Iron Knight ARC Contest

http://juliekagawa.blogspot.com/2011/08/iron-knight-arc-contest-day-with-ash-or.html

"If you had one day with Ash (or Puck), what would you do?"

I don't know! I'm about three quarters of the way through The Iron King so I haven't officially decided a team yet but I am absolutely loving this book and I'm glad I bought all three books before I started reading any of them. I will be staying up tonight until I am done with this book and there is a good chance I will start The Iron Daughter too, and that will probably be my late night read tomorrow night :)

Timeless

Timless by Alexandra Monir. This was an amazing book. First you get a taste of modern California, then modern NYC, and then NYC in the early 1910's, 1920's, and 1940's. It has a sense of historical fiction and yet something paranormal at the same time. I stayed up very late to finish this book and then I was up even later unable to get it out of my head. It was the first thing I thought of upon waking too (okay the first might have been "ughhhh why did I stay up so late!). There were so many little bits and pieces in this book that might not have made sense on their own but by the end looking back everything fit together absolutely perfectly.

When tragedy strikes Michele Windsor’s world, she is forced to uproot her life and move across the country to New York City, to live with the wealthy, aristocratic grandparents she’s never met. In their old Fifth Avenue mansion filled with a century’s worth of family secrets, Michele discovers a diary that hurtles her back in time to the year 1910. There, in the midst of the glamorous Gilded Age, Michele meets the young man with striking blue eyes who has haunted her dreams all her life – a man she always wished was real, but never imagined could actually exist. And she finds herself falling for him, into an otherworldly, time-crossed romance.

Michele is soon leading a double life, struggling to balance her contemporary high school world with her escapes into the past. But when she stumbles upon a terrible discovery, she is propelled on a race through history to save the boy she loves – a quest that will determine the fate of both of their lives.

5 out of 5 stars

Beauty Queens

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray. When I first started reading this I didn't like it at all. Here it was just another book making pretty girls seem dumb. Seriously who cares about a missing shoe when your plane has just crashed?! As the story continued the characters began to develop and the story became suspenseful. Each girl became an individual instead of a brainless bimbo. They had to work hard to overcome many different obstacles. I also loved the footnotes, commercial breaks, and notes from the sponsor parts of the book, at first I found them annoying but as the book went on I started to appreciate the snarky tone the stranded girls would have been saying them in, rather then the cheerful tone from The Corporation.

From bestselling, Printz Award-winning author Libba Bray, the story of a plane of beauty pageant contestants that crashes on a desert island.

Teen beauty queens. A "Lost"-like island. Mysteries and dangers. No access to email. And the spirit of fierce, feral competition that lives underground in girls, a savage brutality that can only be revealed by a journey into the heart of non-exfoliated darkness. Oh, the horror, the horror! Only funnier. With evening gowns. And a body count.

4 out of 5 stars

Blood Red Road

Blood Red Road by Moria Young. Amazing book! I absolutely hated this book when I started it. I didn't enjoy the way it was written at all. The story was interesting but I just could get past the dialog. I kept reading though because I'd heard it was good and the story itself caught my interest right away. After the first 100 pages or so I stopped being annoyed with the writing and was so caught up in the story I forgot about it. Absolutely glad I stuck it out until the end :)

Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.

Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.

5 out of 5 stars

Relic Master: The Dark City

Relic Master: The Dark City by Catherine Fisher. This was a very easy read despite the totally foreign world it takes place in. It was very interesting too. There are a ton of unanswered questions to leave me waiting for the next book but at the same time enough was resolved that I'm not completely annoyed.

Welcome to Anara, a world mysteriously crumbling to devastation, where nothing is what it seems: Ancient relics emit technologically advanced powers, members of the old Order are hunted by the governing Watch yet revered by the people, and the great energy that connects all seems to also be destroying all. The only hope for the world lies in Galen, a man of the old Order and a Keeper of relics, and his sixteen-year-old apprentice, Raffi. They know of a secret relic with great power that has been hidden for centuries. As they search for it, they will be tested beyond their limits. For there are monstersÑsome human, some notÑthat also want the relic's power and will stop at nothing to get it.

4 out of 5 stars

Everlasting

Everlasting by Alyson Noel, the sixth and final book in the Immortals series. This series had me hooked in the first book but after that it was all down hill in my opinion. In the very end I was satisfied but throughout this book Ever still continued to annoy the crap out of me. I though the reincarnation idea was neat but in the end they just put way to many different things together- reincarnation, karma, chakras, finding your purpose in life etc. While this ideas may all be connected it was just to much in one series, let alone one book, in my opinion.

Their epic love story has captured the hearts of millions and enchanted readers across the world. In this beautiful finale, their journey draws to a spectacular conclusion—where all will be revealed.

Their darkest enemies now defeated, Damen and Ever are free to embark upon their final quest—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 experience the passionate night they’ve been longing for. But their fight to be together will lead them into the most formidable terrain yet…into the dark heart of Summerland.

Here in a land of scorched earth and endless rain, Ever and Damen will discover their relationship’s hidden origins, expose a secret history they never imagined…and come face to face with thetruereason fate keeps tearing them apart. Only then, when the final mystery is unraveled and the last secret revealed, Ever and Damen’s future will hinge on one ultimate decision that will put everything at stake….even eternity.

3 out of 5 stars

Forgive My Fins

Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs. I really liked this book but also found Lily to be really annoying. I hate when young adult characters refuse to see what is right in front of them. I know its a part of YA but its a little ridiculous when every other character in the story knows what is going on except the main character. With that said though I thought the world was very interesting and loved the concept. Can't wait to read the next one.

Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it’s not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but when you’re half human, half mermaid like Lily, there’s no such thing as a simple crush.

Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid – she’s a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been living on land and going to Seaview high school ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems – like her obnoxious, biker boy neighbor Quince Fletcher – but it has that one major perk – Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type – when they “bond,” it’s for life.

When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily-ever-after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned.

4 out of 5 stars

Shift

Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready, book two in the Shade trilogy. The story is this series is completely unique and interesting. I didn't think that Shift lived up to the awesomeness of Shade but it was still really good. I really can't think of what to say about this book other than I'm glad the characters made the right choices in the end. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.

Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to.

Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.

As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart

4 out of 5 stars

The Throne of Fire

The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan, book two in the Kane Chronicles. I really find Egyptian mythology interesting so these books are right up my alley. My biggest annoyance with them is the characters rarely seem to act their ages and I think they are much older than they are. Then on the rare times they do act age appropriate it annoys me and pulls me right out of the story. The writing style is unique in this series and can be a bit confusing at first but I find it to be a different, enjoyable way to read.

Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have been in trouble. As descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command, but the devious gods haven't given them much time to master their skills at Brooklyn House, which has become a training ground for young magicians.

And now their most threatening enemy yet - the chaos snake Apophis - is rising. If they don't prevent him from breaking free in a few days' time, the world will come to an end. In other words, it's a typical week for the Kane family.

To have any chance of battling the Forces of Chaos, the Kanes must revive the sun god Ra. But that would be a feat more powerful than any magician has ever accomplished.

First they have to search the world for the three sections of the Book of Ra, then they have to learn how to chant its spells. Oh, and did we mention that no one knows where Ra is exactly?

Narrated in two different wisecracking voices, featuring a large cast of new and unforgettable characters, and with adventures spanning the globe, this second installment in the Kane Chronicles is nothing short of a thrill ride.

4 out of 5 stars

In the past few days I have typed up reviews for everything I read in May, hopefully I'll keep up a bit better for the month of June. If not though I'll post them all at the beginning of next month :)

Abandon

Abandon by Meg Cabot. I absolutely love Meg's books and haven't read one I don't like. With that said I think this one was my biggest disappointment. I was really looking forward to it and while it was good I didn't feel it was up to her usual standards of excellentness. It was just plain confusing at times, flashbacks and everything are fine but there comes a point when they need to be explained and it came a little to late in this case. With that said I do plan to continue to read the series as the books come out :)

Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.

Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.

But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.

3 out of 5 stars

Illusions

Illusions by Aprilynne Pike, the third book in the Wings series. I really like this series but this book was a bit of a disappointment to me. It was a lot of building up for the next book. I didn't feel like anything was resolved in this book and it left me wanting the next book merely to resolve some of the issues rather than because I'm dying to continue the story and know what happens next (don't get me wrong, that is a reason too!). I know I'm doing a poor job of explaining this but to me it was like nothing actually happened in Illusions. After reading it I understood what my dad was trying to say about the first part of The Deathly Hallows movie, nothing happened because it was building up to the final one.

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 is returning to normal, Laurel discovers 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.

4 out of 5 stars

In the Shadow of the Lamp

In the Shadow of the Lamp by Susanne Dunlap. I received this book as a contest prize. I had no expectations but it was a very enjoyable historical fiction. I enjoyed learning about British history I'm not sure I ever learned about in school but in a fictional sense. The only bad thing I had to say about it was that the ending seemed very rushed but I still really liked it.

It's 1854 and sixteen-year-old Molly would give anything to change her circumstances as a lowly servant in a posh London house. So when she hears of an opportunity to join the nurses who will be traveling with Florence Nightingale to the Crimea, she jumps at the chance. The work is grueling, the hospital conditions deplorable, and Miss Nightingale a demanding teacher. Before long, the plight of British soldiers becomes more than just a mission of mercy as Molly finds that she's falling in love with both a dashing young doctor and a soldier who has joined the army to be near her. But with the battle raging ever nearer, can Molly keep the two men she cares for from harm? A love story to savor, and a fascinating behind-the-scenes imagining of the woman who became known as "the lady with the lamp."

4 out of 5 stars

Matched

Matched by Ally Condie. I felt this lived up to all the hype I had heard about it. Cassia's world and story are very interesting and I can't wait to continue the story in Crossed. This is one of those books where the character has two options to choice from, one she was raised to accept and one she really wants. Another great dystopian read :)

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.

5 out of 5 stars

Starcrossed

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini. There are not words to express how much I LOVED this book. It was hands down my favorite read so far this year. I really have nothing else to say, I just loved it that much.

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

5 out of 5 stars

13 To Life

13 to Life by Shannon Delany. I loved it. The level of suspense was just enough to keep me reading until 5 am. I know the next book, Secrets and Shadows, is out but I haven't been able to get my hands on it yet and I cannot wait to!

Everything about Jessie Gillmansen’s life changed when her mother died. Now even her hometown of Junction is changing. Mysterious dark things are happening. All Jessie wants is to avoid more change. But showing a hot new guy around Junction High, she’s about to discover a whole new type of change. Pietr Rusakova is more than good looks and a fascinating accent—he’s a guy with a dangerous secret. And his very existence is sure to bring big trouble to Jessie’s small town. It seems change is the one thing Jessie can’t avoid…

5 out of 5 stars

The Black Dagger Brotherhood series

The Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Dark Lover, Lover Eternal, Lover Awakened, Lover Revealed, Lover Unbound, Lover Enshrined, Lover Avenged, and Lover Mine by J.R. Ward. This was another series that I really enjoyed reading but like the Dark-Hunter series the format of the books was kind of predictable. Predictable or not though, they all got 5 out of 5 stars from me and I can't wait to get a hold of the ninth book Lover Unleashed.

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.

5 out of 5 stars

Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetites. He's the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover-for inside him burns ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin. Owned by this dark side, Rhage fears the time when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him.

Mary Luce, a survivor of many hardships is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world and reliant to Rhage's protection. With a life-threatening curse of her own, Mary is not looking for love. She lost her faith in miracles years ago. But when Rhage's intense animal attraction turns into something more emotional, he knows that he must make Mary his alone. And while their enemies close in, Mary fights desperately to gain life eternal with the one she loves...

5 out of 5 stars

A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion and terror his only passion-until he rescues a beautiful female from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for each other begins to overtake them, Zsadist's thirst for vengeance against Bella's tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past and find a future with her.

5 out of 5 stars

Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard living, ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world to engage in the turf war with the lessers. He's got nothing to lose. His heart belongs to a female vampire, Marissa, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. If he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers...

Fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls Marissa to bring him back. But even her love may not be enough to save him...

5 out of 5 stars

Ruthless and brilliant, Vishous, son of the Bloodletter, possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a pretrans growing up in his father's war camp he was tormented and abused. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time-until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that cannot include her...

5 out of 5 stars

Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood's bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is obligated to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive, and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.

As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body, but his heart for herself. She is drawn to the noble responsibility behind the emotionally scarred male. But Phury has never allowed himself to know pleasure or joy. As the war with the Lessening Society grows grim, tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, and Phury must decide between duty and love....

5 out of 5 stars

Caldwell, New York, has long been the battleground for the vampires and their enemies, the Lessening Society. It's also where Rehvenge has staked out his turf as a drug lord and owner of a notorious night club that caters to the rich and heavily armed. His shadowy reputation is exactly why he's approached to kill Wrath, the Blind King and leader of the Brotherhood.

Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood-even though his sister is married to a member, for he harbors a deadly secret that could make him a huge liability in their war against the lessers. As plots within and outside of the Brotherhood threaten to reveal the truth about Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in his darkening world, Ehlena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him-and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.

5 out of 5 stars

John Matthew has come a long way since he was found living among humans, his vampire nature unknown to himself and to those around him. After he was taken in by the Brotherhood, no one could guess what his true history was- or his true identity. Indeed, the fallen Brother Darius has returned, but with a different face and a very different destiny. As a vicious personal vendetta takes John into the heart of the war, he will need to call up on both who he is now and who he once was in order to face off against evil incarnate.

Xhex, a symphath assassin, has long steeled herself against the attraction between her and John Matthew. Having already lost one lover to madness, she will not allow the male of worth to fall prey to the darkness of her twisted life. When fate intervenes, however, the two discover that love, like destiny, is inevitable between soul mates.

5 out of 5 stars

Invincible Sumer

I picked up Invincible Summer by Hannah Moskowitz sitting in a doctor's office waiting room. It was a good book that I enjoyed. However it was nothing like the light fun summery book I was expecting it to be. It brought up some very serious issues.

Noah’s happier than I’ve seen him in months. So I’d be an awful brother to get in the way of that. It’s not like I have some relationship with Melinda. It was just a kiss. Am I going to ruin Noah’s happiness because of a kiss?

Across four sun-kissed, drama-drenched summers at his family’s beach house, Chase is falling in love, falling in lust, and trying to keep his life from falling apart. But some girls are addictive....

3 out of 5 stars

The Body Finder Series

The Body Finder and Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting. These books were really good but at this point I was getting a bit burnt out on the young adult relationship drama because the couple never confide what is really going on with one another. Still a really enjoyable series though, my issues with it were my own and were not because of the writing or the author at all.

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer... and becoming his prey herself.

5 out of 5 stars

Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.

As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.

5 out of 5 stars

Dead Reckoning

Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris, the 11th book in the Sookie Stackhouse series. I really enjoy the Sookie series but find that as the books go on while the story live still rocks the writing isn't up to the same quality it began with. I'd still really recommend reading them, but maybe not rate them so high as I once did. Another series that is NOT young adult!

With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. Sookie suspects otherwise, but her attention is divided when she realizes that her lover Eric Northman and his "child" Pam are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, Sookie is drawn into the plot-which is much more complicated than she knows...

3 out of 5 stars