Showing posts with label Paranormal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paranormal. Show all posts

7/30/2015

Review: The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon

The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon
Release Date: November 2014
Age: Mature YA, New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Supernatural, Paranormal, Fiction, Mystery, Romance
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
If I tell you right up front, right in the beginning that I lost him, it will be easier for you to bear. You will know it’s coming, and it will hurt. But you’ll be able to prepare.

Someone found him in a laundry basket at the Quick Wash, wrapped in a towel, a few hours old and close to death. They called him Baby Moses when they shared his story on the ten o’clock news – the little baby left in a basket at a dingy Laundromat, born to a crack addict and expected to have all sorts of problems. I imagined the crack baby, Moses, having a giant crack that ran down his body, like he’d been broken at birth. I knew that wasn’t what the term meant, but the image stuck in my mind. Maybe the fact that he was broken drew me to him from the start.

It all happened before I was born, and by the time I met Moses and my mom told me all about him, the story was old news and nobody wanted anything to do with him. People love babies, even sick babies. Even crack babies. But babies grow up to be kids, and kids grow up to be teenagers. Nobody wants a messed up teenager.

And Moses was messed up. Moses was a law unto himself. But he was also strange and exotic and beautiful. To be with him would change my life in ways I could never have imagined. Maybe I should have stayed away. Maybe I should have listened. My mother warned me. Even Moses warned me. But I didn’t stay away.

And so begins a story of pain and promise, of heartache and healing, of life and death. A story of before and after, of new beginnings and never-endings. But most of all...a love story.
I needed this book. And when I read this book I couldn't breathe, then I didn't need it. I didn't want it. I hated it because it made me cry. And then I loved it because it made me cry. I was lost in Moses' story, in Georgia's story, in their story. This book is raw and it packs a heady punch, a sucker punch that I saw coming but didn't believe and then it came and I cried, it's raw and awful and beautiful and broken and fixed and torn. It's real and it's not real because there's this paranormal element that I didn't realize was coming but Amy somehow made this seem real. Like it happens all the time and while I read her story it did, it did happen and I won't listen to anyone that tells me it didn't because fiction like this is real. Amy's writing is real and it's soft and crinkly and that may not make sense to you but it does to me.

I liked that it was told in alternating points of view between Georgia and Moses in the before and after over a large span of time. The characters begin the story as teenagers and end the story as adults. I was very connected to all of the characters in the book, except maybe Georgia's parents. It's a dark read full of tears and heartbreaks but the book neatly folds together.

Moses is my favorite character. He's just. He's someone you want to help but you can't reach. He's hurt and in pain but has to get through things himself. He's funny and serious and doesn't know how to love himself. I love him, don't tell my husband. But really, I do.

For such a seriously toned book, I was uplifted and inspired. No matter the story you're looking to read, read this one. Because it's not at all what you're expecting and even through all of the tears I can still smile about it. You need this book in your life, You need Amy's writing in your life.

Other books by Amy:  A Different Blue, Infinity + One, Making Faces

7/15/2014

Check Out: Nova by A.J. Kane

Nova: Daughters of Darkness by A.J. Kane
Release Date: May 2014
Genre: Witches, Paranormal, Fantasy, Magic
Buy it: Amazon
A prophecy, a dark lord who looks way too good in black, and, well, Ireland … the perfect ingredients for a dangerous brew.

Nova and her sisters are witches. They've always known about magic and their ability to use it, but never in their wildest dreams did they imagine the role it would play in their lives. It all begins with a trip to Ireland and then some haunting dreams. Nova is torn from her sisters and then her heart is torn in two when she begins to fall for the guy no girl should ever fall for. Will she make the right choices? And when the battle rages, who will be left standing?
About the Author:
A.J. Kane resides in beautiful southern Maine where she writes Paranormal, Fantasy and Romance. She is currently working on the second book in her new adult paranormal trilogy, Daughters of Darkness; due out in 2014. Her writing is fueled by chocolate, coffee and pasta, in no particular order. She has a life goal of traveling to Ireland at least once, and possibly never leaving. Her hobbies are reading, cursing (quite frequently), singing and listening to PINK obsessively, even though she is a rock chick at heart. Some of her favorite bands are mostly unknown, like Halestorm, Prospect Hill and Our Last Night. A.J. would love to hear from you! Contact her on Twitter @ajkaneauthor www.twitter.com/ajkaneauthor or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ajkaneauthor.

Teaser:
Nova turned to see her parents and Kyna standing behind Branna. “Why are you out here in this? You should be in the circle, where you’ll be safe!” she reprimanded Niamh and Craven.
“And leave you three out here to fend for yourselves? Nova, you know we can’t do that.” The incredulous look on her father’s face would have been comical if the situation weren’t so serious.
Even though Nova understood their need to see for themselves that their children were safe, she still hated the fact that they were in danger.
“We were born for this and have the powers to defend ourselves.”
“Oh, we are not defenseless, Nova.” Her mother said. Joining hands with Craven, Niamh chanted a spell, causing plumes of smoke to billow in and swirl around them; hiding them from view.
“Cool” Kyna loved it when her parents performed magic.
Her mother grinned. “See, we did manage to keep some power to ourselves.” Their parents looked at each other, happy they could show their daughters they were here to fight, not to be protected.
The archers, now in the trees, began to rain arrows down on the demon swarm. That gave Nova, her sisters and their parents a chance to break through the throng. Spotting Felken, who had been missing since the king tossed him away, Nova and her sisters went after him.
Branna shot fire blasts at a cluster of demons in their way,
“Where is he?” Kyna yelled as she dodged a scaly arm swiping at her neck. She parried and stabbed through the arm with the knife in her left hand. Sweeping her right hand up, she glided the blade of that knife across the demon’s throat. Blood, black and thick, gurgled up out of its mouth, and she watched the life drain from his cold yellow eyes. It made her sick to think of how many lives she had taken so far and how many more she had yet to take. As if she sensed the struggle within her sister, Nova gave Kyna’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
“We’ll get through this, Kyna. We won’t be the same people when it’s over, but we will get through it.”
“Ah, girls, you may want to get over here.” Niamh’s voice trembled with fear. Following her mother’s line of vision, Nova felt her heart stop. This can’t be real, she thought. Even with all the crazy shit she’d seen recently, this definitely took the cake.
“What the fuck is that!” Branna yelled, her hands engulfed in flames, ready to blast the shit out of the new arrival.

3/24/2013

The Collector Review and Giveaway

The Collector (Dante Walker #1) by Victoria Scott
★★★★★
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Age: Mature YA
Genre: Paranormal, Demons, Hell, Soul, Death, Supernatural, Angels, Heaven, Bad Boy
Format: ebook
Source: Publisher for review
Buy it: Amazon US | B&N | Amazon UK
He makes good girls...bad.

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple: weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal-opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within ten days.

Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect, he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector…and uncover emotions deeply buried.
This book is brilliantly cocky. Even from the synopsis we know we're in store for some impressive moves, but Victoria Scott takes bad boy to a whole new level. I wasn't sure that I could handle Dante, but I found myself completely impressed. His attitude did annoy me at first, but eventually we break down his shell and see the real man behind the mask. Dante's ego is massive and it adds this sarcastic and witty feel to the story Victoria's overall tone and voice of the book was set perfectly. When Charlie enters the mix we see the dynamic of good versus evil in a whole new way. For paranormal fans especially those who loved Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins and Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick this book is a must read!

This story is about Dante and his swagger. No lie. Dante is hot stuff and he is the ultimate bad boy sealing souls for hell; but he meets his match in little plain and ordinary Charlie. And, this my good people is how you make a good story great. Victoria Scott introduces Charlie and Dante is all, oh pulease I'll have this soul in minutes. But oh no, there's more to Charlie than he first sees. She is this great person and her charm and love begins to rub off on our bad boy Dante. And boom. I was HOOKED. I read every single word until the very end, start to finish (no small feat) but I couldn't stop. I love this bad boy and his struggles at becoming something more. I also loved the shape the story took as their relationship grew.

My favorite part of the book is Dante and his problem with labeling things as he sees them. From the beginning he thinks nothing but mean things about those around him, even Charlie. He looks down on himself as well and while I think he wants to be better, he sees his fate as sealed as well. But, he changes a lot throughout the story. He finds it in himself to become a better person with redeeming qualities and he stops at nothing to protect those he loves. His world is flipped upside down and he sacrifices everything for something greater.

I'm a huge paranormal romance fan and Victoria Scott has created one of the best books I've ever read, over any genre actually. It really is an epic journey that I will definitely be following throughout the series. The overall story is just awesome. I honestly have no other words, nothing I say will do it justice. It's a story everyone must experience for themselves.

I've read some great books this year so far, but THE COLLECTOR took me away and I have yet to land on my feet. It is currently number 1 of 2013! It really stuck with me and shocked me with its heart warming tale of love and sacrifice, I never saw the story turning into such an emotional ride, I was surprised and elated with the turnout. Victoria's writing is excellent and this book is a new take on the afterlife, a very creative story through the end. It's emotional and fast paced, it's constantly moving and changing and evolving. I loved it. Loved it. and I love it. Check this book out and also don't miss the sequel THE LIBERATOR out in September!

GIVEAWAY
I want to pass this book onto a new reader, it is sure to be a favorite for many!
I am giving away 1 ebook copy of The Collector by Victoria Scott gifted from Amazon or BN.
Open Internationally. Must be 13 or older to enter.

12/02/2012

Betwixt Review

Betwixt by Melissa Pearl
★★★★★
Release Date: November 2012
Age: YA
Genre: Drama, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Ghosts
Format: ebook
Source: Author for Review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Beautiful, wild-child Nicole Tepper is hit by a car and left for dead. But when she wakes the next morning, Nicole finds herself in bed without a scratch. Perhaps she was more intoxicated than usual, as her mother is giving her the silent treatment and her friends are ignoring her as well.

Things take a turn for the weird when Nicole soon discovers she is actually hovering between life and death. Her body is lying in the forest while her spirit is searching for anyone who can hear her. Unfortunately the only person who can is Dale Finnigan, the guy she publicly humiliated with a sharp-tongued insult that has left him branded.
Desperate, Nicole has no choice but to haunt Dale and convince the freaked-out senior to help her. Will he find her body before it's too late? Or will the guy who tried to kill her with his car, beat him there and finish her off before anyone finds out?
My favorite part of this book was the mystery element. It was the, who did it and what's going to happen-that made it an incredible journey. My second favorite part of the book is Dale. I'm pretty sure I love him, nope I'm positive.

So, Melissa Pearl is just brilliant. She weaves these fantastical tales from her very vivid imagination and her books are those that trap me and keep me up late into the night. Her Time Spirit Trilogy was awesome and Betwixt was even better. It's a book that I was dying to read through and finish but dreading the end because I hated for it to be over. I can't wait for more by Melissa!

The first thing I did when I started reading this book was look up the meaning to Betwixt, I was curious. According to the glorious dictionary I learned that Betwixt means Between. Fitting and makes sense. The premise drew me into this book well that paired with the fact that Melissa wrote it; and I'm very excited to share what I thought about it.

After a family tragedy Nicole's parents, trying to cope, have given her freedom to grieve in her way and in doing so have pretty much ignored her for the past few years. Suffering from an immense amount of guilt, Nicole loses herself and her way with the wrong crowd and begins making bad choices. Nicole has become this queen B and is really not a nice girl. She's immature and out of control; and her friends could care less that something has happened to her when she disappears (which isn't as much her fault, but it's her fault they're friends in the first place). Thinking she has just run away, everyone begins living life as normal hoping she'll come home soon (and some hoping she doesn't). When Dale finds out that-that isn't the case he's the one by her side risking everything he's worked hard for, for a girl who before everything was one of the meanest people to him.

Since no one else knows she's there, Dale can only hear and not see her, Nicole grows a lot in this time. She learns how much she's hurt her parents, she reflects on the decisions she's made and it is a very important time for her development (I mean, it is most of the book). As she uncovers the events that led up to her ghostly experience, learns Dale's past, and begins to fall in love, her life takes a new lead. Life I said, hard to put down and I never wanted it to end. The entire story is very well done and thought through. It's original and heartbreaking, soul searching and raw emotions behind a beautiful cover. It's one I recommend to contemporary romance fans that may not be paranormal fans, this one may change your mind.

Throughout the book Melissa Pearl had my emotions on overdrive. She uses these complex issues and isn't afraid to make her readers feel real pain and joy with the characters. I loved this book and the relationship between Dale and Nicole was built up perfectly, not too fast and not too slow. It is first and foremost a love story. A paranormal and out of this world love story, and it works. Overall an excellent read, one can easily get lost in.

I recommend this book to fans of:
The Time Spirit Trilogy by Melissa Pearl, Ever by Jessa Russo, Hereafter by Tara Hudson, Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer, The Dragonfly Prophecy by Jacquelyn Castle, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

9/25/2012

Blog Tour: The Last Year Series Double Review and Giveaway

I LOVED the start to this series and cannot wait for more by Trisha Leigh!


Book 1
Whispers in Autumn (The Last Year #1) by Trisha Leigh
★★★★★
Release Date: July 2012
Age: YA
Genre: Science Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Friendship, Aliens, Dystopian
Format Reviewed: ebook
Source: AToMR Blog Tours
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
In 2015, a race of alien Others conquered Earth. They enslaved humanity not by force, but through an aggressive mind control that turned people into contented, unquestioning robots.

Except sixteen-year-old Althea isn’t content at all, and she doesn’t need the mysterious note inside her locket to tell her she’s Something Else. It also warns her to trust no one, so she hides the pieces that make her different, even though it means being alone.

Then she meets Lucas, everything changes.

Althea and Lucas are immune to the alien mind control, and together they search for the reason why. What they uncover is a stunning truth the Others never anticipated, one with the potential to free the brainwashed human race.

It’s not who they are that makes them special, but what.
And what they are is a threat. One the Others are determined to eliminate for good.
As the start to the series this book builds a unique and eerie world in which people are void of emotion and have been brainwashed and mind controlled to do as their captors wish. But, there are some who are different. Althea's life is not easy, and as she learns throughout the story what being Something Else means, everything she's ever believed comes crashing down around her. With a similar feel to books like Delirium by Lauren Oliver; Trisha Leigh is an unbelievably amazing author who completely rocked my socks off with this new alien tale.

Althea is used to being invisible, but somehow people are starting to notice her and she knows everything is about to change. It all begins with a boy named Lucas and his overwhelming smell of Winter that happens to compliment her Summer smell. Through unimaginable twists and turns this book takes flight and never settles down. It's a journey that was intense and I didn't put the book down once!

The love story between Lucas and Althea is sweet and slow, they take their time and build these strong emotions. It doesn't hurt that Lucas is a total swoon worthy boy who is always there for Althea, he's her rock. When they are forced to seek answers about their lives they stand by each others sides and the kisses. Their friendly and fun banter, even as the story's intensity builds was a refreshing and smile worthy aspect to the book. Lucas is my favorite character, next to Althea of course.

The cruel truths throughout the story are surprising. Trisha Leigh manages to keep building the story throughout and even at the end I was left with one word, wow. I was very excited to have book 2 in my hands and ready to continue the series. If you're looking for a futuristic science fiction read that features a lovely romance, twists, secrets, and plenty of adventure and suspense make sure to check this one out!


Book 2
Winter Omens (The Last Year #2) by Trisha Leigh
★★★★★
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Age: YA
Genre: Science Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Friendship, Aliens, Dystopian
Format Reviewed: ebook
Althea and Lucas barely escaped the Others’ clutches in the autumn, and were separated in the process. Alone and on the run from the cruel alien race determined to exterminate her, Althea struggles to adapt and survive in a world she never imagined.

When a boy named Pax appears out of nowhere, he quickly recognizes Althea for what she is – a human/Other hybrid just like him. Althea begs him to help her find Lucas, but Pax refuses, intent on following his own mysterious agenda.

The Others’ presence continues to devour the planet’s resources, and if history is an indication, they won’t leave until Earth is destroyed beyond repair. Althea and Pax sense the only way to save themselves – and maybe their home – is to understand the powers simmering inside them.

Together they push the limits of their capabilities in the quiet Wilds, but are soon confronted with a terrifying fact: no place is safe from the relentless pursuit of the Others.
Least of all their own minds.
In this almost-better-than-the-first-book sequel we follow Althea on her quest to find Lucas. If you haven't read Whispers in Autumn DO SO NOW! Don't read any further, except for below to enter the giveaway and follow this blog tour.

Trisha Leigh succeeds in creating a followup that is a worthy component of one of my new favorite series. With the first book being one of the most creative and intense reads I've experienced in a while I was on the edge of my seat to begin reading this one, and I'm glad I devoured it so quickly. She takes this story and weaves another chapter that left me jumping for joy and biting my nails.

Winter Omens changes everything I loved about the first book by the exclusion of Lucas, I missed him a lot. But, it makes it that much better with the inclusion of Pax. On her search for Lucas in a world she's always been told is dangerous Althea risks everything for a boy who she may love and befriends a boy that excites her in ways she's never known; she also befriends a four legged animal who becomes a companion. Pax is everything that Lucas isn't and shares the secrets that they do, if you're going to have a love triangle (which I love, and am still crossing my fingers that Lucas gets the girl) then you might as well play for opposites. This twist in a story that I thought I had figured out happens to diversify and expand on my emotions and make for an even better read (which I would've never thought was possible). Go Trisha! I can't wait for the next book! I hope I don't have to wait long ;)

This book managed to really get under my skin and stay there; I'm still thinking about this fascinating story days after I've turned the last page. While I loved Whispers in Autumn, I love how the author shakes everything up in Winter Omens. Trisha Leigh has a magical way with words and turns the alien story into a new breed of books that I absolutely LOVE!

Giveaway
Hosted by the author.
This giveaway is international!

7/31/2012

Blog Tour: Arson by Estevan Vega




Arson (Arson #1) by Estevan Vega
★★★★☆
Release Date: 2011
Publisher: Stonehouse Ink
Age: Mature YA (due to some subject matter)
Genre: Suspense, Paranormal, Contemporary, Thriller, Family Issues, Relationships
Source: A Tale of Many Reviews Blog Tours
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
ARSON GABLE FEELS LIKE A FREAK. HE CAN CREATE FIRE. HE NEVER ASKED FOR IT. HE NEVER WANTED IT. BUT HE CAN'T SHUT IT OFF.
Before now, three things were true: he both loved and despised his grandmother; his life was going nowhere; and he was alone. But when a strange girl--who feels more normal behind a mask than inside her own skin--moves in next door, Arson hopes to find something he's never had: purpose. After years of living in fear, he will be forced to confront his haunting past and embrace the unknown as he walks the fine line between boy and monster. Edgy, realistic, and breathtaking, Arson, the chilling chronicle of an isolated teenager with unimaginable ability, is set to ignite the hearts and minds of a new generation.
Arson is a dark and twisted book by an incredibly talented author. The build up and flow of Arson's story is haunting while mesmerizing and allows the reader to lament for this unfortunate character. It's a story that I found to be mainly about relationships and self worth, a mostly realistic novel but with a hint of paranormal suspense. The author knows his subjects and creates a real life story that features a thrilling and not so real element.

Arson Gable knows he's not normal. His character is battered and emotionally damaged, and he's living with guilt that he's never been taught how to deal with. Growing up with a grandmother who is physically and emotionally abusive, not to mention a little delusional, Arson has created this shell around himself until he can no longer feel. His life brightens a bit when a new family lives next door, and with it comes Emery (a wonderfully constructed character, the perfect addition to this intense drama). The phrases that come out of Emery's mouth are sarcastic and pungent. Her life is as messy as his and soon they find a real and slightly damaged (with the baggage they both are lugging around) relationship. Arson and Emery, coupled with the multiple characters of Estevan Vega's mind, this book is a complex network of emotional story lines.

Estevan Vega writes with purpose. He tells this story well, and tells it from everyone's point of view. His angles on various relationships and stages of life made me feel like their were multiple authors to this book. He has every personality down to an art.

Throughout the book we continued to learn things with the characters as they grow. Their flaws and characteristics develop as the story builds, and the piercing ending was the perfect conclusion and cliffhanger. It's hard not to get involved. I really enjoyed this book and think that Estevan is one writer to watch!

This book has a shocking there-will-be-a-book-two ending that leaves the reader searching for information on how the story continues. The sequel, Ashes, is also available. This book is magnificently constructed and full of real feelings and people.


Giveaway
One signed copy of Arson (US/CAN)
and a $25 Amazon Giftcard

Follow this Tour


6/25/2012

The Darkening Dream by Andy Gavin Review and Giveaway

The Darkening Dream by Andy Gavin
★★★★☆
Release Date: January 10, 2012
Publisher: Mascherato Publishing
Age: Mature YA
Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural, Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Vampires, Horror
Source: Author for review
Buy it: Amazon On sale for 99 cents! until June 29th.
Even as the modern world pushes the supernatural aside in favor of science and steel, the old ways remain. God, demon, monster, and sorcerer alike plot to regain what was theirs. 1913, Salem, Massachusetts – Sarah Engelmann’s life is full of friends, books, and avoiding the pressure to choose a husband, until an ominous vision and the haunting call of an otherworldly trumpet shake her. When she stumbles across a gruesome corpse, she fears that her vision was more of a premonition. And when she sees the murdered boy moving through the crowd at an amusement park, Sarah is thrust into a dark battle she does not understand. With the help of Alex, an attractive Greek immigrant who knows a startling amount about the undead, Sarah sets out to uncover the truth. Their quest takes them to the factory mills of Salem, on a midnight boat ride to spy on an eerie coastal lair, and back, unexpectedly, to their own homes. What can Alex’s elderly, vampire-hunting grandfather and Sarah’s own rabbi father tell them? And what do Sarah’s continuing visions reveal? No less than Gabriel’s Trumpet, the tool that will announce the End of Days, is at stake, and the forces that have banded to recover it include a 900 year-old vampire, a trio of disgruntled Egyptian gods, and a demon-loving Puritan minister. At the center of this swirling cast is Sarah, who must fight a millennia-old battle against unspeakable forces, knowing the ultimate prize might be her very soul.
The Darkening Dream is a finely tuned thrilling dark historical fantasy about vampires with a witty female lead and some surprising twists throughout. Andy Gavin uses a slew of supernatural aspects alongside a seemingly normal 1900s Salem, until dark forces are revealed, to mold an intelligent suspense.

The characters in this book are not to be taken lightly. It's a deep and meaningful read filled with complex situations, backgrounds, and characters. Sarah begins living this nightmare of a tale alongside her close friends and discovers things about not only legends, but her family as well. As the storyline grows so does her involvement and realization of the world around her. People they thought they knew turn out to be less neighborly.

I don't do horror, and not that I would classify this solely as a horror  because I wouldn't, but there were some pretty frightening images throughout. Andy Gavin's writing is marvelous and thoroughly detailed. This dark fantasy definitely left me feeling for light switches in dark hallways. And the pieces to the puzzle fall into place nicely, especially as the story changes narrators, which I really enjoyed. Overall, it's a pretty unique read, filled with suspense and surprises.

The use of multiple paranormal and religious aspects were refreshing additions to the story. It's a wonderful and detailed read, disturbing and seething at times, but this portrayal of vampires and demons is what I like to read about. It's how vampires were meant to be imagined, I think.

And, I have to take a second to mention the breathe taking cover! I find it hard to stop staring at!

Get your 99 cent copy of The Darkening Dream today on Amazon only (June 25-29)


Giveaway


About the Author

Andy Gavin is an unstoppable storyteller who studied for his Ph.D. at M.I.T. and founded video game developer Naughty Dog, Inc. at the age of fifteen, serving as co-president for two decades. There he created, produced, and directed over a dozen video games, including the award winning and best selling Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter franchises, selling over 40 million units worldwide. He sleeps little, reads novels and histories, watches media obsessively, travels, and of course, writes. Find out more here.

5/30/2012

The Weeping by O'Dell Hutchison Review

The Weeping by O'Dell Hutchison
★★★★☆
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Publisher: H, C, & B Publishing
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Ghosts, Drama, Suspense, Thriller, Horror
Format: ebook
Source: publisher for review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Twenty years ago, Catherine Whitley was the victim of a horrible crime. Betrayed by her friends, including the boy she loved, she was left to die when the Rock Harbor Opera House caught fire, taking a disturbing secret with her to her grave. Seventeen-year-old Heath Ingram was driving the night his Jeep careened off the road, killing three of his closest friends. Once a popular, outgoing athlete, Heath now suffers from severe depression and crippling anxiety. His parents decide to send him to stay with his uncle in Rock Harbor, Oregon for the summer, praying that by getting away he will be able to put this awful tragedy behind him. When Heath starts working at the newly renovated Rock Harbor Opera House, he meets Molly, a young dancer who awakens in him a desire to start over and move on. But, when he begins having visions of a half-burned girl in a white dress, he starts to think he may be slipping even further over the edge. As the apparent hauntings become more intense, Heath begins to fear for his safety. With the help of his friend Josie, Heath discovers an unsettling secret that ties the mysterious girl to both their families. When two of their friends die unexpectedly, Josie and Heath realize that something, or someone, is after the children of those who wronged Catherine, and they are next.
The Weeping is a mysterious drama set in the Northwestern United States, filled with rainy days that make this suspenseful thriller even more nail biting. It's a haunting tale of murder and paranormal elements that bring an amazing book set in an old theatre to life.

Following a devastating car accident that has left 17 year old Heath feeling depressed and suicidal; his parents move him to Rock Harbor, Oregon to live with his uncle for the summer and work at the Opera House doing odds and ends jobs. But, once there Heath starts hearing and seeing things he can't believe. Enlisting the help of his new friends and coworkers Heath is determined to solve the mystery of Catherine Whitley. He delves deeper than he probably should have and finds out things he may not have wanted to know, especially things about someone close to him.

This book had me on edge trying to solve the mysteries found throughout before the characters (and I was often way off base). O'Dell Hutchison's writing is great, the dialogue between the characters was very real but not forced or cheesy. It is an excellently built thriller, not lacking in the thrill department ;)

I haven't read many horror/ghost-type stories and those that I have read were nothing compared to this one. I really enjoyed the theatre background and intense scenes between characters, it's full of suspense.

I did find it at times a little hard to take the graphic scenes O'Dell creates, the story does feature strong issues like rape and murder (especially the shock inducing ending).

If ghosts, hauntings, murders, and revenge are your thing (and even if they're not) check out this great young adult paranormal book!

1/02/2012

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi Review

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
★★★★★
Release Date: November 15, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopian, Supernatural, Romance, Paranormal, Mystery
Buy it: Amazon | HarperCollins | indieBound
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Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color. The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now. Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior. In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.

In a dystopian setting, Shatter Me has a realistic feel with fantastical elements. Tahereh Mafi's writing is beautiful and poetic, like nothing I've ever experienced. 

The story features Juliette, a teenager with a power she can’t control and follows her on a journey filled with heart racing drama. Tahereh writing conveys the pain her main characters feel and makes the reader hurt with her prose, she is a magician with words.

This book is a lot like fireworks, beautiful and loud. I was drawn in and quite captivated by everything it had to offer. From the romance to the action, the pages are rich with adventure.

In the midst of an intense and fast moving story line, Tahereh creates relatable characters who will make you smile while you're gritting your teeth. There is no denying the passion that is born from the pages. Juliette is a fierce girl, who is used to being small, and grows so much.

It's a thrilling book that is fast paced and easy to get into. I will definitely be looking for more from this great new author!

It's a thrilling book, fast paced, with amazing writing. I will be looking for book 2, and more from this great new author!!

12/27/2011

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi Review

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
★★★★☆
Publisher: HarperTeen, HarperCollins
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopia, Romance, Science Fiction, Supernatural
Format: Paperback ARC
Source: Publisher
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | HarperTeen | indieBound 
Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction. As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions. They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers abarbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

Under the Never Sky was and is one of my most anticipated novels for 2012. The premise and synopsis had me hooked and hoping for a review copy. When I got my hands on one (thanks to the wonderful people at HarperCollins) I enjoyed it more than I could have ever imagined. It's an amazing, heart breaking, hope restoring, and smile worthy tale of love with that dystopian/science fiction feel. It's a book I plan on buying the day it comes out, holding the pretty hardcover, and telling everyone I know to read it!

The story follows two very different characters, Aria and Perry. Aria was born on the inside, raised in a pod safe from the outside world and ignorant to the pain faced just past her walls. Sheltered from the violent storms created in the electric sky known as the Aether, Aria lives half of her life in a virtual world, the realms, and half in the real. Aria grows up never knowing any real hurt until one night when a seemingly innocent teenage outing turns into a nightmare. Perry has lived through a lot, he's wise for his age, caring, and powerful. When Aria is forced to survive outside her naive upbringing would have her dead in days, if not for Perry. The chemistry and obvious emotion both characters feel is evident in Veronica Rossi's incredibly writing. The book alternated point of views between Aria and Perry, which worked very well for this story.

Under the Never Sky is not the type of story that begins with doe eyes and fast confessions of I love yous. Veronica builds the relationships in the book expertly. While I didn't connect as much with Aria as I would have liked, as I found her a little hard to reach, I still really enjoyed her story. Perry was my favorite character. His relationship with his nephew was so real and was my favorite of the book. Aria and Perry work together only out of convenience, they can't stand eachother but tolerate one another to reach their own goals. As they shed their tough exteriors, especially Perry, they begin a rough journey together.

There's so much to talk about in this story that I loved. It was an unexpected adventure that completely captivated me and left me needing more. Throughout the book the reader is learning about everything, Veronica is excellent with secrets and I love that she doesn't hint at any of them until they're exposed. With Veronica's surprises I never knew what to expect on the next page. With so many elements to enjoy I think this one will be flying off the bookshelves in no time, both virtual and real.

It's a fast paced book that draws the reader into every detail, making every little part significant and important.

Veronica creates a landscape much like those found in books by Kristin Cashore and Maria V. Snyder. Desolate, never ending, hard on the characters, and dangerous. But, at the same time she creates a story that while begins rough is ultimately romantic, sweet, and understanding. The rich setting and curveball plot have made Under the Never Sky one of my favorite books this year. It was everything I wanted and more, full of surprises and a terrific ending that, yes, screams series. I cannot wait until the next installment!

Thank you again to HarperCollins for the awesome opportunity to read and review this book!!

11/06/2011

Darwin's Children by Natasha Larry Review


★★★★☆
Release Date: June 28, 2011
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural
Format: e-book
Source: Author

Life can get pretty complicated for any seventeen-year-old girl, but for a home-schooled telepathic black girl trying to survive in a prestigious private school in small-town Jonesborough, Tennessee, it can be maddening; especially when her telepathic father keeps eavesdropping on her thoughts! Jaycie Lerner's family isn't the usual mom-dad-kid setup. Jaycie's mom is MIA, but Allison, her personal live-in trainer, is more than a mom, with her own special abilities, like being able to lift cars and run incredibly fast. And Jaycie's godfather John is more than persuasive; he can literally convince anyone to do anything. As far as the rest of the world's concerned, Jaycie's on the outside looking in. The townsfolk love Jaycie's paediatrician father, but she doesn't fit in with "normal" kids, and she doesn't really want to. Most of her free time is spent training to keep her telekinetic and telepathic powers under control. But there's one thing she can't control; and that's her feelings, especially when her best friend Matt is nearby. If only he knew what she was truly capable of... Everything seems to be status quo for Jaycie until she receives a cryptic message from a stranger and meets a very unusual girl new to Jonesborough. Then all hell breaks loose!
Natasha Larry is a funny and witty writer who knows exactly how to make her readers laugh out loud and also knows how to make a story so suspenseful that you're biting your nails as the pages turn. This book has the perfect balance of comedy and drama. We all know I love books with as many surprise and expected elements as possible, and Darwin's Children is one of those books! It's an amazing story filled with super powers, supernatural beings, humor, love, family, and plenty of drama.

I love books with a strong central cast of characters like the Delos family in Starcrossed or the Hayward family in Eternal Eden; Darwin's Children has a close family unit like those I love. It's is a novel filled with fun dialogue and relationships that some of us can only dream of. Jaycie's family is a strange one. Yet, even with her mother out of the picture her life is not lacking in the parental department. In the story we meet Allison, her car-lifting trainer/nanny, Johnny, her "uncle" an amazing guy with powers of his own, and her doctor father Mason who has her telepathic abilities only much stronger. Together these four take on a lot in order to help others. Darwin's Children is a book much like the X-Men comics and films. It's a story about people who are born with powerful abilities and what they do with them.

Jaycie is a seventeen year old girl in a prep school in Tennessee, who on the outside might look like any other high school girl, but inside is harboring loads of secrets including being telekinetic (moving things with her mind) and psychokinetic (reading minds and transferring her thoughts into minds). Her story takes a dramatic and suspenseful turn when she begins working at a Christian Book Store. There she meets a sad girl, Haylee, who needs her help. From there this amazing story just builds and builds.

I will say my least favorite part of the book comes in the form of Matt, Jaycie's best friend from childhood. He's like any normal teenage boy, hormone driven and not very understanding. Jaycie keeps a lot of secrets from him, for obvious reasons, but he kind of just gives up on her and I wasn't and probably will never be part of team Matt. See for yourself.

It is a dark and incredibly sad book at some points. I will say that it deals with some very adult issues towards the late middle and end of the book that makes the book more for an older teen audience. I would not recommend it to those under 14 or 15. The struggles and obstacles that the characters overcome is immense, Haylee and Jaycie especially the readers see so much growth in. I loved it and can't wait to check out book 2, Unnatural Law, available now on kindle and nook.


I recommend Darwin's Children to fans of:





10/29/2011

Fangs for Nothing by Adrianne Ambrose Review

Fangs for Nothing by Adrianne Ambrose
★★★★☆
Release Date: June 21, 2011
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Vampires
Format: e-book
Source: Author
Buy it: Kindle, Nook
Grab some garlic and start sharpening your mother's wooden spoons because there are vampires living in the most unlikely of places. I’ve always wanted to meet a vampire. Not to stake some poor bloodsucker as he sleeps in his coffin or have some sexy vampiress bite me on the neck, but just to see a creature so rare and infamous. What can I say? Some people want to sail to Easter Island, others want to fling themselves out of an airplane, I want to shake hands with a vampire. Well, maybe I should prioritize getting a girlfriend first, but a vampire sighting is pretty high up on the list. Trust me, a lot of kids my age dream about it. Like my two best friends, Rini and Xander. We spent half the summer searching the most notorious cities in the United States for the undead, but so far, no luck. That’s why it came as a total shock to discover a living, breathing vampire in our hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. (Okay, so he’s more undead and not breathing, but you get the picture.) At first we were kind of excited, but then pretty freaked because it turns out our new fanged friend has a hold on the city's teenage population and a specific thirst for their blood. Which, in a word—bites.
I sat down to read a bit of Fangs for Nothing and finished the whole book in one sitting! It is a fun and very entertaining book for all fans of ya, especially those interested in paranormal reads. I can't wait to read more by this addicting author.

Herbert, or Sherbie the main character, is what I'd normally call the best friend; nothing special but there for comedic relief and a well-rounded secondary character. He seems to ride on the coattails of his buddy Xander (who is while incredibly hot, rich, modest, and sweet as well). Surprisingly though, even with his character flaws and low self esteem, Sherbie was a great lead character very relate-able and interesting to follow, he leads the show.

Along with these Sherbie and Xander there is Rini, a shy and cat-like girl who seemed to have worse self-image issues than Sherbie. Rini is a snarky girl and an admirable part of the story, she definitely makes everything more complicated with her quest for happiness, as I'd call it. My favorite character in the book is Sherbie's grandma, she's a firecracker. I kept waiting for her to know more than she led on, read the book and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about!

As anyone can tell Fangs for Nothing is not lacking amazing characters, and it also has a fascinating story as well. One that kept me hooked and flipping pages faster than my hands could move. Sometimes when I sit down to read a vampire book I find myself rolling my eyes or yawning, not this time.

The story Adrianne Ambrose weaves of these three, very different, friends is one of vampire searching and acceptance (not just from others). Many people can relate with one or all three well developed characters. While I'd consider it a paranormal or supernatural comedy it also has so much more to be found in the pages like romance, thrills, and mystery. With a wonderful set of personalities and an addicting premise this book flows neatly from passage to passage as they search for vampires, finding one closer to home than they ever imagined. I enjoyed this book and consumed the pages quickly, a great read.

I would compare this story to Rachel Caine's Morganville series. It's a refreshing take on the vampire category and makes you laugh out loud along the way. I recommend it to everyone!!