{Book Review}: Fateful by Claudia Gray

Title: Fateful
Author: Claudia Gray Website | Twitter
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publisher: HarperTeen (Sept 13, 2011)
Hardcover: 328  pages
ISBN:  9780062006202 
Source: Purchased
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository | Kindle | Nook

Description from GoodReads:

Eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, troubled family she serves. It’s 1912, and Tess has been trapped in the employ of the Lisles for years, amid painful memories and twisted secrets. But now the Lisle family is headed to America, with Tess in tow. Once the ship they’re sailing on—the RMS Titanic—reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out and create a new life for herself.Her single-minded focus shatters when she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets of his own. He’s in a hurry to leave Europe, and whispers aboard the ship say it’s because of the tragic end of his last affair with the French actress who died so gruesomely and so mysteriously. . . .
Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him—and now her, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.

My Review

First Impression: Have I ever mentioned how much I loved the movie Titanic? No? Well I absolutely do. I watched it like a million times. You can imagine my enthusiasm when I heard that Claudia Gray would be writing about about Titanic and adding paranormal creatures to it.


Plot & Characters: Fateful is like Rose and Jack backwards and with werewolves. Tess Davies is aboard the Titanic to change her life. She plans to leave the Lisle family and make a new life in America. Tess is a strong determined character that fights for those she loves. I enjoyed that even though she was just a girl from an underprivileged background and without supernatural powers she is able to stand up to everyone and fight for what she wants. 
     Alec Marlowe is not one of my favorite young adult paranormal swoon worthy guys. He constantly puts Tess in danger and does almost nothing to protect her. It seemed like it was the other way around with Tess protecting him.That however, did not stop me from enjoying their love story. As you can expect their falling in love happens rather quickly since they only have a few days in the Titanic. The limited time frame does not hinder this book from keeping you on the edge of your seat. I was constantly trying to figure out who would survive the voyage. The plot also adds a few twist that had me crying and rejoicing.


Final Thought: A great historical paranormal romance! Yes, we all know how the voyage ends but accompanying the characters on their journey to a new world is incredibly entertaining in Fateful by Claudia Gray. 


My Rating:
                   
Book Trailer:

{Review} Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Title: Paranormalcy
Author: Kiersten White Website | Twitter
Genre: YA Fiction/ Paranormal
Publisher: HarperTeen
Hardcover: 335 pages
ISBN: 9780061985843
Source: Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

Description from GoodReads:
Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie’s always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal. 

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures. 

So much for normal.


My Review:
I heard great things prior to reading this book so I had high expectations. Did it meet them? Definitely!


Kiersten White does a great job in creating Evie's world. The characters were very well developed and the story line keeps you engaged. I cannot begin to express how fun it was to read Paranormalcy. Evie was an amazing and fun character. Even when her world was crumbling she still managed to keep her sense of humor and think positively. It was great to see a character that has lived most of her life surrounded by paranormal that she craved a normal life. 


You can imagine that a girl that makes a living capturing paranormals would not be dazzled by a vampire or a werewolf. That her love interest would be fantastic and it definitely was.


Lend is a breath of fresh air in the world of "dark and mysterious/me loving you puts you in danger" YA paranormal guys. He has powers and is definitely not your average guy but is more like a normal guy than you would think. It was also nice that he had a little faery competition. I hope we see more of Reth in the next book. 


The story was fast paced and entertaining from start to finish. I cannot wait to read more about Evie and figure out more about her past.


Overall, this was a "beeping'' good book. 

My Rating: 

Book Trailer:

{Review}: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Title: Nightshade
Author: Andrea Cremer Website | Twitter
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publisher: Philomel Books
Hardcover: 452 pages
ISBN: 9780399254826
Source: Library 
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

Description from GoodReads:

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything- including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

My Review:
Are you tired of reading about werewolves? No? Neither am I. :) If you are looking for a great book about our favorite canine paranormals then Nightshade by Andrea Cremer is a great book for you.
We are taken into a world where "guardians" (kind of like werewolves but cooler) live in secrecy and serve "keepers". Calla Tor is at the top of her world. She will soon graduate and marry handsome Ren Laroche and together become the alpha couple of the new pack that will be formed. Everything is shaken when she save a the life of a young hiker. Her heroic deed puts her in danger and changes the way she views her world.


I enjoyed every minute of this story. Especially the kick-behind heroine. Not only is the plot great but so are the characters and the mythology behind the guardians is amazing. I love how they can turn when ever they want and their clothes just appear with them. It just makes it more magical and fun, I would hate to run around naked every time I shifted but that is besides the point. 


Calla's love interests are both swoon worthy. I know I should be rotting for the guy that will save her from her past life but I really like Ren. If you have read the books, let me know which one you prefer. If you have not what are you waiting for! 


My Rating:              
                                         
Book Trailer:

{Review}: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins Webpage | Twitter 
Genre: YA Fiction/Fantasy
Publisher: Hyperion Book
Hardcover: 323 pages
ISBN: 9781423121305
Source: Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository 


Description from GoodReads:

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

My Review:

Having magical powers is not all fun and games. That is what Sophie learns after her well intentioned love spell goes terribly wrong. As punishment she is sent to Hex-Hall, a reform school dedicated to teaching Prodigium (magical creatures) how to properly use their powers.

Sophie gets paired with the only vampire in the school and she begins to crush on the boyfriend of the leader of a group of girls that not only can make Sophie's life at Hex Hall very difficult but also seem to have a secret agenda. To make matters worst students begin to die and the already hard magical life gets dangerous.

A great start to a this series. Sophie is a fun, witty character that makes you laugh. This quick paced story is a great read for anyone that enjoys paranormal magical school drama. It will leave you wanting more.

My Rating:

                     

{Review:} City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Fallen Angels

Author: Cassandra Clare

Genre: YA Fiction

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (April 2011)

ISBN: 9781442403543

Source: Bought from Amazon

My Rating: 5/5

Description on GoodReads:

City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever. 

Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels 

My Review:

When I found out that there would be a 4th book to The Mortal Instruments I was a little worried it would not be as good as the last 3. I was wrong! It was amazing!

I love Cassandra's writing. She always takes me on an emotional roller-coaster. I found myself laughing (out loud) at the names of Simon's band, angry at the injustice of it all, falling in love with Jace all over again, and fear for what will happen next. The ending was hard for me to accept but I trust Cassandra and will wait (maybe not so patiently) for City of Lost Souls.

If you loved the other 3 this is a must read. We meet new characters, new twists in the story, more Simon and his vampire mojo and of course more Jace and Clary.

"Waiting on" Wednesday (3): Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly even hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming books that we are eagerly anticipating. 

Forever (The Wolfs of Mercy Falls #3) by Maggie Stiefvater

Hardcover:368 pages

Scholastic Press: July 12th 2011 

ISBN: 9780545259088

Pre-Order: Amazon

Description on GoodReads:

The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stievater
In Maggie Stiefvater's SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

I cannot wait for Forever! Only 3 months (which will feel like years) for us to finally see if their love is strong enough to keep them together. 
What are you waiting for?

{Review:} The Dark Divine

Title: The Dark Divine
Author: Bree Despain
Genre: YA Fiction
Publisher: Egmont USA (Dec 2009)
Hardcover: 372
ISBN: 9781606841549
Source: Library
Available on: Amazon

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Description on GoodReads:

Grace Divine—daughter of the local pastor—always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood.

Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how to save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes most: her soul.

Review:

This book has all the basic paranormal romance, a bad boy, an innocent girl, a mystery, everyone telling the girl to stay away from the boy and things that go bump in the night. You pretty much get what you expect. This is not necessarily bad since as you can tell from my blog I love reading this genre.

I recommend reading this book if you enjoy this type of books but in case you don't and just want to know what this one is about here goes my little summary.

Summary: *SPOILER ALERT*

We are first introduced to 16 year old Grace Divine, the daughter of a pastor and an aspiring artist. Her her 17 year old brother Jude. They are role-model teens. They volunteer at different charities and are always happy to help their community.

Grace then comes across Daniel, her childhood crush, (This is where we meet the guy that comes and changes her perfect world) in her art class as he takes her drawing and ask for a kiss in exchange for her drawing. She later goes home and mentions that she saw Daniel and her family gets upset and her brother makes her promise that she will not speak to Daniel again. We learn from Gracie that Daniel grew up with them and used to be Jude's best friend. Yet, something happened a few years ago that caused Jude to go home covered in his own blood and Daniel to disappear mysteriously. Her family won't speak about what happened between them.

Grace (like us) is interested in finding the reason for Daniel's disappearance.

She goes on a date with a nice guy from school but her date is cut short when her car malfunctions and leaves them stranded in a dangerous neighborhood. He leaves Gracie and goes and asks for help. She then is scared by loud noises and is rescued by Daniel who comes and fixes her car. Daniel tells Grace that he came back to town because he wants to go to art school and needs to take the A.P art class at Grace's school to get accepted but gets kicked out his first day because of his attitude. Grace's sharing his dream takes it upon herself to help him and gets him back into the class.

A family friend dies and her disfigured body is found by Jude. It appears that the old woman died of a cold but her body was found and mauled by some type of animal. Distraught by the occurrence and filled with questions Grace leaves on a motorcycle with Daniel. They end up in the Garden of Angels. Where he tells her some story about angel and a faithful person. At this point some may be thinking he is a fallen angel but then how would you explain the animal like attack on the corpse. Grace invites him to her families Thanksgiving festivities. At the Thanksgiving meal Grace's little brother disappears and Daniel and her go looking for him into the woods. This is where he shows his super strength and speed. Daniel runs holding the baby and Grace on his back. He tells her that he is a Hound of Heaven. These are creatures created by God that have animal like attributes to help them in they job of defending humans from demons. Yet, after a talk with her brother and a Google search she finds out that he is instead a Dogs of Death. In other-words, the hounds of heaven fell from grace and are now possessed by the spirit of a demon werewolf that controls them and makes them kill the person they love the most. There is some lack of trust and confusion between Grace and Daniel. Specially since she learns that the reason Daniel dissapeared was because he attacked Jude when they were younger by accident.

In between the love shared by Grace and Daniel, we also learn that the only way to save Daniel's soul is to be staved in the heart by the person he loves the most. After a few other lost people, Jude decides to hunt down Daniel and end their troubles. It turns out that Daniel contaminated Jude when they were younger and if Jude kills Daniel he will be turned into a monster.

tun, tun, tun, tun; TUN, TUN, TUN, TUN ... To end the story Grace stabs Daniel in his wolf form but not before she is bitten by her brother. She does an act of love because by killing Daniel she seals the deal and will be possessed by the werewolf. She is willing to lose her soul to save Daniel's. This means a lot to her who is very religious and righteous the whole book. Yet, it turns out that since it was an act of love Daniel is saved but becomes human and since she is a good person she might not become evil. Her brother is distraught by the news that he is a wolf and leaves his family. Daniel and Grace decide to stay together use her new powers for good.

So as we can see it is a normal paranormal romance novel. It wasn't my favorite due to its lack of twist and originality but I still can't wait to see what happens next.

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