Review + Giveaway: Sealed with a Curse by Cecy Robson

Title: Sealed with a Curse
Author: Cecy Robson
Series: Weird Girls #1
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: 12/31/12
Reviewed by: Sara
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Summary:

Celia Wird and her three sisters are just like other 20-something girls -- with one tiny exception: they're products of a backfired curse that has given each of them unique powers that make them, well, weird...

The Wird sisters are content to avoid the local vampires, werebeasts, and witches of the Lake Tahoe region -- until one of them blows up a vampire in self-defense. Everyone knows vampires aren't aggressive, and killing one is punishable by death. But soon more bloodlust-fueled attacks occur, and the community wonders: are the vampires of Tahoe cursed with a plague?

Celia reluctantly agrees to help Misha, the handsome leader of an infected vampire family. But Aric, the head of the werewolf pack determined to destroy Misha's family to keep the region safe, warns Celia to stay out of the fight. Caught between two hot alphas, Celia must find a way to please everyone, save everyone, and oh yeah, not lose her heart to the wrong guy -- or die a miserable death. Because now that the evil behind the plague knows who Celia is, it’s coming for her and her sisters. This Wird girl has never had it so tough.

Plot: 4 Stars
The powers that the four Wird sisters received through a curse are very interesting. I really liked how they were able to work together with their different abilities when fighting bad guys. I really enjoyed the fresh, new take on vampires and werewolves that the author brought to the table. And the bloodlust plaguing the vampire community kept everyone, including me, on their toes. Over and over, the sisters' found themselves in tight situations that I didn't think they'd find a way out of. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat for most of the novel.

Pace: 4 Stars
This novel started out with a bang as the sisters were dragged into vampire court to defend themselves. From there, it was a non-stop journey as they dealt with the vampire bloodlust. One of the things that made the novel really flow for me was how the sisters went to work at the hospital in between the fight scenes. And sometimes the danger met them at the hospital. There was never a dull moment as the sisters ran into danger at every turn as they tried to help Misha and his vampires, along with Aric and the werewolves.

Characters: 5 Stars
The Wird girls are some of the best characters I have read. All four of them were strong in their own ways with their own powers. No one overshadowed everyone else. This book was balanced between the four of them in a way I haven't read before. Most series that involve larger groups of main characters focus on a different character in each book. Although Celia narrated this novel, she never overshadowed the Taran, Shayna, or Emme. All four sisters had a moment in which I said to myself, "She's my favorite!" I'll have to read the next novel to figure out which one is actually my favorite because right now they're all tied. I wish we could've seen more of Bren and Danny because I really enjoyed their interactions with the sisters. Although I thought the some of the relationships with the wolves seemed a bit rushed at first, but soon grew to enjoy the wolves and their protective instincts.

Cover: 4 Stars
There are many details to this cover that I really enjoy. I like how the color is kinda purple and kinda blue because it reminds me of twilight (the time of day, not the book). I really enjoy the swirls on the title. I like the full moon showing through the branches in the background. I like the claw marks on the cover model, and I think she's a great interpretation of Celia. I think the only thing keeping this cover from being great to me is the fact that I'm missing the other three sisters. I realize there isn't room on a cover for four people, but I enjoyed all four sisters and would've really liked for them to be represented.

Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I received an eARC of this novel from via Netgalley and also purchased a finished copy with a GC I received as a gift.

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Now, for the giveaway! Cecy has offered up an advanced reader copy (ARC) of Sealed with a Curse to one lucky winner. To enter just leave a comment with a valid e-mail address. For extra entries, you can follow Cecy on Twitter or Facebook. The giveaway will be open until 11:59pm on Monday 01/21. I will choose a winner using random.org.

Review: Second Chance by Heather Brewer

Title: Second Chance
Author: Heather Brewer
Series: Slayer Chronicles #2
Publisher: Dial
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 10/16/12
Reviewed by: Christen
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Summary:

The stakes are life or death.

The summer after Joss failed to kill the vampire Vladimir Tod, he gets a second chance to prove himself as a Slayer. He is sent to New York City to hunt down a serial killer that the Slayer Society believes is a vampire. It is up to Joss to lead his Slayer team, and through their detective work, they discover that there are actually four vampire brothers who are on the killing rampage. Joss must use all his skill to save the innocent people of New York City from the murderers. Joss's status as a Slayer depends on it.

The Slayer Chronicles can be read alongside The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod or entirely on their own. This second installment gives readers even more insight into the nightmares that drive Joss the Slayer.

Plot: 3 Stars
To save his neck for the screw up that happened between the first and second book, Joss must take the leadership role in his very first mission with the Slayer Society. I get it on a superficial level, but if you actually think about it, why would anybody think that holding a fifteen year old responsible for the lives of his five team members is a good idea? Why would they also expect a fifteen year old boy to take on super fast, super strong and mind-reading vampires without a weapon of any kind? I know, I know, it's just a book, plus Vlad kind of needs a foe his own age, but taking this series as a stand alone, it doesn't give you enough of a glimpse into why Joss is so bothered by what happened between books and why Dorian's character is so important. But that very well may be elaborated on in the next book.

Pace: 3.5 Stars
I found the pace to be a bit slow in places when there was a lot of inner dialogue, but all in all it was a steady read.

Characters: 4 Stars
I find Joss to be a wonderful character. I really feel the sad, lonely little boy he is deep inside. You can also get a sense of the psychological issues he has dealing with the guilt over the death of his sister. I am also glad that he was given a friend in Morgan. And although Morgan has his own demons, I felt that Joss' character grew from the interaction that happened between them. On the other hand, Uncle Abraham I do not understand. It's like he wants Joss to suffer even though he claims he loves him. In the first book, I understood his behavior but in this book all I got were mixed signals when it came to him.

Cover: 5 Stars
I love the covers to this and the Vlad series! I love that the match each other, I love that each one is a different color, and I love how the two series play off each other.

Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this novel from the author.

Mini-Review: Out With A Fang by Jessica Sims

Title: Out With A Fang (The Undead In My Bed anthology)
Author: Jessica Sims (includes Katie MacAlister & Molly Harper)
Series: Midnight Liasons #1.5
Publisher: Pocket Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: 09/25/12
Reviewed by: Sara
Buy the Book:

Summary:

Under the covers, these lovers come alive!

Katie MacAlister conjures supernatural sparks in Shades of Gray

A TV crew is filming a paranormal reality show on the grounds of an imposing old Czech Republic estate. But the electric passion behind the camera is what’s out of this world. When Noelle, a Guardian, meets vampire Grayson, who has roamed for three centuries, she awakens an aching hunger in him that only her touch can relieve...

Molly Harper cooks up laughter and thrills in Undead Sublet

After overworked Chicago chef Tess flips out (can everyone hear that arugula talking, or is it just me?), she rents a quiet house in Half-Moon Hollow for a month of R & R. But when she finds the place occupied by a drop-dead gorgeous vampire, Tess’s tastes -- for comfort food, for small Kentucky towns, and for her irresistible lover -- become nearly insatiable!

Jessica Sims excites the senses in Out with a Fang

When lonely were-jaguar Ruby consults a paranormal matchmaker, she hopes to finally move on from a heart-wrenching breakup with her one true love, a forbidden human. Nervously agreeing to a blindfolded first date with a vampire, she finds the spicy scent of him intoxicating, his voice low, sexy, and so very familiar...

Mini-Review: Out with a Fang was the perfect short story to tide me over until the release of Desperately Seeking Shapeshifter. I absolutely love the idea of a paranormal dating service, so this series is definitely one of my favorite paranormal romance series. I liked that this story was in the same world, but introduced us to new characters. I really enjoyed Ruby as she dealt with the curveballs this blindfolded first date had in store for her. There were some surprises that left her dealing with feelings she had buried away. The cover screams paranormal romance, but I wish the title could've been a different color that went with the rest of the image a little better.

Plot: 4 Stars
Pace: 4.5 Stars
Characters: 4 Stars
Cover: 4 Stars
Overall: 3.5 Stars

Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this novel for my reading pleasure.

Mini-Review: Perception by Kim Harrington

Title: Perception
Author: Kim Harrington
Series: Clarity #2
Publisher: Point
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 03/01/12
Reviewed by: Sara
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Summary:

When you can see things others can't, what happens when someone is watching you?

Everybody knows about Clarity "Clare" Fern. She's the psychic girl in school, the one who can place her hands on something and see hidden visions from the past.

Only, Clare would rather not be a celebrity. She prefers hanging back, observing. Her gift is not a game to her.

But then someone starts playing with her head and heart. Messages and gifts from a secret admirer crop up everywhere Clare turns. Could they be from Gabriel, the gorgeous boy who gets Clare's pulse racing? Or from Justin, Clare's hopeful ex-boyfriend who'd do anything to win her back?

One thing is certain. Clare needs to solve this mystery, and soon. Because the messages are becoming sinister, and a girl in town has suddenly disappeared. Clare needs to see her way to the truth -- before it's much too late.

Mini-Review: This was a great follow up to Clarity, which I read and enjoyed last summer. I am a big fan of paranormal young adult novels that include a psychic element, and Clare Fern is one of my favorite psychics. Fans of The Body Finder series and the Touch series will love Clare also. This novel was a quick read in all of the right ways, just like its predecessor. I really enjoyed jumping back into this world. I also enjoyed learning more about the characters and watching them grow. I really liked the new cover model because she looks a bit more like how I imagined Clare. I also like that the cover has a lot of white. It's bring a brightness that helps it stand out against all of the other dark covers in paranormal young adult.

Plot: 4 Stars
Pace: 4.5 Stars
Characters: 4 Stars
Cover: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I purchased a used copy of this novel.

Mini-Review: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Onyx
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Lux #2
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 08/14/12
Reviewed by: Sara
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Summary:

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks...

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town...

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes...

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them -- from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies...

Mini-Review: This novel was a great follow-up to Obsidian. I really enjoyed delving back into this world and learning even more about the Luxen and their powers. This installment also opened up a world of intrigue as it delved deeper into the Department of Defense's involvement in the Luxen. Just like the first novel, I couldn't put this one down. A few new characters were introduced that intrigued me. But I wish Kati and Daemon's relationship could've taken a bit of a backseat in a few instances because I missed Dee and some of her other friends a bit. The color choice for the cover looks great, especially next to Obsidian.

Plot: 4 Stars
Pace: 4.5 Stars
Characters: 4 Stars
Cover: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this title at the book signing.

Review: A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

Title: A Temptation of Angels
Author: Michelle Zink
Publisher: Dial
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 03/20/12
Reviewed by: Sara
Buy the Book:

Summary:

Even angels make mistakes in this page-turning epic romance.

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong, because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

Michelle Zink masterfully weaves historical fantasy with paranormal romance to create a gripping tale of love and betrayal.

Plot: 4 Stars
This novel left me wondering slightly about the time period and if it was an alternate universe. I got Victorian and Steampunk vibes, but never really got a definitive answer. Normally things like this would bother me, but the worldbuilding was great and didn't need to be defined. It was the world Helen knew, and I enjoyed being along for the ride. The idea of the Keepers was a fresh addition to the long list of paranormal elements that are a part of YA right now, and I really enjoyed their powers and how they were tied to light.

Pace: 3.5 Stars
This novel started out with a bang. Although the events at the beginning of the novel were devastating, Helen kept her head and followed her mother's directions right to the Channing Brothers' doorstep. There were a few slower parts in which Helen learned all about the brothers and the Keepers, but the action was never far behind. This novel was a great balance of Helen learning things through explaination and through action. There were many twists and turns as the world unfolded and I was excited to learn more.

Characters: 4 Stars
Helen was a strong character that I look forward to reading more about in the future. I really enjoyed how she toed the line between ladylike and tough girl. Griffin was the good cop to Darius' bad cop when Helen first showed up, and it was interesting to watch them all get to know each other. Griffin was very sweet and likeable, while still being a bit of a badass. I liked how thoroughly he taught Helen the skills of the Keepers. I really enjoyed how different Darius was around Anna, and hope to see more about the two of them in the future. I'm also interested to see what happens with Raum. He was a bit of a wild card, and I'm a bit unsure how I feel about him at the moment.

Cover: 4 Stars
I really enjoyed the darkness of this cover. It was a great indicator of the mood and feel of the novel. The smoke also lends a great touch and keeps with the atmosphere of the story. Although the cover seems to blend in with a lot of other YA covers at first glance, the hood and broach that the cover model is wearing really intrigued me. I was also drawn in by the emotion on the cover model's face. I wanted to know what she was thinking. The font choice is simple but works well with the rest of the cover.

Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this novel for review from the author.

Mini-Review: Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter

Title: Wicked Nights
Author: Gena Showalter
Series: Angels of the Dark #1
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: 06/26/12
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

From the New York Times bestselling author who brought you the Lords of the Underworld comes a dark, seductive new series featuring angels poised on the brink of destruction....

Leader of the most powerful army in the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed nearly too dangerous, too ruthless -- and if he isn't careful, he'll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice will not be deterred from his missions, at any cost... until a vulnerable human tempts him with a carnal pleasure he's never known before.

Accused of a crime she did not commit, Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival, but is the brutal angel with a touch as hot as hell her salvation -- or her ultimate damnation?

Mini-Review: Angels are a hard sell for me because I think of them as being like any other paranormal creature, and don't like when a lot of religion is mixed in. The last thing I want is a lecture or sermon when I'm reading. This novel is a great example of angels being tied to a higher power, without it being overly religious. I really enjoyed the lore of the different types of angels, and demons. Most of this novel flew right by while reading, but near the end it slowed a bit. As I got closer and closer to the end, I wondered when the plot was going to come to the climax/resolution. As the pages were slipping away, I worried the epic battle at the end would be quick and rushed. But I shouldn't have worried. The author wrapped everything up at the perfect pace. I really enjoyed both Zacharel and Annabelle, and got sucked into their story. Their interactions seemed very genuine, especially when things weren't perfect. I was also intrigued by some of Zacharel's warriors, and hope to see them get their own book in the future. My favorite part of the cover was that the female cover model looked like she possibly had some Asian heritage, therefore she felt more like Annabelle instead of random cover model. I also liked the body language of both models. The way they are embracing intrigued me.

Plot: 4 Stars
Pace: 4 Stars
Characters: 5 Stars
Cover: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I bought a copy of this novel for my own reading pleasure.

Mini-Review: Haven by Kristi Cook

Title: Haven
Author: Kristi Cook
Series: Winterhaven #1
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 02/22/11
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

Violet McKenna isn’t a normal girl with normal teenage issues; she has more to contend with than most people could handle. Violet thought she was just crazy when she had a vivid vision of her dad’s murder. Her life started falling apart when her premonition came true. She’s had flashes of other events too -- the problem was nobody believed her until she found a new school: Winterhaven.

At Winterhaven, Violet finally feels like she belongs. She quickly finds a close group friends and discovers that they too have psychic ‘gifts’ -- as do all the students at Winterhaven. But as soon as she feels settled she discovers the most intriguing and alluring boy she has ever met, and things quickly go awry. As the attraction between them grows, intense visions of the boy’s death start to haunt her. In her premonitions, the secret he is unwilling to share begins to reveal itself.

And to Violet’s horror, she learns that their destinies are intertwined in a critical -- and deadly -- way.

Mini-Review: I love a good Paranormal Young Adult involving a boarding school, and this one definitely didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed that Winterhaven was a school for kids with psychic abilities, and loved the wide range of powers that the students possessed. There was also some other paranormal aspects lurking around, and it was a great twist. The bits and pieces of Violet's visions we get throughout the novel are spaced in a way to make the story flow very well. I enjoyed Violet's friends and their interactions a bit more than the love interest, but I really enjoyed how they all came together to help each other when needed. I personally enjoy object covers because the simplicity grabs my eye.

Plot: 4.5 Stars
Pace: 4 Stars
Characters: 4 Stars
Cover: 3.5 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I bought a copy of this novel for my own reading pleasure.

Review: God Save the Queen by Kate Locke

Title: God Save the Queen
Author: Kate Locke
Series: The Immortal Empire #1
Publisher: Orbit
Genre: Steampunk
Release Date: 07/03/12
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

Queen Victoria rules with an immortal fist.

The undead matriarch of a Britain where the Aristocracy is made up of werewolves and vampires, where goblins live underground and mothers know better than to let their children out after dark. A world where being nobility means being infected with the Plague (side-effects include undeath), Hysteria is the popular affliction of the day, and leeches are considered a delicacy. And a world where technology lives side by side with magic. The year is 2012 and Pax Britannia still reigns.

Xandra Vardan is a member of the elite Royal Guard, and it is her duty to protect the Aristocracy. But when her sister goes missing, Xandra will set out on a path that undermines everything she believed in and uncover a conspiracy that threatens to topple the empire. And she is the key -- the prize in a very dangerous struggle.

Plot: 4.5 Stars
My favorite part of this novel was how the plague mutated and is the cause behind vampires, werewolves, and goblins. I especially like the lengths in which the author went to make it scientifically believable. The little details included really made the book for me. I also really enjoyed all of the intricacies involved in society. I especially liked the interactions between the Aristos and the Halvies. Xandra's search for the truth involving her sisters made for many twists and turns I wasn't suspecting, and this novel kept me on my toes from beginning to end.

Pace: 3 Stars
I loved everything about this book... Except for the pace. There were a number of points in which it felt like it would never end. It took me about eight days to finish, and that's way too long even for me. I had a hard time coming up with my rating for this book because of the pace. Normally, when a book drags for me, it's because of more than one factor. This is the first time I've come across a book that was amazing, but really slow-moving. There were a couple times I almost put it down, but I had to know what was going to happen because the plot had me hooked and I enjoyed the characters too much. Around two-thirds of the way through, the plot started flowing a little more and I finished the rest in one sitting.

Characters: 4 Stars
Xandra was a great leading lady. I really enjoyed her thirst for the truth, even if ignorance was the easier choice. She had to make some tough decisions and learned some things about herself that weren't easy to hear, but she didn't let it get her down. In fact, she gained a confidence throughout the novel I was a bit envious of. Her siblings were each unique and interesting characters, and I hope to see more of them in the next novel. Even though the goblins aren't seen in the greatest light, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the goblin king.

Cover: 4.5 Stars
This is the most adorable little hardcover I have ever seen. When I picked it up and saw how tiny it was, I'll admit, I giggled. It's barely bigger than a mass market paperback and smaller than even the smallest trade paperback I could find on my shelves. Instead of a dust jacket, the cover image was right on the hardcover. As for the actual cover image, I loved the representation of Xandra. Between the bright red hair, the tiny handgun, the clothing, and the cover model's expression, it was exactly how I imagined Xandra to look. I loved the gritty background and the bold font. My favorite part was the little poster on the back that said, "Keep calm and pray for dawn."

Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I bought a copy of this novel for my own reading pleasure.

Mini-Review: Daimon by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Daimon
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Covenant #0.5
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 04/19/11
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

"Love in my world usually ended up with someone hearing 'I smite thee!' as she was cursed to be some lame flower for the rest of her life."

For three years, Alexandria has lived among mortals -- pretending to be like them and trying to forget the duty she'd been trained to fulfill as a child of a mortal and a demigod. At seventeen, she's pretty much accepted that she's a freak by mortal standards... and that she'll never be prepared for that duty.

According to her mother, that’s a good thing.

But as every descendant of the gods knows, Fate has a way of rearing her ugly head. A horrifying attack forces Alex to flee Miami and try to find her way back to the very place her mother had warned her she should never return -- the Covenant. Every step that brings her closer to safety is one more step toward death... because she's being hunted by the very creatures she'd once trained to kill.

The daimons have found her.

Mini-Review: This title had been sitting on my Kindle for a while, and it wasn't until I went to the author's book signing that I decided to pick it up. And I'm glad I did. This novella was the perfect prequel: it introduced me to the world and the main characters, and made me so thankful that I have book one on my Kindle also. I read this novella in one sitting. Once I was sucked into the world, it didn't let go. Alexandria was a strong young woman, and I can't wait to learn more about the mysterious covenant. The cover is simple, but very elegant and catched the eye.

Plot: 4 Stars
Pace: 4.5 Stars
Characters: 4 Stars
Cover: 3.5 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I bought a copy of this novel for my own reading pleasure.

Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Immortal Rules
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: Blood of Eden #1
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 04/24/12
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

In a future world, vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked -- and given the ultimate choice. Die... or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend -- a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what -- and who -- is worth dying for.

Plot: 4 Stars
I've been reading a lot of dystopian novels lately, but I find myself wishing they had paranormal elements, since that's mostly what I read. This novel was exactly what I have been looking for: a dystopian world filled with vampires. I liked the idea of the vampire cities, and human citizens being forced to donate blood. My favorite part of the vampire lore in this story was that the vampires would go mad if they went without blood for too long. The one aspect I wish could've been elaborated on is the rabids. They came across as zombie-like, but are made when a human is changed by a lesser vampire. They were creepy, but I wish more details had been shared about them. I assume they're going to tie into the possible cure for the disease that caused the vampires, and hope to learn more in the next novel.

Pace: 3.5 Stars
This was a long book. For the most part, the length of a novel will never keep me from reading it. Although I prefer short chapters, long chapters will also not keep me from reading. But this novel could've been a bit shorter in some parts. In the first half of the novel, there were a couple of scenes that could've been a bit streamlined to move the plot along a little better. A few scenes had a bit more details described than absolutely needed. Normally, I enjoy the first book in a series the most, because I love the world-building. I guess this novel was an example of a bit too much world-building too fast. Once I hit the second half of the novel, the pace sped up quite a bit and I gobbled it up. Hopefully the next novel will jump right in and keep up this pace.

Characters: 4.5 Stars
This novel would full of great, well-rounded characters. Allie was a great main character. She was strong and independent given her circumstances. I really enjoyed her journey in becoming something she abhors: a vampire. It was something she struggled with, especially when pretending to be human while travelling with nomads in search of Eden outside of the city. Zeke was an interesting character that I immediately wanted to know more about. As Allie got closer to Zeke, I found myself both rooting her on and hoping something would happen to keep them apart in fear of him finding out her true identity. I also really enjoyed Allie's vampire sire and mentor. He intrigued me, even if he wasn't present for a lot of the book. I hope to learn more about him and his motivations in the next installment.

Cover: 3 Stars
Everything about this cover works... Except for the cover model. There are a number of instances in the novel in which Allie is described as having Asian features, and yet the cover model does not appear to be of Asian descent. There are three things I'd like to see more of: main characters that are college student, LGBT characters that play bigger roles, and covers that accurately depict the main character, especially when said character is a person of color. That being said, everything else about the cover is great. I love the little bits of red against the blue cover. It gives the cover a very dark feel that works well with the book. The font choices are great, and I especially love when a cover included the series name. Normally I find covers that zoom in on the cover model's face a little boring, but the bloody tear sparked my interest and made me want to know more.

Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I received an eARC via Netgalley.

Mini-Review: Elemental by Brigid Kemmerer

Title: Elemental
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Series: Elemental #0.5
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 03/27/12
Reviewed by: Sara
Summary:

Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they are more than you dream.

As an air Elemental, 17-year-old Emily Morgan doesn’t have much power. That’s okay -- she knows what happens to kids who do.

Like Michael Merrick. He’s an earth Elemental, one with enough power to level cities. Which makes him sexy, dangerous, and completely off limits. At least according to Emily’s family.

But her summer job puts her in close contact with Michael, and neither of them can help the attraction they feel. When forces of nature like theirs collide, one misstep could get someone killed. Because Emily’s family doesn’t just want her to stay away from him.

They want him dead.

Mini-Review: This novella was a great intoduction into the author's world. I wasn't sure if I wanted to buy the first book in the series, so when I saw this novella was free on Kindle, I jumped at the chance to check it out. Now, I'm definitely intrigued and can't wait to get my hands on Storm, the first full-length book in the series. The novella introduced the world of the Elementals and their powers, while still keeping a bit of mystery. Emily and Michael were very interesting characters, and I can't wait to learn more about them, and the others who were introduced. The cover is a bright green, which looks good next to the blue and red of books one and two. I really liked the tree branches surrounding the cover model, signifying the powers of an earth elemental.

Plot: 4 Stars
Pace: 4.5 Stars
Characters: 3.5 Stars
Cover: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I downloaded a free copy of this novella to my Kindle (may not still be free).

Mini-Review: Fever by Lauren DeStefano

Title: Fever
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Series: Chemical Garden #2
Genre: Dystopian Young Adult
Release Date: 02/21/12
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

The second book in The Chemical Garden Trilogy reveals a world as captivating -- and as dangerous -- as the one Rhine left behind in Wither.

Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but they’re still in danger. Outside, they find a world even more disquieting than the one they left behind.

Determined to get to Manhattan and find Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan, the two press forward, amid threats of being captured again... or worse.

The road they are on is long and perilous -- and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and men die at age twenty-five, time is precious. In this sequel to Lauren DeStefano’s harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price -- now that she has more to lose than ever.

Mini-Review: I really enjoyed the messed up carnival aspect of this novel. Although it's only a portion of the tretcherous trip Rhine and Gabriel make, it gave a much needed perpective into the world outside of the mansion. The trek the characters made up the coast allowed for a lot of details in regards to world-building that the first novel didn't. And it was a very quick read. Normally, stories including a lot of searching or running tend to bore me, but the many roadblocks Rhine and Gabriel ran into made for some great twists and turns. Plus, the ending left me craving the third novel immediately. Rhine and Gabriel are both sick during different times during the novel, and this allows each to take turns leading the way. There were numerous new characters introduced, many of which were interesting. The cover, although not nearly as striking as the first, was still very eye-catching due to the little details. Plus, I really enjoyed that the colors were very complimentary to the first since so many things about the novel were very different from the first.

Plot: 4 Stars
Pace: 4.5 Stars
Characters: 4 Stars
Cover: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I bought a copy of this novel for my own reading pleasure.

Mini-Review: Dark Descendant by Jenna Black

Title: Dark Descendant
Author: Jenna Black
Series: Nikki Glass #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 04/26/11
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

From the acclaimed author of the Morgan Kingsley, Exorcist books comes the gripping first novel in a new series about a private eye who discovers, to her surprise, that she’s an immortal huntress.

Nikki Glass can track down any man. But when her latest client turns out to be a true descendant of Hades, Nikki now discovers she can’t die... Crazy as it sounds, Nikki’s manhunting skills are literally god-given. She’s a living, breathing descendant of Artemis who has stepped right into a trap set by the children of the gods. Nikki’s new “friends” include a descendant of Eros, who uses sex as a weapon; a descendant of Loki, whose tricks are no laughing matter; and a half-mad descendant of Kali who thinks she’s a spy. But most powerful of all are the Olympians, a rival clan of immortals seeking to destroy all Descendants who refuse to bow down to them. In the eternal battle of good god/bad god, Nikki would make a divine weapon. But if they think she’ll surrender without a fight, the gods must be crazy...

Mini-Review: I'm still new to this trend of blending Mythology with Urban Fantasy, but this novel has made me a fan. The author has created a dark and fantastic world where Mythology blends into the real world, and Nikki Glass gets thrown in head first. She resists at first, but reluctantly accepts this new reality. There are many twists and turns, and Nikki doesn't always know who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. I really liked the aspect of the story in which the descendants of each god had attributes reminiscent of the god. The cover is a nice punch of bright blue. I really enjoy how all of the elements of the cover are centered. It draws your eye straight to the model's gun.

Plot: 4.5 Stars
Pace: 4 Stars
Characters: 4 Stars
Cover: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I received a copy of this novel for review from the publisher.

Mini-Review: The Hunter by Theresa Meyers

Title: The Hunter
Author: Theresa Meyers
Series: Legend Chronicles #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: 11/01/11
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

Colt Jackson has gotten his name on many a wanted poster with success in the family business: hunting supernaturals across the frontier. Lately, though, there's a sulphur stink in the wind and the Darkin population is exploding. A rift in the worlds is appearing. To close it, Colt will have to do the unthinkable and work with a demon to pass arcane boundaries no human alone can cross. Except when he summons his demon, he doesn't get some horned monstrosity: he gets a curvy redheaded succubus named Lilly, who's willing to make a bargain to become human again. He also gets Lilly's secret expertise on the machinations on the dark side of the rift. And her charm and cleverness help to get them out of what his silver-loaded pistol and mechanical horse can't. Of course, when all hell breaks loose, he might have to sacrifice his soul. But what's adventure without a little risk?

Mini-Review: This novel was a Paranormal Romance with Steampunk elements, most of these elements being the weapons and tools Colt used in his fight against demons. He ran into many different demons throughout this novel, and each was unique and interesting. Although there were a few points in which the plot slowed down, overall the pace of this novel flowed very well. My favorite part of the novel was the succubus Lilly and how she interacted with Colt. And I can’t wait for the next novel so that I can learn more about his brothers. The mechanic horse on the cover was one of the main reasons I picked up this novel, so I was very excited to find he was an important part of the novel. I also really loved the cover model’s outfit and accessories because they really rang true with the novel.

Plot: 4 Stars
Pace: 3.5 Stars
Characters: 4 Stars
Cover: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I bought this novel for my own reading pleasure.

Review: Miss Bramble and the Leviathan by Kristen Painter

Title: Miss Bramble and the Leviathan
Author: Kristen Painter
Genre: Steampunk Romance
Release Date: 10/19/10
Reviewed by: Sara
Summary:

The last thing she planned to steal was his heart.

The Company. Military institution, protector of Praeton and the nation of Grand Isle. Dirty rotten thief.

When Pandora Bramble steps aboard the Company’s premiere airship Daedalus it’s not for the exclusive VIP tour. It’s to secure proof that the Company stole the regulator valve her father designed -- even if it means tearing the engine apart. Foiled by the unexpected appearance of a handsome crew member, she despairs of ever getting another chance -- until he kisses her.

Captain Theolonius Hatch, sentenced to engine room duty for refusing to take part in the Company’s fleet week activities, never dreamed a woman like Pandora existed. Her brains match her beauty, a combination that adds up to more trouble than he ever expected.

As Pandora allows Theolonius to sweep her into a whirlwind courtship, her wildest dreams come true. As do her greatest fears, leaving her to decide what matters most. Loyalty... or love.

The clock is ticking.

Warning: This book contains airships, mechanical owls, women who are good with tools, men in and out of uniform, steam generated by engines and people, and some hot carriage scenes.

Plot: 4 Stars
My favorite part of this story outside of the romance was the Steampunk details. I liked the scenes in which the inventions were involved and I got to learn more about the world the story took place in. The inventions and gadgets are almost like their own brand of paranormal creature to me, which is probably why I like Steampunk more and more with each story I read. The romance in this story had its ups and downs, even in the short amount of time. There was a couple twists and turns at the end that took me by surprise. All in all, this novella was a great story for romance and Steampunk lovers.

Pace: 4 Stars
Although this novella was on the shorter side, it never felt rushed. There was great character development in the beginning, along with great information about the technology of the world. It didn't take long for the two main characters to meet and get to know each other. The synopsis of the novel describes it as a whirlwind courtship, and I think that's the perfect way to describe it. There are parts of the relationship that seem a bit rushed, but in a realistic way that can happen when two people instantly connect. There were no dull moments in this novel, and even a couple surprises.

Characters: 4 Stars
Pandora Bramble was a great character. She didn't fit into gender norms. She had to work at her father's shop fixing things due to his drinking and gambling. It made her more interesting than the rest of the female characters in the story. I really connected with her since I'm definitely not a girly-girl. Captain Hatch was also an interesting character. He definitely met his match with Pandora. Pandora's father, although a very small character, affected the story in a number of ways. It was his invention that the Company stole, and it was his invention that Pandora was trying to steal when she met Captain Hatch.

Cover: 4 Stars
Is it me, or does the cover model look a lot like Kirsten Dunst? Probably does now that I mentioned it... Anyway, besides the possible celebrity look-a-like, the cover model is a great representation of Miss Bramble. Although you can’t see a lot of detail in her clothing, what you can see definitely gives off a Victorian feel which fits perfectly with the Steampunk aspect of the story. My favorite part of this cover is the background details. The clock, the light posts, the bridge all fit in very well with the story. There’s also a bit of fog layered over the cover that gives it a mysterious vibe. I wish the cover hadn’t been quite so monochromatic, but the blue is a very striking and lovely color. The font choice for the title worked very well, except I would have made “Leviathan” a more masculine font to play off of the cursive of “Miss Bramble”. But this is definitely one of my favorite covers from Samhain Publishing.

Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I bought this novel for my own reading pleasure with a gift card I received for my birthday.

Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 09/27/11
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

Mara Dyer doesn't believe life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her strangely unharmed. There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love. She's wrong.

Plot: 4 Stars
This novel did a fantastic job of keeping the reader in the dark, while giving away just enough to keep the wheels turning. As peculiar events continued to transpire as I read, I couldn't help but wonder what the paranormal element to the story was. There were a couple scenes that seemed more like random tangents, and it was great when they tied together later on in the timeline. Although I'm not sure I completely understand the mysterious paranormal element of the story, it was very interesting and definitely not something I've come across before. I hope to learn more about it in the next novel, especially after the cliffhanger at the end.

Pace: 4.5 Stars
I could not put this novel down. There was just something about it that kept me coming back for more. The author did a great job of weaving everything together. Every now and then, bits and pieces of the past were brought in to give the reader more background. It was also very interesting to try to figure out if a scene was actually happening as I read, or if it was just a hallucination due to Mara's PTSD.

Characters: 3.5 Stars
Mara was a very strange character. Given the events leading up to the start of the novel and her PTSD, there were times when Mara wasn't sure what was going on. It was very interesting to be along for the ride as she tried to figure out if certain events were actually happening. Noah seemed a bit too interested in Mara a bit too fast, like many Paranormal YAs, but he grew on me as the story continued. Besides Mara and Noah, none of the characters really interested me. They were either a bit flat, or I didn't feel like I learned enough about them.

Cover: 4 Stars
The cover is a striking image that immediately grabs the eye. The murky colors along with the titled overlaying the majority of the image adds to the mystery surrounding the novel. The two floating bodies are entangled, and you cannot tell the reason. You can't tell if someone is being saved or drowned, or if they're just floating for the heck of it. As striking as this cover is though, it doesn't depict a scene from the novel and doesn't seem to be relevant. As much as I'd like the cover to be a bit more relevant, it was also refreshing against many other Paranormal YA covers. It doesn't include a close up of the female cover model, and it doesn't include the cover model running away in a overly dramatic gown. I'm also a really big fan of the font choice for the cover.

Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I bought this novel for my own reading pleasure with a gift card I received for my birthday.

Review: Dark Hunt by Naomi Clark

Title: Dark Hunt
Author: Naomi Clark
Series: Urban Wolf #2
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 10/16/11
Reviewed by: Sara
Summary:

Ayla Hammond is taking on Paris.

Hoping for a romantic getaway in the City of Lights with her girlfriend, Shannon, she finds a city under the dark thrall of Le Monstre.

Getting caught up in mystery and murder was the last thing Ayla and Shannon expected to find in the City of Love, but as the body count grows and tension rises between Parisian werewolves and humans they find themselves stalked by an unknown terror.

What is Le Monstre and why does it make Ayla's wolf want to turn tail and run? Can it be stopped before they become its next victims?

Plot: 4 Stars
I love that this is a story about a female werewolf and her girlfriend, and it doesn't include a coming-out story or tons of gratuitous sex scenes. As a bisexual woman in a relationship with another women, I love that Ayla and Shannon's relationship is a focus without being the entire point of the novels. Instead, it is a fantastic Urban Fantasy that just so happens to include GLBT characters. This addition to the series takes place in Paris, where Ayla and Shannon have decided to take a vacation together. The vacation definitely doesn't go as planned, between dealing with a pregnant werewolf, getting caught in a fire due to people who are anti-werewolf, and being hunted by a creature so mysterious it is only known as Le Monstre. There are a lot of surprising twists and turns as Ayla and Shannon explore Paris, and I can't wait for the next novel in the series. I also really enjoyed the short story at the end because I really enjoyed reading about how Shannon and Ayla met.

Pace: 4 Stars
This was the first book I read on my Kindle. Since I was reading it as a PDF, the font was pretty small, but it didn't affect my reading at all. The story sucked me in and wouldn't let go. Once the mayhem hit Paris, there was no downtime between all of the action (although Ayla and Shannon probably could've used a little here and there). For a vacation, there wasn't much rest and relaxation. Instead, it was noon-stop action and a race for their lives against a scary creature unlike anything they had ever seen before. All in all, I'm glad this was the first book I read on my Kindle. Had I read a book that didn't hold my interest as much, it may have brought my opinion of the device down. Instead, I can't wait to read another e-book and I hope it's just as great as this one.

Characters: 4 Stars
The author's depiction of Ayla and Shannon's relationship is fantastic. They've been together for a while, and you can feel the love they have for each other as you read. I also really enjoy that it isn't a picture perfect relationship; they have their disagreements. Shannon doesn't always understand Ayla's decisions or the werewolf pack, but they try their best. I also really enjoyed the characters they met in Paris. Sun, a pregnant werewolf, waffled between wanting to be independent and needing their help. Shannon and Ayla didn't always agree on how to deal with her. Clemence was my favorite character of the book. She was a spunky little werewolf that stood up for herself and the other wolves. Although Shannon and Ayla are headed back to England, I hope Clemence makes an appearance in a future novel.

Cover: 3 Stars
This cover had aspects that worked and aspects that didn't. My favorite part of the cover is the Eiffel Tower because it tells you right away that the characters are travelling to Paris. The moon and the werewolf are great additions too, considering the novel. The purple background is a great color that seems to be showing up more and more in Urban Fantasy covers. The part of the cover that didn't work for me was the white glow around the images and the slight effect used to make the images look like they were made of light. I think it would've worked better if the images looked more realistic and were blended together a bit more cohesively. Although I like the color and font choices, I think the placement of the title and author could've been better. Overall, the cover could use a couple tweaks but it's a good edition to the series.

Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I received an eARC of this novel for review from Queered Fiction.

Review: Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey

Title: Witch Eyes
Author: Scott Tracey
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 09/08/11
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

A boy who can see the world's secrets and unravel spells with just a glance.

Braden's witch eyes give him an enormous power. A mere look causes a kaleidoscopic explosion of emotions, memories, darkness, and magic. But this rare gift is also his biggest curse.

Compelled to learn about his shadowed past and the family he never knew, Braden is drawn to the city of Belle Dam, where he is soon caught between two feuding witch dynasties. Sworn rivals Catherine Lansing and Jason Thorpe will use anything -- lies, manipulation, illusion, and even murder -- to seize control of Braden's powers. To stop an ancient evil from destroying the town, Braden must master his gift, even through the shocking discovery that Jason is his father. While his feelings for an enigmatic boy named Trey grow deeper, Braden realizes a terrible truth: Trey is Catherine Lansing's son... and Braden may be destined to kill him.

Plot: 3.5 Stars
There were so many reasons I wanted to read this novel. The main character of the novel is gay, instead of a smaller background character. It's a young adult novel that focuses on a male main character instead of a female. Plus, the magic and specifically Braden's witch eyes really drew me in. There are so many ways you can twist magic and wizards/witches to be your own, and the author definitely did that. I really enjoyed Belle Dam as the setting. It was a very creepy place that centered around a fued between Catherine Lansing and Jason Thorpe. There were a number of details about the fued that were glossed over that would've probably helped me understand things a bit more as the reader, and I hope more of these details will come out in future novels as Braden learns more about his witch eyes.

Pace: 4.5 Stars
This novel flew by as Braden ran around Belle Dam trying to learn anything he can about his witch eyes. Although there were a couple points in which Braden was in a rush, whether to get away from something or to find something else before it was too late, the novel didn't feel rushed. And the calmer scenes, like hanging out with other student at school or falling asleep after a migraine, didn't slow the book down. It felt like Belle Dam was sending Braden in circles as he tried to learn more about his abilities, and it was fun to follow him on his journey.

Characters: 4 Stars
My favorite part of this whole novel was that Braden was gay, he knew he was gay, and he wasn't ashamed of it. It was who he was, and it did not affect the majority of the story. I really liked that he had already figured everything out, it wasn't a big deal, and that this novel was not his coming out. I thought it was a bit too coincidental that Trey, the boy Braden had a crush on, just happened to also be gay. But as they got to know each other, and things weren't always perfect, the coincidental feeling went away. Trey's sister was also a very interesting character, although I wish her part could've been a bit bigger. Although everyone in town knew about the Catherine Lansing and Jason Thorpe rivalry, I didn't feel like I was as up to speed as the rest of the characters, so I hope more information about them and their rivalry comes out in the next novel.

Cover: 4 Stars
The eyes of the cover model really grab your attention, which makes sense due to both the title of the novel, and Braden's ability. The lightning type detail on one of the eyes gives a hint as to the powers Braden possesses, but still leaves you wondering exactly how his witch eyes work. Although floating face covers don't always work for me, I can't think of any other way to focus on the eyes. I also like that the nose and lips kind of fall away into the forest so that there is nothing to draw your attention to a different part of the cover model. The forest and the mansion below the cover model's face are creepy in all of the right ways. The colors are a bit somber, but fit the feel of Belle Dam quite well.

Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I borrowed this novel from the local library.