A Book Obsession..

Spellbound (Early Review)

, by KT

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz
Spellbound #1

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

Emma has a chance to start over and forget the past. She moved to New York to live with her aunt. She's enrolled in a very exclusive upper class prep school that people like her never fit in to. She's determined to keep her head down and just finish out the last two years unnoticed. Of course that all changes once she meets Brenden. She is inexplicably drawn to him and he seems the same in reverse. Or at least at times he does, other times he can't seem to get away from her fast enough. Since meeting him, mysterious things keep happening and she feels a sense of foreboding. Warnings are happening in her dreams telling her that she must stay away from him or she risks her very life.

Emma is an interesting character. She has a horrible past that has left its scars on her, both mental and physical. She has a strange sense of courage, and her bravery (or foolishness depending on how you want to look at it) lands her in trouble way over her head more than once. Heck, just the fact that she chose to stay around despite the almost guarantee she would lose her life as a result speaks volumes. She did have a little more "does he or doesn't he" teen angst going on when it came to things with Brendan than I would have liked, but I realize this won't bother teens as much as they can relate a little better than I can. However, this did get a little better as things progressed between them, and in the end is understandable because we all get a little nuts at the beginning of a new relationship, no matter our age.

While I did enjoy the book, it just was not quite as satisfying as I would have liked. Don't get me wrong, the concept of the story was really intriguing and I genuinely cared for Emma and her plight. However, as I was reading Spellbound, I couldn't help comparing it to a house that is well constructed and has a good foundation, but the builders forgot one crutial element; the insulation. There was a lot of things going on in Spellbound, but nothing really bound it all together and kept the threads from escaping, thus the lack of "insulation." One example would be the witch aspect. It was built up as something of great importance, and then midway through almost completely forgotten. Another would be the constant hot and cold treatment Brendan gave Emma. When the reasoning behind this was revealed, I couldn't help but be disappointed as I had thought there was some mysterious or magical mojo going on instead of the actual reason. Things like this would happen periodically throughout, making it a little hard to stay fully immersed in the book.

This book was incredibly hard for me to decide on a rating. While I may have had a little issue with how things were tied together in Spellbound, I still think it was a pretty good read, especially for a debut novel. I could be wrong, but I think it is a stand alone novel. That being said, I wouldn't mind more books in this "world," and I will be on the look out for more books from this author as I feel she definitely has potential. In the end Spellbound will enchant you and make you believe in a love that survives lifetimes despite the horrible odds against them.

(Received from Netgalley)

Rating:

Pre-order at Amazon:
Spellbound (Harlequin Teen)

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
YA
New Author

Entice

, by KT

Entice by Carrie Jones

Need #3

Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. But that’s not how things have worked out. For starters, well, Nick is gone. He’s been taken to some mythic place for warriors called Valhalla, where Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. It’s just not going to be easy.

Meanwhile, Bedford needs its warriors more than ever, since a group of evil pixies is devastating the place, with teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent. But even if Zara and her friends can find the way to Valhalla, there’s that other small problem: Zara’s been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to leave with her? Especially considering she hasn’t turned into just any pixie . . . She’s Astley’s queen.

At the end of the last book Zara had changed into a pixie in order to find a way to rescue Nick. This one picks up right where the last one left off. Throughout the book Zara and her pixie king, Astley, run into several obstacles and catastrophes that severely hinder their quest for Nick. Meanwhile Frank's pixies are still wreaking havoc on the town and it's up to Zara and Astley and their pixies to protect everyone. It's an uphill battle that won't be solved anytime soon, but they must try

When I read a series that has a love triangle I typically choose one guy almost right away, and stick with that choice. I rarely change my mind after that initial decision. However, after reading this book I find myself wanting to "switch sides". While I still like Nick, I'm just really starting to question whether or not he would be the best choice for Zara. Before he was taken to Valhalla, he was always coddling her and treating her like she is helpless. Astley on the other hand has always accepted her for who she is and doesn't try to stop her from doing what she feels she needs to. He also has been extremely understanding and supportive from the start, and continued to help Zara on her quest to save Nick, even at a great cost to himself. With Nick she is going to have to hide who she really is, but Astley accepts her completely. Perhaps in time, Nick could prove himself to be the best choice, but for now, I really just don't think he is.

Zara really started to come into her own in this book. She learned time and time again the meaning of sacrifice and that all choices have consequences. Yes, for most of the book she did have "blinders" on in her search for a way to rescue Nick, but as time went on she really started to open her eyes and realize that there may just be more important things. By the end she shows a little of her potential as queen. As long as she remembers that the good of everyone is more important than any one individual, then I think she will be a very strong Queen for her people, as well as force for the side of good.

All in all this was a pretty good book, with just a little repetitiveness, but that really didn't detract from the overall story. It set things up nicely for the next installment, and really brought the love triangle theme into full effect. It will be interesting to see Zara's choices and how she handles her new responsibilities. If you enjoyed the first two books, this one shouldn't disappoint, and will most likely make you question who is best for Zara.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Entice (Need)

Waiting on Wednesday (46)

, by KT

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights an upcoming release we are greatly anticipating.

My pick this week:

Burn the Night - Dark Days #6

by Jocelynn Drake

Publication Date: June 28th, 2011

Amazon Pre-Order: Burn the Night: The Final Dark Days Novel

The Great Awakening approaches…

After eons in exile, the naturi have broken their chains and now roam the Earth bent on revenge. It is the sworn duty of Mira, the Fire Starter, to protect the Nightwalker race—though even she may be powerless to withstand the horrific onslaught. As Mira and her brave lover, the vampire slayer Danaus, stand ready to do battle, thousands of winged shapeshifters darken the skies. The war of ultimate extermination has begun, and the battleground is Mira’s home turf.

The humans don’t yet recognize the doom descending upon them. And the Nightwalkers will surely perish unless they unite with outcast naturi who claim to want peace. But these unexpected “allies” are the same demons who have long worked for Mira’s destruction—and in these darkest of days the lines between friend and foe will blur treacherously before the bloody end of all things.

Captivate

, by KT

Captivate by Carrie Jones

Need #2

Zara and her friends knew they hadn’t solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king’s needs grow deeper every day he’s stuck in captivity, while his control over his people gets weaker. It’s made him vulnerable. And now there’s a new king in town.

A turf war is imminent, since the new pixie king, Astley, is moving in quickly. Nick nearly killed him in the woods on day one, but Zara came to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he’s one of the good guys. Nick isn’t buying it, though Zara isn’t as sure — despite herself, she wants to trust the new king. But it’s a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It’s her life — and his.

Zara and her friends thought they were mostly in the clear when they locked up the pixies. At the very least they expected to have time to figure out a more permanent situation. Then more and more pixies show up and Nick nearly kills the new king, Astley. Zara stumbles into him and saves him. Astley of course wants Zara for his own but also insists he isn't evil. This sparks off some major tension between Zara and Nick. However, there is more danger than just the risk of broken hearts here. Astley isn't the only one who has set his sights on the territory, and it's up to Zara and friends to stop the pixies once again and protect their town.

Astley's character is a nice addition to this series. He adds a lot of tension that otherwise would not have been there. Despite the fact that he is a pixie, I think he genuinely cares for Zara. If he didn't he wouldn't have helped her time and time again all the while waiting for her to really show any gratitude. While I really like Nick and think he and Zara belong together, I couldn't help but feel bad for Astley. Zara really treats him like crap for most of the book, and I don't think he deserved it at all. Yes, of course she has well earned prejudices, but come on, what more does the guy have to do to prove he isn't like Zara's father. I have a feeling I might just soften even more towards him in the future.

I was really surprised at the path this series is now taking based on the events of this book. There is an event in this book that is a major catalyst for a lot of change. Some of that change was bound to happen based on the circumstances of the characters, but I just wasn't expecting the reason behind it to be what it was. I was really impressed with the author's ability to take something expected and actually make it surprising as well. I am still holding out for some happiness, but I have a feeling that will be a long time coming as there should be some pretty big obstacles in the way.

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me just as enthralled as the first one, but with some added emotion as well. This series is full of really great characters and plenty of action. If you enjoyed the first one, then this one won't disappoint. The ending left off on pretty big cliffhanger that makes me very eager to read the next installment.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Captivate

It's Monday! What are you reading (46)

, by KT

It's Monday! What Are You Reading, hosted by Book Journey, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Here's what I read this past week:

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (Review)
Linger by Maggie Stiefvater (Review)
Num8ers by Rachel Ward (Review)

I read the first two books in the Wolves of Mercy Falls Trilogy. They are a really interesting take on the werewolf lore as it seemed more scientific rather than magical. I really enjoyed the romance between the two main characters. I will say that Shiver was phenomenal, but linger was just not up to the same caliber. I'm hoping the final installment will be more like Shiver as I really enjoyed it.

I also read Num8ers by Rachel Ward. I think the title is really different with the number 8 instead of a B, and that is probably what most drew me to this book. It was a pretty decent read, and the concept was intriguing. I cannot imagine having to live like Jem and knowing when people will die. I would have lost my sanity a very long time ago, but she stays strong and that is incredibly admirable. I loved the fate vs choice issues, as that is a favorite theme of mine. I think I'm drawn to that type of conflict because even I don't know which I really believe in.

My Upcoming List:

Captivate by Carrie Jones
Entice by Carrie Jones
Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz (Early Review)

Num8ers

, by KT

Num8ers by Rachel Ward

Numbers #1

Whenever Jem meets someone new, no matter who, as soon as she looks into their eyes, a number pops into her head. That number is a date: the date they will die.

Burdened with such an awful awareness, Jem avoids relationships. Until she meets Spider, another outsider, and takes a chance. But while they’re waiting to ride the Eye Ferris
wheel, Jem notices that all the other tourists in line flash the same number. Today’s number. Today’s date. Terrorists are going to attack London. Jem’s world is about to explode!

Jem has always tried to keep herself apart from others. She carries a terrible burden. Every time she looks into someone's eyes she can see the date they die. One day she meets Spider and everything changes. For the first time in her life she allows herself to get close to someone. However, everything goes terribly wrong one day when she realizes they are in a place where everyone is about to die. They hightail it out of the place, but not before they are spotted by the officials. In a fit of fear they go on the run, but Jem knows time is running short as she knows everyone's numbers, including Spider's.

This book deals a lot with the aspects of fate and choice, with fate seeming to be the ruling factor. As I'm a major believer in choice this kinda grated at me. Well, actually I should say I believe in a mixture of the two, as I think some things are fated to be, but there always is a choice. It is our decisions based on those fated events that send us one way or another. This book more made it as if things were fated to happen and no matter what you did, you couldn't change that fact. I think I would have rather the character had some sort of say in their lives, even if the chance to change things was very slim, at least they would have a little power in the end.

At first I thought the relationship between Jem and Spider was unrealistic and forced. However, once I took at step back and really looked at what their lives where, it is no wonder the two fell in love so quickly. Growing up without anyone to really support them and no one to trust things had to be incredibly rough. So, when someone comes along that fits that bill, they would grab and hold on tight. So, while things may have felt a little rushed, in their situation they had to take advantage of the time they had as they never knew what was coming next.

This was a very difficult book for me to rate as I both loved and almost hated it at the same time. The book had a very predictable ending, yet it teases you the entire time making you think your prediction might just be wrong. Then it pulls the rug out from under you. It read very quickly and kept me sucked in right until the end. I think my biggest problem with the story was the fate aspect as I spoke about earlier, but that won't stop me from reading the next installment. Even though I'm rating this a three, I still think it is definitely worth checking out as it was a very intriguing read with a good "moral" answer at the end.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Numbers

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
YA
New Author

June R.A.K.

, by KT

It's that time again! While I posted a R.A.K. for May, I neither sent nor received any books (It was a hectic month.) So, this month I plan to participate right away so I don't forget about it again ;)

Here are the rules:

Rules:
• Sign up each month you'd like to participate in.

• Show off your participation! Grab one of the buttons available :)

• Create a wish list and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
{Post on your blog, Amazon, where ever as long as there's a link to it.}

• If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger for their address.

• At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K!
Make a post saying 'Thank You' to whoever granted one of your wishes and share it with us :)

OPEN TO EVERYONE!
Let's keep our International bloggers in mind and in our hearts.
Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!

Here is my Wishlist, but I do need to make a small request that no Mass Markets are sent. I have really bad double vision at times and the MM's type is too small and the lines are too close for me to be able to read easily. I don't have that problem with trade size paperbacks or hardcovers.

Now I'm off to finds some wonderful bloggers to spoil ;)

Linger

, by KT

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2

In Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabel, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love—the light and the dark, the warm and the cold—in a way you will never forget.

At the end of Shiver, Sam and Grace got their wish for Sam's cure to work. Now however, they have new problems. Turns up his cure wouldn't instantly solve everything. Sam is having a hard time truly believing in his cure and the ability to have a future, so he is basically stuck in limbo. Grace on the other hand is ecstatic, but has problems she must come to terms with herself. Her parents decided to step in after being "absent" for as long as she can remember. She's also hiding a terrible secret, one that could rip apart everything she and Sam have worked for. Meanwhile, Isabel is still broken inside from her brother's death and finds herself drawn to Cole, who may just be more broken than she is.

The relationship between Grace and Sam didn't have the same dynamic or impact as is did before. Perhaps that is because of all the issues they were facing, which is understandable, but I found myself missing it all the same. I did enjoy the budding relationship, if you could call it that, between Cole and Isabel. I'm glad they didn't just fall instantly with each other, as that would not have worked well with the amount of "damage" they are both carrying. Perhaps in the future they will be able to overcome their own turmoils together, but I have a feeling that is going to be a very bumpy road.

Grace's parents absolutely infuriated me in this book, in fact I feel their behavior really detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book. Now, as I am a mother myself, I can say that the "incident" that spurns their behavior would greatly upset me, but I also do not and will never have the same type of relationship with my children as they have with Grace. Their parenting skills can be called nothing short of neglect, and were very lucky that Grace turned out as responsible as she did. In fact, her mother actually has a huge problem with her analytical nature as Grace is not a scatterbrain like her. Both of them gave up the rights to her life a very long time ago when they left her alone to raise herself. As it is, Grace was constantly taking care of her mother, when it should be the other way around. It just angers me that they would try and take away the one person who has shown her true love and compassion in her life. I can only hope that a miracle happens in the next book and they get a clue, or just get out of the way.

After reading Shiver, I had high expectations for this book, however it really fell flat for me. I'm not saying it wasn't a good book, just no where near Shiver's excellence. The problem with her parents made me too angry to fully enjoy the book. There also wasn't a real clear cut plot other than Sam trying to come to terms with his new found life, and Grace hiding a terrible secret. Even though I prefer Sam and Grace's characters, both Cole and Isabel's inner conflicts added a new dimension to the story. However the rotating perspectives was a little harder to follow this time as the changes were much more frequent than the last book. While the ending of Shiver was abrupt, it still left me smiling. This one, however was even more abrupt, yet did not leave me with the same happiness at all. I'm really hoping the next book will be more like Shiver as I love these characters. Overall, it was just an okay read for me, but definitely worth reading if you enjoyed the first one.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Linger (Wolves of Mercy Falls, Book 2)

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
YA
Shifter

Winners

, by KT

I've been a very bad blogger. :'( I just realized I had forgotten to announce the winners for the Chloe Neill Giveaway as well as the Maureen McGowan Giveaway. So without further ado, here are the winners:

For the Chloe Neill Giveaway the winner is:
Jessica from a GREAT read

For the Maureen McGowan Giveaway the winner is:
Melissa from Melissa's Meanderings

Thanks again everyone for entering!

Waiting on Wednesday (45)

, by KT

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights an upcoming release we are greatly anticipating.

My pick this week:

Everdark - Dark Ink Chronicles #2

by Elle Jasper

Publication Date: June 7th, 2011

Amazon Pre-Order: Everdark: The Dark Ink Chronicles

When Savannah tattoo artists Riley Poe is ambushed by an undead enemy, she inherits some of the traits of her attackers-and a telepathic link with a rampaging vampire. Now, she's experiencing murder after murder through the victims' eyes. And her new powers will not be enough to stop the horror-or the unending slaughter...