Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Genre: Fantasy YA
Publication Date: May 1, 2011
Format: Paperback
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

My Opinion:

Part of the reason I picked this book is because of its rating on goodreads and its unique cover. It has a mysterious feel to it and somehow compelled me to take a look at the summary. I must say I was intrigued by what I saw. 

The book starts with Clara's vision in a burning forest and there's a boy in it. Then the story continues with some introduction about Clara being a part angel and that she has received her purpose. It was as if she was supposed to save him but that was her only clue. So the whole family of 3 shifted to Wyoming, where they guessed the forest fire would occur. Hence, they were thrown into a new environment, a new home and a new school. I'll leave you to read the rest on your own. No spoilers from me. 

What I like about the book is the way Cynthia Hand writes. Her characters were strong. Clara, Christian, Tucker, Wendy, Angela and even Jeffrey. Dialogues were natural. I particularly like the fact that Clara knew that she was part-angel from the start, rather than go one big round before she realizes it in the middle of the book. I get to follow how she learn to use her ability, how she hide it and how people react to it. However, there's quite little on the villain, who only seemed to appear nearer to the end of the book. Wow... So basically the book is about how Clara prepares herself for her purpose. There's still a lot of unsolved mysteries and the ending doesn't seem to really end. I guess that's why we have Hallowed! 

By the way, I started out as Team Christian but as I go along, I switched to Team Tucker. Both guys are equally good, each with their own personality and goodness. It's amazing! If you have read the book, which team are you on? 

Will definitely check out Hallowed and read for myself what happened after the vision! 

4 stars for Unearthly. 

Get a copy:

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Teaser Tuesday (1) - Unearthly

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Miz of Should Be Reading where  you share two (2) teaser sentences from your current read to try to entice others to want to seek it out. All you have to do is to grab your current read and open to a random page. Then pick and share two teaser sentences from the page without including spoilers. And lastly, include the title and the author of the book to encourage participants to add the book to their TBR lists.

This is the first time I'm doing this. I'm kind of excited about it.

From Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

'His arm comes under my knees, and he lifts me. My arm is around his shoulder, my fingers inches away from the spot where his neck meet his hair' - Page 45




What's your Teaser Tuesday? Feel free to leave them in the comments. :)

Veiled Promises by Tracy MacNish

Genre: Historical Romance (NOT YA)
Publication Date: October 1, 2005
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: 3/5 Stars

Blurb taken from book:

Dashing Irish sea captain Patrick Mullen knows women like he knows the sea, but he is completely unprepared for the sight of lovely Camille Bradburn, the only daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Eton. Cultured, wealth, innocent, and impossibly beautiful, she is nothing he could ever hope to have, and everything he has ever desired...

Raised with unimaginable wealth and a servant for every task, Camille seems to live a fairy tale life that is the envy of every girl in England. But her privilege comes with a terrible, secret price. And when she spies Patrick beneath her balcony, she understands for the first time that freedom and passion may be possible after all...

Their love is swift and soul-deep - but also exceedingly dangerous, for others would do anything to keep them apart. But Camille won't be taken without a fight, not when she stands to lose a love worth more than all her famiy's riches...


My Opinion:
An enjoyable read with too-good-to-be-true guy and a girl who needs to be saved from her own family who treated her very badly. Read their love overcomes all adventures.

Five (Elemental Enmity #1) by Christie Rich

Genre: Fantasy YA
Publication Date: August 10, 2011
Format: ebook
Source: Gifted by Reap it & Read at Goodreads for review
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:
Rayla Tate was just a child when her mother disappeared from her life forever. Raised by her aunt Grace in a small town, she has lived a relatively uneventful but extremely sheltered life. She doesn’t know it yet, but she is special. She has been hidden from the fae who have lived secretly among us since the beginning of time. Descended from an ancient blood-line of Elementals, only she has the power to crown the first fae high-king.

Sick of provincial living and the dictates of her aunt, Rayla flees the safety of her home and runs away to college with her best friend. However, excitement over her newfound freedom is short-lived when she finds herself being chased by a mysterious stranger on her way to school. She is drawn to him immediately but resists the compulsion she feels. He disappears into the night, but she is certain he is following her.

Rayla struggles to deal with the encounter while she adapts to her new environment. To make matters worse, Aunt Grace reveals that Rayla will soon be hunted by a pack of fae lords, each hoping to claim her power for his own. She soon finds herself surrounded by stunning men. Are they fae, or is this just normal college life? More importantly, who can she trust when she can’t trust herself to be near them?


My Opinion:
This book is enjoyable but a little difficult to get into the story. I'm not sure if it's because the author gave background information on the characters during the first part of the book. 

Rayla Tate lives with her Aunt Grace. She defies her aunt and sneaks off to her own choice of college with her best friend Cassie. Along the way, she was frightened by something unknown that's following behind their car but she was immediately drawn to this dark stranger. She later finds out that she's an Elementalist and found herself surrounded by men who turned out to be fae lords who wanted to claim her power. 

There's just so many guys pinning for Rayla. I'm a little jealous of her though. But really, she needs to choose one! One thing that do cross my mind about Rayla is that she falls in love too fast. Another is that for best friends, Rayla and Cassie do fight a lot, ignore each other etc. Nevertheless, the author did a great job of introducing fae (I have no idea what it was before reading) and overall it is a pleasant read. 

Have to get to the next book to see the end! 

3.5 Stars for Five.

Get a copy:

[ Amazon | Smashwords ]

Banished #1 by Sophie Littlefield

Genre: Paranormal YA
Publication Date: September 13, 2011
Format: Paperback
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:
There isn't much worth living for in Gypsum, Missouri, or "Trashtown," as the rich kids call the run down neighborhood where sixteen-year-old Hailey Tarbell lives. As far as Hailey knows, she's never going to belong. Not with the kids at school or with her cruel, sickly grandmother, who keeps their household afloat by dealing drugs out of the basement. 
But Hailey can't help the feeling that she has some kind of gift, or curse, that makes the other kids shy away from her. Hailey is drawn to those in pain, those who need to be healed. And when her dog Rascal is hit by a car, Hailey's gift is revealed. Not only can she heal, she can bring the suffering back to life. And Hailey will soon find out, this power to heal is just the beginning . . .


My Opinion:
Join Hailey as she discovers her gift of healing and what her grandmother is actually hiding from her. Her aunt Prairie (unique name by the way, had a nice sound to it) save her and her 4 year-old foster brother, Chub, when a group of unwanted visitors showed up at her Grandmother's place. It's a rocky escape from those who wanted Hailey for some unmentionable reasons you have to read to find out. Join Hailey in her journey to unravel the truth about herself and her powers and why people seemed to be interested in that power. 

I totally dislike her grandmother. She's not providing a healthy environment for Hailey and Chub. And Chub... He's so cute and attached to Hailey. Innocently little child. Hailey is a strong girl who's brave, something I lookout for in characters. 

The first part of the book is slow, introducing her grandmother and what she does. Then suddenly there's this car that's stationed outside her house that brought attention to Hailey. The next thing she knows, she's with Prairie and Chub, on their way to escape. A major portion of the book is about their escape and where they seek to hide. However, there's no hint of romance for Hailey in this book... It's an easy read and there's still some unfinished business at the end, which brings us to book 2. Will be getting book 2 to read soon. 

4 stars for Banished.

Get a copy:

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Catching Suki (Lila #0.5) by Sarah Alderson

Genre: Fantasy YA
Publication Date: February 1, 2012
Format: ebook
Source: Gifted by Author
Rating: 5/5 Stars!! (Read Hunting Lila first!)

Goodreads Summary:
The Unit are closing in and Demos needs one of his team to go deep cover. 

Enter Suki. 

Fashion obsessed, boy-crazy and more than a little kooky, Suki is a mind reader with a special talent for buying shoes and for listening in on private conversations. 

Tasked with infiltrating the enemy (namely Jack and Alex) Suki rises to the challenge, leaving a trail of chaos, destruction (and a large room service bill) in her wake. 

A prequel to the events of Hunting Lila and including many of the characters from the book, this short story told through Suki’s eyes, will have you laughing out loud and gripping the edge of your seat. 

My Opinion:

I'm so excited about this! I find Suki's character endearing. She's really cute! The way she thought, the way she acts... everything! If you have read Hunting Lila and love it, you should definitely read this! You'll get to read a bit on Jack and Alex too! And of course, more on Suki and her group. 

5 Stars for Catching Suki. 

Now, I'll just have to wait for Losing Lila. ;)

Get a copy:

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Hunting Lila (Lila #1) by Sarah Alderson

Genre: Fantasy YA
Publication Date: August 5, 2011
Format: Paperback
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 5/5 Stars!! (My favourite read!)

Goodreads Summary:
17-year-old Lila has two secrets she's prepared to take to the grave. The first is that she can move things just by looking at them. The second is that she's been in love with her brother's best friend, Alex, since forever. After a mugging exposes her unique ability, Lila decides to run to the only people she can trust - her brother and Alex. They live in Southern California where they work for a secret organisation called The Unit, and Lila discovers that the two of them are hunting down the men who murdered her mother five years before. And that they've found them. In a world where nothing and no one is quite as they seem, Lila quickly realises that she is not alone - there are others out there just like her - people with special powers -and her mother's killer is one of them…

My Opinion:

Praises for Hunting Lila! There's never a dull moment in Hunting Lila; it keeps me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole journey. 

This is a book about Lila, a girl who found out about her unique ability after involving in a mugging incident. She set of to California from London to find her brother Jack and his good friend (her long time crush), Alex. However, they seem to be hiding something from her, something about her mother's murder. There's more to this than meet the eye. And there's a little surprise element in the book! 

I simply adore the whole plot, characters and even the book cover! I've heard about this book a lot from bloggers and decided to grab a copy and it didn't disappoint me! It was so captivating that I finish the whole book in about 6 hours, maybe slightly more than that. Now, I'm itching to re-read it again. That's how good the book is! 

P.S. Alex is just so swoon-worthy. ;) 

5 Stars for Hunting Lila!

Get a copy:

[ Amazon | Book Depository ]

Blue Bloods #1 by Melissa de la Cruz

Genre: Fantasy YA
Publication Date: March 27, 2007
Format: Paperback
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 3/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:
Schuyler Van Alen is confused about what is happening to her. Her veins are starting to turn blue, and she's starting to crave raw meat. Soon, her world is thrust into an intricate maze of secret societies and bitter intrigue. Schuyler has never been a part of the trendy crowd at her prestigious New York private school. Now, all of a sudden, Jack Force, the most popular guy in school, is showing an interest in her. And when one of the popular girls is found dead, Schuyler and Jack are determined to get to the bottom of it.

Schuyler wants to find out the secrets of the mysterious Blue Bloods. But is she putting herself in danger? Melissa de la Cruz's vampire mythology, set against the glitzy backdrop of New York City, is a juicy and intoxicating read.


My Opinion:
A pleasant read though I'm left with some unanswered questions after reading the whole book. Perhaps they'll be revealed in book 2? I hope so! 

This is a story about Schuyler Van Alen and her bloodline - the Blue Bloods. And then some people of the same bloodline started getting murdered and they were trying to find out why. Somebody was out to destroy them but who? I will not tell so you need to read it on your own to find out what happened. But trust me, some questions would still be left hanging there after you read the whole book. However one interesting thing is their lifestyle. That you can look forward to. And find out why Jack Force, the most popular boy in her school, is interested in Schuyler. 

I'll give book 2 in this series a try. Hopefully, more will be revealed. 

3 stars for Blue Bloods.

Get a copy:

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A Little Less Girl by Tess Oliver

Genre: YA
Publication Date: August 18, 2011
Format: ebook
Source: Bought
Rating: 5/5 Stars!!

Goodreads Summary:
Everything has always come easy to Jake West. But when Amy, the girl obsessed with him, commits suicide, the entire town of Raynesville is quick to blame Jake. Now Amy's cousin, Dani, has moved into town. And suddenly Jake has an obsession of his own.
Dani Spencer has always dreamed of a home and normal life. When her beloved cousin and grandmother die, her wild, impetuous mother inherits their house in Raynesville. With Amy’s diary in hand, Dani intends on finding out what happened to her cousin. And there's an obvious place to start . . . Jake West, the guy who broke Amy's heart.


My Opinion:
Totally enjoyed it! The alternative point of view between Dani and Jake was refreshing. Characters were great. Jake is a total nice guy and Dani's a great swimmer. I find myself liking Dani's mom and her interaction between her and Dani. I kept wanting to know who killed Amy throughout the book. Was it Jake, as everything had thought? You have to read to find out! It's a good read. 5 stars for a little less girl! Join her on her quest to find out the truth about her cousin's death.

Grab a copy:

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Camille #1 by Tess Oliver

Genre: Fantasy YA
Publication Date: October 24, 2010
Format: ebook
Source: Bought
Rating: 3/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:
At a time when society conforms to the strictest rules and most proper etiquette, sixteen-year-old Camille Kennecott and her guardian, Dr. Bennett, live a most unconventional life. They hunt werewolves.When unwitting victim, Nathaniel Strider, wanders into one of their full moon pursuits, Camille and Dr. Bennett believe they have found a specimen for their study. Finding a scientific key to unlocking the mystery of lycanthropy would end their late night excursions. Yet beneath the irresistible exterior, Nathaniel is transforming into a flesh-tearing monster, and as each experiment fails, Camille loses another inch of her soul to him. In a month’s time, she must face the prospect of destroying the boy who has stolen her heart.

My Opinion:

An interesting easy read about Camille and a boy named Nathaniel Strider who was about to transform into a werewolf from a vicious bite.

I easily followed through the story through Camille's point of view. The story was well written though I would say it is somewhat lacking on the action part. In this book, we get to read how Camille and the doctor tried to find a cure for Nathaniel while rushing for time.

Overall, it is still worth reading.

3.5/5 stars for Camille.

I forgot to mention about the cover! It's one of the reason I bought a copy of the book! Pretty!

Get a copy:

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City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) by Cassandra Clare

Genre: YA
Publication Date: March 25, 2008
Format: Hardcover
Source: Borrow from Library
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:
Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father. 

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father? 

In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.


My Opinion:
City of Ashes is a great read! I just can't put this book away once I started it. Simply entertaining. 

However, the only thing that made me frown was the fact that Jace and Clary are still brother and sister in this book. Hope there'll be more answers in Book 3!! Other than that, it's pretty much a good book. Now I'm intrigued by Clary's ability. 

Looking forward to Book 3!

Get a copy:

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Angel Evolution (Evolution Trilogy #1) by David Estes

Genre: Fantasy YA
Publication Date: October 17, 2011
Format: ebook
Source: Gifted for review
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:
Angel Evolution- the first book in the young adult fantasy trilogy: The Evolution Trilogy... When Taylor meets Gabriel at college, she is in awe of the subtle glow that surrounds him. No one else, not even her best friend, seems to notice. Something about him scares her. Is all as it appears? While Taylor struggles for answers, she finds herself in the middle of a century old war centered on one miraculous revelation: evolution.


My Opinion:
An interesting twist in the role of Angels and Demons in this book. It seems that the Angels are plotting to use Taylor, a girl with unusual aura, to wipe out the Demon population while the Demons are bent on preventing that from happening. 

I like the style of writing; the words just flowed and totally sucked me into the book! Interactions between Taylor, Gabriel, Samantha and Christopher sometimes made me smile. 

It's interesting to read the story from the POV of both the Angel and the Demon. The pace of the story started out slowly, letting us get to know the characters and the history behind the battle. When it got to the exciting part, which is the battle, it was over very quickly and seemed a little rushed. 

Overall, it is an enjoyable book. Looking forward to reading book 2!

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City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare

 s

Genre: YA
Publication Date: March 27, 2007
Format: Hardcover
Source: Borrow from Library
Rating: 5/5 stars!!

Goodreads Summary:
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? 

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . . 

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

My Opinion:

I'm immediately transported into the book and couldn't make myself let go of it! It's a fascinating world and full of excitement and surprises! You have to read to it know what I'm feeling!

Get a copy:

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My Blood Approves #1 by Amanda Hocking

Genre: YA
Publication Date: April 15, 2010
Format: ebook
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5 Stars


Goodreads Summary:
Teenager Alice Bonham's life feels crazy after she meets Jack. With his fondness for pink Chuck Taylors and New Wave, he's unlike anyone she knows. Then she meets his brother, Peter. Even though he can't stand the sight of her, she's drawn to him. Falling for two guys isn't even the worst of her problems. Jack and Peter are vampires, and Alice finds herself caught between love and her own blood.

My Opinion:

Another enjoyable series by Amanda Hocking. It is interesting to read the relationship between Alice & Jack as well as Peter. Seems like there's 2 vampires for Alice but she is not meant for one of them. 

My heart goes to Milo who seemed kind of helpless in the story. 

Definitely worth reading. Lots of answered questions, shall see if the second book will have the answers.

Get a copy:

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Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare

Genre: YA
Publication Date: September 6, 2010
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: 5/5 Stars!!!


Goodreads Summary:
Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still. 

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos. 

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own. 

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: Jem, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. 

As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

My Opinion:

Cassandra Clare really brought me into her book and I really enjoyed it so much that I read it within one day without knowing it! I simply adore her characters! Tessa, Will, Jem. Right now, I'm craving for the second book which I will be buying soon! Oh yea, I regret not buying Clockwork Angel much earlier when I first saw it months ago! It's a fantastic read!

Get a copy:

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Switched (Trylle Trilogy #1) by Amanda Hocking

Genre: Paranormal YA
Publication Date: January 3, 2012
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5 Stars


Goodreads Summary:
When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - a world both beautiful and frightening, and Wendy's not sure she wants to be a part of it. 

My Opinion:

The book cover really captured my attention. It's beautiful! I like the entire story as it's really easy to read. I read the whole book in less than a day! And I must add I don't usually read books with first person narrative. Surprisingly, I completed the whole book! Looking forward to the second book.

Get a copy:

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Amanda Rose by Karen Robards

Genre: Historical Romance (Adult)
Publication Date: March 15, 2001
Format: ebook
Source: Loaned from Overdrive
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:
New York Times bestselling author Karen Robards deliciously mixes adventure and romance in her beloved tale of a buccaneer and a convent girl -- a romance so magnificent it will make your pulse pound and your heart rejoice. 

Orphaned heiress Lady Amanda Rose Culver wanted to run from the injured man she found on the rocky shore near her convent school. But his hard-muscled hand stopped her even before she saw the pain and longing in his eyes. And she trembled, not with fear, but with a desire to believe in his story, his innocence, his passion. 

New World privateer Matt Grayson, unjustly accused of murder by the British Crown, has narrowly escaped hanging. Now his freedom depends on winning this beautiful girl's co-operation so he can sail back to New Orleans. He never meant to hold her captive on his ship. He never meant to fall in love....

My Opinion:

Love the way Karen Robards spins her story. Plot is typical but somehow when Karen puts her characters together, it turned magical and lovely! I simply adore Amanda's courageous personality! Worth reading.

Survival, a YA Paranormal Romance (The Guardians of Vesturon Series, Book #1) by A.M. Hargrove

Genre: Paranormal YA + Romance
Publication Date: November 15, 2011
Format: ebook
Source: Received a copy through Read it & Reap at Goodreads
Rating: 4/5 Stars 

Goodreads Summary:
"Maybe I was caught between the two worlds. I was having serious trouble distinguishing fantasy from reality." 

While on a backpacking trip in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, nineteen-year-old Maddie Pearce finds her world has been thrown into a vortex and is madly spinning toward the impossible. Abducted by a mad psychopath, Maddie narrowly escapes with her life. But that is only the beginning. Her mysterious rescuer introduces her to a world that Maddie has difficulty accepting as reality. Will this strikingly gorgeous stranger be the key to her future or will she return to her mundane world, scarred from her experience? Follow Maddie as she is forced to make difficult decisions that carry her to mysterious places. 

Excerpt… 

Then, unexpectedly, three brightly glowing melon-sized balls of light came soaring across the dark sky. When they were a few feet away from me, they elongated into long thin slivers. Moments later, the slivers expanded and then took form into three indistinct shapes. 

I kept blinking my eyes, not trusting what I was seeing. I was positive I was hallucinating. This must be what happens right before you die. 

Then, the indistinct shapes morphed into three men—three very tall, powerfully built men. They were identical in that they were all dressed alike—wearing black hooded cloaks that fell to their ankles. The hoods hid their faces, but I had the strangest feeling they were there to help me.


My Opinion:
One thing I don't like about this book is the constant change of POV in the first half of the book. The scene alternates between Maddie, the villian and Rayn. Though it gives insights as to what each character is feeling, in my opinion, the scenes are somewhat retold. 

But it got better towards the second half of the book where the POV turns consistent. Clumsy Maddie is seriously interesting to read! The bond between Rayn and Maddie is strong and unbreakable (it's sort of a instant connection between the two of them). And the author left me hanging at the end!! Now I need the second book to know what will happen to Maddie and Rayn. 

Overall, a pleasant read with a tinge of comedy (Maddie) in it. This book has potential in it. 

Get a copy: 

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In My Mailbox #1

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.

Saw a lot of blogs doing this and I'm tempted to do this myself, so here you are! There's a lot of books since this is for the month of Jan till Feb 26. (A redo of earlier post)

Purchased Paperbacks
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (Infernal Devices #1) - My 5/5 Stars review
Switched by Amanda Hocking - My 4/5 Stars review
Veiled Promisesby Tracy MacNish - My 3/5 Stars review
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Cinder by Marissa Meyer (The Lunar Chronicles #1)
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (Iron Fey #1)
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (Infernal Devices #2)
Pick Me Up by Zoe Rice
Step on it, Cupid by Lorelei Mathias 

Borrowed Books
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (The Mortal Instruments #1) - My 5/5 Stars review
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare (The Mortal Instruments #2) - My 5/5 Stars review
Banished by Sophie Littlefield (Banished #1) - My 4/5 Stars review
Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz (Blue Bloods #1) - My 3/5 Stars review
Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson (Lila #1) - My 5/5 Stars review
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand (Unearthly #1) - My 4/5 Stars review
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins - My 5/5 Stars review
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins - My 5/5 Stars review
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (Hush, Hush #1) - My 5/5 Stars review
Glimmerglass by Jenna Black (Faeriewalker #1) - My 4/5 Stars review
My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent (Soul Screamers #1) - My 4/5 Stars review
The Lying Game by Sara Shepard (The Lying Game #1) - My 4/5 Stars review
And I keep borrowing non-stop!!

Purchased ebooks
A Little Less Girl by Tess Oliver - My 5/5 Stars review
Camille by Tess Oliver (Camille #1)- My 3/5 Stars review (NOTE: It's free at Smashwords now)
My Blood Approves by Amanda Hocking (My Blood Approves #1) - My 4/5 Stars review
Remembrance by Michelle Madow (Transcend Time #1) - My 4/5 Stars review
Vengeance by Michelle Madow (Transcend Time #1.5) - My 4/5 Stars review
Heart of the Huntress by Tess Oliver (Camille #2)

Gifted ebooks
Angel Evolution by David Estes (Evolution Trilogy #1) - My 4/5 Stars review
Catching Suki by Sarah Alderson (Lila #0.5) - My 5/5 Stars review (Read Hunting Lila first!)
Five by Christie Rich - My 3/5 Stars review
Survival, YA Paranormal Romance (Book 1 of The Guardians of Vesturon) - My 4/5 Stars review
The Fisherman's Son by Marilyn Peake (The Fisherman's Son #1)
Pride's Run by Cat Kelen
Multiple Motives by Kassandra Lamb (A Kate Huntington Mystery #1)
Gods in the Machine by Marilyn Peake
Called Home By Gloria Schumann
28 Pages by Allen Mitchum
In a Celandine World by Catherine Thrope
The Other Slipper by Kenechi Udogu

Now it's time to finish them all! And I highly recommend Hunting Lila and books by Cassandra Clare. Just click on the links to get the average ratings and more info and review on the books.

What's in your mailbox?

Feb to Mar 2012 reading list showcase

If you have been following me on Twitter, you would have seen that I've been ranting about books over the past few weeks. I've also started following book bloggers and got up-to-date news regarding new book releases, reviews and everything that is related to books. It has open up a new world for me and now I'm addicted to books more than I ever was.

I'd like to share with you a list of books that I've borrowed, bought or read, although you probably can find out at my Goodreads page. I try to write a review for every book that I read (I'm quite new at reviewing). It's actually kind of fun. So here they are:

Bought (Read the first 6 books):




Gifted ebooks: (only read Angel Evolution & Catching Suki)





Borrowed & Read:



Currently Borrowed-on-hand:


View all my reviews


I suddenly realized I have such a long list of books! *gasp* Will be curbing my book purchase till I finish at least half of my pile here. (I'll probably still buy if I can't help myself ^_^)