All that Glows by Ryan Graudin

Series: Standalone

Genera(s): Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy

Subjects: faeries, magic, supernatural, royalty, princes

Setting: Modern day London, England

POV/Tense: 1^st person POV, present tense: Emrys

Age/Grade Level: Teen

Length: 463 pgs.

HC/PB: Paperback

List Price: $9.99

Publisher: HarperTeen

Summary/ product description: “Emrys—a fiery, red-headed Fae—always embraced her life in the Highlands, far from the city’s draining technology, until she’s sent to London to rejoin the Faery Guard. But this isn’t any normal assignment—she’s sent to guard Prince Richard: Britain’s notorious, partying bad boy and soon-to-be King. The prince’s careless ways and royal blood make him the irresistible for the dark spirits that feed on mortals. Sweet, disheveled, and alive with adventure—Richard is one charge who will put Emrys’s magic and heart to the test.

When an ancient force begins preying on the monarchy, Emrys must hunt through the London’s magical underworld, facing down Banshees, Black Dogs and Green Women to find the one who threatens Richard’s life. In this chaos of dark magic, palace murders and paparazzi, Emrys finds herself facing an impossible choice. For despite all her powers, Emrys has discovered a force that burns brighter than magic: love.”

My Review:  This book seemed so promising at first. It fell pretty flat though. Maybe because I don’t like British book that much. Maybe because I’m sick of books about faeries. This book may have had some fighting and magic, but it just wasn’t that exciting.

Emrys is a faery that supposed to protect Prince Richard. Richard like to party and drink. He’s kind of like Oliver Queen from Arrow, but the prince of England. Emrys reveals herself to Richard, and then they fall in love and she’s thinking about becoming mortal to be with him. Some kissing and romantic dates, and all that fun stuff. The fact that the main character is a guardian of a Prince seems unique to me, but most of the story is riddled with clichés that I’ve seen in paranormal romance and urban fantasy.

I don’t want to discourage people about this book. It is kind of long (463 pages), which is probably part of why I got bored with it. It moved pretty slow too. But if you love books about Fay and don’t get bored with them, or if you love anything set in the UK, then you’ll probably enjoy this. It has luscious and descriptive writing.

 I loved the magic that Emrys used. She could shape-shift and cast spells. There were creatures like banshees and green woman and black dogs. Emrys fought those creatures to protect Richard. There’s Queen Mab, Titania,  Herne of the Wild Hunt, but no Oberon or Puck. There’s mentions of the Arthurian Legend being real and Emrys knew Arthur.

I recommend this book to fans of the Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr, the Wondrous Strange series by Lesley Livingston, The Faeries Path series by Frewin Jones, The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa, or the Glimmer Glass series by Jenna Black.

Cover Art Review: I love this cover. The hand lettering is so awesome and detailed. It has a beautiful effect on it. The photo of the fairy girl looks like the girl on the Faery Path series covers. I like the pink hue.

Faerie After by Janni Lee Simner

Series: Bones of Faerie (bk. 3)

Genera: Post-Apocalytic Dystopian-Fantasy

Subjects: faeries, magic, supernatural, post-apocalyptic, Missouri

Age/Grade Level: Teen

Length: 261 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

List Price: $16.99

Publisher: Random House

Summary/ product description: “After a devastating war between humanity and Faerie, Liza’s world was forever changed. Plants and trees became aggressive, seeking to root in living flesh and bone, and newborn children were discovered to have magic powers. Liza was one of these children, and with her abilities she brought her mother back from the ruined Faerie realm and restored the seasons to her own.
Now there are signs of a new sickness in the forest. Piles of ash are found where living creatures once stood. Liza investigates and discovers the Faerie realm has continued to deteriorate, slowly turning to dust, and that its fate is inexorably linked to that of the human realm. To find a solution, Liza must risk crossing over, putting herself and all she cares about at risk. Will Liza be forced to sacrifice her life and the lives of her friends in order to save both worlds?
Here is the exciting conclusion to the Bones of Faerie trilogy, for fans of dark fantasy and dystopian adventure entranced by Janni Lee Simner’s unique vision of a magic-infused postapocalyptic world.”

My Review: A pretty good ending to this post-apocalyptic faerie series. It was a quick and easy read. I charged through it so quickly, that I probably have eye strain. I enjoy the creative world building. It’s very different from other dystopias I’ve read.

In the last book, at the end, Liza left hand was turned to stone. She has this handicap throughout the book. Her hand it frozen and pretty useless. She deals with it well though, and that makes her a strong character. Her abilities as a summoner are growing stronger, still.

I love all the different abilities that the characters have. Allie, is a healer, and Mathew is a shape-shifter/werewolf. There’s Karin, who’s a faerie and a plant speaker. Nys is a stone shaper. So many cool and unique abilities. The summoning ability Liza has reminds me of necromancy. She she’s shadows, which are spirits or souls, and can control them.

The setting of this series is unique. It’s mostly is St. Louis, Missouri, and sometimes in Faerie. The plants are man-eaters, as are most the animals. Deadly nature. Wild magic that made all of nature vicious and man-eating. Not the kind of dystopia you’d ever want to live in. This series will make you thankful that plants can’t eat people.

The end of the book wraps the series up nicely. There are resolutions, and a few twists along the way. This final book may have not been the most exciting book I’ve read, but it was good enough. I recommend this trilogy to anyone who’d like to read a dystopia with faeries. Or dystopian fantasy.

Cover Art Review: This cover it black, with lime green type and image. It’s very minimalistic. It looks like a bush or tree. I like the title type. But the cover is boring. It’s still similar to the previous two books’ covers.

 

 

The Stone Demon by Karen Mahoney

Series: The Iron Witch (bk. 3)

Genera: Paranormal Romance/Fantasy

Subjects: Alchemy, demons, magic, witches, supernatural, fairies

Age/Grade Level: Teen

Length: 320 pgs.

HC/PB: Paperback

List Price: $9.99

Publisher: Flux

Summary/ product description: “After being tricked into opening the doorway to the Demon Realm by Aliette, the Wood Queen, Donna Underwood is faced with a terrible ultimatum from the newly released demon hordes. They demand that the alchemists deliver the Philosopher's Stone, or their reaper storm will plunge the world into a devastating modern-day Dark Age.
Donna is sent to London, England, where she must complete her alchemist's training and learn how to recreate the Stone. But time is running out. Between facing the vengeful demon king, Demian, and collecting the Stone's elements, Donna realizes she must give her own life in order to succeed. And this time, even braving death may not be enough to save the world.”

My Rating: êêêê

My Review: Yet another series comes to an end. So many series I like ended this year. Guess they all have to end at some point. This is the 3^rd and final book in this series. The first book was The Iron Witch, the second was The Wood Queen, in case you’re unfamiliar with it. It’s full of alchemy, faeries, elves and demons. The main character Donna is definitely a strong protagonist. My favorite character is Nav, because he’s the funny best guy-friend. The love interest is still Xan, the half-fey guy, but I feel like there wasn’t that much romance in this book. The world building is amazing. This whole secret society of alchemist is fascinating. It makes me think of Vampire Academy.

This final book was an adventure, kind of. Donna is forced to gather the ingredients to create the Philosopher’s Stone for Demian, and then make it otherwise he’ll destroy Ironbridge. The beginning of the book starts in London, where the last book left off. There’s a masquerade ball thrown by the demon king. Then Donna is back in Ironbridge, Massachusetts, and trying to figure out how she’s going to meet Demian two-day deadline. The fact that there’s a time crunch makes the story move a lot quicker. There’s even parts from Nav and Xan’s 3^rd person perspective because they actually help Donna retrieve an ingredient.

There’s a few funny parts, which are any part with Nav. And also Newton. He’s a demon with a sense of humor. There’s a little romance, and some action. The ending was kind of epic. I was a good ending, thank goodness. It was enjoyable overall. I recommend this series to fans of the Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series, the Immortals series by Alyson Noel, the Iron Fey series, or is you are interested in Alchemy and faeries in general.

Cover Art Review: I know this is relevant to the masquerade ball that was in the beginning of the book, but it doesn’t work for the overall story. Not a fan of the face paint and the type of mask she’s wearing. It’s a bunch of stock photos. The masked face was just photo-shopped on and it looks like she has no nose. And the posture doesn’t fit the head. The angle looks wrong.

~Haley G

Endure by Carrie Jones

Series: Need (bk. 4)

Genera: Paranormal Romance

Subjects: Pixies, magic, shape-shifters, Maine, Iceland, mythology, Norse mythology, supernatural, werewolves

Age/Grade Level: Teen

Length: 260 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

List Price: $17.99

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Summary/ product description: “It’s all-out war (and no-holds-barred romance) in the climactic conclusion to Carrie Jones’s bestselling series.
Zara is at the center of an impending apocalypse. True, she’s successfully rescued Nick from Valhalla, but it simply isn’t enough. Evil pixies are ravaging Bedford, and they need much more than one great warrior; they need an army. Zara isn’t sure what her role is anymore. She’s not just fighting for her friends; she’s also a pixie queen. And to align her team of pixies with the humans she loves will be one of her greatest battles yet. Especially since she can’t even reconcile her growing feelings for her pixie king . . .
Unexpected turns, surprising revelations, and one utterly satisfying romantic finale make Endure a thrilling end to this series of bestsellers.”

My Rating: êêêêê

My Review: Another conclusion to yet another series I loved. I keep having to say goodbye. I hate saying goodbye! I love Zara’s narration. I so funny and awesome! And Issie is the awesomesauce best friend that I always wanted. (She like the show Fringe!!!!!) I just disappointed about Nick because I loved him in the 1^st two books. In Twilight terms, if Nick to Jacob (cause he’s a werewolf) what Astley is to Edward (cause they’re both sorta sparkly) than I am still Team Nick all the way. Even if he doesn’t like that Zara’s turned Pixie. This book went very quick. I think it could have been longer, but I am still happy with it. I loved the part when she was training other teens how to fight pixies in the YMCA gym. So they go back to Iceland, which is really cool. They search for Hel. Awesome stuff happens. I really don’t want to spoil the ending. It’s a good one, but I still was slightly disappointed. I still give it 5 stars just because it’s the kind of book I was in the mood for. And everything is perfecting wrapped up at the end (Holiday pun is intended).

Anyways, since I just read Endlessly by Kiersten White before this, and Flock by Wendy Delsol, I can’t help comparing this the series to those too. The Stork series was also Norse mythology based and the Paranormalcy series has a quirky heroine, Evie, who is the blond, pink-loving version of Zara (and Katla too. Zara is very similar to Stork’s Katla). I just love books with lots of humor.

This book a great read for the holidays. This whole series is. The wintery world of Bedford, Maine and all the Norse Mythology, perfect for Christmastime.

Cover Art Review: I love that all the covers go together with gold and black and white. I love the serif typeface of the title. I love the gold designs. I love that golden/orange eye.

 

~Haley G

Destined by Aprilynne Pike

Release Date: May 1st

Publisher: HarperTeen

Series: Laurel series (bk. 4: THE CONCLUSION)

Genera: Paranormal Romance

Subjects: Faeries, Trolls, Love, Fantasy, Magic

Length: 307 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

Summary/product description: “Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful—and deadly—of all, and she is working with Klea to conquer and destroy Avalon. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares for a fight she never thought she would have to face.
Filled with heart-pounding action, sweeping romance, and higher stakes at every turn, Destined is the series conclusion that readers have been clamoring for—with a twist that will leave them breathless.”

My Rating: êêêêê

My Review: They weren’t joking when the said “stunning conclusion.” It really was. The only problem I had with it was that it ended. Why can’t there be more???? SPIN OFF SERIES PLEASE!!!!

The book begins with action, and continues throughout it. Lots of killing Trolls/Lots of Trolls killing. More awesome King Arthur related mythology (MAGIC SWORD!!!). I’m not even sure how to describe this book without spoiling it. Let’s see….some people die, others almost die, death, death…anyways, you’ll just have to read it to find out. I got the ARC, I read it early. Will Laurel choose between Tamani or David? Will Chelsea and David help Laurel save Avalon? Will they defeat Klea? Mysteries and secrets are revealed. What is their destiny? BA-DUM-BA-DUMMMM!!!!!

So, great conclusion. Awesome fight scenes. Tons of crazy awesome faery stuff. READ IT!!!

Cover Art Review: This is the most beautiful cover of the series! It’s supposed to be like a winter faery blossom. I love how the light plays on the petals. Watercolor rainbows. The only thing I don’t like is the outer glow on the title. It’s too thick. With that serif typeface, it look like a tacky bubbly. Everything else is great.

~Haley G

Sirensong by Jenna Black

Title: Sirensong
Author: Jenna Black
Series: Faeriewalker (Book 3)
Genera: Fantasy/supernatural/paranormal romance
Subjects: Faeries, magic, romance
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Length: 312 pgs. Paperback
Rating: ê ê ê ê
Dana, still stuck in Avalon, the only place where humans and fey can interact, goes to an event with her faerie politician dad only to be invited to Faerie’s Seelie court. When they set out on this journey (that Dana is reluctant to go on because both queens probably want her dead), Dana’s father assures her that no one will harm her under the Queen’s protection (because killing one who is summoned by the queen is considered very rude). Dana is of course not so sure about that. Ethan, Kimber, and Keane come with her and they all travel near the end of Prince Henry’s caravan. With the Erlking’s mark on her should, Dana know he will be following her too. Danger awaits, and you can read the book to find out what happens.
I’m not a big fan of faerie books, but this series is definitely one of the better ones. Dana is sarcastic and funny, and her best friend is girly but smart. I like Keane and his bad boy/warrior looks. Ethan seems like a good boyfriend (but cocky at times). I think Jenna Black did an awesome job on her 3^rd book. I didn’t get bored at all, and with every conflict, it makes you want to read on. If you have read any of the books, you know what I mean. Also, I was wondering if anyone else feels that this series is semi-dystopian. The fact that the existence of fey is know to humans, and that Avalon has it’s own politic. Avalon is it’s own little dystopia, and they supposedly filmed movies there and stuff. With all the awesomeness of this series I will continue to read the Faeriewalker books. I really want to find out what happens next. (And you can too. Lol)
Art Review: Lovely cover as always. The girl’s eyes remind me of butterfly wings. She looks fey-ish. Or maybe half asian. The rose petals are very nice. The metallic dots are on the cover of each book in the series. These ones are silver. The cover has a nice texture. Can’t wait to see what the next cover will be.
~Haley G