Review: Apollyon (Covenant #4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Apollyon (Covenant #4)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publication Date: April 4th 2013
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
My rating: 4 stars

Fate isn’t something to mess with… and now, neither is Alex.

Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the Awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate, and Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods—and Alex herself—to bring her back.

The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex’s power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex’s connection to Seth isn’t the only problem. There are a few pesky little loopholes in the whole “an Apollyon can’t be killed” theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries.

Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer… or she might become the God Killer herself.

I'll probably make this a little shorter than most of my reviews since it's been more than a month since I finished it and I'm afraid I'd forgotten some stuff about this one. But one thing I know and so sure about is that this book is absolutely fantastic! I know, I know, I've said that a million times in all of JLA's books but there was just something very definite in this one making me breathe and say that finally, everything is happening my way. 

One thing I like so much about this book was - okay, I don't know what this say about me starting this review with the hero/love interest, but it was just something very hard not to notice and has to be said right away - the change in Aiden's character here. After three books, I'm finally seeing this other side of Aiden that was just so refreshing. The side where he was a lot more open in his feelings, in his love and devotion to Alex. This Aiden who laughs and jokes and even flirts! Which was enough to send me over the edge and be gaga, but also sent warm fuzzy feelings in my chest. I seriously couldn't love him more. 

Alex too had undergone a significant change and development in this book. She matured a lot in here, especially given their situation. She had some reflecting too with her old self and her new self. It was actually very notable how she starts thinking first now before making any decisions and actions. 

The plot is ever fantastic. Before, most of the time I tend to forgot that this series is greek mythology inspired and not just urban fantasy/pnr story. I liked how the mythology stuff were more pronounced in this book, particularly with that scene in the Underworld. Other than that, the butt kicking action scenes were great and just as thrilling and exciting as in the previous books. 

Although the ending was sort of abrupt and a bit hanging, it still left me with a satisfied and confident feeling. I am definitely very much looking forward for the next and final book. (Huh, I just actually realized now that the series is actually ending in the next book. )= )

Review: Deity (Covenant #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Deity (Covenant #3)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Published: November 6th 2012
My rating: 5 stars

"History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. "

Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden.

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...

In this third installment of the Covenant series, Armentrout delivered us a blast of twists, revelations, surprises and an explosion of love and intimate emotions that had me on the edge of my sit but also giddy and in love on the other side. Reading Deity was one exhilarating ride and an utterly brilliant experience. This is so far my favorite among the series and am absolutely satisfied with where the story is going (despite that cliffhanger of an ending).

I was glad to see Alex's character developed vastly in this book. Her being reckless and taking actions without thinking was one of her distinctive character trait that although annoyed me most times, is probably also the most appealing thing about her. In this book though Alex seems to have learned to think first and tried to consider things before deciding and taking any actions. She matured in a lot of ways through all the things that had happened and she experienced from the previous books and in this one. But one thing I'm most happy about was when she finally become completely honest with her feelings and chose who she really loved.

Aiden, oh boy, I don't even know where to start with this guy! He had me melting in a puddle of goo almost every freaking time. The dedication, the patience, the loyalty and the undying love of this guy to Alex are just very impressive and absolutely amazing. He isn't flawless but with all those thing he'd done for Alex he could be all be nothing but perfect. And the moments with the two? Wonderful. Just wonderful. The love and care were practically oozing out of the pages.

As for the plot, it was just incredible! So many things happened and almost all of them left me in total surprise. Some had me confused and frustrated but others just made me thrilled and excited. Secrets and intentions were revealed and although some complicate things it also made the story even more interesting and fantastic.

Overall, I am absolutely satisfied and happy with this book. I loved how things went although the ending left me a bit in disarray. Still, the things that happened and took place in this book were great and served a lot for the credibility of the story and to developed and enhance the world Armentrout created remarkably. The characters are one hell of an awesome set, from the main characters, supporting and even the villains! If you haven't started this series yet I recommend you start it now! You're missing a lot.

Blog Tour: Touch of Death by Kelly Kashway (Review + Giveaway)

Title: Touch of Death (Touch of Death #1)
Author: Kelly Hashway
Expected Publication: January 15th 2013
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
My rating: 3.5 stars

Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.

Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.

Touch of Death was a fun and quick read. It was easy to get with the flow of the story and with the characters and understand what was really happening. It offered interesting points especially in mythology plus adding some twist about zombies. I actually sped through this! However, comes with its fast-paced writing was the feel that everything was happening in a rush. Thus also makings some part predictable and a little unconvincing. 

The main character, Jodi Marshall, was a character that is easy to like. She played a very special and powerful character in the story however I couldn't seem to find some distinctive trait and quality in her that would have compelled me to really really like her and admire her character. Making her a little bland for my taste. Having said that she wasn't really a bad case of a main character. She has good qualities and principle but nothing really powerful or unique.

Alex, the love interest, started as a very intriguing character. I liked the bad boy and wicked side he'd shown in the beginning. I would have loved it even more if it hadn't been that toned down that much around the middle of the book when he and Jodi are finally learning and knowing each other. Still he's probable my most favorite character in this story. 

I liked how Hashway combined the idea of Mythology and zombies. Adding to that, the mythological side wasn't really that conventional since it put one of the most known villains in the mythology on the good side. The only problem I had was that it felt rushed and quite predictable. I wouldn't have mind it being a little longer if it would make everything more credible and thrilling.

Overall, Touch of Death is a pretty entertaining and interesting read albeit a little lacking with some elements that might have made it even better. Still, I really did enjoy the overall. If you're looking for a fun, quick and unique paranormal read but doesn't have that too complex and mind-boggling world and plot, this is the right book for you.

Thank you Spencer Hill Press for providing me a copy of this book.

***Giveaway***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Silver (Bandia #1) by Talia Vance

Title: Silver (Bandia #1)
Author: Talia Vance
Publication Date: September 8th 2012
Publisher: Flux
Rating: 4.5 stars!

"As I step into the room, a silver flash blurs my vision. Before I can take a breath, the world falls away."

 Brianna has always felt invisible. People stare right past her, including the one boy she can't resist, Blake Williams. But everything changes at a house party where Brianna's charm bracelet slips off and time stands still. In that one frozen, silver moment, Blake not only sees her, he recognizes something deep inside her she's been hiding even from herself.

Discovering she is descended from Danu, the legendary Bandia of Celtic myth, Brianna finds herself questioning the truth of who she is. And when she accidentally binds her soul to Blake, their mutual attraction becomes undeniable.

But Blake has his own secret, one that could prove deadly for them both.

Bound together by forbidden magic, Brianna and Blake find themselves at the heart of an ancient feud that threatens to destroy their lives and their love.>

The first time this book landed on my sight I know it's gonna be a good book. So when I saw this in Netgalley, I requested it right away. But I got declined. So I requested it again. And still I got declined. By this time I was almost so willing to just wait for this book to be released. But then I said just one more time. (I could be really persistent or hardheaded. Ha!) I did a little editing on my bio then requested it for the third time. And fina-freaking-lly, they approved me! 

I'm so happy that all my effort didn't come to waste because this book did not disappoint! This is a very stunning and gorgeous book. It's very rare for me to encounter paranormal books that are influenced by Celtic Myths and Irish folklore so when I read this everything were almost pretty new to me. I really loved the uniqueness and originality of it.

It wasn't the kind of the book that would instantly blew you away, in fact, for the most parts I was a bit confused and puzzled with all the mythological stuffs but through that just brought more curiosity in me. It just made me more intrigued and interested in knowing and figuring out what was going on. It never wavered to hold my interest. And when the revelations and twists came I was absolutely satisfied with the outcome and how everything turned out.

Brianna Paxton is an easy character to like and connect. She's genuine, smart, strong and humble. She's beautiful but no one notice her despite that I didn't see her being so bitter about it. Of course, she always wonders why and there were moments that she feels bad about herself but she wasn't the kind of person who whines and feels angry about it all the time. But Brianna is still a girl and like any other girl she wishes to be notice by the guy she likes, Blake. 

It took me some time to trust Blake. I like him but I wasn't entirely sure if he was being real or honest to Brianna at first. As the story progressed, as more information were thrown I realized that Blake is just torn from doing what his family expects him to do and what he really feels. But I was really glad that when he already has to choose, he chooses Brianna and took the risk of it. And I saw that he was sincere and honest about it. 

The romance between Brianna and Blake is absolutely a winner for me. I love how they got connected, fought it but in the end gave in with it and soon find out that there's more than just the magic that connected them but something from their heart that is much more real, genuine and bigger - love. I can't remember how many times I died from swooning with these two and with all those sweet and steamy moments.

The paranormal and mythology aspect of this book is very intriguing and engaging. I love the story about Danu and Killian and how the curse started. I love exploring the abilities the characters have and how they used it. It was fascinating and very engrossing. 

Overall, this is a very captivating and stunning debut novel. I applaud Talia Vance for writing such a very unique novel with original plot, awesome twists, brilliant characters and gorgeous romance. I highly recommend this. I need Gold now! And more swoon-worthy moments between Brianna and Blake!

*Thank you Flux and Netgalley for providing a review copy of this book.

P.S. Did you know that I read this twice?! I'm not much a fan of re-reading, there are only two novels I've re-read, The Hunger Games and Obsidian. Both I'm really addicted about. So what does that mean? That I'm addicted to Silver? Oh hell yeah! This book has definitely the potential to be one of my most favorite YA series! I just wanted to say that this book is really really good and I want you guys to pick this one up, and so just to encourage you more, I'll share you a quote from one of my favorite scenes (yeah, this is a steamy one):

"The heat of his skin comes through his shirt, and the fabric becomes an intolerable intrusion. He helps me pull the shirt over his head, and it’s my turn to gasp. My fingers slide from his neck to his belly button, forging a tentative path along his stomach. “You know you’re kind of beautiful yourself.”" - (ARC, p236)

If I could quote the whole scene I really would. LOL! So there, I hope that one helped me convince you to read this. :D

Review: Shine (Shade #3) by Jeri Smith-Ready

Title: Shine (Shade #3)

Author: Jeri Smith-Ready

Publication date: May 1st 2012

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm seriously not good at writing reviews for the final book. It's like I don't know what to say even though I enjoyed and loved it. I just wanted to sit down, think of everything that happened and let out a contented sigh and a satisfied smile. Then be at peace. lol! But for Logan, Aura and Zachary who had all been a very fascinating and lovely characters, who made me swoon and grin so much it hurts and who provided me so much entertainment and happiness I guess it's just fair to share to everyone how good this series is. 

Shine was a really great book and I would say that it brilliantly concluded this wonderful series. I love how everything was revealed, resolved and finally fulfilled. The characters were well developed, the discoveries and truths about the myths were amazing and the ending was just stunning and fantastic. 

Aura on the previous book, to be honest, had me really worried and anxious in every action she did or decisions she made. But in this book I seriously loved her and trusted her. She was more sure, more determined, stronger and braver. I love how how much she cared for Zachary and how committed she was to him. Her determination to stop the Shift and help Shades to become ghost and passed on even if it was risky was amazing and impressive. She definitely grew up in here and now I can totally say she's pretty kick-ass heroine! 

Zachary. I just seriously love this guys so so much. Not because he did some kick-ass stunts and tricks and beat up all the bad guys but because I saw a very vulnerable side of him in here. He went through some pretty serious sh*t that almost had me bawling my eyes out and my heart ached for him. Still he never gave up, for Aura. He was a very impressive and remarkable character and I was just really touched by his dedication and love for Aura. 

I was very much touched and moved by this two. They went through a lot of things here but they always overcome it together. It was heartwarming and also very sweet. And I thank Jeri Smith-Ready for giving us so many lovely, cute, steamy and sweet scenes here and making me swoon countless times before finally wrapping everything up. 

The other thing that made me enjoy this book so much was the mystery about the Shift and Shine, the myth in Newgrange in Ireland.It has always fascinated me since I started reading this series and I really loved it discovering the truths about it. 

And one more thing that I really really loved Jeri Smith-Ready did here was she made Logan present, I mean, his memories were always present. He was always remembered and I even appreciated his character him more. It was very heartwarming and touching.

I really loved this series, it was beautifully written, remarkably unique and very captivating. Jeri Smith-Ready is a very wonderful and talented writer. I so encourage you guys to read this series, you'll never regret it. :)

Review: Everneath (Everneath #1) by Brodi Ashton

Title: Everneath (Everneath #1)

Author: Brodi Ashton

Publication Date: January 24th 2012

Publisher: Harper Collins/ Balzar + Bray

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3.75-4 stars

“Stay with me, Becks. Dream of me. I am ever yours.” 

It's very rare of me to cry over a paranormal book, it's not that they don't reach me deep down, it's just that I'm always busy figuring out twists and puzzles and how they would survive over those paranormal obstacles. And yes, of course, I do swoon over the romantic and sweet moments. I go gaga over those heroes' heroic deeds and sacrifices just to save their significant someone and prove how much they mean to them and love them and whenever they say the sweetest things, I just melt. But no one has ever struck me as much as Jack's love for Nikki! It was hauntingly beautiful, heart warming and real. It din't just had me swooning but it also reached me and tugged my heart in the most amazing and heartrending way. 

This was a mixture of the story of Persephone and Hades, Orpheus and Euridyce and a twist of some Egyptian mythology. And sure enough that made this book really unique and interesting. When I started this I was instantly swallowed by Nikki's voice and emotion. It was heavy and intense, I felt her grieves, and regrets and it just made my heart ache for her. Still there were times that I love her and times that I hate her. But as she started taking actions and as she developed throughout the story she became a very admirable and amazing character.

Even though I was extremely touched by this book and although I really did enjoy it I still had some frustrations over it. I could understand Nikki's flaws and misguided choices but it doesn't mean I have to like it. There was this point that I wanted to tell she's so stupid! And although she did admit that it was her own doing that ruined her life and that she regretted it I was still a bit annoyed with her since she didn't exactly do anything right away when she came back. It was frustrating especially there with Cole, I wanted to shake her so bad and beg her to please get really angry at Cole! Around the middle part of the book I was really hopeless about her and Jack. So I was really glad when things finally started picking up around the later parts. That was the most exciting and interesting parts. Where twist and secrets were revealed and when Nikki finally started standing up and fighting for herself and Jack. 

Jack. He's the most sweetest and most committed guy I'd ever met! I don't know if I there's anything negative I can say about him. He's a very patient, faithful and loving character. It literally broke my heart when I learned all the hardships he'd been through. There's no word for me to describe how strong his feelings for Nikki. All those things he's done to save Nikki is just downright amazing and heart warming. And whenever Jack is present you could clearly see the love in him. (view spoiler)

As for Cole, he's annoying and I just wanted him to go far far away but in all honesty I could say he's pretty endearing and intriguing. There were some parts that showed that he could be really kind and good but with all those things he did to Nikki, how he manipulated her I just can't seem really like him. 

This was a very unique and wonderful paranormal book with a very heartwarming and moving love story. The characters were great and endearing and I was deeply touched by them and their story. I would definitely love to recommend this to everyone.

Review: Pure (Covenant #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Pure

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release date: April 3rd 2012

Publisher: Spencer Hills Press

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4.5 stars

Warning: This contains more of my rants about the romantic aspect on this book. And its a little one sided. It may spoil you so I guess don't read this if you haven't read the book. :))

I would say this book blew me away once again - in a good way, in bad way and in all sorts of way! It brought so many emotions in me, all at the same time. It made me happy, swoon, thrilled, confused, sad and frustrated. Don't get me wrong, this book is absolutely great and brilliant. And Jennifer did a very wonderful job and just proved once again how great an author she is. But I tell you, there were just so many things that happened that definitely squeezed and wrenched my heart. 

Alex is still just as kick-ass as she was in the first book. The same spontaneous, impulsive but lovely, brave and adorable heroine. And I still positively love her for that. Though there were lots of things that happened both wonderful and devastating which made her confused, hurt and all it also contributed a lot in developing her character. Realizations and understanding came to her as she experienced all of it. Though I may not have been happy with some of her decisions and choices (for some personal reasons!XD) I still really admire her and she's becoming more of an awesome character.

So now, the boys. Oh yeah, I guess I wouldn't be talking about them because it would only eventually lead to the romance aspect in this sequel. So I guess let's get it straight. Alright, to be honest I was freaking devastated! Jennifer gave me all the right reasons to love Seth, and well, it did made me love him. Boy, who wouldn't? He's cool, arrogant, sarcastic, but also sweet and caring and not to mention his breathtaking, swoon-worthy, jaw-dropping, mouth-watering looks. Oh man, he's totally my kind of jerk! And I definitely went a little gaga over him but - yeah there's a big BUT - I just can't love him enough to like him for Alex. I like Seth a lot, really but if you're gonna ask me who I want Alex to end up with, I am absolutely in Team Aiden. And to explain why I was devastated, I was deprived of Aiden here! There were so little moments between him and Alex and it wasn't even at all that swoony. And even though I enjoyed and appreciate most of the Seth highlights in here, that pool scene just killed me! It was hot and steamy and all but I can't fully appreciate it because it was breaking my heart. It was frustrating to keep on waiting for Aiden moments when all that was coming were Seth moments and it was all sweet, funny, and swoon-worthy! 

I do not hate Seth for making a move with Alex and liking her, for Alex to made that decision, nor Aiden for keeping on pushing Alex away. I understand everything, their feelings, the situation and the danger. But it was just really hard not to feel bad. So yeah, Jennifer, you're definitely awesome. Its very rare for me to be so affected by a book this big. After reading it, it was all I keep on thinking - possibilities, theories, what ifs, Aiden, Aiden, Aiden! - up until now and the days to come. It will consume me for days, that I am sure, just like what Obsidian did to me. LOL! 

Sometimes I wish Aiden and Alex could just run away! Haha! I imagine that someone will discover what Alex did on the last part and how Aiden tried to help her to cover that up and they would run away! Yeah, sounds pretty desperate of me. But boy, I am desperate! *sigh* Anyway, please don't mistakenly take my devastation over the romance aspect as a bad thing. It was mostly my personal opinion and feelings. I would still definitely highly recommend this! There were great and thrilling parts that I absolutely enjoyed and there were moments, other than the romance, that squeezed my heart. It was a very good read. Jennifer knows how to write a killer story. Haha! I am definitely looking forward for Deity! Please come fast November! 9 months is too long. :((

P.S.

I think I know that necklace Aiden was wearing and what "agapi" means too! *giggles* ♥ And Seth really reminds me of Dameon, they'll definitely explode if they ever meet. lol!

Review: Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers

Title: Grave Mercy

Author: R.L. LaFevers

Published: April 3rd 2012

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I was doubtful I would enjoy this during the first parts but surprisingly as the story progressed, for someone like me who's not much into historical and political stuffs, I found myself getting thoroughly engaged into everything that was happening. It was indeed a stunning and impressive read. 

The synopsis instantly caught my interest and definitely had me when I saw the promise of 'assassin nuns'. However, I didn't know that it was set in a historical period. I haven't read any historical fiction (aside from the Infernal Devices) and they don't usually float my boat so I became a bit uninterested and less excited. Adding to that, the first few chapters didn't go well with me, especially the religious aspects. It was a little uncomfortable and unnerving for me. The sisters in the convent and their beliefs was quite spooky and freaky. But I was glad when the story didn't dwell on those part for long and went to Ismae's tasks fast. From then on I find myself gradually getting devoured and caught up with the happenings, twists and discoveries in the story. I can't seem to put it down.

The plot was unique and fantastical and the writing was really great and surprisingly smooth and easy. Much of the concepts and ideas were a bit new to me so everything went a bit unpredictable which was really good since it kept me curious and interested. The political stuffs was actually intriguing and attention-grabbing. Some readers might find it boring but since the characters really grew on me and I love and care for them, I was so interested in figuring things out too. I find myself thoroughly engage with it - how they're gonna fight the opposing side and win, what actions and strategies they're going to do, who's to be trusted and who's not. The paranormal aspect was also cool, it blended very well with all the other aspects of the book.

The characters were remarkable. Ismae's a kick-butt heroine! I wasn't sure of her at first since she seems to be really naive and trust the convent pretty much. I was glad when she started questioning the things taught to her, doing and believeing her own observation, trusting other people, and following her heart. I also loved it whenever she kills (whoa! there goes my twisted sense of humor! lol) or more like how she does it, the way she fights and uses her weapons which were actually really cool. Despite her terrible past she's a very caring, understnading and loyal person - to Duval, to Anne and Isabeau, to Beast and De Lornay and even to Duval's mother. It was great when she realized the right and real purpose of her ability and what Death really wanted for her - how she stand up to it and believed on it. 

Duval was an outstanding character. He's intelligent and wise, brave and loving. His loyalty to his country and sister was impressive. Despite being a little aloof during the first parts he was actually very kind and caring gentleman. Hist strategies and ideas were great and remarkable. I love how his and Ismae's relationship developed, it was slow but more believable. The ending was lovely and really sweet!

Anne's character was very striking (She reminds me of Nunally in Code Geas! XD). She radiates wisdom and knowledge at a very young age. I, sometimes can't quite make myself believed that a 12 year-old girl will be able to think like that and the idea that she would be married to a much older man at that age irked me. But given the time period, I think it was pretty believable and I know the author made a fair share of research on that. Other character was very admirable like Beast and De Lornay. I was so sad that he died. I think he was the only character described as gorgeous. What a waste! LOL, they were brave and a very loyal friends, I love how much they trust and value Duval.

All in all, it was very spectacular and stunning story! The blending of history, politics, and paranormal was great. It made the story more interesting and brilliant. The characters were well developed, the actions and twists were thrilling and the ending was very satisfying. I highly recommend this, even if your not much into historical fiction, I think this might be a good start for you! :)) 

*An advance copy has been provided by the publisher via the Negalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Cover Reveal: Deity by Jennifer Armentrout (Covenant #3)

Deity (Covenant #3) 

by Jennifer Armentrout

Expected Publication: November 6, 2012

Spencer Hill Press

Yay! This book cover seriously made me feel so giddy! I'm still waiting for Pure and seeing this cover ignites more of my wild craving for the next books of the series! Covenant series has one of the most beautiful book covers evah! LOL. :))

Review: My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

Title: My Soul to Take
Author: Rachel Vincent
Published: August 1st 2009
Publisher: Harlequin
Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Reading this was sort of an accident. I wasn't really planning on reading this yet when I saw my copy and try to take a sneak peek. But that sneak peek turned into full time reading. And find my self enjoying and getting hooked up with the book. 

My Soul to Take was a fun, entertaining, and thrilling read. The plot and concept was unique and original. I haven't read something like the concept of this book. The idea about the bean sidhe, grim reaper, soul screamers made this book very different from most YA paranormal books. I love how the author mixed mythology and paranormal in one. And I think it was really awesome!

I love all the characters! Kaylee is a great and cool character. She's a strong-willed person and I love the good in her to help other people. I love how she grew up in the story and how she take all the revelations in her life. Nash is HOT. LOL(Fangirling striking in!) He's kind, thoughtful and really caring. Though I was a bit suspicious of him during the first parts but that eventually fade when I saw how he never left Kaylee and filled her out everything he know she needed to learn. I love the sweet and cute moments between the two. Tod was a funny, cool and teasing character! I love him! Haha! And I love him more when I found out he's brother with Nash. And that makes him both a reaper and bean sidhe, which I find really cool. I also think that though most of the times Nash and Tod don't get along, I think Tod really cares for his brother and loves him. Aiden and Brendon, Kaylee's dad and uncle are also nice characters. I see that their love for Kaylee are true and genuine.

The twists were exciting and amusing! The writing was good and I love how the characters were developed. All in all, the book is amazing. I enjoyed it very much. A fun and exciting read. :))

Review: Half-Blood (Covenant, #1) by Jennifer Armentrout

Half-Blood by Jennifer Armentrout
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Yay! This book is freakin’ awesome! This one literally kicked the ass out of me. LOL. I definitely love it. :DD

When I read the prequel, Daimon, a month ago I was instantly hooked up. It was awesome and I totally craved for the first book. And so, when I finally was able to read this book, Dang! It was freakin’ amazing. I was a little worried that this one might not justify the awesomeness of the prequel, but dude, was I wrong, it made more than justify it. It went to a higher level of coolness, and awesomeness, and amazing-ness. This book blew me away. :DD

So our little heroine here is Alexandria Andros. The first thing I would describe her - a total kick ass heroine. I mean metaphorically and literally. LOL. Alex is a child of a demigod and a mortal, making her a half-blood. Hematois are the one with pure bloods, child of both demigods. 3 years ago, she and her mother fled the Covenant where half-bloods and pure-bloods receive their education and training, - which her mother said is for the best but never really explained to her why. They lived in the mortal world for 3 years but after her mother got killed by a daimon she was forced to go back to the Covenant - the place where her mother warned her never to return.

This book did remind me of the Vampire Academy (Well, I haven’t really read the whole VA but I read the first parts and was atleast able to get the main plot and concept of the book.)but I think it does’n t really matter. Because clearly they have both different kind of worlds. Mythology has always been my favorite, and with Jennifer Armentrout’s great writing and imaginative skill, she was able to build a very unique world from it. I love it and I think it was really cool.

The characters of this book are really great. Alex is awesome. I love her! She’s strong, beautiful, funny and brave. Though sometimes I got annoyed by her lack of patience and being a bit stubborn she is still very much likable and that characteristics of her made her a total kick-ass heroine. And then there’s Aiden St. Delphi, a very swoon worthy male. LOL. He’s a pure-blood who volunteered to train Alex. He’s a nice, caring, protective, patient, good-looking, sexy guy. Haha! He’s the guy Alex has been crushing (and still crushing) before she left the Covenant. And as the story progress both are clearly developing mutual feelings for each other however the rules forbid them to be - pure-bloods and half-bloods cannot mix romantically. (But still this part is so worth it , I so love Aiden an I really want the both of them together.) And there goes another swoon-worthy guy, Seth, the Apollyon. Which is some sort the half of Alex and they have this some kind of connections. I was a little worried though and curious at the same time now that they’re bonded.

So all in all, 4.5 stars for this book. I really love it. I’m very much looking forward for the second book. I recommend this to everyone! ^^