Review: Hidden Beneath by Lauryn April

Hidden Beneath ( Into the Deep #2)

Lauryn April

Publication Date: August 17, 2013

Kindle Edition

~YA/NA~

Summary:

Just when Ivy Daniels thought her life was going exactly how she wanted it, a surprise visitor arrives to shake up her world. Two years after an accident left Ivy with the ability to read minds she’s finally put her past behind her. Now, the summer after her senior year of high school Ivy is looking forward to going away to college and enjoying the rest of her vacation with her best friend Charlie and boyfriend Aden. The life altering events of her junior year of high school that made her realize things aren’t always as they appear have been pushed to the back of Ivy’s mind, and so has the memory of the one person who helped her though them – that is until he shows up on her door step a month before she leaves for L.A. asking for her help.

Where has Ivy’s ex-boyfriend, Brant, been, and why did he leave? Find out in this sequel to Into the Deep that will lead take you on an adventure filled with secrets, lost love, and forgiveness. (Goodreads)

Review:
     I was really excited when I found out that there was going to be a sequel to Into the Deep. I really enjoyed reading about the main character, Ivy as she not only learned to deal with her ability to read minds but also as she discovered, love and the meaning of true friendship. The story in Hidden Beneath takes place long after the events of Into the Deep. Ivy is headed off to college with her best friend, Charlie. Her life is vastly different from how it was in Into the Deep. Though she had accepted her gift she hasn't really used it because she wants to try and be normal again. Her relationship with Brant is over and she has since started dating Aden. In Hidden Beneath we'll find out why Brant and Ivy are no longer together. We'll also watch as Ivy slowly learns to use her gift to solve a mystery that has plagued the mind of someone she cares about.

     One of the things I really enjoy about these books is the mystery. I love the suspense that has me wondering what is going to happen next. I also like when the characters I'm reading about are able to draw me in and make me hope that all will end well for them. Ivy is one of those characters. Since I hadn't read the description of what this book was about, I just jumped right in and started reading. So I was shocked when I discovered Ivy and Brant were no longer together. I literally had to re-read the passage and all I could think was What?! Why?! I loved them as a couple and I was sad for them. Luckily we find out why and readers aren't left wondering what happened. I'm also glad that Hidden Beneath solves a mystery that developed during the 1st book. I was happy that certain characters were able to get some answers to a mystery that had left them with a ton of questions but few answers.

     Hidden Beneath is a great follow up to Into the Deep. We get another interesting mystery that had me wondering what was going to happen next. Plus I liked being able to get back into the head of a really great character. As an added bonus there are a few scenes at the end of the book told from another character's POV. Let's just say I really, really liked those scenes! My one issue with this book was that I would have liked to learn more about Charlie. I just think that she is an interesting character but we don't get to see much from her.

Cover:
Hmm...not sure how to feel about this cover. I don't hate it but It's not my favorite of the two books. One thing I really like is the font used for the title and the placement of both the title and the author's name. It really bugs me when the title and the author's name are all over the cover making me wonder why anyone bothered to put any imagine behind the gigantic titles.

*book provided by author for a fair and honest review*

Review: Blood Prophecy by Alyxandra Harvey

Blood Prophecy (Drake Chronicles #6)

Alyxandra Harvey

Publication Date: January 8, 2013

Publisher: Walker Childrens 

Paperback: 496 pgs

~YA~

Summary:
Solange Drake has been officially crowned Queen of the Vampires, fulfilling the centuries old prophecy that foretold the rise to power of a daughter born to an ancient vampire line. Except Solange's thoughts and actions are no longer her own-she's been slowly being possessed by the spirit of Viola, the first daughter born into the Drake line, since her bloodchange. And instead of uniting the vampire tribes under the rule of an ancient daughter as the prophecy predicted, Viola would rather destroy them all and enslave humans in a personal vendetta for the devastation both wrought to her life centuries ago. Can Solange break her hold in time to save everyone she loves from a vampire civil war, hunter attack, and each other? Not everyone will survive the prophecy . . . perhaps not even her.(Goodreads)

Review:
     Blood Prophecy is the last book in the Drake Chronicles, I've been dying to see how this series concludes but sad that the series would be over. This book is told mostly from Lucy and Solange's POV with a few other POV's thrown in.

 

     I've mentioned before that in the last couple of books I was completely annoyed by Solange. But I have to say knowing she is possessed alleviated my feelings, especially when we are able to see the real Solange again. Through Solange we see why she was possessed as she fights to get her body and mind back under her control. I loved that even though Lucy and Solange haven't been close lately Lucy is sill determined to figure out what is going on with her best friend. Lucy refuses to believe that her best friend could be so evil. Since most of the books are told from Lucy and Solange's POV we get to find out what is going on with the other Drakes including my favorite Drake, Quinn.

     There were a few moments where I was a little confused as to whose POV I was reading. The two voices were a little too similar at times which was a little annoying. This book also seemed to be in two parts; the fight to save Solange and the fight to save the vampires from an attack by the Hunter's. One thing I loved about this book was all the twists and turns that had me going, WHAT!! I couldn't believe some of the things that happened, as I never saw certain things coming.

     I was completely satisfied with how this series ended. Though I am super sad that I won't get to read any more new adventures about the Drakes. I'm just glad that the final book was so good and I wasn't at all disappointed as I have been with other series ending books. I don't feel like I was left with a ton of unanswered questions.

Cover:
I like this cover though I do think this couple has been on too many covers so I don't think it's highly original. But it's not horrible.

Ever After ( Hollows #11)

Kim Harrison

Publication Date: January 22, 2013 

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Hardcover:  435 pgs

~Adult~

Summary:

The ever after, the demonic realm that parallels the human world, is shrinking. If it disappears completely, so does all magic. It's up to witch-turned-daywalking-demon Rachel Morgan to avert catastrophe and keep life from changing... for the worse.

While saving the world is important, it isn't Rachel's only motivation. There's also the small fact that she caused the ley line to rip in the first place, setting off a chain reaction of unfortunate events. That little mistake has made her life forfeit unless she can fix it. It's also made her more than a few enemies, including the most powerful demon in the ever after—a terrifying entity who eats souls and now has an insatiable appetite for her. He's already kidnapped her friend and goddaughter to lure her out, and if Rachel doesn't give herself up soon, they'll die.

But Rachel has more than a few impressive and frightening skills of her own, and she isn't going to hand over her soul and her life without one hell of a fight. She's also got a surprise: elven tycoon Trent Kalamack. With this unlikely ally beside her—a prospect both thrilling and unnerving—she's going to return to the ever after, kick some demon butt, rescue her loved ones... and prevent an apocalypse before it's too late. Or, at least that's the plan. (Goodreads)

Review:
     Ever After is the 11th installment in the Hollow series. I have been addicted to this series since I first started reading it a couple of years ago. It's intense, the characters are complicated, intriguing and the story has kept me completely entertained. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this latest installment. I can definitely say I was not disappointed by this book. Rachel is once again forced to fight for her life, which of course makes for an exciting action packed read. In each book I have thoroughly enjoyed how Rachel has evolved and has started to learn who she is. She's comes to terms with being a demon and now she's focused on trying to survive being a demon.

     One of my favorite parts of this series is the ever evolving relationship between Rachel and Trent. I like that we we are getting to know Trent, bit by bit through his interactions with Rachel. Trent has always been one of my favorite characters. It's interesting  to see all these sides of him and how unpredictable he can be. Any Hollows book would not be complete without Jenks, the adorable wisecracking pixie. He always makes me laugh at least once and keeps me smiling throughout these books. Ivy doesn't play a big role in this book, since she's gone for a majority of Ever After. I'm a little sad that some of the characters that I've come to enjoy weren't really in this book, such as Glenn, David and Captain Edden.

     All in all, I have to say Ever After is a great addition to the Hollows series. It's an exciting read full of surprises that I didn't want to put down. I'm eager to see what is next for Rachel in book 12.

Cover:
I love this cover!! The colors as well as the power Rachel is displaying.

Review of "Poison Princess" by Kresley Cole

Poison Princess (Arcana Chronicles #1)

Kresley Cole

Publication Date: October 2, 2012

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Hardcover 369 pgs

Summary:

She could save the world—or destroy it.
Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.
But she can’t do either alone.
With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?
Who can Evie trust?
As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side.(Goodreads)

Review:
     I wasn't sure what to expect form this book. From the synopsis it sounded really interesting. I have to say I was not disappointed. This book had a lot going on such as visions, an Apocalypse, magic, a touch of romance and of course lots of danger. Though there was a lot going on I wasn't ever really confused. I thought the story flowed really well. I was hooked from the first chapter and didn't want to put the book down until I was done reading. I liked the contrast of life before and after the apocalyptic event. I t was interesting to see just how much life had changed for Evie. Poison Princess is a great story full of complicated characters and an interesting mix of magic and danger with a few twists thrown in to make the story that much better.

     I really liked Evie. She's sweet, naive, and a little unsettled because of her hallucinations. The things she sees are frightening but when they come true her life changes forever. On top of the visions she's also started to hear voices. There is only one person who can help her and she's not sure this person is still even alive. Though Evie isn't used to having to fight for survival she'd do anything to make sure her and her mother survive including turning to a guy she's not sure she can trust. There is something about Jackson that draws Evie in and at the same time makes her want to run away. The two have a complicated relationship that had me hooked and wanting more.

    Another main character is Jackson Deveaux. He's mysterious, dangerous and did I mention...hot. What I wouldn't give to know what is going on in his head. Jackson can be very hot and cold. One minute he seems to care about Evie and the next he seems to act as though she's a burden.On the plus side he seems to be very dependable with really good survival instincts. Sometimes I really like Jackson and at other times I think he's a bit of a jerk. I'm definitely interested to know more about him.

Cover:
I'm really liking this cover. I love the darkness and destruction in the background. It contrasts well with the the awesomely dressed characters on the cover.
   

Review: Matched by Ally Condie

Matched ( Matched #1)

Ally Condie
Publication Date: September 20, 2011
Publisher: Speak
Paperback 369 pgs

Summary:

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.(Goodreads)

Review:

The main character, Cassia is a 16 year old girl who is looking forward to her future. But after an incident with her Matching ceremony her life starts to change. The glitch causes Cassia to question all that goes on around her. How much of her life is hers and how much of what she does is because of the Society? I liked Cassia. She just doesn't one day start rebelling against the Society. The change in her is gradual as she begins to realize how much her life is controlled by the Society. Which of courser made her believable to me. Her world is slowly shifting and it takes her time to adjust to what she is beginning to understand about her life. There is a bit of a love triangle but it seems as though she has chooses which boy she truly wants to be with early on in the book.

The other characters Xander and Ky are Cassia's love interests. Both seem to be great guys. Each boy plays a part in her life and she doesn't want to have to give either of them up. We learn about Ky and why Cassia is drawn to him. But I don't think that we learned too much about Xander. We see him through Cassia's eyes so we only find out what she knows about him. Not what he does or thinks when they aren't together.

The world Ally Condie created in Matched is nearly perfect. But there are cracks and they are starting to show especially to the people who know to look. People live long, happy healthy lives. It's a life that is without complications. But it's also a life without true freedom. For the choices they make are small compared to the choices that are made for them.

I've had Matched for awhile but I was waiting until Reached came out to start the trilogy. I liked this book but there were some things I felt like I read before. Citizens being controlled by the new government  A main character realizing things aren't as idyllic as they once thought. Trying to find out how to fix things when everything is controlled by the leaders in society. There were also a ton of things that I liked. I liked that Cassia had a strong family that was there for her. Her grandfather was a huge part of her life and he gave her ways to fight even though she may not have realized at the time.Though I liked Matched, I'm hoping that the next books are a little more intense.

Cover:
I really like the paperback cover for Matched. It's simplistic yet definitely eye catching. It's shimmery and very pretty. It shows Cassia in the dress when her life first began to change. Plus the bubble shows how she feels, trapped by the world she lives in. 

Review of "Into the Deep" by Lauryn April

Into the Deep

Lauryn April

Publication Date: August 10, 2012

Kindle Edition

Summary:

     Ivy Daniels is an average teen until the day she nearly drowns. After her accident she develops a new ability. Is she going crazy, did her accident cause brain damage, or is her ability actually real? Because of her new found ability Ivy "overhears" someones really dark thoughts. Ivy will have to use her ability as well as depend on others around her to help solve the mystery. If she doesn't figure out who the dangerous "voice" belongs to in time, her whole school could blow up with everyone in it.

Review:

     Into the Deep is the debut novel from author, Lauryn April. Into the Deep is one of those books that I found myself getting lost in. The main character, Ivy, is quite likable, easy to relate to, and I was able to get caught up in her life as she dealt with her new ability. Another aspect I enjoyed about Into the Deep were the sensory details, they weren't overwhelming but they did allow me to feel as though I could envision the scene being described. 

     One of my favorite parts of this novel were the characters. Ivy is a bit quiet and tends to be a follower. But after nearly drowning she begins to change. I liked the way that Ivy grew and developed as a character throughout the story. Her new found ability allowed her to discover who she wanted to be as well as who she wanted to be friends with. She was able to see past peoples exteriors to see what they were truly like. She soon learns that people are not always as the appear. Ivy also struggles to control what she can do. Sometimes her ability becomes overwhelming and at times she learns things she doesn't want to know. Ivy's distress made her seem more believable as a character. She just didn't accept what she could do. She fought it and then tried to learn to control it.

     Another character in Into the Deep is Brant. He is the type of guy who can be found smoking or skipping class, he's not known as being dependable. But as Ivy is coming to find out people aren't always as they appear. I liked Brant. He has a sad back-story and is completely misunderstood by most of his classmates. But we see that there is more to him than everyone thought. I found Brant to be very likable and I couldn't wait to read about him.

     Into the Deep has all of the things I look for in a novel a great story that's easy to get caught up in. Enjoyable characters that I can root for. It also has a little mystery, some paranormal aspects, and a touch of romance. I especially liked the epilogue and was quite satisfied with the ending of this novel. I felt as though everything was wrapped up quite nicely and I wasn't left with any lingering questions. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from author, Lauryn April. 

Cover:

     I really really like this cover. It's eye catching and relates to what the book is about. I love the way the bubbles are streaming from the girls mouth as well as the way her her hair is floating up. It's not filled with a ton of graphics. It has just enough detail to make me want to pick this book up to see what this book is all  about. Very stunning!! 

Review "Pandemonium" by Lauren Oliver

Pandemonium (Delirium #2)

Lauren Oliver

Publication Date: February 28, 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins

ARC 375 pgs

Goodreads

Summary: 

     In the follow up to Delirium, Lena has escaped Portland and now finds herself in the Wilds. The structured "safe" life that she she once knew is gone. Lena is now forced to survive along with the other members of the resistance. She discovers that in order to live in this new world she must let go of the old Lena and become a stronger tougher version of herself. Life in the Wilds is not what Lena expected but she is learning the ways of the resistance all the while dealing with her grief over losing Alex. Though Alex remains a big part of her life she must look ahead to what the future holds. 

Review:

     After I finished Delirium and I realized that Alex did not make it over the fence I knew I had to start Pandemonium as soon as possible. Pandemonium like Delirium is about discovery. To me Delirium is about the discovery of love and how precious it is, while Pandemonium is about the discovery of strength. Because of Alex, Lena has a romanticized vision of what the Wilds would be like but living in the Wilds is much harder than she expected. It is much more difficult to survive when things like electricity, food, or shelter are not readily available. But the people of the Wilds are tough and have learned to adapt to the difficulties of living in the Wilds. It is either adapt or die. 

     Lena goes through a great change in Pandemonium. Though she has always been brave she is even braver and stronger than before. As an active member of the resistance she has to do things that she never would have been able to do in the past. But as she settles into life in the Wilds she learns that in order to survive she must fight. Fight to be stronger, fight to live, and fight to be who she wants to be and not who she is supposed to be. The only way for her to do this is to let go of the time before and focus on the present. She has built a wall within herself where the memories of her past stay hidden. I thought that Lena showed just how much of a survivor she really is. When faced with difficult situations she's able to push through and do what needs to be done. Even though she is afraid she doesn't let that fear stop her.

     In Pandemonium we are introduced to many new characters but the one we learn the most about is Raven. Raven can be described in one word, survivor. She has learned what she needs to do in order to stay alive while living in the Wilds. Some of the others we meet are Tack and Hunter both of whom help to teach Lena about her new life. The people in the Wilds are hardened by a life that is never easy and definitely never safe. But they are fighters so they will continue to try and change how love is viewed. 

     One thing I had a little trouble with was the fact that the chapters go from then (right after she escaped) and now(the present). This set up does show how much has changed from when Lena first went into the Wilds as compared to what she is doing now as a member of the resistance. But at times it was confusing, it was hard for me to tell how much time had passed. I was often wondering when did that happen? We also see just how different life is in the Wilds. We see exactly what the world is like outside of the "safe" borders of the cities. Overall I really really enjoyed this book, it was heartbreaking yet I couldn't get enough. I am eagerly awaiting the release of Requiem. I can't wait to see what happens next for Lena and company. 

Cover:

     While I like the original cover for Delirium I also like the updated covers as well. But I'm not sure that the girls on the covers are the same or different. But back to this cover I like the fact that the girls face is only partially showing and how she is surrounded by some type of flowers and vegetation. It is definitely pretty!