Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Publisher: HarperTeen

Series: Unearthly (bk. 2)

Genera: Paranormal Romance

Subjects: Angels, nephilim, love, destiny, visions, Wyoming

Length: 403 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

Summary/ product description: “or months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.”

My Rating: ê ê ê ê ê +++!!!!!!! <3

My Review: This is definitely my favorite series still (Along with Maximum Ride). It was exciting, romantic, fast paced, had an awesome setting, had angels, flying…wow. It’s 1^st person, present tense and the writing style is beautiful, poetic and often funny. I love it. Now this is the best sequel ever. The only disappointments where cause by me having that Fan Girl Syndrome that another reviewer mentioned. I absolutely love Tucker. He’s amazing…a modern cowboy, funny, nice…at some parts I wished I was Clara because I liked Tucker. This series focuses on all of the characters, and I’ve come to like Clara Mom, Clara’s friend Angela, and even Christian. This book had surprises that I would never expect, and one I did because I knew the author would never let us down like that! (Oops…ignore that). I’m so glad I got to read this right when it came out. I actually bought it a few days before the official release date…and I kept looking up Jackson Hole on Google Earth so I could fully immerse myself in the setting. Wyoming and angels. Awesome.

I don’t know what to say…maybe that every paranormal romance fan out there should read this series, especially girls who like angels and cowboys and such? You will laugh and cry and swoon. I swear. I’m itching to read more and there’s still 12 months until the next book unless it’s released before that or I get an ARC. But I want the final copy because these covers are amazing!

Cover Art Review: Gorgeous as the 1^st book’s!!! I love the silver swirls, feather and title especially. This time they had the Teton in the background.

~Haley G

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

Publisher: HarperTeen

Series: Beautiful Dark Trilogy (bk. 1)

Genera: Paranormal Romance

Subjects: Angels, supernatural, love, choices, Colorado

Length: 390 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

Summary/ product description: “On the night of Skye's seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites--like fire and ice--Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye's life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move--only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth of her own past.
In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can't help falling for, and Devin, who she can't stay away from, the consequences of Skye's choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.
A Beautiful Dark is the first book in a captivating trilogy by debut author Jocelyn Davies.”

My Rating: ê ê ê ê ê

My Review: Angel and Colorado. The two most awesome things about this book. I’ve been to Boulder so I was able to picture the scenery really well. And the paranormal elements were amazing. The mythology of these angels had subtle changes, like their abilities and such. Asher was dark and charming, like Damon from the Vampire Diaries. Always cracking jokes. I love that. Devin was always calm, unless he was bickering with Asher, but even then always in control. Skye. Was always trying to stop their fights, like she was Switzerland or something (but not all Twilight like). Then there were her friends: Cassie, Dan and Ian. Cassie was funny and in a band and Dan was always wonder why the girls found Asher and Devin so interesting. Ian has a crush on Skye, but with the other two setting sights on her, does he stand a chance?

Skye’s really into skiing, and there’s a part where they’re on a ski trip. The author really took full advantage of the setting. I really hope to see even more. There are some flying parts, and they’re romantic and all. Lot of crazing love triangle stuff going on, but the story is still pretty unique. I recommend this to people who like the Unearthly series or Angelfire series.

The best time of the year to read this is winter! Check it out before the season’s over!

Cover Art Review: Beautiful and elegant. It’s glossy and the title is all rainbowy and contrasts against the less colorful photo. The inside cover had wings stamped on the lower right.

~Haley G

Lightbringer by K.D. McEntire

Series: Lightbringer (bk. 1)

Genera: Paranormal Romance

Subjects: Supernatural, ghosts, death, afterlife, reapers, magic, love, other worlds

Length: 317 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

Summary/ product description: “Wendy has the ability to see souls that have not moved on—but she does not seek them out. They seek her. They yearn for her . . . or what she can do for them. Without Wendy's powers, the Lost, the souls that have died unnaturally young, are doomed to wander in the never forever, and Wendy knows she is the only one who can set them free by sending them into the light. Each soul costs Wendy, delivering too many souls would be deadly, and yet she is driven to patrol, dropping everyone in her life but her best friend, Eddie—who wants to be more than friends—until she meets Piotr. Piotr, the first Rider and guardian of the Lost, whose memory of his decades in the never, a world that the living never see, has faded away. With his old-fashioned charms, and haunted kindness, he understands Wendy in ways no one living ever could, yet Wendy is hiding that she can do more than exist in the never. Wendy is falling for a boy who she may have to send into the light. But there are darker forces looking for the Lost. Trying to regain the youth and power that the Lost possess, the dark ones feed on the Lost and only Wendy and Piotr can save them—but at what cost? Lightbringer is a YA urban fantasy/romance set in a world a breath away from our own . Similar in tone to Tithe and Unleashed , Lightbringer tiptoes down the line between love and horror as Wendy discovers herself and the darkest parts of the afterlife.”

My Rating: ê ê ê ê
My Review: This book had me very confused in the beginning. I wasn’t sure who Piotr was or how to pronounce his name (It’s Peter, not Pietree) and where Wendy had went. I eventually figured out that Piotr is a ghost (and Russian) and Wendy is the Lightbringer and that they were gonna be all romantic together. So, awesome. I started liking it. This book reminds me of a whole lot of books and series I have read (Meridian, Angelfire, Demon Trapper’s Daughter, Die For Me, Possess, ect.). Sadly, no angels, but that’s okay! The uniqueness of this story had me! Wendy’s a strong character, and so are the others. Wendy was searching for her mother’s soul in a lot of it and the outcome surprised me (Because I went out on a limb with a guess and was totally right as usual. I have said I am psychic to this stuff!). The story may have been awesome, but I will warn you the line spacing/text size is small. That was probably why I had a hard time with it. But, it’s still worth reading.

Cover Art Review: I’m not sure if this is a painting or a digital illustration. I doubt it’s a photo. Either way it looks well done. The artist must have been a talented graphic novel/comic illustrator because the detail is amazing!

~Haley G

On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

Title & Author:

On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Genera: Horror/Thriller/paranormal romance

Subjects: Alaska, Grim Reaper, death, supernatural, mountaineering, survival

Length: 312 pgs.

HC/PB: Paperback

Summary/ product description: “The choices I had made led to the moment when fate took over. I would learn a lesson I wasn't prepared for. And Death would be my willing teacher.
Five years ago Abbey Chandler cheated Death. She survived a horrific car accident, but her lucky break came at the expense of her mother's life and changed everything. After she crossed paths with Death--by taking the hand of an ethereal boy made of clouds and sky--she would never be normal again. Now she's the target of Death's Ravens and an innocent boy's life is on the line. When Nate Holden--Abbey's secret crush--starts to climb Alaska's Denali, the Angel of Death is with him because of her. Abbey finds out the hard way that Death never forgets.”

My Rating: ê ê ê 1/2

My Review: I didn’t think I was going to like this book, but the humor and voice of Abbey pulled me in once I got past the prologue. I love snarky, sarcastic characters. And he friend Tanner was cool to. Having him in a wheel chair definitely deepened his character. And when they were both cyber bullied I felt so bad for them. I though Abbey’s obsession with Nate was kind of odd. I think her and Tanner would be much better for each other. There wasn’t a lot of supernatural parts in here, much like In The Arms of Stone Angels was, but there was something even cooler and survival related. Mountain climbing! The perspectives switched to Nate who was climbing Mount Denali/McKinley. Since this book is set in Alaska, it’s nice to see some outdoor stuff. Nate’s struggle was gripping. And death is coming for him because of Abbey. My question is: why him? Why not Tanner or her dad? And also, Abbey’s dad is a mortician, so that was different too. Lot of different in this book. What to read a different kind of paranormal? I recommend this!

Cover Art Review: You’d think the book was about fallen angels, by death comes to mind to. It’s a really well done cover, except for the messed up wings. The title and the ravens look awesome together.

~Haley G

NEW RELEASES TO DIE FOR!!!! 1/17/2012

 OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The sequel to Unearthly comes out today! I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! I want to buy this so bad. Clara and Tuck and Christian and angels...omg. Lol. I'm overly excited or over-caffinated. Take your pick. Check these out!!!!

Halfing is another angel book that comes out today!!! I'm also excited to get this...

Other books that come out today:

Tempest by Julie Cross (time travel/sci) I already bought this last tuesday.

Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey (Faeries)

Books that come out next week:

Truth by Julia Karr  (Dystopian, sequel to XVI)

Havoc by Jeff Sampson (Werewolves, sequel to Vesper)

Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate (Angels, Fallen series)

Forbidden by Syrie James (Angels, harperteen)

Angel Fire by L.A. Weatherly (Angels, sequel to Angel Burn)

LOT OF ANGEL BOOKS THIS MONTH!!! YAY!!! Wings of the Wicked comes out at the end of this month too. How exciting it this?


My Official Jan Book List:

3: Charmful by Chloe Neill

Dreaming Awake by Gwen Hayes (PEN)

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (HT)

Switched by Amanda Hocking (STMG)

10: A Million Suns by Beth Revis (RB)

17: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand (HT)

Halflings by Heather Burch

Tempest by Julie Cross (STMG)

Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey (BLOOM)

24: Truth by Julia Karr (SPK)

Havoc by Jeff Sampson (HT)

Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate (DELP)

Forbidden by Syrie James (HT, paperback)

Angel Fire by L.A. Weatherly (CWP)

Everneath by Brodi Ashton (HT)

31: Lenobia’s Vow by P.C. Cast (STMG)

Destiny and Deception by Shannon Delany (STMG)

Incarnate by Joni Meadows (HT)

Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton (HT)

The Survivors by Will Weaver (HT)


~Haley G

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Release Date: 1/24/2012

Publisher: HarperTeen: Balzer & Bray

Series: Everneath trilogy (bk. 1)

Genera: Paranormal Romance

Subjects: Underworld, immortality, supernatural, love, mythology

Length: 370

HC/PB: Hardcover

Summary/ product description: “Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned - to her old life, her family, her friends - before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back - this time as his queen.”

My Rating: ê ê ê 1/3

My Review: This book started out slow…so very slow that I was pretty bored through the first half of it. It eventually picked up and got kind of interesting. The main problem was that there weren’t many funny quotes or descriptive/illustrative parts of the setting (It’s Utah…I want to imagine it, not skip through it). The book kept on switching for Now to Last Year, and I find flashbacks to be confusing. I did get confused a lot.

As for characters, I didn’t care much for Nikki. She seemed too depressing. I like strong female heroines who kick but, or act like a smart alec. They’re the best voices. The males characters were good. Cole was humorous at time. The bad boy musician who’s also some kind of energy vampire. Jack was the friend/boy friend who really cared a lot about Nikki. Her dad was the mayor, which was cool. Mayor’s daughter getting into trouble?

I did like the mythology element to it. That is related Greek to Egyptian mythology, but I kind of wish that more supernatural stuff happened. I want to see what this underworld looks like. This book was mostly romantic and love triangle stuff. I can’t wait to read the next book! It will probably be better that this one which seemed like an introduction.

If you like myths or romantic books about immortals, then you might want to read this. This book has so much in common with Abandon by Meg Cabot and Falling Under by Gwen Hayes.

Cover Art Review: I don’t know what special effects will be used on this cover. Metallic? Matte? But the image is beautiful even in plain gloss. The dress really blends well with the smoke whisps and clouds. And the red is so bright and pretty. It looks dark and romantic. If I didn’t have the ARC, I world have bought this because of this amazing cover.

~Haley G

Fracture by Megan Miranda

Release Date: January 17, 2012

Publisher: Walker (Bloomsbury)

Genera: Psychological Thriller/paranormal romance

Subjects: Death, dying, near-death experience, mental issues, supernatural, psychic ability,

Length: 272 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

Summary/ product description: “Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine -despite the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it? Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening? For fans of best-sellers like Before I Fall and If I Stay, this is a fascinating and heart-rending story about love and friendship and the fine line between life and death.”

My Rating: ê ê ê 1/2

My Review: This book was a very quick read. I read it in one night. It’s pretty short and very interesting. I love the psychology mixed with psychic stuff. I was happy to discover that the book is paranormal, not boring old realistic fiction. Delany’s ability reminded me of Kaylee from the Soul Screamers series. Delany wasn’t a banshee, though, but she did know when people were about to dies by the feeling she got. It’s also like the Body Fider books in some ways. It’s a very simple paranormal book. No complicating or confusing background info here.

My favorite character most of the time in this book is Decker. He’s funny and interesting and normal, and a great friend, but no one’s perfect, but I still prefer him to Troy. Troy has definitely got a complex. Oh, also, this book is set in Maine. I have read so many paranormal books set in Maine. Is Maine like the ultimate creepy wintery state or what, because Hush, Hush, Need, Delirium, Fury, and probably more, are all set there. Why not Wisconsin or Michigan? I know Minnesota’s been used a lot too… Lol.

I recommend this book. Give it a try. It’s better than it looks.

Cover Art Review: The cover looks somewhat creepy from the picture, but the girl’s not too exciting. I don’t actually have a finish copy, only an ARC, so I don’t know if the cover will be made of special paper or foil stuff. The image is good, but too wintery. Like it’s Christmassy.

~Haley G

Ashfall by Mike Mullin

Series: Ashfall (bk. 1)

Genera: Sci-fi, dystopian

Subjects: Volcanic ash, climate change, survival, love

Length: 456 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

Summary/ product description: “Under the bubbling hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano. Most people don't know it's there. The caldera is so large that it can only be seen from a plane or satellite. It just could be overdue for an eruption, which would change the landscape and climate of our planet. Ashfall is the story of Alex, a teenage boy left alone for the weekend while his parents visit relatives. When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts unexpectedly, Alex is determined to reach his parents. He must travel over a hundred miles in a landscape transformed by a foot of ash and the destruction of every modern convenience that he has ever known, and through a new world in which disaster has brought out both the best and worst in people desperate for food, water, and warmth. With a combination of nonstop action, a little romance, and very real science, this is a story that is difficult to stop reading and even more difficult to forget.”

My Rating: ê ê ê ê

My Review: The books started out well, but became slow once Alex set out on his journey. Mostly because the lack of dialog and the diary-like narration. It was always about was he ate, where he slept, what he saw…and it got interesting when he met people. Later on when Darla comes in it’s more exciting. Also, this story is pretty gruesome in parts. It talks a lot about bathroom needs and bunny killing…I was pretty grossed out a few times. This is not really a kids book, I’ll tell you that. The survival stuff is pretty interesting. I love Alex’s alternative way of travel: cross country skis. Who knew they’d be more use that a car during an ashfall? Obviously the author did. He’s pretty clever.

A bit about the setting. Cedar Falls, Iowa is by Waterloo. Yes, it is real and it is over 100 miles from Galena. Wow, what a long trek! But Warren, Illinois, seriously? There is no Warren, IL (just Warren, MI) I live in Warrenville, IL, and that's right near Naperville, not the Wisconsin boarder or Galena. It was kind of freaky to see Warren, Illinois and keep thinking Warrenville. If this ever happens for real, then at least I’ll know that’s it’s gonna be worse a state over. That’s another thing. This book is scarily realistic. Now I’m gonna be all paranoid about the super volcano. (And I’m already paranoid about nuclear explosions and the nuclear power plant that’s like 60 miles away. More things to be afraid of).

Let’s just say I enjoyed this book in the hanging-on-to-the-edge-of-my-seat-with-fear sort of way. (Kind of like Life As We Knew It, but that was about the moon, not a volcano). The book is worth a read if you’re into the post-apocalyptic genera. And sorry, no zombies. Lol.

Cover Art Review: When I fist saw it I thought it was a kid’s book and not YA. It looks like a painting, and the boys face in the mirror looks very young. But the new, real cover, it’s pretty well done, though. Lots of ash.
old cover:











~Haley G