Review: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Hourglass

Written by Myra McEntire
Release Date: June 14, 2011
Published by EgmontUSA
*Arc provided by AmazonVine in exchange for an honest review
 

Summary from Goodreads:

"One hour to rewrite the past . . .
 
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.
So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut."

My Thoughts:

Hourglass was such interesting book!  It was a little slow to start but after a few chapters I was hooked!  The cover is to die for and I have been in cover lust since I first laid eyes on it.  I started reading the book unsure of what it was really about.  The summary on the book jacket doesn't really let on to the theme and I have to say that I enjoyed the surprise (So I won't spoil it for you either!).  I will say that the plot was full of unexpected twists and Myra McEntire did a fabulous job keeping the reader guessing.  The characters in the book where developed nicely and all of them (minus her brother and sister-in-law) had secrets and hidden layers.  The secrets came to light as the story progressed but there are still many that have yet to be revealed (hello book two!).  The main protagonist Emerson was really cool.  She seemed like someone that I would like to be friends with.  She carried a ton of emotional baggage due to tragedies in her past.  She also struggled to come to terms with her 'gift' and her total lack of knowledge as to what it was and what all of it meant.  Even through all of that she still pushed forward.  She was really strong and tried so hard to do what was best for all of those around her.  When she meets Michael her world does a complete 180!  Ahhh.... Michael!!  The gorgeous, caring, chivalrous knight in shining armor!  He had all of the answers to the burning questions Emerson has been searching for.  The answers, however, do not come easy.  Michael is complicated and also very hard to read, but Emerson is inexplicably drawn to him (as he is to her).  Once the two of them meet she is thrust into one seriously crazy power struggle with consequences that are more far-reaching than you can imagine!  I had no idea how the book was going to end until I actually read the ending- and I love that!  There was a surprise plot twist every time I thought I had it figured out.  I was satisfied with how everything was left, but it has me seriously pining for the next book!  I recommend this book to EVERYONE!  If you love a good story, interesting plot, great characters, and a surprise around every corner then this book is the book for you!!  An absolutely stunning debut from Myra McEntire!!

Review: Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton

Blood Magic

(The Blood Journals #1)
Written by Tessa Gratton
Release Date: May 24, 2011
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
*arc provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review

Summary from Goodreads:

"This page-turning debut novel will entice fans who like their paranormal romances dark and disturbing. It's a natural next-read for fans of Stephanie Meyer, Carrie Jones, and Becca Fitzpatrick. But instead of mythical creatures, blood magic has everything to do with primal human desires like power, wealth, and immortality.

Everywhere Silla Kennicott turns she sees blood. She can't stop thinking about her parents alleged murder-suicide. She is consumed by a book filled with spells that arrives mysteriously in the mail. The spells share one common ingredient: blood, and Silla is more than willing to cast a few. What's a little spilled blood if she can uncover the truth? And then there's Nick—the new guy at school who makes her pulse race. He has a few secrets of his own and is all too familiar with the lure of blood magic. Drawn together by a combination of fate and chemistry, Silla and Nick must find out who else in their small Missouri town knows their secret and will do anything to take the book and magic from Silla. "

My Thoughts:

After you read this book you will never look at your blood in the same way again!  I really enjoyed reading Blood Magic! The plot was so original and had enough twists and turns in it to give you whiplash! Magic, romance, danger, suspense, murder, and the quest for immortality made it difficult to put down and kept me reading way too late into the night.  I felt like I really got to know the characters and I felt connected to them.  The chapters alternated points of view between Silla and Nick, as well as occasional journal entries from other characters.  I like this style of writing and I feel that it adds to the character's development. Silla and Nick were my favorite characters.  Silla was dealing with some heavy emotions and the discovery of her 'magic' was the spark that brought her back to life.  Nick was just a really cool guy.  He was not as easy to figure out as Silla and their relationship was very natural and sweet.  I really enjoyed the unexpected plot twists!  It was hard to figure out who the villain was!  I have to say that when it was finally revealed I was very surprised!  The pace of the book was fast enough to keep you engaged, but not so fast that you feel that the story is rushed.  Tessa Gratton did a great job with the setting and tone of the book.  I could easily picture everything in my head, especially the graveyard that is the central point of most of the important events in the story.  I would highly recommend Blood Magic to readers that enjoyed books like Beautiful Creatures and Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl or anyone that likes a good gothic romance!  It is a stunning debut novel and I can't wait for the next installment in The Blood Journals series!

Review: Clarity by Kim Harrington

Clarity

Written by Kim Harrington

Available Now!

Published by Point

*Review copy provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.

Summary from Goodreads:

"When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.
And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case--but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother--who has supernatural gifts of his own--becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?"

My Thoughts:
Clarity has been on my wishlist since it began popping up around the blogosphere months ago.  The reviews I read were all pretty stellar and I do love a good paranormal murder mystery!  After reading the book, I can say without a doubt that the early reviews I read were spot on!  Clarity is very well written.  Kim Harrington did a phenomenal job creating a story that kept me guessing throughout.  It was so suspensful that I had a hard time putting the book down!  All of  the characters peaked my interest as well.  As the story unfolded so did the characters.  There was more to each of them than you initially thought and that type of character development adds to the suspenseful nature of this book.  I really liked the main character Clare.  She was strong, determined, and able to maintain a thick-skin against the constant taunts and name-calling from her peers.  Her psychic ability isn't the main storyline in the book, although, it is because of her gift that she is thrust into the middle of a dangerous murder investigation.  After the tragic murder of a teenage tourist, Clare is asked to 'asssist' the police by using her psychic ability.  Clare is put face to face with more danger than she could have imagined but luckily she isn't alone!  The classic YA love triangle was present in the story.  Should Clare go for the ex-boyfriend, who is the all-american good guy or should she go for the new guy in town, who happens to be ultra mysterious and superhot?  Both guys hold appeal for Clare, but there are things about each of them that make her hesitate.  I liked both of the guys and I was still undecided at the end of the book as to which one I wanted to see Clare with.  One of my favorite parts of this book was Clare's family.  Each member had some type of 'gift' and they used their abilities and worked together giving readings to the local tourists.  You could really tell how much they loved each other and how they would do whatever was necessary to ensure each other's well being.  Their family (and their business) is threatened when a rival psychic sets up shop in town.  The family falls on hard times and paired with the recent murder, it looks pretty bleak for Clare, her family, and their business.  The end of the story is exciting!  Shocking revelations are discovered as the investigation nears its end and Clare finds that everything she holds dear could be in jeopardy.  The people in her life that she thought were her friends could be enemies and her enemies could really be her friends!  You will just have to read it to find out!  Lisa Harrington's has secured her place in YA with this one.  I cannot wait to see what happens next in Clare's story.  The second book in the series, titled Perception, is scheduled for release in March of 2012.    

Review: Purpose by Kristie Cook

Purpose (Souls Savers #2)
Written by Kristie Cook
Release Date: December 15, 2010
Published by Ang'dora Productions
*Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review*


Summary from Goodreads:
"Lost in despair, Alexis teeters on the edge of an abyss, her lifeline of hope fraying into a thin thread. If it snaps, she’ll plunge into complete darkness. With the help of her son and her writing, she’s been able to hold on. Until now. Erratic impulses, disturbing delusions and her own demonic blood threaten her sanity. When she’s forced to choose between hanging onto hope or letting go to serve her Amadis purposes, she faces a decision with inconceivable sacrifices.

Alexis runs to the one place she thinks will provide answers, only to find herself at the center of another battle of good versus evil, not only with the Daemoni, not only within herself…but also against the worst opponent imaginable. But even if she wins, what will she lose?"

My Thoughts: 
I have been racking my brain trying to find a way to review this book in a way that does it justice.  I guess I could start by saying that it is INCREDIBLE!  I felt this exact same way after reading the first book in this series, Promise, but Purpose is even better!  If you haven't read Promise STOP HERE and go get it NOW!!  I would hate to spoil any of the goodness for you in this review of the second book!........ Purpose picks up in the present.  Alexis has been dealing with her husband/soulmate's absence the best way that she can which equals just existing.  The only bright spot in her despair is her and Tristan's son, Dorian.  She has been passing the time writing and her books are wildly popular.  But all Alexis focuses on is holding on to the promise Tristan made to her before he left for the ill-fated battle at the end of book one- "I'll be back- I promise".  While reading this portion of the book I really could feel Alexis' despair and desperation.  I felt so bad for her and I so wanted Tristan to reappear.  Kristie Cook did such a fantastic job relating the character's emotions and making them jump off the page.  Her characters are so real to you while you read their story and I felt so connected to them.  Her attention to detail doesn't end with the characters.  The Amadis and the Daemoni are better understood in this book.  Many of the questions I carried over from the Promise were answered in this book.  The plot was seamless and Kristie's writing flowed beautifully.  I just love how easy it is for me to sit down with one of her books and realize hours later that I have actually been reading that long!  The time seems to slip away as you get sucked into the story!  As far as endings go- this one is missing NOTHING!  It is climatic, action-packed, and fulfilling.  Of course there is still the open-door for the next installment, but I was satisfied with where it left off.  I can't even tell you how often I have recommended Promise to friends, colleagues and blog followers.  Now I will have to sing the praises of this book as well because it is 100% deserving!!  I would like to clarify that this IS NOT A YA book!  It contains adult situations, sexual content(fanning myself as we speak!)  and my SUPER HOT ROMANTIC Dream guy (aka Tristan)!  I would recommend this to ages 17 and up.  
Thank you Kristie Cook for not only giving me a much needed Tristan fix- but one helluva story to go with it!!  I am already swooning for the third book!  Purpose releases tomorrow, so make sure you order your copy TODAY!  Also don't miss the Twitter Virtual Release Party TONIGHT @ 8pm est!  For more info on all of the fun and prizes available during the Release Party go HERE!

*If you would like to learn more about The Soul Savers Series or Kristie Cook you can find more info through the following links:

Kristie Cook/Promise/Purpose/Goodreads
 

Intrinsical ~ Blog Tour Sign-Ups and Review!!!!!

Intrinsical
Written by Lani Woodland
Available Now!!!
Published by Pendrell Publishing
*arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
 If you love a good ghost story.... I have found the book for you!  Not only is the cover 'to die for', but the story is original and engaging!  I am so excited about this book that I am teaming up with the author, Lani Woodland, to offer other bloggers a chance to read and review the book.  We are sending Intrinsical out on tour (US Only)!  Please read the book's summary and my review and if you like what you read and want the opportunity to read and review it yourself, then be sure to fill out the form at the bottom of this post. This book tour will operate like an arc tour:  you receive the book- read the book- review the book- and mail it to the next blogger on the list. I really enjoyed the book and I know you guys will too!!  Don't miss this opportunity to read an incredible book and support an amazing debut author!

Summary from Goodreads:
"Sixteen-year-old Yara Silva has always known that ghosts walk alongside the living. Her grandma, like the other females in her family, is a Waker, someone who can see and communicate with ghosts. Yara grew up watching her grandmother taunted and scorned for this unusual ability and doesn't want that to be her future. She has been dreading the day when she too would see ghosts, and is relieved that the usually dominant Waker gene seems to have skipped her, letting her live a normal teenage life. However, all that changes for Yara on her first day at her elite boarding school when she discovers the gene was only lying dormant. She witnesses a dark mist attack Brent, a handsome fellow student, and rushes to his rescue. Her act of heroism draws the mist's attention, and the dark spirit begins stalking her. Yara finds herself entrenched in a sixty-year-old curse that haunts the school, threatening not only her life, but the lives of her closest friends as well. Yara soon realizes that the past she was trying to put behind her isn't going to go quietly."

My Thoughts:
Obviously you know I L-O-V-E this book!  It's pages were full of suspense, intrigue, and action.  The plot was fast-paced and original, forcing me to turn pages late into the night.  Lani Woodland did a fantastic job creating interesting characters that I found easy to connect with and care for.  The main character, Yara, wanted to be 'normal' and had spent her life denying and avoiding her family's heritage.  She was afraid of being labeled 'crazy' like her grandmother.  However, she enrolls at Pendrell (an elite boarding school with a rumored curse) and finds herself in the middle of a supernatural showdown!  As the story unfolds, Yara's character undergoes a spiritual 'extreme makeover'.  She is thrust into a battle against dark forces as the lines between life and death begin to blur.  With her special talents awakening, Yara begins to understand who she really is and what she is capable of doing in order to protect herself and those she cares for.  I really liked Yara.  Her character was genuine and believable and the 'Waker' abilities were a neat spin on the classic "I can see dead people" paranormal storyline.  The romance between Yara and Brent was sweet and innocent.  I did find myself frustrated at times as both Yara and Brent tried to deny what they were feeling for one another, but I guess it makes the growing love between them more realistic.  Lani did a great job at keeping the reader guessing!  Just when I thought I had it all figured out something different would happen!  The ending gave satisfying closure to the events in the book.  I do hope we haven't seen the last of Yara, Brent, and the rest of characters!  Congrats to Lani Woodland for writing such an impressive debut!  I look forward to reading more from her!!

Intrinsical Tour Sign-up
Are you are interested in reading and reviewing Intrinsical by Lani Woodland?  If so, then just fill out the form below.  This tour is limited to US residents and bloggers 13 years of age or older.  I will be contacting all of the bloggers that sign up to verify their contact information.  Thanks for supporting Lani and I hope you enjoy Intrinsical as much as I did!!         

Review: Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Raised By Wolves

Written by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Available Now!!

Published by Egmont USA

I was really looking forward to reading this book!  I love a good werewolf story and the synopsis for Raised By Wolves sounded intriguing.  I was not prepared to open this book and remained glued to its pages!  I can honestly say that Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is the best werewolf story I have read to date!!

Summary from Goodreads:
"Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?"

My Thoughts: 
This book was incredible!  Jennifer Lynn Barnes crafted a beautiful tale that went far beyond your typical story of a human girl and a werewolf boy.  Instead, she wrote a story about what it means to be part of a 'pack': the good parts, the bad parts, the scary parts, and the romantic part.  No stone was left unturned in Bryn's world.  I believe that the true strength of this novel was found within its characters.  The main characters were fully developed and complex.  Bryn was a strong female protagonist.  The circumstances of her life required her to be tough, both mentally and physically.  Bryn was never afraid to stand her ground, even though she was supposed to be submit to the pack rules and way of life.  She desperately wanted to hold on to her individuality and privacy.  This was not easy for Bryn because she was a human immersed in a world that revolved around the 'pack bond' with shared thoughts and feelings and allegiance to the pack's Alpha, Callum.  The rules that govern their kind were supreme and the law.  Bryn pushed her boundaries and the patience of Callum and the rest of the pack with her lack of regard for these rules.  Things get even more complicated for Bryn when she feels drawn to Callum's basement. There she discovers Chase, a cute teenage boy being held in a cage, who also happens to change into a wolf that wants to kill her!  Bryn wants answers about Chase- why he is there, why she feels so drawn to him, and why she was kept in the dark about his presence.  What entails is a thrilling journey of danger, suspense, and self-discovery for Bryn- resulting in Bryn truly having  her eyes opened to what 'pack' really means.

The author did such a great job with all of the characters.  I loved how the female characters were portrayed in the story.  All of them, Were and human, were smart, strong and able to take care of themselves.  I loved Ali.  She stepped in as Bryn's 'mother' and was human as well.  She was fiercely protective of Bryn and not afraid to challenge 'the pack' when it came to Bryn's safety.  Callum's character was one of my favorites too.  He was not only the pack's Alpha and the oldest, most powerful Werewolf, he was also Bryn's guardian.  The bond and the love between him and Bryn was obvious, but 'pack business' always took presidence over being a 'father figure' to her.  He always did the best that he could for her, although I found myself questioning his decisions at different points in the book.  I would love to hear more of his long history in future installments in this series.  Oh Devon, Devon, Devon!  He was just a riot!!  He was Bryn's best friend and the only known metrosexual werewolf that enjoyed belting out show tunes and putting on theatrical performances!  He provided comic relief when needed and would lay his life down for Bryn.  I can't wait to see what is in store for him in this series!  I would love to tell you about Chase, the teenage werewolf Bryn is so drawn to, but I feel like anything I say would be too spoilery!  So I will just say this.... He is one hot hunk of wolf!!


This was such a good book that the pages seemed to turn themselves!  The pace was perfect and there was just enough action, suspense, romance and humor to make this a 5 star read!  The ending was satisfying and answered most of the book's burning questions and properly set the stage for the next installment.  I highly recommend this book to EVERYONE- I bet you'll love it too!  I cannot wait for the next book in the series titled Trial By Fire which is due for release in 2011.

Review: The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Daughter 
(The Iron Fey Series, #2)
Written by Julie Kagawa
Release Date: August 1, 2010
Published by HarlequinTeen
*Arc bound copy provided by HarlequinTeen and e-book copy provided by NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved The Iron King!  The Faery World that Julie Kagawa created in it was so vivid and enchanting.  I was crossing my fingers that the sequel would live up to its predecessor.  Let me just say....I LOVE JULIE KAGAWA!!  She not only wrote a sequel that lived up to the first book- it was BETTER!!  Is it possible to improve on perfection?  Yes! 

Summary provided by Goodreads:
"Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron Fey, iron-bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's alone in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart." 

My Thoughts:

Ok... So I am thinking of doing a little double dating!  I just can't decide which fae hottie I love more! Puck or Ash???  I will admit that in The Iron King I was Team Ash, but after reading The Iron Daughter, I am so torn- I love them both!!  On one hand you have Ash~ Unseelie Prince, so gorgeous it hurts to look at him, plays hard to get etc.. Then you have Puck~ cute, loyal, up front about his feelings for Meghan, is a summer fae like her, and has been her protector and best friend long before all the fae craziness began.  Oh decisions, decisions!!  So it must be pretty obvious that there is plenty of romance in this one!  We do get to meet some interesting new characters this time around, like Leanansidhe, but I really loved meeting back up with some of my favorites from the first book (Grimalkin!!).  Grimalkin lazily pops up from time to time in this book, always when needed, always bored, but always exactly right about what should be done!  (I am not a cat person-allergies- but I would sneeze all day if I could have my own Grim!)  We also get to know Mab (Unseelie Queen) better.  She is still cold and scary as crap, but seeing the Winter Court in action was so interesting.  The Winter Court is vastly different (obviously!) from the Summer Court, and seeing Ash and his family's interactions with their subjects was very enlightening.  Ash did act much differently towards Meghan once they arrived at the Winter Court, and I found myself (as did Meghan) wondering if he was acting so distant and cold because he was protecting her from the wrath of Mab or if he truly didn't want her, only saying and doing the things he did with her in the first book as a means to get her to the Winter Court as ordered.  You will have to read the book to find out more about that because I don't want to spoil anything for you!  

So you may be wondering about The Iron Fey???  Well, The Iron King ended with Meghan killing the Iron King, Machina, and one would think that the Iron Fey would now leave Meghan alone.  Unfortunately, that wouldn't make for good reading and adventure, so brace yourself for another awesome showdown!!  Meghan finds herself in more of an iron mess this time around and the adventures will keep you glued to the page!!  In other words, this book is full of adventure and suspense, and moves at a fast pace.  The ending...... WOW!!  It was explosive and left me reeling!!  I cannot wait for The Iron Queen to release (February 2011) so I can see what kind of new magic Julie Kagawa weaves for Meghan and her friends!

*If you haven't read The Iron King then go out and get it NOW and make sure you pick up this book too- you will want to read it asap!  If you read the first one, then I have no doubt that you are already chomping at the bit for The Iron Daughter!!  Bravo Julie Kagawa- you are faery royalty!!

Review: Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus

Shadow Hills

Written by Anastasia Hopcus

Published by Egmont USA

Available Now!!!! (Released July 13, 2010)
*arc provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*

I have been waiting FOREVER to read Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus!  This is her debut novel, and the first book in a new paranormal YA series.  The wait was definitely worth it!  This book ROCKED!!

Summary from Goodreads:

His love captivated her... his secrets might kill her.

Since her sister’s mysterious death, Persephone “Phe” Archer has been plagued...m"His love captivated her... his secrets might kill her.

Since her sister’s mysterious death, Persephone “Phe” Archer has been plagued by a series of disturbing dreams. Determined to find out what happened to her sister, Phe enrolls at Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts—the subject of her sister’s final diary entry.

After stepping on campus, Phe immediately realizes that there’s something different about this place—an unexplained epidemic that decimated the town in the 1700s, an ancient and creepy cemetery, and gorgeous boy Zach—and somehow she’s connected to it all.

But the more questions she asks and the deeper she digs, the more entangled Phe becomes in the haunting past of Shadow Hills. Finding what links her to this town…might cost her her life."

My Thoughts
This was such a refreshing read!  Anastasia Hopcus delivers an original paranormal storyline, with strong characters, and suspense at every turn!  The mixture of science, biology, and supernatural elements added to the originality of this book and made it unlike any other book I've read.  No detail was left unattended by Hopcus and the amount of research she must have done was evident. 
 
Hopcus introduced us to a wide array of interesting characters.  While reading, I could picture all of them in my mind.  The main character, Phe, was strong-willed and didn't take crap from anyone.  She was on a mission for answers surrounding her sister's (Athena) death and her own disturbing dreams.  She was relentless in this quest, which also became a journey of self-discovery for her.  She learns that the secrets held by the locals of Shadow Hills are more closely tied to her than she could have imagined.  I have to say that there were points in the book that I wanted to take Phe and yell at her "WHAT ARE YOU THINKING'!!!!  Some of the decisions she made were just so completely reckless and unsafe- but that is Phe!  There was definitely no shortage of hotties in this book either!  There was the mysterious, gorgeous, slightly dangerous love interest (Zach), there was the uber hot, yet super dangerous bad boy (Trent), and the cute and reliable best friend (Graham).  Phe's connection with Zach was intense and electric (literally!)  They had the odds stacked against them and multiple forces trying to tear them apart.  Even through all of this, they could not stay away from each other.  I really look forward to seeing the progression of their relationship in future installments of this series!

The pacing was perfect!  There really was no dull moment in the book (or dull character) and I hated having to put it down (who needs dinner? right?!).  I found the ending to be climatic and the unanswered questions that remain set the stage nicely for the next book.  This is one of my favorite books of 2010 and I cannot wait to read the next one!!!  Anastasia Hopcus is a wonderful new addition to the ya scene and she can count me in as one of her biggest fans!!! 

The Seven Rays by Jessica Bendinger

  
 

The Seven Rays is the unbelievable debut novel from author, Jessica Bendinger.  This may be her first novel, but she is no stranger to producing hits among the young adult audience!  Aside from writing this mesmerizing book,  she is a successful Hollywood screenwriter.   She wrote the cheerleading hit movie "Bring It On"  and she wrote and directed the gymnastics movie "Stick It".  I believe Jessica Bendinger knows what teenagers like and I am confidant that they will devour this book and demand seconds!!!!!


Summary from www.thesevenrays.com:
When seventeen year-old honors student Beth Michaels starts receiving gold envelopes with messages like, YOU ARE MORE THAN YOU THINK YOU ARE, she thinks that a crazy person might be stalking her. When she begins seeing people’s thoughts, feelings, and personal histories on their electromagnetic fields, she thinks that she might be a crazy person. And then when the hottest boy in town, Richie Mac, kisses and becomes obsessed with her, she knows that something’s up.
But she can deal with all of that until her mom gets freaked out by her erratic behavior and sends her to a psychiatric institute for observation. It is here where Beth finds out that she was adopted under mysterious circumstances and perhaps has supernatural powers. Now all she has to do is break out of the ward – with Richie’s help – and road trip to New York to discover who she really is and why all this is happening to her…
Is it possible that Beth might be more than she thinks she is?

My Thoughts:
When I reflect back on this book, one word comes to mind... WOW!  I enjoyed every page of this incredible read!  The story was highly original.  This is the first paranormal romance that I have read that dealt with this subject matter.  It was truly unlike anything I have ever read.  This novel is a beautiful coming-of-age tale.  There is the perfect mix of 'tingley' romance (you'll get that reference after you read the book!), page-turning suspense (Will they make it in time?) and knee- slapping humor (thanks to the main character Beth)!  The characters truly came to life on the pages.  I really enjoyed the voice given to Beth.  She was super smart, brave, compassionate and really funny!  I feel like I got a lesson in teenage slang reading this!!  I guess that kinda leaks my age- high school was over a LONG time ago for me ( 18 years ago!) and although I teach in public school, I'll be the first to admit that I am not up to date on a lot of that lingo!  My 18 year old neice says my texts to her are hilarious because I usually spell everything out and then have to text her back and ask her what the heck she just said to me in her text! I digress....
     A heads up for parents or younger readers.... there is quite a bit of sexual content in this book.  There is no sex, but there is talk about sex, condoms, sexual tension and a REALLY steamy make-out scene involving Beth and Richie ( her boyfriend/major hottie!) that may send you into a cold shower after reading!  So younger readers or those easily offended by sexual content might want to consider what I said before reading this book.
     Overall, I would (and already have) recommend this book to others that enjoy a good paranormal romance!  There are so many areas touched on in this book that directly affect many teenagers and young adults.   We see Beth struggle with love, forgiveness, family, friendship and self-discovery.  She sets off to find the true purpose of her life and her destiny.  This story wraps up all of those themes in such an awesome package!  I am so anxious for the sequel (which is said to be in the works! :] )  If you like paranormal, mystical stories or just plain good books- then go check this book out!  I doubt you will regret it!  Happy Reading!!

Meridian By Amber Kizer

***4.5 Stars***

I loved this book!  It was an exciting read from front to back!  Meridian by Amber Kizer is about a 16 year old girl named Meridian Sozu.  She desperately wants to be "normal".  Unfortunately, she has been anything but since the day she was born.  As a small child she always awoke in the morning sharing her bed with an assortment of dead insects and small animals.  As she got older the dying animals continued seeking her.  Death is her constant companion and the dying are drawn to her.  She never understood why this was happening to her or why she was always sick and in pain until the day of her 16th birthday.  After witnessing a horrific car crash she was immediately debilitated by intense pain and a sense of dying.  It was then that her father came to her rescue and drove her from the scene.  He was frantic to get her away from not only the crash site but from her family as well.  He told her that she was a fenestra (half angel/ half human) and that she was in grave danger.  He also told her that she had to leave right away to go live with her "Auntie" in Colorado.  There she could learn more about what she is and how to protect herself from the unknown danger that is after her.  She arrives in Colorado heartbroken, confused and sad.  It is in this small town of Revelation, Colorado that she learns the truth about what she is, what she is destined to do and that everything in this small forgotten town is not what it seems.  Fortunately, she is no longer alone in her journey.  She meets Tens, a handsome teenage boy that helps take care of Auntie and also happens to be Meridian's sworn protector.  Together with Tens and Auntie, Meridian must face her destiny and find a way to restore the balance of good and evil in a war that she never knew existed.

Amber Kizer's Meridian is a fast-paced story that includes danger, intrigue, romance, spirituality and hope!  I enjoyed the refreshingly original story line and feel that the author did a great job with making the characters likable and believable.  The book's unique take on death and the afterlife will give its readers something to think about.  What a wonderful start to a new YA paranormal series!  Teens and adults alike will be hungry for the next installment!