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| 144240907X
| 9781442409071
| 144240907X
| 3.78
| 45,498
| Feb 21, 2012
| Feb 21, 2012
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None
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Notes are private!
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0
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not set
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not set
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Sep 28, 2011
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Hardcover
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| 1442450304
| 9781442450301
| 1442450304
| 4.07
| 2,092
| Aug 28, 2012
| Aug 28, 2012
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it was amazing
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Ashline Wilde wanted nothing more than to leave Blackwood Academy behind and to escape the memories of everything that happened that May. But as she l
Ashline Wilde wanted nothing more than to leave Blackwood Academy behind and to escape the memories of everything that happened that May. But as she learned when she arrived at Blackwood, you can’t always run from your past. It will follow you. And ignoring it can have devastating consequences. Consequences she’s still reeling from. But when her end of year plans take a drastic turn, she decides to face what she’d been trying to avoid and heads to Miami to track down the sister she knows only from visions. Her six-year-old sister Rose. With barely any information to go on, she only knows that she has to try. Because her latest visions reveal that Rose could be in even more danger than she was before. And returning to Scarsdale without her is not a future Ash is willing to accept. Being a volcano goddess may have its perks, a fiery temper not always being one of them, but it also means that things can turn deadly. Fast. So when the search for her sister lands her in the path of a group of gods and goddess that have a bloodthirsty agenda, Ash must decide whether saving her sister is enough or whether she will have to become a hero for all of humanity. *** Embers & Echoes is the dynamic, riveting, wildly entertaining and action-packed follow-up to Karsten Knight’s powerhouse debut novel Wildefire. This sequel, that brings together gods and goddesses from around the globe, not only packs a punch, but has an easy flow that will make the pages fly. The author doesn’t just continue this incredibly unique story. He broadens the setting, lengthens the timeline, enlarges the cast of characters and expands the world. And he does all this in a way that feels natural to the story, right for the characters and easy to follow for the reader. Embers & Echoes picks up where it left off in the first book, just moments after Wildefire’s jaw-dropping conclusion. With no pause in the timeline, the story is able to continue at its break-neck pace and pull readers right back into Ash’s story. Leaving Blackwood Academy behind her, Ashline Wilde sets off on a quest to find her younger sister. One that will introduce her to new friends and put her face-to-face with old enemies. One that holds the promise of a new love but will make her confront an old one. And one that will put her life at risk time and time again. Author Karsten Knight has crafted a story that is inventive, exciting, shocking, heartbreaking and utterly spellbinding. With characters that don’t fit a stereotype or behave predictably and a plot that does the same, Embers & Echoes will keep readers on edge, continue to astound and leave them wondering just what happened. With its beautiful and fluid writing that brings both crushing and heartrending losses and surprising and violent ends, this sequel allows readers to make a stronger emotional connection with the characters and story. It puts the heroine in more dangerous and challenging situations that force her to make difficult life and death decisions with consequences that she’ll have to live with. And it leaves the door open for a number of possible outcomes, many of which couldn’t possibly end happily. Embers & Echoes is an absolute must read second book in this series for those who enjoy exquisitely crafted stories that have an incredibly strong heroine who never could be - or would allow herself to be - called a damsel in distress, stories that include a diverse mix of mythological gods and goddesses and stories that will transport them into a world that is dark, deadly and filled to the brim with action. [On the blog I gave this book my six star off-the-menu rating] On a personal note: If I could give this book as many stars as it would take to fill the night sky I would. Embers & Echoes was so utterly amazing. It grabbed me from the moment I read the start of the first line, “Ashline Wilde lay battered on the side of the Pacific Coast Highway...” and it didn’t let up for one single second. This book was intense. It was action-packed. It was everything that Wildefire was, but so much more. Where Wildefire was wicked and kick-a** awesome, Embers & Echoes took it to the next level of awesome, the “Oh my gods, oh my goddesses did that just really bleeping happen?” kind of awesome. I could not believe how packed full of everything this book was. There was nail-biting suspense. There was a lightning fast pace. There were peeks into another time. There were peeks into another place. There were gods and goddesses aplenty. There was romance. There were heaps upon heaps of danger. There were some of the most wicked fight scenes I’ve ever read in YA. And there were moments of tenderness and heartbreak that stopped my heart from beating, stole my breath and left me utterly devastated. Yes, this author broke my heart in not one, but two centuries. Oh and of course there was a good boy, a bad boy and a not-so-good girl that took center stage. And yet it didn’t feel overstuffed. It didn’t feel over the top. It didn’t feel like some kind of superpower convention. Every single character in this story was important. Every single character was fascinating and interesting and either detestable, lovable, a little bit of both, or just plain terrifying. Every moment was one I wanted to read. Every place that Ash went was one that I wanted to go along with her. And every heartbreaking moment was one I felt to my very core. Especially with what happened to... No, I wasn’t really going to say who. Okay, maybe I did say who, but that’s what the backspace key is for. There is so much I want to talk about that I can’t. I want to explain why my heart broke over certain words the author put down on the page. Words that are causing me to tear up again as I think back on them. I want to talk about just what happened to those gods and goddess and what it could mean for the other characters. I want to talk about the past. I want to know what is going to happen next. I want to know why I am rooting for a character I probably shouldn’t be rooting for. I want to know why certain characters have certain motivations. I want to know whether I should be as terrified of a certain character as I am. And I want to talk about a certain Hopi Trickster and what I really think about them. But I can’t do that either. What I can say is that I loved this book both times I read it. That love is not even close to a strong enough word for what I feel about it. That I will be reading this book again and again. That it’s a book that I never will forget. That it’s a book that was able to transport me instantly to this author’s world when nothing else allowed me an escape. And that while there seemed to be so very many pages, the story ended all too quickly. In the year since I’d first read Wildefire I forgot just a little bit how amazing this author truly is. I forgot how much I loved his writing. I forgot how captivated I was by his characters. I didn’t think it was possible that he could follow up that book with one that was even more spectacular, even more surprising, even more riveting, but he did. And I never expected for him to make me cry. But he did that too. I never like to use words like “poignant” or “compelling” in my reviews as I feel like those words are above my pay grade and best left to those who do this for a living. But Embers & Echoes was compelling and at times poignant and the way the author crafted each sentence, each paragraph, each scene, each chapter was absolutely masterful. So...um...yeah.... To say I liked this book just a little bit would be the understatement of the century. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Aug 26, 2012
not set
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Aug 26, 2012
not set
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Jul 24, 2011
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Hardcover
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| 3.83
| 991
| Feb 28, 2012
| Feb 28, 2012
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it was amazing
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Everything is in chaos. Everything is falling apart. And everyone is in even more danger than they were before the events that got them to this point.
Everything is in chaos. Everything is falling apart. And everyone is in even more danger than they were before the events that got them to this point. Luke wants revenge and those who acted against him will have to pay for what they did. Kristen is coming apart at the seams. With no one she feels she can trust, turning to Luke for help seems like her only option. Eden is suffering in silence, keeping secrets from Az that could be devastating to them both. Az and Gabe are battling their own demons. Fighting to keep it together when they could so easily come undone. And with the Bound beginning to take an interest in the Siders, hiding and trusting no one seems like the best option. But in order to find the answers they need and to stop Luke from exacting his revenge, they will have to put their trust in the most unlikely source. Madeline. And if she can’t be trusted, the end result could be catastrophic and all could be lost. *** A Touch Morbid is a twisty-turny sequel that will leave readers guessing right up to the end about how all the pieces fit together and just who can be trusted. The pace is blazing fast and readers will be immediately ensnared by this deliciously dark, torturous and heartbreaking story. Each and every one of the characters is still reeling from the events that took place at the end of the first book in the series. And while some of them are still in the dark about just what happened, others are trying to fix what went wrong. With everyone keeping secrets, it’s impossible to know who’s trustworthy and whose side they’re on. But new alliances must be forged in order to find the answers needed to save those already lost and to prevent anyone else from meeting a similar fate…or worse. Once again author Leah Clifford has written a tension-filled and incredibly exciting story that is full of surprises and that will leave readers on edge as each new question arises about where things are headed and who will survive this deadly battle between the Bound, the Fallen and the Siders. This is no warm and fuzzy story. The characters may be charming but could never be called sweet. They are edgy and dangerous and sexy and wicked and each one of them contains a touch of darkness within. And while some seek to do what’s right, others simply seek revenge. While some questions will be answered, readers will be left with many more at the story’s end. And just as with the first book in the series, the sense of dread will continue to grow about the likelihood of a happy ending for any of these characters. A Touch Morbid is a must read for fans of something a bit darker, edgier and sexier and who aren’t afraid of an unhappily-ever-after ending. This sequel once again will leave readers on the edge of a cliff, puzzling over just what awaits these characters in the next book in the series. (On the blog I gave this my six-star rating) On a personal note: What an unbelievably awesome and insane follow-up to A Touch Mortal this was. I expected to love this book, but I didn’t think I could love it as much as I did the first book in the series which had the thrill factor of something brand new. But this sequel had so much going for it that it felt just as exciting and tormenting and deliciously wicked as book one. I was instantly transported back into this world of the Siders. The story picked up shortly after that jaw-droppingly shocking ending that left me tormented these past nine months until I got my hands on an early copy of A Touch Morbid. I totally devoured every word and plan to do so again and again before this book is released. And I know in my haste to find out where the author would leave things on page 299 I must have missed a few subtle and not-so-subtle clues as to how things managed to end up as they did. I have definitely been cryptic with my review, but much of this story is based upon just what happened at the end of book one, and I don’t do spoilers. So while I won’t talk about the plot because it is one giant spoiler, I will say that I loved the multiple points-of-view in this book and I was so incredibly thrilled at just how much Luke there was in this sequel. I love Az and Eden and Gabe and Kristen, but Luke has always been and always will be my absolute favorite. He is definitely evil, but he is also incredibly smart, clever, powerful, sexy and oh so unbelievably dangerous. And he just had the best lines. Whether sarcastic or sexy or downright cruel, Luke knows how to make every line work to his advantage. And make me absolutely adore the evil that is him. Leah Clifford is also incredibly fiendish. I knew I could expect to be tortured by the ending in this book, but I didn’t really know just how tortured I would be. She is the evil mastermind controlling the fates of all her characters and it doesn’t seem as if any of them will come out of this unscathed. If they manage to come out of this at all. And oh how I absolutely loved how interconnected all the characters’ seemingly unrelated stories actually were. And just how everything came together at the very end…much to my dismay. I had a growing sense of dread as the story progressed and more and more was revealed about just how wrong things really were. It was this sense of wrongness that kept me tense and worried for the characters and made me want to scream at them so that they’d discover some of the things that I already knew to be true. Where the first book left me feeling like I was hanging off the edge of a roof, this entire book made me feel that way, right up to that cliffhanger ending. And holy hell what a freaking awesome and terrible ending, especially after being tormented throughout. To have things end the way they did. Again. Is so unbelievably cruel. I have spent hours – longer than it took me to read the book – trying to find any possible scenario that would lead to something remotely considered a happy ending to the series and I just can’t. Every single possibility leads to heartbreak. Devastation. Despair. And I couldn’t be happier. Okay, maybe I could. Just a little bit. If the story kept going or the next book in the series were to find its way into my hands right now. Then I’d be happy… or even more tormented. I guess that’s TBD. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Nov 24, 2011
not set
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Nov 24, 2011
not set
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Jun 01, 2011
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Hardcover
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| 0062012010
| 9780062012012
| 0062012010
| 4.17
| 44,801
| May 29, 2012
| May 29, 2012
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it was amazing
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Amazing. Epic. Unbelievable. Definitely need book 3 now. Review to come. |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 05, 2012
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Feb 05, 2012
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May 15, 2011
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 0142417726
| 9780142417720
| 0142417726
| 3.72
| 1,654
| Jan 19, 2012
| Jan 19, 2012
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None
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Notes are private!
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0
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not set
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not set
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Apr 20, 2011
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Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 0375867341
| 9780375867347
| 0375867341
| 3.69
| 1,515
| Jul 05, 2012
| Aug 28, 2012
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None
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Notes are private!
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0
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not set
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not set
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Mar 18, 2011
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Hardcover
| |||||||||||||||
| 0545230535
| 9780545230537
| 0545230535
| 3.99
| 4,426
| Feb 29, 2012
| Mar 01, 2012
|
it was amazing
|
Things have finally started to quiet down for Clarity Fern after the events that took place over the summer landed her in the spotlight. While she was
Things have finally started to quiet down for Clarity Fern after the events that took place over the summer landed her in the spotlight. While she was happy not to be called the town “freak” anymore, by almost everyone, she preferred not to be the center of attention. But not everything has returned to normal. Brooke and Kendra, two of the Barbie Brigade that used to torment her, now treat her like she’s their new best friend. Her brother Perry is no longer the outgoing, social, flirty and fun older brother he used to be. And it seems she has a secret admirer. When notes and flowers begin to show up at school and at home, Clare is flattered. Since she hasn’t been able to choose between Justin, her ex, and Gabriel, a very tempting possibility, she assumes it’s one of them. But she starts to grow concerned when it feels as if she’s being watched and followed. Even though she thinks she’s probably imagining things, she isn’t so quick to disregard what she’s feeling, because as a psychic her intuition is almost never wrong. Someone is behind all of it. She just has to find out who. And if that wasn’t enough of a mystery for her to solve, it appears that a girl has gone missing. Someone she may be able to help find using her abilities. Things don’t seem to stay quiet in Eastport for long. And Clare just can’t stay out of danger. At least she can count on Tiffany to be her same cruel, tormenting, back-stabbing and completely normal self. *** Perception is an immensely entertaining story, a captivating mystery and a thoroughly enjoyable one-sit-read. This incredibly fast-paced sequel, with characters that are exciting and either lovable, detestable or somewhere in between, is utterly engaging and has such an easy flow. The story returns readers to Eastport and picks up shortly after the events in Clarity ended. Clarity “Clare” Fern has started her Junior year in high school and is attempting to once again fade into the background. But not everyone is willing to let that happen. With a secret admirer who may be more stalker than admirer and a missing girl who may have simply just run away or could already be dead, Clare has two pretty big mysteries to solve. All the while still trying to decide whether to forgive Justin or to take a chance on Gabriel. As the mystery deepens and the danger to Clare becomes more real, she’ll have to rely on more than just her psychic abilities to find answers and she’ll have to put her trust in someone. She just hopes it’s the right someone. Author Kim Harrington has followed up her debut novel with a sequel that is just as charming, just as exciting and just as suspenseful. Her main character, Clare Fern is every bit as strong as she was, perhaps even stronger because of all she’s been through, and if possible, even more likable. She is smart, kind and compassionate. And it is her interest in solving the mystery and her willingness to help, even when helping could put her at risk, that make her such an endearing character. While some of the other characters from the first book aren’t as prominent in this second book in the series, new characters are added to the mix that are just as engaging, intriguing or suspicion-inducing, giving readers more characters to question, doubt and mistrust, and giving this series room to grow. As the story progresses, the pace escalates and the tension continues to build, all leading up to a dramatic finish in which all is revealed. Perception is an absolutely delightful story and a must read for those looking for a quick and fun mystery with a paranormal twist, an abundance of enticing characters and an ending that won’t leave off at the edge of a cliff. On a personal note: I absolutely love this sequel. I loved Clarity and I love Perception just as much. It was such an adorable, fun and super quick read. Just as I knew it would be. I really hope there is a third book planned in this series because I already miss Clare, Gabriel, Perry, Starla and even Justin. For the record, I do not miss Tiffany. Clare Fern is an easy to love heroine – one of my favorites. She’s sweet, clever, caring and understanding. But she’s not a total pushover. And she has this awesome ability – retrocognitive psychometry – which she wants to use to help others rather than as some party trick or way to make money. I loved getting back into the world, seeing my favorite characters again, meeting new ones and being challenged to solve the mysteries. While I had that “aha” moment and was able to figure out whodunit right away, I was still captivated by the story and it was totally fun to see Clare try to puzzle things out. Once again the author did an amazing job making almost all the characters seem suspicious. And while one stood out to me, I could just as easily have been wrong, like I was when I read Clarity. And before I end up letting something slip, I’ll stop talking about the mystery. But for the same reason, it’s also impossible to talk about the characters without giving something away. Any of them. Old or new. There were a few new and interesting characters in this series, but I can’t say whether I liked them or not without spoiling the mystery. And I can’t say whether or not I was happy to see certain old characters again, because that would be spoiler-y, too. Though, I suppose I can say that there were characters I loved, characters I wanted to love, characters who gave me the heebie-jeebies, characters I really hoped weren’t guilty and characters I really hoped were. And I can’t not talk about the love triangle. I absolutely love the love triangle in this book. While it wasn’t the main focus of the story, it was always there in the background. Neither boy was an obvious choice. And Clare’s decision wasn’t a guaranteed one. Which made me very, very nervous. While I had my favorite, I had no idea if he would be Clare’s pick or even if she’d choose either boy. This was one mystery that kept me in the dark for the entire book. And I mean the entire book. No early answers to that question. As with the first book, the mysteries were solved and everything was wrapped up pretty nicely in the end. I am just keeping fingers and toes crossed that there will be many more books to come in this series. I would be totally happy to devour them all. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 20, 2012
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Feb 20, 2012
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Dec 26, 2010
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Hardcover
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| 0738726451
| 9780738726458
| 0738726451
| 3.96
| 777
| Oct 01, 2012
| Oct 08, 2012
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it was amazing
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Belle Dam is defined by its feud. It’s shaped by the secrets it keeps and the lies it tells. It’s beleaguered by its history. It’s driven by vengeance
Belle Dam is defined by its feud. It’s shaped by the secrets it keeps and the lies it tells. It’s beleaguered by its history. It’s driven by vengeance and the quest for power. And it’s safe for no one. Not for the humans who have no idea about its dark past. About the widow who waits in the shadows. About the witches and warlocks who battle for control. About the hellhounds who are summoned to exact revenge. And about the demons who see the citizens of Belle Dam as mere pawns in a game to be manipulated. A game that they control. Not for Braden Michaels who only came to try and save his Uncle from a vision that foresaw his death. Who only wanted to be rid of the burden of his witch eyes. Who only wanted to be normal. But who fell in love with his enemy. Who killed to be a savior. And who made himself a target of his enemies and a pawn in their game. *** Demon Eyes is the thrilling, action-packed and electrifying must read second book in author Scott Tracey’s Witch Eyes trilogy. Filled with page after page of twists and turns, secrets and lies, and underhanded plots and schemes that will keep readers guessing and suspense that will keep them on edge, this story will grab from the very first line. The author’s sophomore effort is a stunning follow-up to a story that is incredibly original, beautifully-written and immensely entertaining. Picking up just shortly after the events in its predecessor, Demon Eyes returns readers to Belle Dam, Washington, a town divided by feud and home to witches and warlocks, ghosts, demons and shifters. Braden Michaels is still attempting to come to grips with his actions. Actions that saved someone’s life and took another’s. Actions that have far more consequences than just the guilt he feels. To start with there are the nightmares that seem too real. Then there are the visions forcing him to bear witness to events that are out of his control to change. And then there is the voice. A voice that seems to be coming from within. A voice that offers support. A voice that urges him to act. A voice he’s not entirely sure is his own. As Braden tries to separate dream from reality, fiction from fact, another tragedy has befallen the city of Belle Dam. A girl has gone missing. And if Braden’s visions are real, he might be the only person who can solve the mystery of who is behind her disappearance and find her before it’s too late. Hindered by his witch eyes and by a city filled with adversaries looking for any opportunity to take him down, he’ll have to rely on Drew Armstrong, the boy who seems to want to be his protector and Trey, the boy he loves. A boy who should be his sworn enemy. Author Scott Tracey has delivered a fast-paced, riveting and even more exciting installment in this series. With heartbreaking losses, shocking reveals, horrifying new creatures, bigger battles and a jaw-dropping ending, Demon Eyes takes this series to the next level. And with that same easy flow and beautiful writing that the author brought to his first novel in the series, this second book really sets itself apart, making Demon Eyes an absolute must. [On the blog I gave this my 6 star off-the-menu rating] On a personal note: I knew before I even picked up DEMON EYES that I would love it. I was already madly in love with the characters. I was already intrigued by the world. I was already captivated by the love story. I had already chosen sides in the feud. And I knew that the writing would be amazing. And yet it was even more. More than I expected it to be. More than I imagined it could be. More action-packed. More nerve-wracking. More surprising. More heartbreaking. More devastating.... Way more devastating. I got chills when I read that first line that quoted a dead man. It instantly set me on edge. It made me anxious about what was to come. It made me question just what exactly happened at the end of WITCH EYES. As if my memory of the events that left me hanging was somehow incorrect. And it made me want to devour the story as quickly as possible so I would no longer be in suspense. I really didn’t think I could love DEMON EYES that much more than the first book in the series, because the love I had for that book was all-encompassing. But I was so, so wrong. My love for WITCH EYES pales in comparison to just how much I loved this book. Because it had everything that book had - the intensity, the originality, the magic and the mystery. But it was darker. The tension levels were ratcheted up even higher. The love story was even more complicated. And trying to figure out who the players in the game were, what their part to play was, what their motivations were and what their endgame was, kept me on edge. For the entire read. And then there was the mystery behind what was going on with Braden. Which at first the author only hinted at, then teased, then teased some more. For the entire book. Which nearly killed me. Because I had no idea. While I had my suspicions, I just couldn’t be sure. Not until the very end. Through author Scott Tracey’s words I was once again easily transported into this dark and dangerous world of powerful magic, secret alliances and deadly threats and betrayals. His writing was every bit as beautiful in this sequel as it was in the first book, with its moments of humor and wit and biting sarcasm added to the mix. The story dives deeper into the secrets of Belle Dam, explores more about the feud between the Lansings and the Thorpes, reveals more about the city’s history, unleashes more unsavory beings on Braden, his friends and his family and introduces an entirely new mystery for readers and characters to solve. And it does all this in a way that feels like a natural progression for the story. At no point did I think things went in a direction that felt unbelievable. While shocking, jaw-dropping and nail-biting as they often were, they were realistic, if unexpected, turns of events. Braden was the same boy he was in that first book, if slightly altered by what had happened to him and what he’d done. He was just as sarcastic as I expected him to be, if a bit more guarded than he had been. And given what he’d gone through - and what he was put through in this book - he became a much more sympathetic character. But it was Drew Armstrong who I fell head over heels for in this second book in the series. He was confident. He was seriously kick-a**. He loved to torment Trey - and flirting with Braden seemed the best way to accomplish that. And he put Braden’s brand of sarcasm to shame. Yeah, he was awesome. Every moment of this read kept me riveted. And with each read - yes there was more than one - I discovered something new to love about it. Some new piece to the puzzle I hadn’t seen before would reveal itself. An offhand comment I hadn’t taken notice of would open my eyes or just make me grin. And an action that may have seemed inconsequential on first read was often just the opposite. Where WITCH EYES stole my heart and broke it, DEMON EYES decimated it. Heartbroken doesn’t even begin to cover it. Because there is no coming back from what happened. I knew things would be darker. I knew that pit that I had in my stomach when reading book one would only get bigger when reading this book. I knew that I’d have my heart broken. I just didn’t think it would be broken as completely as it was. Or for the reasons it was. Which has made me me very, very nervous about how this series will wrap up in PHANTOM EYES. ...more |
Notes are private!
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5
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May 22, 2012
not set
not set
not set
not set
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May 26, 2012
not set
not set
not set
not set
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Dec 21, 2010
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Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 0062004042
| 9780062004048
| 0062004042
| 4.16
| 28,901
| May 08, 2012
| May 08, 2012
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really liked it
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UNTIL I DIE is the exciting and utterly enchanting second book in author Amy Plum’s Revenants series. With its Parisian backdrop, its captivating stor
UNTIL I DIE is the exciting and utterly enchanting second book in author Amy Plum’s Revenants series. With its Parisian backdrop, its captivating storyline and lovable characters, this sequel continues this engaging series that is part urban fantasy and part paranormal romance with a touch of mystery. As Kate begins to settle into a life with revenants and starts to feel at home among them, two new arrivals and the departure of a close friend change things once again. And with Vincent keeping his distance and keeping secrets, she’s feeling more like an outsider than ever. But when she learns that there may be a way for her and Vincent to find their happily ever after, a way that won’t be as dark, dangerous and full of secrets as whatever way Vincent thinks is their only chance for happiness, she has to try and find out just what it is. Because if she can’t, if Vincent’s way is the only way, it could mean losing Vincent forever. And a lot sooner than she ever would have imagined. UNTIL I DIE introduces new characters, new threats and a chance at a happy ending for Kate and Vincent. It delves deeper into the world of revenants and touches upon a new development that will likely be explored in the next book in the series. And while the pace may start off slowly, it picks up as the story continues and leads to an incredibly exciting and climactic conclusion. The story’s protagonist, Kate, has become an even stronger and more interesting character in this sequel. With Vincent’s withdrawal and secretive behavior, she proves that she is more than capable of acting independently. And with Jules being ever-present, the story doesn’t quite abandon the idea of a love triangle. The author continues to build upon the tension between the two factions of revenants in this sequel, and introduces a new, unknown enemy into the mix whose identity seems as if it would be fairly obvious to the reader, but less so for the characters, which adds to the story’s suspense. But it is the story’s end that offers the most thrills, excitement, surprises and heartbreak. The truth about the betrayal is uncovered, but questions still remain for the next book in the series. And with a heart-wrenching cliffhanger ending, this story guarantees that readers will return to find out whether this series ends happily or tragically. UNTIL I DIE is a must for fans of this series. With new developments about the revenants, new possibilities for the main characters, moments that heartwarming and those that are heartbreaking and a killer cliffhanger ending, this second installment in the series is not one to be missed. And for those readers who don’t enjoy hanging off a cliff, having the next book in the series on-hand is also a must. On a personal note… I absolutely love these stories of revenants that author Amy Plum created. And this second book in the series revealed a lot more about them and their world. It offered up an exciting mystery filled with secrets and betrayal, an incredibly determined heroine, a maddeningly frustrating love story and a killer cliffhanger ending. Oh my gosh that ending. It absolutely killed me not to be able to pick up the next book in the series the second I finished this one. Granted, I didn’t have long to wait before its release, but I can only imagine that if I did, the wait would have killed me. The ending was the most exciting part of the story. And the way it left me hanging ensured that I would definitely be picking up the next book in the series to find out just what would happen next. But while it was the most thrilling and nerve-wracking part of the book, my favorite moments in this story were the ones involving Jules. I adored him in DIE FOR ME but I was crazy about him in UNTIL I DIE. He was present in this story in a way that Vincent wasn’t. And some of the things he said, and some of his actions, made me wonder about certain other things…. Things I won’t talk about as they will be too revealing. But I have a feeling they are things that will be addressed in the next book in the series. And I really hope I’m right. I wish there had been more Vincent in this book. I missed him in this story. While he was there, and when he was he said either all sorts of swoon-worthy things or was incredibly secretive, he wasn’t around as much as I would have liked. And the fact that he wasn’t made me wonder just what plans the author had for his relationship with Kate. While Vincent may have been a bit absentee in UNTIL I DIE, Kate had no trouble keeping busy. Between spending time with one of the newly arrived revenants, Violette, training with Gaspard and trying to find an alternative to what Vincent was doing to himself, it wasn’t as if things were boring. Especially when Jules was there, being even more charming than ever. As much as I loved the “whodunit” aspect of the story, it did not take me very long to figure out who the betrayer was. I kind of knew right away. But I don’t think the author intended for it to be a secret from her readers, just her characters. Which made this book that much more of a suspenseful read. And while the first book in this series may be my favorite of the two books, I loved going back to this world the author imagined. I loved reading about these characters that I wildly adored from the moment I met them in book one. I loved seeing how Kate’s character has grown. I loved learning more about them and their history. And I cannot wait to see just how things wrap up in the next book. Even if the ending is a tragic one. Original comments: Review TK. Loved this sequel! Oh my gosh the ending. Think I loved Jules in this sequel more than Vincent. But Kate totally rocks! ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 28, 2013
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Apr 29, 2013
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Dec 14, 2010
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Hardcover
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| 0061996181
| 9780061996184
| 0061996181
| 4.09
| 75,412
| Jan 17, 2012
| Jan 17, 2012
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it was amazing
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Clara Gardner is not sure whether the nightmares she’s been having are just dreams or whether they’re visions. All she knows for sure is that they fil
Clara Gardner is not sure whether the nightmares she’s been having are just dreams or whether they’re visions. All she knows for sure is that they fill her with incredible sorrow and the only thing that helps is Christian’s presence. Unsure of just what her purpose is, or if she even has one, Clara is desperate for answers. Answers no one seems to have or is willing to share with her. But without answers and without a clear purpose, Clara feels lost. Especially since she keeps feeling drawn to Christian even though her heart belongs to Tucker. And while Christian may be the one she should be with, Tucker is the one she wants to be with. But if her dreams are a sign of what is to come, then she has much bigger things to worry about than who to choose. Because if they are real, then she will lose someone she cares about. And it may just mean she won’t have a choice to make after all. *** Cynthia Hand’s sophomore novel, Hallowed, is a gorgeously written, incredibly moving and absolutely captivating sequel that will keep readers on edge as they try to interpret the meaning of Clara’s dreams and will break their hearts when they learn the truth. This enchanting and heartrending story will invite readers back to Jackson, Wyoming, where Clara Gardner struggles with discovering her purpose, understanding just what her actions during the fire mean for her future, being in love with one boy and yet feeling drawn to another, and uncovering the reason why one particular Black Wing is so interested in her and her mother. Hallowed picks up shortly after the events in Unearthly. Everyone, and especially Clara, is still trying to recover and figure out what will happen next. And while Clara wants everything to return to the way things were, everything is about to change. And not necessarily for the better. As Clara tries to find answers, sort out her feelings for Christian and Tucker, practice using her powers and keep her distance from Samjeeza, time is running out. And if she can’t quickly figure out who she needs to keep safe, then her nightmares may come true. Author Cynthia Hand has written a beautifully touching and suspenseful story, filled with surprises – both good and bad – heartbreak, loss and love. Her writing makes it easy to get absorbed into the world she created. And her characters are the perfect mix of wonderfully flawed, flawless, lovable, detestable, strong, not so strong, brave, loyal, selfless, frustrating and incredibly determined. Hallowed is a simply amazing follow-up to Unearthly that existing fans and readers new to the series will immediately connect to and fall in love with. On a personal note: I always find it the most difficult to write reviews for books that were heartbreaking. When I read books that just reach in and squeeze my heart so much so that I can barely breathe and where my heart just aches for the characters, it takes me ages to try to express just what I thought about the book. Well, that’s what happened with Hallowed. I finished it over a week ago and I’ve been trying to sit down and write my review, but every single time I do, I tear up. Just thinking about the events that unfolded and just how much they affected me, makes it nearly impossible to think, let alone write a coherent review. I knew this book was going to be sad. I read the description and was worried about just what would happen. I thought I’d prepared myself. But I got caught up in the story. I was enchanted by the writing. And even though I knew something bad was coming, I wasn’t ready. Not for what happened. Not for how beautifully the author wrote about it. And I did not expect to be as affected as I was. As I still am. Hallowed is sad and beautiful and breathtaking. It completely changed my feelings about the two male protagonists – Christian and Tucker. It introduced me to a new character that I absolutely adore – I won’t say his name, but it is a he, and he is gorgeous and he is quite the surprise. And it made me even more suspicious of another. I forgot just how much I loved Clara between the time when I read Unearthly and now. I forgot how independent she was. I forgot just how much she wanted to do what was right, but also wanted to do what was right for her. Hallowed reminded me about exactly who she was and why I loved her and it made me love her even more. And it was also nice to see just how selfless she could be. How her need to protect those she loved was greater than her need to be happy. And how strong she could be when she had to be. By fighting her purpose, by standing up to the darkness and by being willing to take comfort and strength from those willing to give it even if it was from someone she didn’t want to lean on. I was worried when I started reading Hallowed that I would be totally lost because it had been quite a while since I read Unearthly. Over a year. But the author did an amazing job in filling in those gaps, adding in the details from the first book subtly and only when they were needed. So, I did not feel lost. At all. And I was not confused at any point during the read. Though now, more than ever, I want to go back and read Unearthly. I love the world the author created with the White Wings and the Black Wings. I love the idea of having a purpose. I love the different types of angel-bloods that she included in her book. And I love that she puts her characters in difficult situations, forces them to make the tough choices, allows them to make the wrong ones, gives only some of them enough strength to pull through, and is willing to break their hearts and her readers’ hearts when she has to. This series is one that I can and will read again and again. And most definitely again. ...more |
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Jan 15, 2012
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Jan 17, 2012
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Nov 27, 2010
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Hardcover
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| 0062002368
| 9780062002365
| 0062002368
| 4.22
| 14,698
| Jan 31, 2012
| Jan 31, 2012
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it was amazing
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After learning the shocking truth about who she really is and what her purpose is, Ellie Monroe still wants to try to live a normal life – go to schoo
After learning the shocking truth about who she really is and what her purpose is, Ellie Monroe still wants to try to live a normal life – go to school, go to prom, graduate and go to college. But with Bastian sending even more bloodthirsty reapers after her, trying to be normal is becoming nearly impossible. When she learns that his plan to destroy all of humankind has been set in motion, and that she is an integral part of that plan, she will do everything within her power to stop him. Even if it means putting her trust in someone she isn’t sure she can trust. Even if it means forging an alliance with someone whose motives may not be entirely pure. And even if it means tapping into her powers and becoming someone she’s not sure she wants to become. Because if Bastian were to succeed, not only would it be her life that is forfeit but everyone’s. And the result would be hell on earth. Literally. *** Wings of the Wicked is an utterly mind-blowing sequel that is packed full of heart-stopping action, tension, suspense and heartbreak. With an opening that shoves readers right back into this deadly world where angelic and demonic reapers battle for supremacy and where the Preliator is tasked with ensuring human safety, this book will be unputdownable. The battles are fiercer, the dangers greater, the enemies deadlier and the heartbreak more devastating than ever before in this second book in the Angelfire series. As Ellie desperately searches for answers on how to stop Bastian before his plan becomes a reality, she is forced to defend herself against an onslaught of even more lethal opponents that Bastian has sent to retrieve her. And with their attacks becoming much more public, she’s finding it extremely difficult to keep that part of her life a secret. To complicate matters, things between her and Will have been strained since he found out who she was, Cadan keeps surprising her with unexpected visits warning her of Bastian’s actions, she still hasn’t been able to recall all of her memories, and life at home hasn’t been getting any easier. Courtney Allison Moulton has yet again written a story that is positively addictive. Readers will be riveted by this incredibly fast-paced, emotional rollercoaster of a story as Ellie faces her enemies in battle, is tormented over her relationship with Will, experiences a heartbreaking loss, is at risk of losing herself, and tries to recover her memories before it’s too late – to save herself, to save her friends, to save all of humanity. Wings of the Wicked is unquestionably a must read for fans of the first book in the series as well as for readers who are looking for an exciting story, with a unique world, lovable characters and a cliffhanger ending that will make waiting for the next installment in the series absolute torture. On a personal note: I didn’t think I could love the sequel more than the original. I really didn’t. Meeting Ellie, Will and Cadan for the first time and learning about who they were, what they could do and taking that journey with them was flipping amazing. There was no way a sequel could top it. Yeah, I was so wrong. I don’t think I could possibly have been more wrong. I was worried when I started reading Wings of the Wicked because it had been so long since I read Angelfire and I was fuzzy on some of the details from that first book. And while I wanted to re-read Angelfire I didn’t get the chance to and had to just dive right in. I think I was lost for about thirty seconds, if that. While not everything was spelled out, and most of it not immediately, the little reveals throughout the book made everything come rushing back in… much like Ellie’s memory. I loved Ellie, Will and Cadan equally in Angelfire, even though Cadan was the bad boy and they’re usually my favorite characters to read about and fall head-over-heels in love with. But in Wings of the Wicked I loved Cadan so much more, even with all the surprising new things there are to know about him. And even with the very different side of him that is revealed. I am definitely worried about just where things are headed with Ellie in the next book in the series, because she was very emotional throughout this book. She had a lot to be upset about and a ton of things to be heartbroken over, but she seemed more fragile somehow. And that makes me nervous. Even though I know just how strong she can be. And Will. Oh Will. Half the time I wanted to hug him, the other half I wanted to smack him. He was all sorts of maddening and yummy and he twisted me up inside, made my heart drop right into the pit of my stomach and he put me through the wringer over and over and over again. But it was those demonic reapers and the even scarier bad dudes and the oh so dark direction the story was headed that made me practically speed-read through this book. There were pages I was dying to devour so quickly that I had to actually go back and re-read them just in case I might have missed something in my haste to see how a scene ended. Yes this book kept me on edge. I was a total wreck. From everything that was happening between Ellie and Will, to the unwelcome appearance of Ava, to the situation with Ellie’s Dad, to Ellie’s still missing memories, to the constant threat of the demonic reapers, to the even greater danger posed by the Enshi, I was tortured right up to that last page. Speaking of being tortured, as if that build-up to the end wasn’t enough, the way this book ends was so unbelievably cruel. I just knew it. I just knew the end would be tormenting and torturous and heartbreaking. In fact, there was heartbreak after heartbreak after heartbreak in this five hundred some-odd page novel. I’m not sure I actually survived. I may just be a ghost of myself right about now. I would love to re-read Angelfire and get to experience both books back-to-back without that long wait between reads. I’m super curious to see just who I’d love more – Will or Cadan – after a second read. And I wonder if reading both books again would change who I think is more perfect for Ellie, who I believe is hotter and whether I’d still believe that Ellie made the right choice. So what does Wings of the Wicked have? Everything. It’s got a kick-a** heroine. It’s got two swoonworthy boys. It’s got action, action and more action – those battles are seriously insane. It’s got heartbreak and despair and anguish. And then it adds in some more heartbreak and quite a bit more anguish. It has a mystery or two or three. And that ending…. Calling it killer would be way too nice. So, yes. I loved this book. Yes, I definitely plan on re-reading it. And yes, I’m sad that I can’t re-read it right now. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 29, 2012
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Jan 29, 2012
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Nov 16, 2010
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Hardcover
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