Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Book Review: The Peachville High Demons Series

Today's review is on The Peachville High Demons series by Sarra Cannon

Since I really couldn't find anything but good things about each book in Cannon's Peachville High Demons series, I simple read each of the four installments currently available, and decided that I would simply provide my review and opinion of the series as a whole.  I did; however, provide a review of the first book, Beautiful Demons already.

Each book follows the life of Harper Madison, a orphan who has been in numerous foster homes until she finally ends up at Shadowford Home for girls.  This is her last chance.  If she messes up there she will be placed in juvenile hall.  But trouble seems to follow Harper like a black cloud.  Suddenly a local cheerleader is found dead, seemingly burned from the inside out.  Everything begins to change for Harper after that.  Love, and popularity begin to fill her life as she joins the cheerleading squad and begins dating the star quaterback, but she finds she is drawn to Jackson, the boy with the amazing green eyes.

In the second book; Inner Demons, Harper finds that she is a witch, and not just any witch.  Harper is the Prima Futura of the Order of the Shadows coven.  But somehow she cannot seem to remember her life before being on the cheer squad, and no matter how much she asks about it, she finds no answers.  The only person who seems to know the truth is Jackson and once he reveals it to her, everything changes.  Once Harper finds out the the coven forces Demons from the shadow world to join with them, Demons like Jackson, Harper realizes she has to do something to stop it, but how?

In book three; Bitter Demons, Harper is still in the hospital after saving Jackson from the Others.  Once released, they spend as much time together as they can until another coven arrives.  One of the other covens witches, Zara, begins training Harper which dampens on the time she can be with him, but she learns so much about herself and her powers.  Using her powers, she and another witch switch places and live the life of the other for just a few hours until trouble pops up again.

In book four Harper learns all the dirty secrets of the Order.  She learns the truth about how and who killed her mother after finding her mothers journal.  She also learns how corrupt the High Council actually is and what they are capable of doing to those who choose to stand up to them.  Even with that knowledge she still fights for what's right, even though it may cost her her life.  But she won't show fear.  Her one saving grace is that the man she loves will be safe.  Jackson will continue the fight against the Order with his friends.

Each book in this series was full of surprises.  Twists, turns, suspense, you name it.  I couldn't put them down, I couldn't get enough!  Each character grows as each book progresses.  And though there are continued attacks on Harper, each one is completely different and exciting.  The way that Cannon brings in the background of each main character makes it all the more interesting to read.  You never know the whole truth until Cannon wants you to.

An EXCEPTIONAL series!!

5 of 5 stars

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Book Review: Beautiful Demons

Today's review is on Beautiful Demons, the Peachville High Demons series by Sarra Cannon

Looking for something a little different to read, I came across a review for Beautiful Demons.  Not ever have been a cheerleader myself, the opening line of the book's description pulled me in instantly.

    In Peachville, even the cheerleaders have a dark side...

And here I thought only the cheerleaders of my high school had a dark side.


Harper Madison has been tossed from foster home to foster home only to wind up at Shadowford in the small town of Peachville.  Trouble has seemed to have been following her like a shadow since the fire when she was just eight years old.  Shadowford Home is her very last chance.  If she screws this up it's off to juvenile hall for her.

Suddenly, one of the local cheerleaders is found murdered and everything begins changing for Harper.  Though the popular, beautiful, cheerleaders ignored her previously, now they seem to be throwing themselves at her wanting to be friends.  They encourage her to try out for cheerleading, and she makes the squad herself.  Everything looks like it's going her way.  She is dating the star quarterback, and she finally feels happy.  But then there's Jackson.  She feel's she knows hims somehow, but can't remember how or why.

Pachville it seems has a secret, and Harper is intent to find out what it is.

What I loved most about this book was that the reader doesn't find the truth until almost the ending.  As you read, you have some idea of what "it" may be, but nothing concrete.  This makes for continued suspense through out the book. 

The Peachville High Demons series promises to be a captivating one.

3.5 of 5 stars

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Book Review: Brown Eyes (The Forever Trilogy)

Today's review is on Brown Eyes by Quinteria Ramey

Brown Eyes is the second book in Ramey's The Forever Trilogy and was a sheer pleasure to read.  This novella packed such a punch that for a minute I couldn't believe I had finished.  I found the story so dramatic that many times I found myself on the edge of my seat.  Literally!!

Ana now has all of her memories back, and not to soon.  The vampires are declaring war against the witches of Brighton in retaliation for the "murder" of one of their own.  And though she receives a message from London giving her three days before the attack, it seems the vampires have a timeline all their own.

With the fate of Brighton weighing heavily on her, Ana chooses to leave the safety of the haven to possibly draw the vampires away.  This however is not what happens in the end.  Nearly all hope is lost as she makes contact with Darren and see's what's happening through his eyes.  Everyone is dying, even him.  In the end she has done what she always has.  She ran away with Tristan.

There were quite a few mistakes in Brown Eyes that should have been picked up by the editor, and that is one of my pesky pet peeves.  I actually can't wait for the next book to come out next month.  I hope it lives up to this one.

4 of 5 stars

Monday, August 22, 2011

Book Review: Silver Moon

Today's review is on the novella Silver Moon by Stacey Thompson-Geer

Silver Moon is just one of the few novella's that I have read, and the second manuscript from Thompson-Geer. The first of which I found very difficult to read due the abundance of spelling and grammatical errors.

Though in Silver Moon there were much less mistakes, I still recommend Ms. Thompson-Geer seriously consider looking into obtaining a second editor. The story however was by far more enjoyable than I expected, and I would have liked to see it as a stand alone novel.

With so many books being written today about vampires, werewolves, and witches, it is not easy to come up with an interesting storyline or unique character's, but Silver Moon does pretty well. I saw a little of Anita Blake, Cassie Palmer, and Rachel Morgan, as well as their male counterparts, which, for me at least was just fine.

Rose finds herself in front of the vampire council. Though she herself could due without the council, she takes a "job" to help capture a rogue were. She is aided by Bobbie; a witch, and another werewolf.

There is sexual tension, betrayal, and love. Silver Moon is a definite must read in my book. Just look past the errors.

3.5 instead of 4 of 5 stars due to the editing.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Book Review: Morning Rising

Today's review is on Morning Rising by Samantha Boyette

When I first began reading Morning Rising I was hesitant because I thought it would be to much like a lesbian love story. Though the two main character's; Dylan and Kara, do love each other and become a couple, it was far from what I had expected.

Dylan is a Princess in the Dayworld, and Kara is her Guardian. They were both sent to live in the human world for their protection, only now Kara has somehow traveled to the Inbetween without many memories. The only thing she even remotely remembers is Dylan. Now she needs to get all of her memories back in order to save Dylan from herself and those out to control her powers.

There are wonderfully fantastic beings in Inbetween. From creatures that resemble trolls, to those that look almost bird like, to the goblin Glint who aids Kara through the book. Each scene is eloquently described in detail, making it easy for the reader to see into the imagination of Boyette's world.

There were some minor errors in grammar, and a few instances where one character's name was used in the wrong place, but all and all it was an enjoyable book. And yes, it was a love story. A story that teaches that love spans even across worlds.

3.5 of 5 stars

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Book Review: ReVamped

Today's review is on ReVamped by Lucienne Diver

ReVamped is the second installment in Diver's delightfully written Vamped series. Like the first, ReVamped tells the story of high school senior Gina Covello, vampire extraordinaire. With her not so quick wit, but quick sarcastic come backs, and a kick-ass attitude, Gina is the ultimate teen vampire.

There are strange happenings Wappingers Falls. Many teens are becoming more aggressive while others seem to be waking around in a daze. Grades are dropping, even among the geeks. Gina, Bobby, and Rick-the-rat; now working undercover with the spooks, must find out what's going on and stop it.

Though the story line is basically the same as the first book; a master vamp wanting to create an army of teen vampires, it still flows nicely and seems pretty logical. How else would a vampire move up in the ranks unless they have an army of minions?

I love that Diver introduced the infamous Rasputin into the mix. It adds a nice bit of historical lore, and makes the story all the more enjoyable.

I would liked to have seen a little more in regards to the development of Gina and Bobby's relationship however. I didn't feel the closeness of them in this book, and apparently neither did Gina herself, as she seemed to be very attracted to Ulric.

Another great one day read by Diver that left me smiling in the end.

3.5 of 5 stars

Monday, August 15, 2011

Book Review: The Gift of Illusion

Today's review is on The Gift of Illusion by


characters Issac and his daughter Amy after the very first chapter, hoping that nothing bad will come to them as the book continues.  However, the book is not left without flaws.

You enter the story line as Issac's home is invaded and his wife is brutally murdered, leaving Issac to care for their newborn daughter Amy.  Though he is able to kill the intruder, we never really find out why the intruder wanted to "take everything away" from Issac.  There didn't seem to be enough back information on the case previously involving the perp.

Issac never really gets over the horrifying event of that night and blames himself for his wife's death, but somehow sixteen years later when a mysterious string of bizarre deaths occur he is forced to face pain he carries inside of himself.

The authors use of chapters within chapters became irritating quite quickly as I felt they were not necessary.  And I never quite understood exactly what "The Gift" really was.  Even the ending left me feeling flat.

2.5 of 5 stars

Book Review: Vamped

Today's review is on Vamped by Lucienne Diver

If you have ever read MaryJanice Davidson'S Undead series and you enjoyed it, you should pickup Vamped. It's a great G rated version for teens. Plus, it's a good one day read. Though the character development is lacking, it still has a good base story line.

Gina Covello, high school Sr. was turned into a vampire at an after prom party. After drinking a little to much she found herself in a closet with of all people, the chess club geek. However, somehow he is not so geeky any more, and he kisses great.

After being in a car accident, Gina finds herself in a coffin. She realizes that she is now a vampire and how she became one. After clawing her way out she comes face to face with Bobby, the hot geek, who is carrying bags full of new clothes, shoes, and jewelery.

Together they battle power hungry vamps who are creating an army of high school vampires, insane vamps, and the like, until in the end they prevail.

Though left with a good amount of unanswered question, I still enjoyed the book as a whole.

2 of 5 stars

Friday, August 12, 2011

Book Review: Bad Taste in Boys

Today's review is on Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris

I was told by my good friend MB to check out a book written by a good friend of his that was coming out soon.  When I read the synopsis of Bad Taste in Boys I decided I would give it a try.  As usual MB, you picked a great book for me to read.

Bad Taste pulls you in from the very first chapter and keeps you wanting to turn page after page.  It shows the awkwardness of high school with its caste system in place, with a nice twist.  In the face of sooo many vampire/werewolf books and movies out there it was good to have a different supernatural creature to read about that was well written. There a some one line jokes in the book that will put a smile on your face, but they don't distract from the story line.

Kate Grable, a high school Sr. is the student trainer for the football team.  She becomes distressed after finding out that the coach has been injecting some of the players with what she suspects to be steroids.  This isn't the case however.  When she is attacked by both her ex, Mike and the coach, Kate decides to do some testing on the mysterious medications her own and discovers a virus, and this virus causes its victim's to turn into zombies.

I really enjoyed reading Bad Taste, as I was impressed that even the class brain was able to snag the boy of her dreams. 

The good guys may always finish last, but with normally better looking significant others. 

I look forward to reading other books by Harris in the future.

4 of 5 stars

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Book Review: Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3)

Today's review is on Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls) by Maggie Stiefvater

Forever is the third and last installment in Maggie Stiefvater's Wolves of Mercy Falls delightful story of innocence lost, love, and new beginnings. All three of the books depicts a love based on mutual respect instead of sex, sex, sex, which is a welcome difference from many other books.

Grace is a wolf, Sam is not.  Cole is a wolf intent on finding a cure, and Isabel is fighting against her feelings for him.  But along with those problems Isabel's father has taken his anger towards the wolves to a whole new level.  He has been able to get approval for an aerial attack to wipe out the pack living in the woods of Mercy Falls.  Now Grace, Sam, Cole, and Isabel are racing to find a way to move the pack to somewhere safe.

Forever; like the last two books, is written so well that it becomes a pleasure to read. My only complaint is the ending. Though Sam and Grace are together, we are still left hanging. Is Cole's theory correct? Will injecting Grace with meningitis while she is a wolf cure her? What about the leaf stem Sam twisted around her finger. Is her proposing? Does Cole and Isabel get together? To many loose ends for my taste.

Readers will undoubtedly enjoy Forever as much if not more than the others.

3 of 5 stars

Monday, August 8, 2011

Book Review: Deep Like Me

Today's review is on Deep Like Me by Rick Bundschuh

Like many "recovering" Catholics, it took a traumatic life event to bring me back to God. This time however I questioned which religion I would follow instead of being forced to follow one simply because we "were Catholic."

After careful deliberation I chose to become a Christian, and one year ago on of all days Halloween; (I know, cool right!), I literally took the plunge and pledged my life to Jesus. Now I am a part of what I think is a good church and plan to get my hands dirty so to speak.

Amazingly enough, one of the pastor's at my church is also the author of Deep Like Me, along with other books. I saw the cover and was sucked right into the water.

In Deep Like Me, Rick uses real life experiences, humor, and fantastic story telling skills to not only help the neonatal Christian; like myself, but also the well aged Christian to feel secure, sane, and similar. We all like to feel, in most any aspect of life, that we are not alone. That others have the same fears and/or insecurities, and that we will be able to come out the other side relatively unscathed. And, if the pastor asks these same questions that I do, or feels the same way as I do, then there is certainly hope for me.

Though I do not believe absolutely every thing that is said in his book, I never felt offended or dissed in any way.

4 of 5 stars

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Book Review: Undead and Undermined

Today's review is on Undead and Undermined by MaryJanice Davidson

Undermined is the 10th book in Davidson's Undead series and left me feeling so let down that I may not read the next installment. Who am I kidding? Of course I'll read the next book, if only to give Davidson a chance to redeem herself.

I have enjoyed all 9 of the other books in the series, but Undermined was by far the worst I have seen. Betsy was such a sniveler throughout the book that it was seriously annoying. What ever happened to Betsy's spine?  And what was with all of the rambling she did? It seems that there was a lot more of that in this book than was ever in any of the others.

The only time I actually really got into the story was when we got to see the letter Marc left for Betsy after he killed himself, and that was the epilogue!!

1 of 5 starts

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Book Review: Hunt The Moon

Today's review is on Hunt the Moon by Karen Chance

Hunt The Moon is the 4th in the continuing story of Cassandra Palmer, God slayer, Pythia, and seer. It has taken a few years for Chance to come out with a new book in this series, and perhaps that is due to the inability for her to chose a long time partner for Cassie.

The story line is still enjoyable if not a little repetitive with the attack's. However, I was happy to see that Cassie had had a truly orgasmic experience with Pritkin. (Though I like Mircea better, but that's just me.)

Someone is attacking not only Cassie, but her mother as well.  How is that even possible when Cassie's parents are both dead?  By shifting back in time and seeing it for herself.  At first she thinks that her mother has been kidnapped by a crazy war mange, but discovers that this is not the case.  The mange is actually helping her  mother, helping to protect her.  After all, Cassie's mother is a . . . , and the mange helping her is actually Cassie's father.

I would like to have seen a little more in regards to Cassie finding out who her father was, and perhaps a little more time for her to actually talk to her mother instead of so much time on the action parts. I think the general audience will be looking for more in depth feelings and interactions between the characters. Mircea's confession of love is a fantastic start.

3 of 5 stars