Gypsy Knights by Two Brothers Metz

Gypsy Knights

By: Two Brothers Metz

Released: May 19, 2011

Source: Received From Author

Purchase the Book: Amazon

"Fourteen-year-old Durriken Brishen has lost his parents, his grandfather, and though he doesn't know it, his Gypsy culture's dangerous gift.Taken in and raised on the rails by the first woman to pilot a freight train, Durriken has one remaining connection to his Romani roots: a small wooden box that hangs from the hammer loop of his overalls. The last gift he received from his grandfather, the box contains the world's first chess set. But a piece is missing: the Red Queen. According to Durriken’s family lore, the complete set awakens the power of Tărie, a mercurial gift that confers unique abilities on each new Master. When a suspicious fire erupts in the Chicago rail yard, Durriken's escape produces an uneasy alliance, though not without its silver lining. Dilia is a few inches taller, several degrees cleverer, and oh yes – very pretty. While Durriken is uneasy allying with a girl whose parents were convicted of sedition, there's no doubt she is a powerful partner. And while it's not immediately clear to either, her own Guatemalan culture and family history are deeply entwined with the ancient Romani mystery. Jumping box cars, escaping riverboats, deciphering clues, crossing swords with the brilliant madman Radu Pinch – with great American cities as its backdrop – Gypsy Knights is the page-turning saga of Durriken Brishen and his quest to rediscover his past." (Summary from amazon.com)

Gypsy Knights by Two Brothers Metz is the story of young Durriken who is on his own after losing his family and is left with a chess set that he carries with him but the set is missing the Red Queen. According to his family the complete chess set will awaken a power that will give the Master unique abilities. Durriken meets Dilia during a chess game and together they take off on an exciting journey across America.

Gypsy Knights is an interesting, suspenseful, and fast moving adventure. Durriken and Dilia grow up a great deal as the story progresses. Their relationship grows at a natural pace as well while they learn more about one another.  

It took me a few chapters to get into the story but once the plot started moving I finished the book in only a few hours. While the story takes place in the 1960's, some chapters occasionally take the reader to a scene that happened a few years earlier. I loved the setting and the many cities they stopped in across America. I enjoyed going on the journey with the characters and I loved how chess played a major role in the story. I have personally never played a game of chess before but I still found it to be really interesting and was not completely confused. I recommend Gypsy Knight to anyone looking for a unique and mysterious adventure.

My Rating:

Forever Giveaway Winner

The winner of a copy of Forever by Maggie Stiefvater is

Riley G.

Congrats, I have sent you an email.

Thanks for all the entries and if you did not win this time around don't worry I will be having plenty of other giveaways in the future here!

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Wolfsbane
By: Andrea Cremer
Released: July 26, 2011
Source: Purchased
Purchase the Book: Amazon

"When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive." (Summary from goodreads.com)

Andrea Cremer's Wolfsbane is the sequel to Nightshade and picks up where it left off. Calla is now with the Searchers who she was taught her whole life were her enemies. The Searchers make her an offer however that will give her the opportunity to not only help her pack but also save Ren.

I loved Wolfsbane and thought it was a captivating sequel to Nightshade. Calla is an excellent protagonist who changes and grows quite a bit throughout the story. I liked that there was some more Shay and he definitely grew on me but I did wish Ren was around a little more, however that just might be because I am team Ren. I enjoyed meeting the Searchers and they all grew on me as the story progressed as well. I especially liked Adne a great deal by the end and I am excited to see more of her in the next book.

I liked that more history was provided in this one and I didn't find any of it boring because it helped move along the plot and answered many of my questions. There is so much I love about this series which Cremer once again delivers in Wolfsbane such as, the romance, the unpredictable twists, and the setting. The ending has left me anxiously awaiting the next book, Bloodrose which is due out in February. I highly recommend Wolfsbane and if you have not already, Nightshade.

My Rating:

The first chapter from the next book in this series, Bloodrose which will be out in February 2012, is now available on Entertainment Weekly. (Spoiler warning if you have not read Wolfsbane)

Waiting on Wednesday #9: Crossed

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Crossed
By: Ally Condie
Release Date: November 1, 2011

"In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake. Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever." (summary from goodreads.com)

I am excited for Crossed because I really loved Matched and can't wait to find out what happens next to Cassia. I also love the cover for this one.

Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Supernaturally
By: Kiersten White
Released: July 26, 2011
Source: Purchased
Purchase the Book: Amazon

"Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees. But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself. So much for normal." (Summary from goodreads.com)

Kiersten White's Supernaturally is the sequel to Paranormalcy and picks up a few months later. Evie finally has her normal life but she is beginning to find that being normal is boring. When the International Paranormal Containment Agency comes to Evie asking for help she agrees to go back to work for them on her own conditions. However, she soon finds herself in dangerous situations and learns that a battle is beginning between the faeries.

 I loved Supernaturally and thought it was a great follow up to Paranormalcy. White once again brings to life an exciting and supernatural world with characters you can't help but love. Evie is one of my favorite female protagonists because she is strong, sarcastic, and so witty that I love reading in her point of view. I enjoyed reading about her trying to live a normal life and finding out that it can be pretty boring. Evie and Lend now have a long distance relationship while Lend is away at college and a few problems begin to arise between them. I did like the new addition of the character Jack and I was happy to see many of the other previous characters return as well. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Evie and Arianna.

Supernaturally captured my attention instantly and I finished the book in only a few hours. The plot had a few surprises in the end and a few questions are left unanswered which has left me anxious for the next installment. I strongly recommend Supernaturally and if you have not read it yet, Paranormalcy.

My Rating:

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

A Need So Beautiful
By: Suzanne Young
Released: June 21, 2011
Source: Purchased
Purchase the Book: Amazon

"We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten... Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger. But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely. Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences." (Summary from goodreads.com)

Suzanne Young's A Need So Beautiful is the story of Charlotte who is often overcome with the Need to go somewhere and help a complete stranger. As the Need becomes more consistent, Charlotte learns that she is one of The Forgotten who was sent to earth to help others and she will soon completely disappear. However, Charlotte wants to fight to stay with her best friend and boyfriend before they forget her.

I really enjoyed A Need So Beautiful and felt that it was a captivating and different story with compelling characters. I sympathized a great deal for Charlotte because she doesn't want to leave the ones she loves and she especially doesn't want them to forget about her. I enjoyed going on the journey with her as she learned who she was and what would happen to her. I loved Harlin and the relationship he shared with Charlotte. I liked that they had already been dating for a while when the book began because their relationship had already grown a great deal.

The plot picks up immediately in the first couple of pages and held my attention until the last page. I loved the last few chapters and the ending especially, although it does leave you with quite a few unanswered questions. I strongly recommend A Need So Beautiful and I will be highly anticipating the sequel.

My Rating:

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Forgotten 
By: Cat Patrick
Released: June 7, 2011
Source: Purchased E-book
Purchase the Book: Amazon


"Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future. Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies." (Summary from goodreads.com)

Cat Patrick's Forgotten is the story of London who forgets her past every night she goes to sleep and only remembers visions of the future. London manages to live a somewhat normal life by making notes for herself every night. However London desires to learn more about the past that she can't remember.

I found the premise for Forgotten to be different and interesting. I sympathized for London because she forgets her entire day every single night but she still goes to school and tries to live a normal life. I loved Luke who is so cute and quirky. London and Luke's relationship is sweet and develops at a realistic pace.

I felt that some parts of the story dragged on a bit but I enjoyed the ending the most. I liked learning more about London's past along with her. I wasn't entirely expecting the ending and was surprised by the last few chapters. Overall I enjoyed Forgotten and felt that it had a good balance of mystery and romance.  


My Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday #8: The Beginning of After

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

The Beginning of After
By: Jennifer Castle
Release Date: September 6, 2011

"Sixteen-year-old Laurel’s world changes instantly when her parents and brother are killed in a terrible car accident. Behind the wheel is the father of her bad-boy neighbor, David Kaufman, whose mother is also killed. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laurel navigates a new reality in which she and her best friend grow apart, boys may or may not be approaching her out of pity, overpowering memories lurk everywhere, and Mr. Kaufman is comatose but still very much alive. Through it all, there is David, who swoops in and out of Laurel’s life and to whom she finds herself attracted against her better judgment. She will forever be connected to him by their mutual loss, a connection that will change them both in unexpected ways." (Summary from jennifercastle.com)

I am looking forward to reading The Beginning of After because the summary sounds really good and I have been hearing good things about this book.

Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Love Story
By: Jennifer Echols
Released: July 19, 2011
Source: Purchased E-book
Purchase the Book: Amazon

"For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions--it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment? Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true." (summary from jennifer-echols.com)

Jennifer Echol's Love Story is the story of Erin who is attending college in New York City and is working hard to become a published author. Erin is from a wealthy family who owns a horse ranch but after she refuses to take over the family business she is cut off and her inheritance is given to the stable boy, Hunter. While writing a story in her creative writing class about the stable boy, Hunter surprisingly walks in and joins the class.

Love Story is the fourth book I have read by Jennifer Echols and I loved it. I finished the book in only a few hours after finding it impossible to put down once I started. Erin and Hunter have a complicated past but the chemistry between them is evident. I liked Erin because she is confidant and determined.

The plot moves right along and the characters are developed at a good pace. I enjoyed Erin's roommates as well as Hunter's friends. My favorite aspect of the book is that you read the stories that the characters were writing. I also loved reading about the horse ranch in Kentucky. Overall I really enjoyed Love Story and highly recommend it.

My Rating:

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Test

By: Aimee Carter

Released: April 19, 2011

Source: Purchased E-book

Purchase the Book: Amazon

"It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall. Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests. Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess."(Summary from goodreads.com)

Aimee Carter's The Goddess Test is the story of Kate who moves back to her mother's childhood hometown while her mother is dying. While in the new town, Kate meets Henry who brings a girl back to life. Henry claims to rule the Underworld and Kate agrees to stay with him while he keeps her mother alive. If Kate passes the seven tests then she will become the goddess of the Underworld as well as Henry's wife.

I enjoyed the premise of The Goddess Test and thought it was interesting especially because I love Greek mythology. I liked Kate and how selfless of a character she was. I also sympathized a great amount for her as she takes care of her mother. Henry grew on me the more I read and I liked that his relationship with Kate developed at a steady speed.

I felt that the plot was rushed a bit, especially in the beginning. I did enjoy the last few chapters the most though and the ending had a few surprises that I was not expecting. Overall I really enjoyed The Goddess Test and I am excited to see where the story will go next.

My Rating:

Wildcat Fireflies by Amber Kizer

Wildcat Fireflies
By: Amber Kizer
Source: Purchased E-book
Released: July 12, 2011
Purchase the Book: Amazon

"Meridian Sozu is a Fenestra—the half-human, half-angel link between the living and the dead. She has the dark responsibility of helping souls transition safely into the afterlife. If people die without the help of a Fenestra, their souls are left vulnerable to be stolen by the Aternocti, a dark band of forces who disrupt the balance of good and evil in the world and cause chaos. Having recently lost her beloved Auntie—the woman who showed her what it meant to be a Fenestra—Meridian has hit the road with Tens, her love and sworn protector, in hopes of finding another Fenestra. Their search leads them to Indiana, where Juliet, a responsible and loving teenager, works tirelessly in the nursing home where she and several other foster kids are housed. Surrounded by death, Juliet struggles to make a loving home for the younger kids, and to protect them from the violent whims of their foster mother. But she is struggling against forces she can't understand . . . and even as she feels a pull toward the dying, their sickness seems to infect her, weighing her down. . . .Will Meri and Tens find Juliet in time to save her from a life of misery and illness? And will Meri and Tens' own romance weather the storms of new discoveries?" (Summary from goodreads.com)

Amber Kizer's Wildcat Fireflies is the sequel to Meridian and picks up where it left off. Meridian is a fenestra which means that she helps souls pass over to the afterlife. Meridian and her boyfriend as well as protector, Ten, are now looking for another fenestra. They are searching for Juliet, who lives in a nursing home with many other foster children.

I enjoyed the captivating sequel Wildcat Fireflies much more than Meridian. It was interesting to see Meridian now using her gift without her Auntie's help and handling situations without her guidance. Meridian and Ten's relationship develops a great deal throughout the book. I enjoyed getting to know more about Ten's past as well. 

 A great addition to the story was the new character of Juliet. I really liked reading the chapters from Juliet's perspective and empathized a great deal for her. Juliet lives in a foster home and is completely unaware of her gift as a fenestra. I also enjoyed the other new characters such as Joi and Ramos. The last few chapters were the most exciting and I did not want the book to end. I am looking forward to where Kizer is going to take the story next. I recommend, if you have not already, reading the Fenestra series.

My Rating:

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls Book 3)
By: Maggie Stiefvater
Source: Purchased
Released: July 12, 2011
Purchase the Book: Amazon

"The conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy. In Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. In Linger, they fought to be together. Now, in Forever, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in." (Summary from maggiestiefvater.com)

Maggie Stiefvater's Forever is the final book in The Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy. Forever picks up after a few weeks have passed since Grace has turned into a werewolf and now the town is getting ready to hunt and kill all of the wolves.

I loved Forever and completely devoured the book in a few hours. I love that the narrators alternate between Grace, Sam, Cole, and Isabel. Just as in the previous books the narrator's alternate smoothly and naturally. Grace and Sam have had to face much in their relationship together but their love and devotion to one another only grows stronger. I felt that in Forever I saw much more of Isabel's character growth, especially in the end because it is her father who is leading the hunt on the wolves. I also saw a great deal of Cole's character development as he works to help Sam and the wolves.

The plot moves along at a steady pace but really picks up in the last few chapters. I loved the ending and I was very happy with the way Stiefvater closed up the trilogy. If you have not already then I strongly recommend reading The Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy.  

My Rating:

  
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Waiting on Wednesday #7: The Future Of Us

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

The Future of Us

By: Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

Release Date: November 21, 2011

"It's 1996, and less than half of all American high school students have ever used the Internet. Emma just got her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM. Josh is her best friend. They power up and log on--and discover themselves on Facebook, fifteen years in the future. Everybody wonders what their Destiny will be. Josh and Emma are about to find out." (Summary from goodreads.com)

I am excited for The Future Of Us because the synopsis sounds really interesting. I also am looking forward to reading another book by Jay Asher because Thirteen Reasons Why is one of my favorite books.

Forever Giveaway

"The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stiefvater
then.
When Sam met Grace, he was a wolf and she was a girl. Eventually he found a way to become a boy, and their love moved from a curious distance to the intense closeness of shared lives.
now.
That should have been the end of their story. But Grace was not meant to stay human. Now she is the wolf. And the wolves of Mercy Falls are about to be killed in one final, spectacular hunt.
forever.
Sam would do anything for Grace. But can one boy and one love really change a hostile, predatory world? The past, the present, and the future are about to collide in one pure moment - a moment of death or life, farewell or forever."

(Summary from goodreads.com)

Paradise by Jill S. Alexander

Paradise
By: Jill S. Alexander
Source: Purchased E-book
Released: July 5, 2011
Purchase the Book: Amazon

"Paisley Tillery is the drummer for a country rock band. If they can make it to the stage at the Texapalooza music fest, then Paisley will be closer to her dream of a career in music and a ticket out of her small Texas town. Drumming and music are what Paisley has always wanted. Until the band gets a new lead singer, the boy from Paradise, Texas. With Paradise in her life, what Paisley wants, and what she needs, complicate her dreams coming true." (Summary by goodreads.com)

Jill S. Alexander's Paradise is about Paisley who is the drummer in a band that is practicing to perform at Texapalooza. Paisley dreams of becoming a drummer although it is not what her mother has planned out for her. The band first needs to find a lead singer and that is when they find Paradise.

Paradise is a well written story that I finished in a few short hours. Paisley is a relatable character who learns to eventually stand up for herself and her dreams. Cowboy Paradise is charming and has a unique talent that brings something different to the band. I also enjoyed the side characters as well such as Paisley's sister Lacey and band member Levi.

A great aspect of the story is reading the lyrics that are closely related to the situations the band members go through. I have heard much about this ending which is the reason I decided to read Paradise. The ending was shocking and not what I was expecting. I am still not entirely sure how I feel about it because I feel like the ending kind of came out of nowhere but I still enjoyed the story and going along on the band's journey.

My Rating:

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

The Day Before
By: Lisa Schroeder
Source: Purchased E-book
Released: June 28, 2011
Purchase the Book: Amazon

"Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself. Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets. The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last." (summary from goodreads.com)

Lisa Schroeder's The Day Before is the story of Amber who wants to escape for one day to the beach. While at the beach she meets Cade who is also looking to escape for just one day. Together they spend a perfect day together before both of their lives change.

I loved The Day Before and finished it in just a few hours. It is written in beautiful lyrical verse and flows smoothly from page to page. I loved unraveling the mystery to both Amber and Cade as their day went on. Amber and Cade's relationship does not feel rushed even though they only have one day together.

Schroeder provides a vivid description of the beach and all of the places that Amber and Cade go which made me feel as though I was there as well. I found myself smiling at some parts and my heartbreaking at other parts. The Day Before is a short and powerful read that I strongly recommend.


My Rating:

Hereafter by Tara Hudson

Hereafter
By: Tara Hudson
Source: Purchased E-book
Released: June 7, 2011
Purchase the Book: Amazon

"Can there truly be love after death? Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive. Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever." (Summary from goodreads.com)

Tara Hudson's Hereafter is the story of Amelia who has spent years hanging around the river she died in. Amelia does not remember how she died in the river or anything else from when she was alive. However, everything changes for Amelia when she saves Joshua from drowning in that same river and they form a special connection.

Hereafter is a well written romantic but chilling story that is hard to put down. Amelia develops a great deal throughout the story and we learn about Amelia's mysterious past life along with her. Amelia and Josh's relationship is love at first sight but develops into a more believable relationship as they learn more about one another. I still can't decide on how I feel about the characters of Eli and Ruth though.

I liked that the plot picks up immediately and there were still a few surprises in the end that I was not expecting. Overall I really enjoyed Hereafter and I think Hudson makes an excellent debut. A few questions were left unanswered which is why I am going to be looking forward to the next book in this series. I also love the gorgeous cover and the blue and green colors it uses.

My Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday #6: Beautiful Chaos

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Beautiful Chaos
By: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Release Date: October 18, 2011

"Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected - and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What - or who - will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin? For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself - forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask. Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending." (goodreads.com)

I am looking forward to Beautiful Chaos because I really enjoyed the previous Caster Chronicle books. The summary sounds interesting and I can't wait to learn what will happen next to Ethan and Lena.

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

Spellbound

By: Cara Lynn Shultz

Source: Purchased E-book

Released: June 21, 2011

Purchase the Book: Amazon

"Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight. But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else." (Summary from goodreads.com)


Cara Lynn Shultz's Spellbound is about Emma who has recently began going to an exclusive private school in New York after moving in with her aunt. At school Emma meets Brendan and can't seem to stop thinking of him. However ever since meeting him strange things keep happening, such as nightmares and streetlamps bursting when she walks by. 

I enjoyed Spellbound and found it to be a creative and captivating story. I sympathized a great deal for Emma who has experienced much loss already in her short life. However, Emma is a strong and tough heroine. Brendan grew on me much more as the book progressed. Emma and Brendan's relationship is powerful and develops at a believable pace. 

I particularly enjoyed the secondary characters, Cisco and Angelique, who I thought were well written. The premise and the background history that is explained within the story is interesting. I also loved the setting in New York City and it made me feel as though I was walking the city with Emma. Shultz makes a great debut and I finished the book in no time. I recommend Spellbound, it is a great supernatural read.

My Rating:

Everlasting by Alyson Noel

Everlasting
By: Alyson Noel
Source: Purchased
Released: June 7, 2011
Purchase the Book: Amazon

"Everlasting is the sixth and final installment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears-all in the hope of being together forever. Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach. Will they be united-or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion!" (Summary from goodreads.com)

Alyson Noel's Everlasting is the final book in The Immortals series. Ever and Damen still must find the cure for Damen in order for them to be together. However, is their love strong enough to keep them together forever?

Everlasting was a great conclusion to The Immortals series and wrapped up all of my questions. Much has happened throughout this series and the characters have developed a great deal when I think back to the first book in the series, Evermore. Ever and Damen have been forced to face many challenges to their relationship. Ever has definitely matured a great amount and it shows in this final book.

The plot is paced well and holds the reader's interest while the ending has a few surprises that I was not expecting. I am sad to see the series end but I am happy with the way Noel wrapped it up. If you have not read The Immortals series yet then I strongly recommend you check it out.

My Rating: