Waking Storms by Sarah Porter

Publisher: Harcourt

Series: Lost Voices Trilogy (bk. 2)

Genera: Paranormal Romance/Fantasy

Subjects: Mermaids, supernatural, magic, love, singing, Alaska

Length: 390 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

Summary/ product description: “After parting ways with her troubled mermaid tribe, Luce just wants to live peacefully on her own. But her tranquility doesn’t last long: she receives news that the tribe is on the verge of collapse and desperately needs her leadership. The tribe’s cruel queen wants Luce dead. Dorian, the boy Luce broke mermaid law to save, is determined to make her pay for her part in the murder of his family. And while the mermaids cling to the idea that humans never suspect their existence, there are suddenly ominous signs to the contrary. But when Luce and Dorian meet, they start to wonder if love can overpower the hatred they know they should feel for each other. Can Luce fulfill her rightful role as queen of the mermaids without sacrificing her forbidden romance with Dorian?”

My Rating: êêêê

My Review: This book was much better than the first one. Less morbidness, less annoying whiny mermaids, and more magic and romance. And the FBI? So cool! The FBI are trying to find out what it really causing all the sinking ships, and discover the mermaids, so they think Dorian is lying about how he got back to shore. Luce starts seeing Dorian, and things get romantic. Luca also meet a mermaid from ancient Greece who tells her the history of mermaids. So it you’re still not sure if you want to give this series a try after reading the first book, just know that the sequel is so much better. So many revelations and events that change everything.

I felt the FBI stuff made the story feel more modern and interesting. They think that Dorian is under the influence of mermaid-mind control or something. He doesn’t want to betray Luce by telling them everything. He also hopes (later on when Luce tells him everything) that she can become human again.

I really enjoyed this one, even if I had my doubts at first. This mermaid tale is really turning out to be a very unique one. Can’t wait to see how it all ends.

Cover Art Review: The mermaid on this cover is so weird looking. It looks like she has short hair and an ugly face. Looks like a boy. And the tail is awful. I like the bubbles and shiny metallic title. And metallic inside cover.

~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