Endlessly by Kiersten White

Series: Paranormalcy (bk. 3)

Genera: Paranormal Romance

Subjects: Supernatural, magic, vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, faeries, souls, humor, romance, curses, prophecies, government agencies

Age/Grade Level: Teen

Length: 385 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

List Price: $17.99

Publisher: HarperTeen

Summary/ product description: “Evie's paranormal past keeps coming back to haunt her. A new director at the International Paranormal Containment Agency wants to drag her back to headquarters. The Dark Faerie Queen is torturing humans in her poisonous realm. And supernatural creatures keep insisting that Evie is the only one who can save them from a mysterious, perilous fate.
The clock is ticking on the entire paranormal world. And its fate rests solely in Evie's hands.
So much for normal.”

My Rating: êêêêê+

My Review: Oh bleep! Bleep! BLEEP!!!! I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVEEEE THESE BOOKS. (Seriously, check out my review for Supernaturally. I did this whole poem about it.)

What an exciting conclusion to one of my favorite series this has been. I loved this series since page 1 of Paranormalcy. I hate that this is only a trilogy. I feel like there could have been more. Maybe a spin-off series? I’d love that. Or a novella at least. Anyways, it was a good ending. Nothing too scary. Just tons of fun and humor and crazy evil faeries. Best faerie-related series ever! Really. I don’t usually like faerie books. Ever since reading the Wicked Lovely series…

I love all the characters and they will probably be one of my favorite casts. This series is fit for a TV show series. Clearly, the author watched a lot of shows with kick-but girls (see the videos of Kiersten talking about Veronica Mars and Buffy on Epic Reads.) Evie’s dialogue is fun a quirky and sarcastic. And the character Jack is funny too. He reminds me of Todd from the Soul Screamers series. Lend is awesome. I want him to be my boyfriend! Lol. There’s this really funny curse put on him that makes him fall asleep. Read this book, you’ll find out. And I think I even liked Reth now. He’s just trying to help in his own twisted way. Really, a lot of the characters that were “bad” in the other books change for the better. This book is pretty epic, with a few subplots that feel almost like climaxes.

I liked Evie obsession with Easton Heights. It make her more real to have a favorite TV show. She just wants to be normal. Speaking of Normal, that’s where IPCA is. It just so happens to be where my friend is now living and going to college. But the book’s still mostly in Virginia and the Faerie realms.

I just can’t believe it’s over. Please CW/ABC Family, someone…please option this for a TV series and don’t screw it up! Or a movie…Okay, well maybe we can at least have graphic novels/mangas?

Cover Art Review: I love the color! So purple! And that dress is just like the one in the book! Beautiful. I love the covers of all these books!

 

~Haley G

Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Genera: Paranormal Romance/Humor

Subjects: Vampires, unicorns, supernatural, high school, conscience

Length: 386 pgs.

HC/PB: hardcover

Summary/ product description: “Pearl is a sixteen-year-old vampire... fond of blood, allergic to sunlight, and mostly evil... until the night a sparkly unicorn stabs her through the heart with his horn. Oops. Her family thinks she was attacked by a vampire hunter (because, obviously, unicorns don't exist), and they're shocked she survived. They're even more shocked when Pearl discovers she can now withstand the sun. But they quickly find a way to make use of her new talent. The Vampire King of New England has chosen Pearl's family to host his feast. If Pearl enrolls in high school, she can make lots of human friends and lure them to the King's feast -- as the entrees. The only problem? Pearl's starting to feel the twinges of a conscience. How can she serve up her new friends—especially the cute guy who makes her fangs ache—to be slaughtered? Then again, she's definitely dead if she lets down her family. What's a sunlight-loving vamp to do?”

My Rating: ê ê ê 1/2

My Review: Maybe it’s because I’m not in the mood for vampire books, or because there were a lot of cliché things in this book. I couldn’t get into it really. The vampire part of it was not very appealing. I ended up skimming and reading dialog for a while. The shining features of this book was it’s humor. The dialogue was pretty much awesome. Almost too awesome that all the other text could not compare to the funny quotes. I also like the unicorn stuff. I love unicorns and think it was creative to have a vampire and a unicorn in the same book. That’s a combo that’s probably never been done in YA lit. This book felt like a parody to all other regular vampire YA books. Like it was making fun of them by adding the unicorn. I was really surprised to find out who the unicorn was. (Not gonna spoil).

I still think that Enchanted Ivy was better than this book. It’s didn’t have vampire, so it was more different from the whole vampire trend. I really wonder what other stand-alones or series will Sarah Beth write next. I do recommend this book. Mostly because the funny-awesomeness of

Cover Art Review: I like this cover because the silver thin san-serif title against the red bottle really looks interesting. The straw’s a nice touch. There’s some kind of plaid pink and red designs on the edges of the cover.

~Haley G

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

Publisher: Harper Teen

Series: Darkness Rising (bk. 1)

Genera: Paranormal Romance & Mystery

Subjects: Supernatural, love, Canada, animals, Native Americans

Length: 359 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

Summary/ product description: “Maya lives in a small medical-research town on Vancouver Island. How small? You can’t find it on the map. It has less than two-hundred people, and her school has only sixty-eight students—for every grade from kindergarten to twelve.

Now, strange things are happening in this claustrophobic town, and Maya's determined to get to the bottom of them. First, the captain of the swim team drowns mysteriously in the middle of a calm lake. A year later, mountain lions start appearing around Maya's home, and they won’t go away. Her best friend, Daniel, starts getting negative vibes from certain people and things. It doesn't help that the new bad boy in town, Rafe, has a dangerous secret—and he's interested in one special part of Maya's anatomy: Her paw-print birthmark.”

My Rating: ê ê ê ê 1/2

My Review: This book was awesome! Kelley Armstrong’s YA books never disappoint. This book was a great start to a new series and I can’t wait to read the next book. I’ve read the Darkest Powers series, and I can’t see the subtle connection between the two. I won’t be surprised if Maya and Chloe meet each other in some cross-over series or book/short story.

Maya was pretty different from Chloe. She liked animals, and had the makings of a great vet. Maya was definitely a strong, caring character. Daniel was a great friend, and Rafe was the not-so-bad boy, and full of surprises.

The small town setting was interesting. A town with less than 200 people? Really? That is amazing. This book was the kind of book that I just wanted to keep reading. It’s pretty fast paced and easy. I definitely recommend it. I just didn’t like the ending because I have to wait too long for the next book to find out what happens next. So many mysteries to be solved! Cliff hangers-gah!



Cover Art Review: It looks just how I picture Maya, at night. I love the silver title. It’s a good cover.

~Haley G

Awake at Dawn by C.C. Hunter

Series: Shadow Falls (bk. 2)
Genera: Supernatural/paranormal romance
Subjects: Psychic ability, faeries, vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, camps
Length: 383 pgs.
HC/PB: Paperback
Summary/ product description: “Now that she’s settled in at Shadow Falls Camp, Kylie Galen’s determined to discover the extent of her supernatural abilities. But with a ghost insisting someone Kylie loves is about die, a rogue vampire on a murdering rampage, and her sixth sense telling her someone is watching her, Kylie’s quest for answers is quickly put on hold.
To make matters worse, just when she’s about to give her heart to Derek, a half-fairy, he starts pulling away. When Lucas, a werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past, returns, Kylie’s feels more conflicted than ever. Her weekend with her mom should have been the just the break Kylie needs, but it turns out to be her breaking point. Someone from the dark side of the supernatural world has plans for Kylie—and it'll take all her resources to get back to Shadow Falls alive…”

My Rating: ê ê ê ê ê

My Review: What an awesome follow up to Born at Midnight! I am really loving this series. I always loved the idea of summer camp. I’ve never been to a real camp, just day camp, so this series lets me experience some of it. Kylie still reminds me of Stevie Rae from House of Night. She’s very nice and southern. Has a big heart. I like that we are finally finding out that she has other abilities than ghost whispering. Self identity is still a major theme. The love triangle between her, Derek and Lucas also plays a major role, but like I said, Kylie has much bigger issues to deal with.

I love this series for it’s humor. Della and Miranda have ridiculous arguments, but are great friends to Kylie. Also, it’s funny how Holiday is helping Kylie figure out what she is, and every time she explains what powers relate to what paranormals, Kylie freaks out about the possibilities. Is she a vampire? A werewolf? A shape shifter? A fairy? Or something completely different. I was hoping we’d find out sooner. If this series is only 3 books, them I think the author shouldn’t drag it out just to surprise us. Even if it was dragged out, I still love it. It definitely makes me want to keep reading!

Cover Art Review: Matte and metallic like the 1^st book. This time with a turquoise color theme. I just love that waterfall in the background. Makes me wish I could go to Shadow Falls camp!

~Haley G

Flying Blind by Deborah Cooke

Title: Flying Blind

Author: Deborah Cooke (aka Claire Delacroix)

Series: The Dragon Diaries

Genera: Fantasy/supernatural/paranormal romance

Subjects: Dragons, psychics, destiny, shape shifters, magic, mages

Length: 309 pgs. Paperback

Rating: êêê

Zoë is supposed to be the Wyvern of the dragon shape shifters called the Pyr. The Wyvern is the only female Pyr. There is only ever one at a time. She is supposed to have special abilities, and Zoë, whose 15 and a half, has been waiting for her powers to appear. When her friend, Meagan, gets bullied after gym, Zoë steps into defend her, accidentally almost shifting partially. Her talons and eyes only, but still, she has broken the covenant to keep shifters secret. Her Dad sends her to boot camp so she can learn to gain control of her now appearing powers.

This book looked really interesting. I just was confused when reading it. I read Firelight by Sophie Jordan last year and though the whole dragon shape shifter thing sounded cool so I checked this book out. I did think that it was cool that Zoë lived in Chicago (Because I live near it) and that she has a great sense of humor. I also liked the lists in the book. “5 things” list that gave interesting info about Pyr and Mages. There was also the four elements: water, fire, earth and air. I’ve read many book where characters have affinities for elements. The descriptions in this book were good. Dragon scales were gem and metal colored.

This book felt like it was lacking a few things. Either the guys didn’t feel hot enough, or they just didn’t seem to play a big role. There just wasn’t much romance. I can’t even remember Nick or Jared hair color, only that Jared had the greenest eyes. I guess I couldn’t get into the book because the whole dragon thing was a bit confusing. And what is a messenger? A cell phone or mp3 player? I was confused.

Art Review: I like the cover, but I think it could used a bigger dragon on it. I almost thought it was an angel book when I saw Flying Blind, but then saw The Dragon Diaries in the top corner. So, I guess Zoë probably has green eyes and dark hair based off the cover. The blue stuff around her is light that surrounds Pyr when they shift. The cover works. Nice texture too.

~Haley G

Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Title: Supernaturally

Author: Kiersten White

Genera: Supernatural/paranormal romance

Subjects: Vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, faeries, souls, humor, romance

Length: 336 pgs. Hardcover

Rating: ê ê ê ê ê +

Now that Evie has the normal life she always wanted, she starts to long for her good old paranormal life she had at the IPCA. Raquel shows up and gives her a chance to voluntarily for them again. Lend doesn’t want her to take the offer, and Evie has mixed feeling about it too, but she ends up doing it anyway without telling Lend. I wouldn’t want to spoil anything. Especially before it even comes out.

Oh bleep! Bleep! BLEEP!!!! I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVEEEE THESE BOOKS. Why don’t I review it poetically?

I love this series. I love these book. I’ve loved this sequel since I gave the cover a look. I love Evie and Lend, for it’s their awesomeness I defend. There’s no reason to otherwise pretend. As a fan now, I read this sequel and said, “Oh, bleep! Wow!” Lend is still hot, Evie’s gym teacher is not. This funny book has an awesome plot. I love it a lot. Sparkly pink Tasey, glamours can be hazy, My rhyming is not lazy. “Oh bleep!” I say, this Tuesday will be a great day! Last Saturday I bought this at Meijer. I am not a liar. So glad to have had the chance to read this prior. By next Thurday, possible sooner, this book will be a NYT bestseller, or I’m going lunar. #1 book this summer. I promise you, it will not be a bummer! So, early Tuesday, head to the bookstore. Grab this book, pay before you walk out the door. Kiersten White will be happy, and so will you. This book will cheer you up if you are blue. The laughs in this book will stick to you like eye glue. Fun and sassy if you’re a lassie. Read it or I will tell Evie to sick Tasey on you! (No joke)

Seriously…I think we should have a release party for this book. I wish the author would read that poem? Anybody know the email address so I can fan mail it to her? Can’t wait till Endlessly comes out next year!

Art Review: Awesome matte jacket cover with gold letters. I love the dress on the Evie model once again. The dark red looks really cool. And the stormy sky. Very supernatural looking.

~Haley G

Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter

Title: Born at Midnight

Author: C.C. Hunter

Series: Shadow Falls Series

Genera: Supernatural/paranormal romance

Subjects: Psychic ability, faeries, vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, camps

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Rating: ê ê ê ê ê

After her parent divorce and her mother find out she went to a party with alcohol present, Kylie is sent to a summer camp with the mysterious name of Shadow Falls. She soon finds out the campers are more than human and that she is possible not human. Kylie doesn’t want to be anything but normal. She didn’t realize Soldier Dude was a ghost, and that her dreams are more than just dreams. She’s in total denial of her own abilities. The fact that she was Born at Midnight says otherwise.

The love interests in this novel are Derek and Lucas. Derek is part fairy, Lucas is a werewolf. Kylie like Derek and is still afraid of Lucas. She thinks Lucas killed her cat years ago.

Kylie makes a few friends: Della, a vamp and Miranda, a witch. Their friendship is fun of honesty, just like it says on the back cover.

Shadow Falls sounds like a cool camp. This book is definitely a summer read! And if you like House of Night, then you’ll love this.

I liked this book because it was funny, and immersing. Kylie reminded me of Stevie Rae from HON. A nice southern girl. Kind of innocent at times, but stubborn at others.

That’s it. Read on!

Art review:

Another great cover. It’s matte and metallic purple. Nice composition with the V of the tree, and the girl that’s supposed to be Kylie. The next 2 books’ covers also look amazing.

~Haley G