Review "A Beautiful Dark" by Jocelyn Davies

A Beautiful Dark (A Beautiful Dark #1) 

Jocelyn Davies

Publication Date: September 27, 2011

Publisher: Harper Teen

ARC 391 pgs

Goodreads

Summary;    
      A Beautiful Dark is the first book from Jocelyn Davies. On the day of Skye's 17th birthday her world turns upside down as two mysteries strangers enter her life. The two guys couldn't be more different. Asher is flirtatious and charming with dark hair and eyes, while Devin is quiet and shy with blonde hair and peaceful blue eyes. The two guys seem to be wherever Skye is, which she finds slightly odd. As she gets to know both boys she realizes that they hold the key to her past and to her parents pasts'. Along the way Skye learns all about the Order as well as the Rebellion. Two groups that have their own plans as far as Skye is concerned. She soon finds out that there is more to Asher and Devin then meets the eye and she is somehow tied to thier world.

Review:
     When I first started reading A Beautiful Dark it reminded me of other angel books that I had read, which was kind of disappointing. Two mysterious guys, one girl a premise we have all read before.  But as I continued to read, the book took on a life of its own. I think what threw me off was that the descriptions of the two guys were just slightly generic. The characters though not completly original did eventually stand out against the others that I had read about. The thing that makes this novel different from other angel books is the concept of the Order and the Rebellion. Which writing about would give too much away so I won't.I liked the fact the Jocelyn Dacvies introduced this concept into the novel giving readers a fresh take on angels. Another bonus of this book is that it takes place in Colorado, yep that's where I am from. Which made some of the scenery feel familair.

     Though I had trouble with the beginning of this book because of its similarities with other novels, I think A Beautiful Dark finds its own place in the angel genre. Another plus is that I was able to meet Jocelyn Davies when she came to Colorado as part of the Dark Days Tour. I had a really great time especially because all of the authors were so amazing and happy to talk about their books. Their excitement was contagious and had me excited for them.  I'm excited to read the next book in this series especially with the ending, complete cliff-hanger.

Cover:

     I really liked this cover I think it represents the book really well. The girl who I believe is Skye stands out from the clouds behind her almost as though she is trying to fly. Very Nice! The font is also really nice.

Giveaway from Short and Sweet Book Reviews

Short and Sweet Book Reviews is celebrating reaching 300 followers with an awesome giveaway! To learn all of the details head over to Short and Sweet Book Reviews to learn more about the giveaway. Happy entering!

Swoon Thursdays (6)

The ladies at YA Bound have created a hot new meme called SWOON #YABound IF you want to join in here's what you need to do.

All you need to do is pick up the book you are currently reading or just finished reading . Find what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding and your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. Then shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag  #YABound, post in the comments, or grab the awesome button from YA Bound (above) and share it on your blog! 

Mine this week is from the very awesome Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

She trailed her fingers over my bare chest, and I shivered, almost frightened at how much I loved this girl.--The Iron Knight SWOON #YABound

Finished!

I finished The Iron Knight and I was not disappointed with the outcome. Towards the end I was freaking out a bit but it ended well. Before this book came out I refused to read any reviews or spoilers. I wanted to go into The Iron Knight not knowing about anything that was going to happen. I'm sad that the series has come to an end but I am happy with the way Meghan and Ash's story was resolved. I'll have a full review later since I'm always slightly behind on those.

IceyBooks is giving away a copy of the Fairy Ring by Kiki Hamilton. Entering is simple just head over to her site to enter.

Giveaway from IceyBooks

Head over to IceyBooks for a chance to win Destined, A House of Night novel. Hurry before it's too late. Happy entering.

Review: "Silence" Becca Fitzpatrick

Silence (Hush Hush #3)

Becca Fitzpatrick

Publication Date: October 4, 2011

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Hardcover 438 pgs

Goodreads

Summary:

    Nora and Patch are back in the third book in the Hush Hush Saga, Silence. Nora wakes up in a cemetery and can't seem to remember how she got there. More disturbing  is the fact that she has no memories from the last five months. Nora soon discovers that she was kidnapped for three months but why can't she remember the last five months. Her mom and best friend seem reluctant to fill in the blanks. But once again Nora finds herself in danger and the world she forgot existed is once again pushing its way into her life. A mysterious stranger, Jev shows up to help her and then proceeds to tell her to forget the past and move on, but she just can't she needs to know. As Nora tries to remember her past she is also dealing with the fact that her mom has a new boyfriend, someone quite unexpected. Little by little the memories come back and with them the dangers of the world of Fallen Angels and Nephilim. Scott is back and he tries to help Nora remember parts of her past. Some of what he tells her seems so out there but deep done she knows it's true. Though he is trying to stay safe from the Black Hand he still wants to make sure that Nora is safe.

Review:
     The ending of Crescendo had me sitting there realizing I was going to have to wait a really long time to find out what happens next to Nora and Patch. Since I finished Crescendo ( the day after it was released). I didn't realize that it would take so long to find out, since Nora didn't know what happened how could we. But I was glad I was able to get Silence the day it came out. I dutifully went home and got to reading. I was very happy with what I read. I couldn't wait to find out what was going on with Nora's amensia and why was Patch staying away and why was Hank around all the time? So many questions luckily the book held all the answers. There were some very surprising twists that I in no way saw coming. I am more than ready to read the last book in this amazing story.

     In addition to the great story in Silence many of my favorite characters were back Nora, Patch and Scott, not really liking Vee that much in this book. Hopefully she will redeem herself in the last book in this series. Nora has continued to grow throughout this series. In Silence she refuses to let go of the past and focuses on finding out what has happened to her. Patch is continuing to work behind the scenes to make sure that Nora is safe and he does what he has to to make sure she stays that way. He has come along way from the Fallen Angel that was only out to gain Nora's trust so that he could kill her to gain a human body. Scott has also changed since the last book. Though he is on the run he is still trying to help Nora as much as he can and is coming to terms with who he is and what he has done. I also must say I loved the bonus scene from Patch's POV. It allowed readers to get a brief look into how Patch views the world around him. Very insightful chapter.

Cover:

     The cover of Silence continues the black white theme seen on the previous covers. But this time instead of Nora or Patch this cover has both of the main characters. I love these covers they are beautiful and eye catching. I could just sit and admire them all day. But I won't because that would mean I wouldn't get any reading done.

Swoon Thursdays (5)

The ladies at YA Bound have created a hot new meme called SWOON #YABound IF you want to join in here's what you need to do.

All you need to do is pick up the book you are currently reading or just finished reading . Find what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding and your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. Then shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag  #YABound, post in the comments, or grab the awesome button from YA Bound (above) and share it on your blog! 

Mine this week is from I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore:

"I feel as though I can't get close enough to her despite our bodies being pressed tightly together." I Am Number Four SWOON #YABound

Trick or Treat Spooktacular at A Book-Lovers' Review

Starting on October 13th A Book-Lovers' Review will be hosting some really amazing giveaways for the very awesom holiday that is Halloween. To find out all the details head on over here.

Feast of Screams

From October 17th to the 31st Paper Cut Reviews and Moonlight Gleam's Bookshelf will be hosting a variety of events including guest posts from authors, bloggers, scary stories and other Halloween related goodness. There will even be chances to win books and swag. How to I join in on the fun, you ask? Well that's easy just head over to each site to see what's going on.

Review "Crescendo" Becca Fitzpatrick

Crescendo (Hush Hush #2)

Becca Fitzpatrick

Publication Date: October 19, 2010

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Hardcover 427 pgs

Goodreads

Summary:

    Crescendo is the second book in the Hush Hush saga. In book two Patch is now Nora's guardian angel and things have gone well for them all summer. But as summer draws to a close things for Nora and Patch begin to change. Suddenly Patch starts to spend time with Marcie Miller, Nora's biggest enemy and he's being very secretive. He refuses to tell Nora why he's suddenly hanging out with Marcie. Nora who has trusted Patch in the past now questions him as well as their entire relationship. As things with Patch are falling apart Nora starts seeing and hearing her father, which shouldn't be possible. As Nora tries to deal with the problems in her relationship she also starts to uncover things about her father's murder, things that she never thought possible. Scott a new character in Crescendo, was a childhood friend of Nora's and his mother and Nora's were friends. Scott comes to back town and seems to have secrets of his own. Nora feels like something with him is just not right. She intends to find out what is going on with Scott. Along for the ride is Nora's best friend Vee who is in a new relationship of her own. Both girls continue to get involved in crazy schemes together.

Review:
     One of the main reasons that I enjoy this series are the characters. Becca Fitzpatrick has developed characters that I like reading about. I want to know what is going on in their world. Nora an average girl finds herself involved in the world of  Fallen Angels, Arch Angels and Nephilim. Instead of running and hiding she seeks out the truth behind what she is seeing. Patch, What can I say about Patch? He's aroogant, charming, and mysterious all at the same time. There is still much to be discovered about the amazing Patch. Which of course makes me want to read more about him. He is definitely a male lead to swoon over. I liked the addition of Scott to this saga. He brought some interesting questions to the story, questions I wanted to know the anwers to.

     I loved the story as it developed and I was eager to find out what ws going on with all of the characters. I didn't feel as though I was reading a rehashed story. It is original and gripping, it snagged my attenton immediately. I can always tell how I feel about a book if when the time comes I am unwilling to put it down. This was a book I definetley had to read in one sitting. Many of my questions from the first and second book were answered in Crescendo. I was also surprised to learn some of what was revealed in this novel things that I never would have guessed. I can't say what because that would just be rude to tell about all the great twists and turns contained within Cresecendo.

Cover: 

     I love this cover as much as I loved the cover of Hush Hush. I love the black and white with the little touch of red. Plus the girl caught in a storm seems to convey what Crescendo is all about. Very beautiful.

Swoon Thursdays (4)

The ladies at YA Bound have created a hot new meme called SWOON #YABound IF you want to join in here's what you need to do.

All you need to do is pick up the book you are currently reading or just finished reading . Find what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding and your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. Then shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag  #YABound post in the comments, or grab the awesome button from YA Bound (above) and share it on your blog! 

Mine this week comes from After Obsession by Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel.

My skin feels like it swells to meet his lips, wishing he would press against me a little harder.--After Obsession

SWOON #YABound

Giveaway from My World of Books

Want to win all five books from the Pitch Dark: Dark Days Fall '11 tour. Head over to My World of Books for a chance to win some really awesome books. Giveaway is US only and ends on October 19th.

Review "Hush Hush" by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush Hush (Hush Hush #1)

Becca Fitzpatrick

Publication Date: October 13, 2009

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Hardcover 391 pgs

Goodreads

Summary:

     Why did I start this series. It first drew my attention because of the very awesome cover. And I am very glad I decided to buy this book up. The main character Nora Grey is your typical good girl, she gets very good grades, never gets in trouble, and she can always be counted on to do the right thing. Her best friend Vee Sky is always by her side more then willing to draw Nora into a little crazy fun. But things start changing when Patch Cipriano comes into her life. Strange things begin to happen like attacks that appear to have never taken place, her best friend gets attacked and Patch seems to be everywhere. As Nora tries to uncover what's going on she finds herself drawn to Patch but afraid of him at the same time. Nora is caught up in a world that she never knew existed but in order for her to survive she will have to figure out what's going on and fast. But who can Nora trust when her world gets turned upside down?

Review:

     Why do I love this book? Well... because the characters are so amazing. Patch is very much the "bad boy" black hair, black eyes. The kind of guy that I love reading about (and no there was no drooling involved). He's just so arrogant and smug that I wanted to find out just what his story was. On other other hand I also liked the character of Nora. Even though she is a good girl she also strong and willing to find answers when her world starts going crazy.  She doesn't run and hide from her problems. Nora may be scared of Patch but she refuses to let him intimidate her. It was just really interesting to get in Nora's head and see the story unfold from her eyes. I also liked Vee a lot. Vee was always up for a little excitement, drawing Nora into her crazy plans. Plus she was always on some kind of crazy diet. The color diet was my favorite.

     I also thought the story Becca Fitzpatrick had to tell was very original. I liked the idea of Fallen angels as well as the complications that came along with them. I have read other books with fallen angels but I thought this telling was fascinating and very exciting to read about. I have re-read this book a few times and I still enjoy it.

Cover: 

     I love this cover. It's gorgeous and amazing. The cover is the reason I bought the book and starting reading the series. Patch falling from the sky with the black and red ( I'm thinking bloody) feathers all around him. I could stare at this cover all day but I won't because I can't read if I'm drooling over the cover.

Review "Lost in Time" Melissa de la Cruz

Lost in Time (Blue Bloods #6)

Melissa de la Cruz

Publication Date: September 27, 2011

Publisher: Hyperion

Hardcover 342 pgs

Goodreads

Summary:

     Lost in Time is the 6th book in the Blue Bloods series. The story continues from the POV's of Schuyler, Mimi, and Allegra. Each character has her own story to tell and we learn what is happening in the world of the Blue Bloods through their eyes. Schuyler and Jack are continuing their mission to find the Gate of Promise. So far they have had no luck but are still following several different leads.The two are in Egypt and we get to see how the Blue Bloods are connected to that part of the world. Mimi is also on a mission as well which is to find the vampire that she loves who was sent to Hell. On her trip through Hell, Mimi takes along Oliver. The two face many obstacles some meant to deter them, others that nearly break them. Meanwhile, Allegra's sections are about her past. We learn more about her past relationships with Charles and Stephen. Throughout it all we are able to see how far these characters have come since they were first introduced in Blue Bloods.

Review:

     I enjoyed this book much more than I did the previous book in the series, Misguided Angel. The last novel seemed as though it was a filler bridging the gap between The Van Alen Legacy and Lost in Time. One issue I had with Lost in Time was that it felt like you had to read Bloody Valentine and The Witches of East End in order to understand some of the plot points. In previous novels my favorite characters used to be Schuyler and Jack but I'm leaning more towards Mimi and Kingston now. Those two just more interesting and I think that Schuyler and Jack have lost a lot of their edge which makes them kind of boring. 

     I really did enjoy this novel. I felt like there was more action, more story, and I liked the twists that came about in this book. The ending definitely left me wanting more. But fans will have to wait awhile to get the last book in this series. 

Cover: 

     I have always enjoyed the covers in this series. They always seem to show exactly what's between the covers. I learned at a signing that Melissa de la Cruz does have some say as to what the cover will look like. Though I'm generally not a fan of people on the cover, this one is just so gorgeous how could I not love it.