first started reading. I haven't had the pleasure of reading the first novel, Dragon's Keep. I don't feel reading out of order made Dragonswood any less enjoyable and never really felt like I was missing anything. 

My Rating:

Review: Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis

Title: Kat, Incorrigible
Series: The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephens #1
Author: Stephanie Burgis | Website
Available: Now
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Middle Grade
Source: Galley Grab










Description via Goodreads:


Katherine Ann Stephenson has just discovered that she's inherited her mother's magical talents, and despite Stepmama's stern objections, she's determined to learn how to use them. But with her eldest sister Elissa's intended fiancé, the sinister Sir Neville, showing a dangerous interest in Kat's magical potential; her other sister, Angeline, wreaking romantic havoc with her own witchcraft; and a highwayman lurking in the forest, even Kat's reckless heroism will be tested to the upmost. If she can learn to control her new powers, will Kat be able to rescue her family and win her sisters their true love?


My thoughts:


Kat is the youngest of the widowed vicar’s three daughters, and the constant bane of her stepmother’s existence. When Kat discovers she has inherited her mother’s gift for magic she hopes she can find a way to solve her family’s financial woes that doesn’t involve her older sister marrying the frightening Sir Neville. The only catch is the magic is off limits so she can’t let anyone know about her new found talent. Kat manages to stir up all kinds of trouble along the way.

I have a list of things that seems to draw me to certain books. This list just happens to include magic, a strong-minded heroine, a historical time period, or an England setting. Kat, Incorrigible had ALL of these. This book was like my dream read come true. Oh how much do I adore this book! It was truly a breath of fresh air.

Don’t let the cartoon cover fool you. This is a book that can easily appeal to fantasy and magic fans of all ages. The precocious Kat is one of the most delightful heroines I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Her hijinks never failed to entertain. The secondary characters contained the perfect amount of quirkiness. I have a soft spot for eccentric characters, and this little book was packed full of them. I loved the unique qualities each of the three sisters possessed and when you put them all together the sibling banter was so much fun. There is also a brother who I hope we’ll get to meet as this series continues.

The plot was a perfect mix of action and entertaining dialogue. I didn’t want to see it end! I can’t rave enough about this amazing book. I’m so glad it is a series debut and not a standalone novel. I can’t wait to tag along on more of Kat’s wild adventures. If I could give it a rating higher than 5 stars I would. Kat, Incorrigible is my newest favorite book! 

Review & Giveaway: The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle

Title: The Secret of Spruce Knoll
Series: The Channelers #1
Author: Heather McCorkle | Website
Available: Now
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy
Reading Level: YA
Source: Author












Description via Goodreads:


It’s hard enough being a teenager under normal circumstances; imagine being orphaned, sent to live with an unfamiliar aunt—and learning that there really is magic in the world. Following the tragic death of her parents, Eren Donovan moves to Spruce Knoll to live with her aunt. Little does Eren know the entire town of Spruce Knoll is filled with “channelers”—a magical group of people who immigrated to the small Colorado town when they were driven out of their own lands. 

Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they—and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Now, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, his charm convinces her that being a channeler may not be all bad. 

As Eren and Aiden’s relationship blooms, so too does a mystery in Spruce Knoll. The town holds many secrets—and many enemies. It soon becomes apparent that the untimely death of Eren’s parents-and Aidens-was no accident and that her life might be in danger, too. Only time will tell if Eren has the power to protect the people she has come to love


My thoughts:


Heather McCorkle’s debut novel takes us into the mysterious community of Spruce Knoll. Main character, Eren, is forced to move with her aunt to the small-town after the death of her parents. Once she arrives she quickly realizes there is something more to the isolated community than meets the eye. Separated by culture and extremely protective of what land is theirs. Secrets soon come to the surface and she is informed she is a Channeler with powers linked to the earth. Talk about information overload! Eren finds a new friend (and crush) in an Irish boy named Aiden. He seems to make her strange new life almost bearable. Then the drama begins to unfold and Eren is thrust into a web of danger and deceit.

I have always enjoyed reading Heather’s blog posts and following her journey into the world of a published write. The Secret of Spruce Knoll contains the same well thought out and structured writing I’ve come to associate with Heather. The world building is truly amazing. She paid great attention down to the smallest detail. As a reader it was so easy to imagine myself running beside Eren as she explored her new home. Speaking of Eren, I really enjoyed getting to know the Channeler in training. She’d been dealt a tough hand at the start of the book and seemed to be taking it better than I would in her shoes. Life in Spruce Knoll isn’t easy for her. It isn’t common for residents to marry outside of their culture, so her Mayan/Irish blood made her a target for dirty looks and hate. 

There was also a really great mystery and loads of suspense. Eren didn’t expect so much excitement when she first laid eyes on Spruce Knoll. Unfortunately, she finds herself the focus of some not so nice people who definitely don't want to see her cozying up to the Irish hottie, Aiden. As Eren gets deeper and deeper into the drama she is shocked by the discoveries she makes.

The Secret of Spruce Knoll is a beautifully executed debut novel. I’m excited to see what Heather McCorkle has planned for the lovely Eren next. Please keep in mind The Secret of Spruce Knoll does contain scenes that may be a little dark and heavy for younger teens. I’d recommend it for ages 15+

My Rating:

Giveaway:

Books aren’t the only thing I get all passionate and crazy about. I’m also a HUGE animal lover. This seems to be something I share with the lovely Heather McCorkle. She is doing something awesome and donating a portion of the proceeds from a special edition of The Secret of Spruce Knoll to her favorite charity that helps endangered species. So I decided I would love to give a copy to one of you.

Open to residents of the U.S

To enter leave a comment telling me what your favorite endangered species is along with a way to contact you (email/twitter/carrier pigeon/etc.)

Ends 11/27

If you would like to order your very own special edition of The Secret of Spruce Knoll & help some endangered critters info can be found here: http://thecompasspress.blogspot.com/

ARC Review: Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

Title: Shattered Souls

Author: Mary Lindsey

Available: 12/8/11

Reading Level: YA

Genre: Paranormal

Source: Teen Book Scene

Description from Goodreads:

A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny and danger

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

My thoughts:

I hadn't had the best of luck with books involving reincarnation prior to reading Shattered Souls, but I do love a good ghost story so I knew I had to read this. Thankfully, I enjoyed reading this story immensely. What a relief right? Mary Lindsey wrote a book that I think has the ability to knock readers socks off. It has the paranormal elements and romance that is so hot in YA right now, but she delivers it with a genuinely unique premise.


Shattered Souls is such a perfectly executed tale of ghost stories and past lives. It is a combination guaranteed to please. I find the subject of reincarnation so intriguing, but up until this point I'd found most attempts to explore it in fiction to be a huge let down. Mary Lindsey takes this intriguing topic and really creates something special with it. She has such a great voice, and the plot's pace flowed so wonderfully. 


I loved Lenzi, and her relationship with Alden wasn't typical of what we expect to see in YA, but it was still 100% swoon worthy. Then there is Zak. He is seriously troubled, and the interactions between him and Lenzi really give the book an edge. Things do get a little dark and intense between the two, but it only adds depth and emotion to an all ready well-constructed story. Be warned the suspense in this one is killer. I couldn't bring myself to put it down once I started reading. 


I highly recommend giving this fabulous debut novel a chance to wow you! I don't think you'll be disappointed. I also wanted to add that I think this is a standalone novel, but I would love to read more about the characters I met in Shattered Souls.

My Rating:

Mary Lindsey on the web:

Website | Blog | Twitter

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Review: The Taker by Alma Katsu (Blog Tour)

Title: The Taker
Author: Alma Katsu | Website
Available: 9/6/11
Genre: Historical/Paranormal
Reading Level: Adult
Source: Publisher












Description from Goodreads:

True love can last an eternity . . . but immortality comes at a price. . . .

On the midnight shift at a hospital in rural Maine, Dr. Luke Findley is expecting another quiet evening of frostbite and the occasional domestic dispute. But the minute Lanore McIlvrae—Lanny—walks into his ER, she changes his life forever. A mysterious woman with a past and plenty of dark secrets, Lanny is unlike anyone Luke has ever met. He is inexplicably drawn to her . . . despite the fact that she is a murder suspect with a police escort. And as she begins to tell her story, a story of enduring love and consummate betrayal that transcends time and mortality, Luke finds himself utterly captivated.

Her impassioned account begins at the turn of the nineteenth century in the same small town of St. Andrew, Maine, back when it was a Puritan settlement. Consumed as a child by her love for the son of the town’s founder, Lanny will do anything to be with him forever. But the price she pays is steep—an immortal bond that chains her to a terrible fate for all eternity. And now, two centuries later, the key to her healing and her salvation lies with Dr. Luke Findley.

Part historical novel, part supernatural page-turner, The Taker is an unforgettable tale about the power of unrequited love not only to elevate and sustain, but also to blind and ultimately destroy, and how each of us is responsible for finding our own path to redemption.

My thoughts:

The Taker is told in both modern time as well as with the help of flashbacks. There are even flashbacks within the flashbacks. I was initially drawn to this title because of my love of historical novels. Paranormal elements are still so rare in historical novels, and I was excited to see how Alma Katsu used the historical setting and paranormal elements together. I also must admit this book turned out to be not at all like I had expected. After seeing so much about the epic romance it contained, I expected something a little more swoon worthy and was completely surprised by how dark and disturbing a large majority of the story was. This isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy The Taker. I did very much so. It just ended up being nothing like I had anticipated when I started reading.

This is a tale that will bring on so many emotions and is most definitely not for the faint of heart. Even though I found some parts difficult to read, I still became completely invested in Lanore's story of her past and extremely curious about how Luke would factor into her future. I kept telling myself just one more page as I read deep into the night. I couldn’t tear myself away. 

The writing in The Taker flowed so beautifully even when paired with a cast that seemed almost deranged at times. This is unlike anything else I have ever read. I don’t want to give much away in my review. I feel the synopsis is vague for a reason. This is a book that is meant to be read with only a brief idea of what to expect. Part of the pleasure is uncovering the secrets, scandal and drama while reading. I’d recommend The Taker, but please keep in mind it does contain violence and sexual situations some may find difficult to read about.

My Rating:

Character Interview: Hatta from Hatter by Daniel Coleman

I’m excited to welcome Hatta, from Daniel Coleman’s Hatter, to the blog today!

How old were you when you discovered you could communicate with animals?

Might I first commend you for saying 'communicate' instead of 'talk'.  As you've no doubt realized, anyone can talk to animals.  It would be communicating with them that many people find difficult. Rather than when I first realized I could do it, I think a better question would be how old was I when I realized other people couldn't.  Or didn't.  But I can't say, as I never have known my age.

           

Do you remember the first animal you ever communicated with?

A cat was most likely the first to communicate with me.  They are still the most expressive animal I know of.  It's as easy to read a cat as it is to smell breakfast or hear crunching leaves.  I would think that anyone who can't tell what a cat is thinking simply has never seen a cat.

You have a great fascination with color. What do you consider your favorite color?

If there is anything more wonderful than colors I haven't met it, but I could never choose just one favorite.  The obvious answer which I won't say is rainbow.  Some colors I do care deeply for are: sunset, glimmer beetle, autumn, and the sky behind lightning.  I think lava would be my favorite color I've never seen.  It sounds quite powerful.

 At what age did you start dressing in such colorful clothing?

I don't seem to remember when I started remembering anything, but I remember dyeing my clothes at that age.  Grass made consistent greens.  I found a lichen that made red.  And rust always worked for rust color.

Was learning to make mirrors while in Shey’s Orchard difficult?

I haven't found many things difficult in my life.  Interacting with unfriendly people. Recalling names.  Large gatherings of people.  Oh, and of course, mules.   

What is the most delicious thing you have ever eaten?

My most memorable meals have been delicious for reasons one might not think.  On the road from T'lai to Frenala, a traveler shared some dried apples with me.  The kindness was perfectly scrumptious.  Another day, the Cheshire Cat led me to some winterberries.  The companionship was delectable.   I don't remember how the meal tasted that I shared with (EDITED FOR SPOILERS), but it was likely the most enjoyable I've ever eaten.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I'll gladly share whatever you might need.  Coins?  Provisions?  My roof?  Hmm, those may be difficult considering the distance.  Might I share some words about kind words?  --A kind word may be duller than a sword, but it lasts much longer--   

Thanks for stopping by, Hatta! It was a pleasure getting to know you better. You can read my review of Hatter here.

Review: Hatter by Daniel Coleman (Blog Tour)

Title: Hatter
Author: Daniel Coleman  
Author Website
Available: Now
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Fantasy














Description from Goodreads:


There's nothing wrong with a touch of madness. - Cheshire Cat

In a kingdom that doesn't need saving, a young man ignorant of social norms is the unlikeliest of heroes. And despite his extreme dislike of confrontation, Hatta knows his destiny is to mend a rift that doesn't exist.

On the other end of the spectrum is Chism, a young Elite soldier who thrives on conflict. How will this rash, obsessive soldier aid the child-like Hatta in his journey?

Throw in the Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts and other familiar characters as they emerge to fill their eminent roles in the tangled ascent into madness of literature's most lovable lunatic. 


My thoughts:


Hatter is a companion novel to Daniel Coleman’s Jabberwocky which I haven’t had the chance to read. Hatter can be read without reading Jabberwocky first. There are references to events and characters from Jabberwocky over the course of Hatter, but it didn’t cause any confusion for me. If anything it made me want to read Jabberwocky so I could learn more about this very cool world.


As a huge fan of all things Wonderland, I was curious to see how the author would portray its well known inhabitants. As the title suggests we get to know The Mad Hatter better in Hatter. The narration alternates between the voice of Hatta and Chism. The two couldn’t be more different. I’m not usually a fan of books told from the POV of more than one character, but in the case of Hatter it worked well.  I enjoyed the multiple story lines and was anticipating how the author would bring them all together. He did an amazing job with the conclusion, and I was thrilled to see no questions left unanswered. 


The world the author created was really stellar. I especially loved when a Wonderland character would show up on the scene. I enjoyed experiencing how the author portrayed each one, as well as the backstory he created for them. Some were exactly how I’d imagined and others definitely were not. It was fun to see them through the eyes of both Hatta and Chism. With the two characters being so very different, it was interesting to see how their opinions of the secondary characters would vary. Hatta almost always saw the best in people. His kind and forgiving nature never ceased to amaze me. Chism was much more jaded and this caused him to see others in a much different light than the eccentric Hatta. The differing perspectives really helped to keep Hatta interesting, and I thought the entire plot flowed at a perfect pace. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who loves Alice’s world as much as I do.

My Rating:

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Stop by tomorrow to read my interview with Hatta!