Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi: Review

Under the Never Sky: Amazon | GoodReads

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

Oh wow, I can't believe I forgot about this book! I read and reviewed this back in March, I think, and completely forgot to post my review! *face palm* Erm, but anyway... Here's what I thought:

And here's another win for Team Dystopia! Under the Never Sky was an enthralling dystopian read. 

The Bad

Confusing lingo. So I'm in the first few pages, and I'm bombarded with words I have no idea of- pods, realms, eyepiece, Aether- they kinda threw me off. The book was complicated, and it was a bit hard to understand it. However, as I read on, my confusion disappeared, as everything is explained in due time. 

The Good

The characters. Veronica Rossi is great at character building. She makes them human, not one of those too-perfect-to-be real MCs. They're flawed, they feel emotion- everything is described in detail.

Perry was actually my favorite character. Rossi did a great job with him. He was so real, so selfless- yet so brave and protective. Aria was also a good main character. Though Rossi could have developed her character a bit more, since I couldn't really connect with her. But still, she was likeable and strong, and that's a plus. 

The Awesome

The world. Thinking up of a whole new world, an alternate universe, is not easy, yet Rossi managed to pull it off. Their worlds- the Death Shop, Reverie, Still Blue- were well thought out. Rossi's imagination in unbelievably creative! She wrote of many cool and unbelievaly high tech inventions, and I couldn't help but want to live in the world she created!

The plot. The plot was the best thing in this book. There were so many compelling factors- survival, betrayal, love, hope- that putting it down was difficult. The journeys Aria and Perry went through were anything but boring, with surprises popping out from every corner. And the mystery of it all kept me flipping through the pages. 

But what I really liked about this book was the conflict. Because for one, there wasn't a main bad guy. Usually, books have a man vs man conflict, but in this one, they were against something greater: nature. Or in their case, the Aether. I mean, yeah, General Hess was the bad guy, but he wasn't the ultimate evil force of the book. The Aether is so much more- for once, the role of being evil isn't clear cut. 

The Rating

Five stars for this amazing debut. I've had high expectations for this book, and it did not disappoint. I'm looking forward to sequel, and I want to be back in the world of Under the Never Sky. Definitely recommended for fans of dystopian, YA, and even science fiction!

Jen

Identity Theft: Review

Frank and Joe Hardy, are assigned a fantastic case of stolen identity -- literally! Joy Gallagher claims another girl is now living her life, with her parents, and in her body! Is she insane? Is that why those men in white suits are after her? Or can her story actually be true? Featuring a special guest-appearance by Mr. Snuggles! Ages 8 to 12.

Ha, okay, that summary cracks me up! :D But anyway, on to my review!

So by the time I had read this book, I already loved reading the Hardy Boys novels. This though, was like a whole new experience. 

This graphic novel was a really enjoyable. The illustrations were done nicely, and I liked the way the characters were drawn. But not just the illustrations were good- the plot was really intruiging as well! A girl undergoes plastic surgery- then claims that someone else literally stole her life. But the problem? She's got no proof! What's worse, she looks like a whole new person, but then someone who looks like the old her is now pretending to be her!

So I really liked the whole concept of it- It was really cool, and so unique and unlike anything I've ever read before. There was a lot of danger and suspense- and even death- in this book.

I've read a lot of other graphic novels, but this one is my favorite by far. In fact, I even used it in a report a few years back! So, I give this a 5 star rating. I'm sure that this will remain a favorite for many years to come.

And I'd love to say more, but what else do I talk about? The graphic novel was pretty short, making it a quick enjoyable read. The perfect read to pick up on a lazy afternoon!

On another note...

Emlyn Chand, the author who's hosting this challenge, has been feeling a little bit down recently. It would be great if you dropped by her blog and leave even a little note of encouragement and cheer her up!

Til next time!

Jen

Soul Screamers #0.5- My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent: Review

It was supposed to be a fun day, shopping at the mall with her best friend. Then the panic attack started and Kaylee Cavanaugh finds herself screaming, unable to stop. Her secret fears are exposed and it's the worst day of her life.

Until she wakes up in the psychiatric unit.

She tries to convince everyone she's fine--despite the shadows she sees forming around another patient and the urge to scream which comes burbling up again and again. Everyone thinks she's crazy. Everyone except Lydia, that is. Another patient with some special abilities....

My Soul to Lose is the prequel novella to the Soul Screamers series, and I must say, it had the whole novella thing down! It was a quick fun read, and it did a perfect job introducing us to the Soul Screamers world. It revealed just enough hints to get the readers curious, but it managed to do so without revealing anything major. After reading this novella, readers are sure to pick up the next book!

What I loved the most about this novella was its mysterious air towards it. Kaylee, upon freaking out in the mall when someone dies- and forced to sing for his soul- is placed in a mental institute. I loved how Rachel Vincent just gave a glimpse into the series- we most definitely know that Kaylee isn't your average teenager- but what is she, exactly?

Kaylee goes though a hard time in the hospital- because she knows she not crazy. She proves her strength to us, that she's not just some TSTL heroine, but one kick ass one, as she proves repeatedly over the course of the series. She's able to hang on to her sanity, despite being locked up with the crazies, and make it through the whole ordeal.

And that ending! I've got to say, that was one eerie ending. Mildly disturbing, but nothing too serious... In a good way. :) Lydia, I have got to say, is one of the most freaky characters out there! But for those who haven't read the series yet, watch out for her reappearance. She's more important that Rachel lets on. ;)

5 stars to this novella! When I first finished reading My Soul to Lose, some of my questions were answered. But so many new ones emerged. I was hooked, right from the very start. And two novellas and five full length novels after, I still am. So, totally hooked. And I'm loving every second of it! :D

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

Hunting by S.M. Hineline: Review

In the war between humans and vampires... a child will turn the tide.

Thousands of years ago a goddess cursed a family, every 500 years a child of their bloodline would be born a vampire. This child would mean the survival or destruction of the vampire race. And each would do anything to find the child first.

Jade knew nothing of the curse, but when a vampire princess calls, you answer. Now she must do her best to help find the child and save it from the humans who would see it dead. And if that weren't enough, the princess' cousin, in an effort to show her unworthy to lead their people, is doing everything in his power to stop them. Even if that means killing them all.

I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review. 

The Bad

Hunting was a good book, no kidding. But there's something that's bugging me; I can't exactly pinpoint the exact thing. I didn't really find anything I didn't like about the book- it was just there's something about it that seemed... I don't really know how to place this- old fashioned? Restrained? But this was just a really tiny issue for me.

The Good

The characters. When S.M. first came to me, she described Jade as the "kick-butt heroine", and she couldn't have been more correct. I love the characters she created- she really took the time to make sure we could connect with them. I have to admit, I had a hard time conncecting withn Jade at first, but in the end, I ended up liking all of her characters, flaws, quirks, and all. 

The Awesome

The plot. Yes, I admit that I'm sick of vampires. Those glitzy, mysterious, brooding ones that the heroine falls for with one look- sick of them, I tell you. I am so glad that this book had a fresh take on them. The whole mythology of how the vampires came to be was unique and well thought out. The story was fast paced, with tons of action packed into it. Though the staring part might be a bit slow at first, the pacing picks up quickly in just a few chapters. 

The twist. The huge twist in the end was brilliant! As the story lead to its few final chapters, you'd think that everything else would be predictable- but no, you're really wrong. Just as everything leads to the final moment of truth, S.M. lets out an unexpected twist, and I actually had to reread the paragraph to make sure I read things right!

The Rating

Five stars. Yep, five stars. I gotta admit, I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book this much. It was just so easy to get myself lost in the story, making it a quick, fun read! While there was something a bit off with the way it was written, I still enjoyed the entire book. And what's more, with the way it was left off, I'm sure there's gonna be a sequel. And I am not gonna miss that- you see, Hunting ended with a of unanswered questions, and I need to know what happens in the end! 

I recommend this book to lovers of all things paranormal who are looking for a fresh new story. And weirdly enough, I think this story is appropriate for YA- just ignore the ages- since the story was really clean, which I loved. Heck, it was cleaner than most YA books, blood and gore not included. :) So yes, in spite of the adult urban fantasy cover, I'm guessing teens and adults could enjoy this book. A really fun debut from a self-published author!

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

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Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz: Review

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Connor, 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.

Wow. Okay, Spellbound... Just whoa.

The Bad

The beginning. The starting part of the book was slow. I thought it was another average YA book where heroine falls in love with a hot rich guy. I thought that the reincarnation concept was overused, and that the book would be full of cliches. Yeah, I was wrong. 

The Awesome

The plot. Remember when I said I thought this was another cliche? I am so glad I was wrong. Spellbound was anything but cliched! The reincarnation plot was so well written, and it just felt so real. There wasn't a single dull moment in it- it had everything that I love!

The humor. Okay, this book is so unlike other YA books. Why? It made me laugh. Like snort/ giggle/ break down laughing kinda thing. The author just placed so many hilarious comments in it, and I couldn't help but crack up! Emma's narration was really entertaining, and she has the most amusing inner monolgues ever!

The characters. Finally. Finally, we have a tough heroine. We have a unique one, not one of those damsels in distress or TSTL MCs. Emma is full of spunk. She's funny, sarcastic, yet so sweet and caring. And she's tough as hell. She wasn't afraid to stand up for her little cousin, and, and.... Yeah, let's just say she's awesome. :D

And Brendan. Whoa, does Shultz know how to make us drool or what? I love the way she wrote the characters- Brendan, Emma, Angelique- heck, even Anthony and Kristin! She has a knack for making them realistic- not too perfect (with the exception of Brendan ;) ) but flawed. And I love them for that. 

The Rating

Yeah, a full 5 stars for this book. I totally did not expect to enjoy Spellbound this much, but I did. I enjoyed every single minute of this, from the beginning, up to the explosive ending. There were so many twists, shocking revelations and laugh out loud moments that I totally lost count. I totally recommend this book to everyone! Needless to say, Spellbound got me under its spell. ;) And yes, when Spellcaster gets released, I am so reading it as soon as I can! I need more of Emma and Brendan!!!

... Yeah, I don't know if I can concentrate on another book just yet. My head's still reeling with that ending!

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

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Niederwald by Rachel Vincent: Review

"Enthralled" is a collection of 14 original teen paranormal short stories from some of today's bestselling YA talent, united with the common theme of road trips.

Niederwald is one of the short stories in the anthology Enthralled, written by Rachel Vincent. It's narrated by Sabine, the mara from Soul Screamers, who tags along with Emma, who goes on a road trip for an entra-curricular activity. Unknown to Emma, Sabine has an ulterior motive for coming along. In truth, all she wants is to go to Niederwald, where she needs to see a certain oracle and retrieve something of value.

Niederwald is the second short story I've read that's narrated by Sabine once again. (The other one is Fearless- check out my review here.) It was short, but fun fun fun! I think it's supposed to be read after My Soul to Steal and before If I Die. If read between those books, Niederwald drops some delicious hints, which keeps readers guessing til the end. In a way, it's an epic teaser of what's to come in If I Die.

In true Vincent style, she manages to pack mystery, action, suspense, and yes, even humor, into a story is short. She introduces a new specie here- harpies. They were briefly mentioned in past books, but they get the spotlight in this one. That's what I love the most about her books- they have unique creatures, not those overused vamps or werewolves. Also, the plot was well thought out, unlike those other stories in anthologies, which don't even make any sense.

The Rating

5 Stars! Yeah, I'm guessing I'm giving too much 5 stars to Rachel's books, but I really can't help it! I can't help but enjoy all of her Soul Screamers short stories. They're short, but a delightful addition to the main series. And Niederwald was no exception to this. Recommended for all Soul Screamers fans... Especially those who have yet to read If I Die! (But DON'T read this if you haven't yet My Soul to Steal yet!)

However, I'm not sure if readers who haven't read Soul Screamers yet should read this. I'm guessing they'll have a hard time relating to the existing plotline under it, not to mention the major spoilers it reveals. But still, this is something that should not be missed!

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

Fearless by Rachel Vincent: Review

For those who thirst for accounts of paranormal romance, Trisha Telep has compiled some of the most thrilling takes of forbidden love in this collection. First crushes and last rites; dark spells and bright magic; forbidden lovers and enchanted beings -- and always, always the hungry games of desire. Pucker up for a darkly sweet collection of ghosts, shape shifters, fairies, unicorns, vampires, and demons in tales from today's biggest writers of the paranormal persuasion.

Fearless is a short story about Sabine, our favorite mara. Okay, so she's not exactly my favorite nightmare- more like the only nightmare, thus winning by default. But yeah, this short story gave us a peek into Sabine's life before entering the Soul Screamers world. 

So first off, just let me start by saying I liked Fearless. It was really short, yet Rachel still managed to create a good plot, filled with mystery and suspense. Sabine, having vandalized a guy's car, lands in yet another foster home, one of the best ones in the state. So at first, you'd think everything's great- safe place, with plenty of girls to feed on. 

Wrong. 

Because the girls there don't have fears. And because of that, Sabine's dying. I liked the big showdown with the "bad guy" in the story, and how things got wrapped up nicely in the end. 

Oh, and not only that, another familiar face appears in the story- Nash. His interaction with Sophie just proved my point that they are meant for each other. But hey, he was a nice touch to it. :)

The Rating

Five stars. Short, but full of surprises. It was pretty good for a short story- it restored my faith in novellas! A must read for all Soul Screamers fan, Sabine fan or not. It can definitely satisfy the craving for more of the Soul Screamers world- at least, temporarily. ;)

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

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Spy X by Peter Lerangis: Review

 

It's time for the second month of The Books that made me Love Reading Challenge, hosted by Emlyn Chand! For February, the book- well, series, actually, that I've picked is...

In this thrilling mystery series, 12-year-old twins Andrew and Evie navigate through a maze of intrigue and espionage as they try to uncover the truth about their mother's disappearance. Leaving only a cryptic note, Andrew and Evie's mother vanishes on their eleventh birthday. 

Now, almost a year later, the twins receive a mysterious package from someone named Spy X. They soon learn that the contents of the box will lead them on an incredible journey toward finding their mother - and into a world where no one's identity can be trusted.

Andrew and Evie aren't initially sure what to make of the package that arrives at their door soon after they move to a new town. It's filled with random things--a key, something that looks like a kaleidoscope, a seed packet, and a cryptic note. But over time, each item takes on unique importance. 

The twins decide to fill the dull weeks before the start of school by spying on their neighbors. Their first target is their next-door-neighbor. At first she seems like a run-of-the-mill older lady, but she turns out to be a retired code specialist. She teaches them to create and break codes, skills that become important as twins' search for their mother intensifies.

Spy X is a four book spy adventure series. I can still remember the day I bought my copy of the series. It was the second book, Hide and Seek. At the same time, I'd also bought The Mediator: High Stakes, by Meg Cabot. Mixing MG and YA lit together, but ended up loving both series. :D

So, I ended up rereading the entire series. Hey, they're short books! And I gotta say, I still enjoyed them. Ever since I was a little kid, I've always been fascinated with spies and codes and secret missions. It was fun rereading Andrew and Evie's adventures as they cracked clues and solved puzzles in search of their mother.

This series has it all- tons of mystery, humor, and non-stop action and adventure. The codes and riddles in the book are fun, albeit a bit difficult, to crack. I can still remember a certain code in the fourth book, and how it's brilliance absolutely stunned me. There are cliffhangers, jaw dropping revelations, and a lot of other shocking surprises which will keep you flipping through the pages.

The Rating

Five stars. Spy X is a middle grade series, but that didn't stop me from loving it. I definitely recommend it kids, because the fast paced plot will definitely capture their attention. Heck, this series made my sister love reading! Not kidding. She's currently bugging me for new books for her to read!

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

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Soul Screamers #2- My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent: Review

When Kaylee Cavanaugh screams, someone dies. 

So when teen pop star Eden croaks onstage and Kaylee doesn't wail, she knows something is dead wrong. She can't cry for someone who has no soul. 

The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad's ironclad curfew and putting her too-hot-to-be-real boyfriend's loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls: a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld—a consequence they can't possibly understand. 

Kaylee can't let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk….

My Soul to Save has always been one my favorites in this series. (Right after If I Die!) I even enjoyed it more than My Soul to Take! What I loved the most was the plot of the story. It was totally original, and so twisted. So very twisted.

Addison Page is a famous teen popstar. Why? Because she sold her soul to a hellion. Being Tod's former girlfriend, Kaylee and Nash must help her save her soul, along with a certain reaper's help.  Okay, I loved the suspense and the tension. Throughout the book, I kept on thinking, "How will they do it?" It totally seemed impossible! But trust Kaylee to come up with something. I can't help but admire her resourcefulness- she always finds a way to make it out of an impossible situation- alive.

Bt you know what really killed me? The ending. It was utterly heartbreaking. I won't spoil what happened for those who haven't read it yet- but trust me, the ending was the ultimate act of sacrifice.

On a brighter note, we get to see more character developments! We now know that Kaylee's smarter than we think, and Nash... Well, Nash can be capable of fury and snapping at someone. :P Tod though- we get to see a side of him we haven't seen before. Tod isn't just all snark and sarcasm- he has a soft side too. We see just how loyal he can be to those he loves, and I love him for that. He was willing to give up anything just to save Addy's soul. And not only that, who knew our favorite reaper could be reduced to a blushing schoolboy in the presence of a thousand year old reaper? Now that Tod was way adorable! ;)

The Rating 

So before I spend anothor paragraph droning on how much I love Tod, I'm giving this book 5 stars. Yes, another full star rating. I just can't help it; I love these books so much! :D

Cover Wars

So once again, I'm gonna ask: Which one do you prefer? US or UK edition?

 

Personally, I'm in favor of the US edition. The UK one kinda freaks me out. Those eyes, freakishly staring at you, deep into your soul.....

BOO!

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

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Any thoughts on this book (and Tod)? ;) Which cover do you like better? And if you signed up for the SSRC as well, leave your link! :D

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Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor: Review

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

So I never would have bought this book if it weren't for the glowing reviews I'd read everywhere. For one, the paperback is expensive- almost cost as much as a hardbound book! But it was worth it. Oh so worth it. 

The Unique

The names. The names were most definitely unique. And I LOVED them. Karou, Akiva, Madrigal, Issa, Brimstone, Zuzanna... They sounds so beautiful, and they were definitely a refreshing change from all those Jacks and Kates and Johns out there. They have this... lyrical tilt to them, don't you think?

The Awesome

The mythology. Angels and chimaera. Now, have you read anything like that before? No. This was a first, and not only that, it comes with a twist. Reincarnation, wishes- and teeth. 

The writing. Everywhere, I read that Laini Taylor's writing is different. That it's beautiful and lyrical. And now that I've finally read one of her books, I couldn't agree more. She has a way with words, making them flow off the page.

The plot. The plot was amazing. It was brilliant, so twsited. The author dropped bombshell after bombshell. The story literally takes place in different eras and tells about a love so great it withstands death. But it was so much more than a love story. It was way more than what I bargained for.

The Rating

5 stars. Duh. The Daughter of Smoke and Bone was the darkest fantasy I've ever read, and I loved every moment of it. Right from the start, I knew this book would be different, and it was. It whisked me off to this darkly magical yet dangerous world, and I didn't want to leave it. The Daughter of Smoke and Bone left me hanging for more, and you bet I'll read the sequel the moment it comes out!

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

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Awsome book, right? Agree or diagree?

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Soul Screamers #1- My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent: Review

She doesn't see dead people. She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next.

This is my second time reading the Soul Screamers series. So why am I doing so in spite of my gigantic TBR pile? Well, first off, Rachel @ Fiktshun is hosting a Soul Screamers Reading Challenge, and I'm participating. Second, Before I Wake is coming out in five months. Five months! And I want to reread the series and refresh my memory. And lastly? This is one hell of a series- I would have reread it anyway, challenge or no!

So for my review, I'm not gonna do my usual review with The Bad and The Good and The Awesome sections. The Soul Screamers is one- and will always be- one my top favorite books, and I can't say a single bad thing about the series. At all. 

My Soul to Take was such an amazing read. (Or should I say reread?) It wasn't just full of paranormal goodness, but it had tons of mystery. This was one of my favorite elements of the book, because there's nothing more I love better than a good mystery. And boy, does Rachel know how to spin a good one! I honestly did not see what was coming. Of course, that was during the first time I read it. This time, I knew who the "bad guy" was, and I gotta say, it made me see that character in a whole new light this time!

And not only that, My Soul to Take had suspense. It had adventure. Romance. Nerve wracking tension. And what's more? It was full of humor. I just had to love Kaylee, our snarky and sarcastic heroine. I loved the way she thinks and how she makes an impossibly dark situation lighter. And Kaylee's not the only funny character- I'm not forgetting about Tod!

Ah, Tod. To be honest, I was looking forward to his appearance the whole start of the book! And when his name finally appeared, I broke out into a wide grin. I mean, dude, it's TOD! Ahem. Anyway, this reread was different- because the first time I read it, I was totally Team Nash. Now though, Team Tod FTW! ;)

(Aren't you just proud of me? Apart from Tod's name is caps, I didn't even go all fan girl on him! :P)

The Rating

Five stars all the way! My Soul to Take is an awesome introduction to this series, and it sucked me in right away. This is my second time reading this, but I enjoyed it as much as I did the first time I read. Even more, I think. I enjoyed being back in the Soul Screamers world, because there's simply nothing quite like it. 

Cover Wars

I just couldn't resist putting this part in. My friend and I were arguing as to which cover was better. US or UK? She likes the US version, and I do too, but I kinda find the UK cover more striking. Any thoughts? 

And that's it. To wrap up this long review, I'll ask you one question: Have you read this yet? If not, then you are missing out big time. Drop what you're reading, AND GO READ THIS NOW!

That is all. 

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

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So, have you read My Soul to Take? Loved it? Love Tod? ;) Which cover do you prefer and why?

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Never to Sleep by Rachel Vincent: Review

Don't Close Your Eyes.

Sophie Cavanaugh is not going to let her freak of a cousin's strange psychiatric condition ruin high school for them both. Not after all the work she's put into cultivating the right look, and friends, and reputation. But then, Sophie sees something so frightening she lets out a blood-curdling scream—and finds herself stuck in a bizarre parallel world where nothing is safe and deadly creatures lurk just out of sight, waiting for her to close her eyes and sleep...forever.

Could this world be real? Or does insanity run in the family...?

Ah, I love the Soul Screamers series. It's totally original- come on, do you guys know any other series about banshees? No? Thought so. The wait for the sixth book is unbearable, and I am sooo happy Rachel decided to write this novella! And thanks so much to Rachel @ Fiktshun who sent me a copy!

'Never to Sleep' is about Sophie, Kaylee's obnoxious cousin. I have to admit- I hate Sophie. She's spoiled, she's mean, she's annoying... The list goes on. But I actually began to like her after this novella. She proved herself to be more than just a stuck-up dancer. Sophie was resourceful, and she used her brains to escape the Netherworld. She was calm and collected under pressure, and she handled herself nicely. 

This novella was full of action and suspense. Sophie, along with Luca, the new guy who's not entirely human (I won't spoil his 'specie' for you.) find themselves trapped in the Netherworld. And of course, they have to face different kinds of creepy Netherworld creatures. There wasn't a dull moment in this novella. It's chock-full of blood pumping moments, and you just can't finish it fast enough. 

Of course, its also filled with laugh out loud moments. The last few pages? I loved it. Sophie really stood up for herself, and I just loved how she took down Peyton, her manipulative co-dancer. Plus, there were also sweet- and sexy- scenes between Sophie and Luca. 

My only complain about this book? It was too short! Though I guess that's why its called a novella and not a novel... But still. I want more of (I never thought I'd say this!) Sophie and Luca!

I give Never to Sleep 5 stars. This was such an awesome way to start the new year! :D If only all the books I'll read this year will be as awesome as this was. This book was a quick, fun read. I devoured it in less than an hour! Once I started, I couldn't put it down at all. Though now I kinda regret it, because now I have nothing left to read until Before I Wake comes out... Oh well. Guess I'll just find a way to grab an ARC! :) I mean, look, the cover is amazing!

Happy New Year! :D

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

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So, read this novella as soon - and as fast- as I did? Enjoyed it? Hated it? Let me know!

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The Iron Fey #1- The Iron King by Julie Kagawa: Review

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Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined. Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change. But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

All the books I've read so far were utterly amazing- and the streak continues on with the Iron King.

A little history first. The Iron Fey has been around for ages- but I never picked them up. They were just sitting there, begging to be read. Then one day, I see the cover for the Iron Knight. And boy, was it hot. The a few weeks after, I discover that I won a copy! So, estatic little me began reading the series, hoping to finish by the time I get the book.

The Bad

.... Gosh, I can't find anything wrong with it! Why?!? I mean, look at my review of Divergent- I adored the book and gave it 6 stars, but I was able to scrounge up something that I didn't like about it! But for this book?!?

Yeah, I can't.

The Good

The charaters. I love Meghan. She's an amazing heroine. She isn't whiny or a complete wimp. No, she's determined, brave, and loyal to the end. I also adored Kagawa's other characters, Ash and Puck. Puck is the bestfriend I wish I had- he's caring but funny as hell. And Ash... Well, I'm Team Ash all the way. I just gotta love that ice prince! Kagawa developed her charaters perfectly, and I couldn't help but love them.

The Awesome

The world. Okay, you see guys, this is the reason why I love fantasy. Kagawa makes the most out of this genre and pumps the book full of fey goodness.

The only thing I regret? Not reading this book sooner.

The plot. It was fast paced, engrossing, and utterly captivating. I absolutely loved the adventure and how the story progressed. I loved how Meghan's loyalty for her brother leads her across the Nevernever, and the journey was one hell of a ride. And I absolutely loved the twist in the story, when they realize that they're up against something way bigger.

The ending. Oh gosh. As the story reached its end, I was in a daze. I couldn't finish the story fast enough, but at the same way, I didn't want this story to end. My emotions were in a mess in the last few chapters. I didn't know how to feel- I felt Meghan's pain and her despair, but I could sense her determination to defeat the Iron King and rescue her brother no matter what. And that part where those pack rats arrived and gave Meghan the wood? I wanted to hug them so tightly and squeeze the life out of them.

The Rating

5 out of 5 stars for me, no questions asked. The Iron Fey is now my favorite fairy series, and it takes this fairytale into a whole new level. It had eveything I'm looking for- action, adventure, romance, comedy, suspense, and even mystery! Nothing can match Kagawa's ingenuity and wild imagination.

Luckily, the entire series has already been released, and knowing me, I'm gonna devour the entire series as soon as I can!

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

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Wow, that was long! So did you love this book as well? Let me know!

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