**And just an FYI: if you see a book listed on my blog that is part of a series, just go ahead and assume that I've read all the books, or am working on reading ALL the books within that series. I may not always list them on here but trust me - they were read.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Wicked 2: Legacy & Spellbound and Wicked:Resurrection

Author: Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

Normally I only do one "review" for a book series, but there was just too much going on for me to do that. If you find these books you'll understand. Each book, with the exception of the last, is two books in one.

Alright, so in the first Wicked book I told you about how Holly's life had been turned upside down. In the second book she finds herself wondering whether or not she is evil or good, dark or light. And she also wonders about Jer, the one warlock whom she loves.....and not because her ancestor Isabeau takes over her mind/body from time to time when Jer is taken over by his ancestor Jean. The two ancestors were once in love, that was after they were "married" by their respective feuding houses. Of course they both tried to kill each other wanting more power, which is partially why the feud still goes on in the present with Holly.

Along with her cousins Amanda and Nicole, who are also witches, they try their hardest to protect the ones they love. Holly discovers she is not sure that she wants to ask any God or Goddess for help because she's noticed there is a price to be paid when that is done. Holly tires of always having to make the "hard" decisions, especially those that concern her Coven.

The last book in the series takes you through what would be the Apocalypse if Holly's coven, with the help of others, is unable to defeat the "Black Magic" that is bolstering to take over the world. It has non-stop action going on the entire book... it never stops.

I thought these books were rather good. I warn you now, the first two are rather long so take your time or else you'll get lost and nothing will make sense. Enjoy!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Wicked: Witch and Curse

Author: Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie

Okay, so this is a little different from what I've been reading. It's pretty good though. This book does have a lot of religious references in it from Wicca to Christianity so be prepared when you get to read it.

Holly Cathers is a typical teenager whose parents recently have been fighting, non stop, about everything. In an attempt to be a "normal" family they book a rafting trip and decide to bring Holly's best friend Tina along. Tragedy strikes as they raft down the river, everyone in her family and her best friend drown. Holly makes it to shore, only after having a horrible vision.

She wakes up to find herself in a hospital, surrounded by a person she knows nothing of. Her Aunt Marie-Claire. Holly knows it's the truth. Even though she's never even seen a picture of her Aunt she can see her father in his sisters eyes. Tina, her BFF that died in the rapids, her mom Barbara comes in and tells Holly that her mom wanted her to look after Holly if anything happened to them. Relieved that this means she will not have to move from San Fransisco to live with her Aunt in Seattle, she is a little happier. Maybe some parts of her life can stay the same...

Holly doesn't know it yet, but her life is about to get even harder. Apparently she comes from a family with a history in Witchcraft. Her family in particular, at one time, was a very powerful one. The only other person with this knowledge is Micheal, who happens to be from an opposing Warlock family who also has been sleeping around with Holly's aunt. Needless to say......Holly is about to have to grow up in a world she didn't know existed, and do it fast if she wants to live.

All of what I just told you happens in the first couple of chapters in the book. It's packed full of adventure. I'm already wanting to pick up the next one - so on that note I'll leave you, and get to reading.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Need

Author: Carrie Jones
Eima Enjoyablity Rating: 8 out of 10

So you can get the gist of this book, I thought I would type out the inside jacket. It's a little weird to put into words otherwise.

"Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her step-father died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane... but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.
She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara."

Alright, so now you kind of know what's going on on this story, it's not as easy to put down as you would think. Just so you can get your mind around it this book is all about lore, from Pixie's to Were people (or animals really). And of course, it's a love story.....as if there is anything else.

Definitely a quick, easy read. I really enjoyed the book, I suggest you try it out too. Oh, and I think Jones wrote a second book as a companion to this one that I plan on reading in the next few days.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Evernight Series

Author: Claudia Gray
Eima Rating: 9 out of 10 (just because the story hasn't ended yet)

Have you ever wondered if you could live forever, would you be able to keep up with the times?? I mean think about it. It wasn't that long ago we would have been in horse and buggy to travel, not a car. Microwaves hadn't been thought of and forget the Internet, TV, or any other electronic device that most of us have within ten feet of ourselves right this very minute. Even dialects have changed dramatically. Well, Evernight Academy is where you would find yourself if you were having trouble meshing into society. All anybody wants is to fit in, right?

Bianca is a 16 year old girl whose parents recently got teaching jobs at an over the top scary goth looking "reform" school, Evernight Academy. This school has been around for decades, no centuries, and that doesn't help the creepy factor. Bianca is not happy having been moved here for no other explanation from her parents other than they want her to be a more "rounded" person. Right off the bat she decides to run away. Well, not really run away, as she wouldn't want to put her parents through that, but she at least wants to make a point so they understand she does NOT want to be there. However, in her great escape she is tackled by Lucas, and pretty much falls in love the moment he touches her. Imagine a Romeo and Juliet kind of love story, but instead of feuding families, add vampires and vampire hunters to the mix......and you've got yourself a book you can't put down.

So far in the Evernight Series there are two books ready for your enjoyment. Evernight and Stargazer. The third book is on it's way to us and will be out March 9th of this year. So no waiting to long.

These books were very entertaining, and that is how I determine whether or not I share what I read. If I enjoy it, I assume a lot of other people will too. So go get in those libraries people and get these books, you won't be disappointed.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Shiver

Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Eima Rating: 10 out of 10


Okay everyone. After being overwhelmed by reading a lot of series type books that you just can't put down (i.e. Twilight, House of Night, Wicked Lovely) , this is the kind of book you have got to pick up and read. There's no left over questions, no lingering void of having to wait for the next one to come out. This was great.

One word, werewolf. I know, I know, you're tired of werewolves, vampires and other freaky people. But seriously guys, Stiefvater puts a whole new spin on the idea. Grace, the main character in the book has always watched the wolves that come around her house, especially the one with beautiful yellow eyes. You see when she was younger, she was attacked by these wolves - which technically means she too should be werewolf, but....she never changed.

Stiefvater creates a werewolf in which it's not anger that triggers their metamorphosis - but a change in temperature. Apparently the wolves in this book become furry and wild with the onset of winter, however come spring time, they are fully functioning teenagers or young adults who hold jobs and go to school.

The story is about the connection between Sam (werewolf) and Grace; and what they would do to save each other, even if it means death. Absolutely a wonderful escape!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Uninvited

Author: Amanda Marrone
Genre: Teen Horror
Warnings: Drug Abuse, Alcohol Abuse, Sex Abuse

Yes, this is another vampire book. Lately I've been buying my books, especially the ones I have a feeling that I'll love. Every now and then I come across an interesting book, but find myself unsure about purchasing said book. These are the books I get from the library. Uninvited is one of these borrowed books. The book itself is an incredibly fast read, 204 pages to be exact.

As I began to dive into the book, Marrone immediately had my attention. There was no "prelude" for you to read to have you brought up to speed before she started her tale. She just plops you right in the middle of it and explains things as you go along.

For an overview this story is about Jordan. A teenage girl who has "hands off" parents and really "lives it up" if you get my drift. Jordan however is now being haunted at night by her recently dead ex-boyfriend from a while ago who has become vampire. Now, if you're wanting the "Edward Cullen" version of vampire then DO NOT read this book. You will be sadly disappointed to find out that Michael (the now vampire) is completely psycho. The whole book consists of Jordan, her talks with Michael through her window as she refuses to invite him in, Jordan's friends and the parties they attend, and Jordan' s interaction with her mother, or rather lack there of.

I enjoyed this book, not a favorite and no possibility of movie magic happening - but still entertaining. I just wish Marrone had put more "action" through out the entire book. I think it could have been longer and had more impact.

Monday, January 4, 2010

House of Night series

  • Authored by: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
  • Warnings: Language, Sexuality, Religion smack-talk
  • Elementary School Readable: No
  • Middle School Readable: No (not my imaginary child)
  • High School Readable: Yes, you may want to have discussions
  • College Readable: Yes
  • Website: http://www.houseofnightseries.com/
If you're over vampyres, this is not the series for you. If you're up for a new spin on the same old game, this is a very swift read that you'll find difficult to put down. I read 3/4 of each book in the evening, and then the last 1/4 in the morning before work...and I read two in one weekend day.

This is very much a coming-of-age series. The heroine spends her high school years transitioning from a regular human into a vampyre and then into one of the most powerful vampyres ever.

We've read Marked, Betrayed, Chosen, Untamed, Hunted, and Tempted, and we're currently waiting for the next one to be published in April.