The Vast and Brutal Sea by Zoraida Córdova Review

Name: The Vast and Brutal Sea (The Vicious Deep #3)
Author: Zoraida Córdova
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: July 1st, 2014
Format: E-Book ARC
336 pages

Thank you so much Sourcebooks Fire for sending me a copy of this book to review!

Summary:
This epic clash of sand and sea will pit brother against brother-and there can only be one winner.

In two days, the race for the Sea Court throne will be over-but all the rules have changed. The sea witch, Nieve, has kidnapped Layla and is raising an army of mutant sea creatures to overthrow the crown. Kurt, the one person Tristan could depend on in the battle for the Sea King's throne, has betrayed him. 

Now Kurt wants the throne for himself. Tristan has the Scepter of the Earth, but it's not enough. He'll have to travel to the mysterious, lost Isle of Tears and unleash the magic that first created the king's powerful scepter. It's a brutal race to the finish, and there can only be one winner.

Goodreads

My Review:
What a fantastic ending to a phenomenal series! From the start, I have been a huge fan of both books in The Vicious Deep series and The Vast and Brutal Sea is a really great way to end this fun ride!

What I really liked about The Vast and Brutal Sea was the plot! It definitely was fast paced and it was nice seeing all of my favorite characters back together again. I also liked how Zoraida made everything so detailed and we got to meet new characters and see different places which was great as well. I also really (still) like that the book is from Tristian's perspective! I thought over time I would not like the book being voiced by a male character but I really liked it and I loved reading Tristian's funny banter.

What I also really loved about the The Vast and Brutal Sea was that it was action packed, but the novel also was able to tie up loose ends, and add some romance in too. I also liked seeing Tristian really step into the role of a leader. In the first two books, Tristian was more watching from the sidelines but in this one we really got to see him step up to the plate.

Overall, I really liked The Vast Brutal Sea and I'm sad to see the series end! Definitely a solid ending to a solid series. I'm hoping that there will be some sort of e-book novella in the future so I can read more about Tristian's adventures.

My Rating:

The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass Review

Name: The One
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: May 6th, 2014
Format: E-Book
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336 pages

Summary:
The highly anticipated conclusion to Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series, The One will captivate readers who love dystopian YA fiction and fairy tales. 

The One is the perfect finale for fans who have followed America's whirlwind romance since it began--and a swoon-worthy read for teens who have devoured Veronica Roth's Divergent, Ally Condie's Matched, or Lauren Oliver's Delirium. 

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen--and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants. 

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!

Goodreads

My Review:
After months of waiting, the final book in the Selection series, One, has been released. I'm not going to lie and say that I absolutely loved this book...because I didn't. I thought it was a fine ending to what started as a magnificent series. I absolutely LOVED the first book, and the second book fell flat for me. This book, I definitely went into with an open mind but again this book just didn't hit it for me.

First the bad: what really bothered me about this book was how rushed it was!!! Considering this was the last book in the series, I thought it would be at least 400 pages. I thought the beginning of the book definitely was at a good pace, but the ending of the book felt so rushed and it really left me unsatisfied. Some of the plotlines in this book were either dragged out for wayyy too long, or they were so so so so short. I also didn't like how little worldbuilding we got out of this series. I would have loved to learn more about how the society ended up with the castes and how they got to be under a King. There was so much more to be developed and I still had so many questions at the end of this book. What also disappointed me was that this book felt like it wasn't meant for the YA audience, I could see my middle school self reading this book and loving it, but as an older teen not so much. Yes, the book ended with ******SPOILER****** Maxon and America together which is what I really wanted, but the way Kiera Cass got to that result just didn't seem right to me.

What I did like about this book is of course the romance between Maxon and America. I think they are so sweet together and I am glad they ended up together. I also really liked the minor characters as well, it was nice to see America get along so well with her maids and other members in the royal guard. The drama in this book was great too! Definitely kept me on the edge of my seat at points (even though many parts were rushed).

Overall, what started as a phenomenal series for me ended up falling flat. If only there was more character development, world building, and being longer, I definitely would have liked this book more. Yes, the ending was happy and I was happy reading it--but as a series as a whole Kiera Cass could have done so much more with this book instead of rushing to finish it.


My Rating:

Allegiant by Veronica Roth Review

Name: Allegiant
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: October 22nd, 2013
Format: E-Book

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Summary:

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

My Review:
Oh man. Ohhh man. I read Allegiant the week after it came out; but I've been stalling on this review up until now. 
The reason why is simple: because I've invested so much love in the Divergent series, and, like a parent whose kid brings home a less than satisfactory report card, I'm not angry with Veronica Roth after finishing it. Just disappointed. 

I guess it's worth noting that a common trend in dystopian YA trilogies is a significant dip in quality from the first book to the second; and again from the second to the third. Even the massive juggernaut that is the Hunger Games trilogy suffers from this problem: if Mockingjay had been the first book in the trilogy, I guarantee you that it would not have become a global phenomenon. And maybe it was stupid of me, but I really, really hoped that Allegiant would be different. 

I mean, Veronica Roth really seemed to care about her world and her characters. There was such a sureness and a sense of purpose in her writing, like she truly knew what was going on and wasn't just making it all up as she went along. I was so excited for her to pull back the curtain on the warring factions and show us all the corrupted glory behind it - and yet when the time came, she didn't deliver. Not even a little bit. In fact, I can think of literally nothing about this novel that didn't disappoint me in some way. 

Tris and Tobias' alternating perspectives sounded great in theory, but in execution, it quickly became clear that not only was this not helping the story, it was actually damaging it. Roth's weaknesses were on display as I found myself flipping back to check who was talking every time there was a chapter break - that's how indistinguishable the main character's voices became. As for the rest of the characters; well, the less said about them, the better - either they fade into the background, meet some undeserved fate, or become completely 2-dimensional. 

The plot, too, is underwhelming; serving up some heavy-handed allegorical lessons without the gutsy, meaty fun that accompanied the original clash between the five factions. Everything I as a reader believed to be important to the world of the series was systematically stripped away and devalued; and not in an awe-inspiring way. Instead, it just left me feeling confused, sad, and very much alone - rather like the characters who manage to squeak past Roth's merciless death count. 

The only thing that truly stands out about Allegiant is its ending, and all that served to do was put the entire series in a new, depressing light. Some people might say that what she does is a bold move, but in reality it's just like the rest of the book: unfocused, heavy-handed, and ultimately empty. 

The sad thing is, the Divergent series used to be my absolute favorite. Now...well, I'm not even sure if I'll see the movie. Sorry, V-Roth, but this effort was subpar at best. 


My Rating:

Of Triton (Of Poseidon # 2) by Anna Banks Review

Name: Of Triton

Author: Anna Banks

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Release Date: May 28th, 2013

Format: Library Book
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246 pages

Summary:
In this sequel to OF POSEIDON, Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm below. Syrena law states that all Half- Breeds should be put to death.

As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance among the Syrena turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?

Goodreads

My Review:
As everyone knows, I really love reading YA mermaid novels...there is something about them that just intrigues me so much! Anyways, Of Triton definitely was a great followup novel to Of Poseidon! While it did lack some of the magic that was present in the first novel, I still really enjoyed this one!

One of my favorite parts about this series definitely is the relationship that Emma has with Galen! I did wish they had more interactions in this book..but it was still fun seeing them together! I really think they are a great couple and I can't wait for them to progress more in the next book. The plot of this book was really great as well..it definitely wasn't too fast paced and I liked seeing more of the underworld kingdom and how the Syrena's live.

The only thing that kind of bothered me in this book was Emma's mom. She just became a totally different person in this book and it annoyed me. She just completely forgot about her husband..just saying that their relationship was an "agreement" and nothing else. I don't think that was okay for her to tell that to Emma...it just made things even more confusing. I mean, who wants their parents to tell them that their relationship is just an agreement? She just became more annoying in this book and I was sad to see her change so much from the first book.

Overall, I really enjoyed Of Triton! I definitely can't wait to read the next book in the series and to see what is in store for all of our favorite characters: especially Emma and Galen!

My Rating:

Goddess by Josephine Angelini Review

Name: Goddess (Starcrossed # 3)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: May 28th, 2013
Format: Hardcover
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421 pages

Summary:

After accidentally unleashing the gods from their captivity on Olympus, Helen must find a way to re-imprison them without starting a devastating war. But the gods are angry, and their thirst for blood already has a body count.

To make matters worse, the Oracle reveals that a diabolical Tyrant is lurking among them, which drives a wedge between the once-solid group of friends. As the gods use the Scions against one another, Lucas’s life hangs in the balance. Still unsure whether she loves him or Orion, Helen is forced to make a terrifying decision, for war is coming to her shores.

In Josephine Angelini’s compelling conclusion to the masterfully woven Starcrossed trilogy, a goddess must rise above it all to change a destiny that’s been written in the stars. With worlds built just as fast as they crumble, love and war collide in an all-out battle that will leave no question unanswered and no heart untouched.

Goodreads

My Review:
Wow...I can't believe this series is actually over! I seriously was blown away by the finale to this epic series...it was well written, had tons of action, and of course romance :)

What I really liked about Goddess is that we really got to see how much Helen has grown over the series. No longer do we see the shy girl who is unsure of herself, but now we see Helen as someone who will do anything to protect her loved ones and is willing to do anything to protect them. I also thought it was interesting to read about the new powers that Helen gains..I don't want to give away any spoilers but Helen becomes very powerful in this book and I liked seeing the new talents she gained. The plot of Goddess definitely was a great pace..not to slow or fast! Josephine Angelini did a fantastic job of explaining the mythology and new characters that she introduced into this novel which I really liked.

Now onto Lucas..oh Lucas. This book just made me love him even more. You can see his dedication to Helen and how he is willing to do anything for her. He really is such a sweet guy and I loved reading scenes with him in it. Again, I don't want to give anything away but if you are a big Helen and Lucas fan then you will love the ending of this book.

In the end, I LOVED Goddess! It was a fantastic ending to a truly wonderful series. The only thing that I am disappointed about is that there are a couple loose ends that the author didn't really tie up..I'm hoping she writes another book in the future with all of our favorite characters. I definitely will be rereading this series again in the future because I loved this amazing journey that this series took me on.

My Rating:

Apollyon (Convenant # 4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout Review

Name: Apollyon 
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout 
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press 
Release Date: April 9th, 2013 
Format: ARC Copy
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360 pages

Thank you Spencer Hill Press for sending me a copy of this book for review!

Summary:
Fate isn’t something to mess with… and now, neither is Alex.

Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the Awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate, and Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods—and Alex herself—to bring her back.

The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex’s power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex’s connection to Seth isn’t the only problem. There are a few pesky little loopholes in the whole “an Apollyon can’t be killed” theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries.

Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer… or she might become the God Killer herself.

Goodreads

My Review:
Jennifer L. Armentrout has done it again! I didn't think anything could top Deity but I was so wrong..this book was FANTASTIC. This book has action, romance, and lots of awesome revelations!

I LOVED the romance in this book! My love for team Aiden was affirmed in this novel..he never gives up on her. He is so loving towards Alex, he really cares for her and he will do anything to protect Alex. Alex and Aiden both really compliment each other as well. Alex with her strong will and passion and Aiden with his protectiveness and how he is willing to give Alex his whole heart. Even though the the time they have is brief-what they have makes me hope in the end of this series that love will conquer all.

The plot of this book is so awesome! Every scene is action packed and no scene should be overlooked. I’m really glad Jennifer gives us all of these important details and sets up the stage for the next book. I loved seeing the progression of Alex throughout this book as well. No longer do we see the angry girl that we met in the first book but instead we see a girl with a passion to protect those around her and will do anything to help others. I loved how this book sets things up for the final book in the series. Of course this book ended with a cliffhanger..but I am so excited to see what happens next!

Overall, this book literally was so brilliantly written, so earth shattering, that I still can't stop thinking about it. Jennifer L. Armentrout is a fabulous writer, and probably one of the best YA authors out there. If you haven't read this series yet GO READ IT. It literally is such an amazing series and you won't regret it.


My Rating:

Unravel Me (Shatter Me # 2) by Tahereh Mafi Review

Name: Unravel Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: February 5th, 2013
Format: E-Book
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461 pages

Summary:
tick
tick
tick
tick
tick
it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

Goodreads

My Review:
You know those books you read, the ones that you think about for days after you've read it and the words keep replaying over and over in your head? This above description exactly fits how I felt when I finished Unravel Me. This whole past day, all I've been thinking about is how jaw dropping Unravel Me was and how it took my breath away from start to finish.

Tahereh Mafi's writing style is so fantastic and brilliant, and really gets me swept into Juliette's story. The words are so poetic, and I really feel that I can actually feel what Juliette is going through when I read this book. This was the type of book that I stayed up so late in the night to finish because I had to know what going to happen next. The plot of Unravel Me was fantastic..it picks up right off where Shatter Me ended. It was interesting to see Juliette interact with different people then just Warner and Adam, and I liked seeing her go out of her comfort zone. Her whole life she has been afraid of being near other people and now she is around so many different people. Plot wise, Unravel Me was fantastic. The only thing that made me a little sad was that the ending was a cliffhanger!! Not as bad as Shatter Me's ending, but this one for sure will make the wait for the next book feel like forever.

Now onto the romance, literally this part of the book took my breath away. All throughout Shatter Me, I was always such a big fan of Adam. He is so sweet towards Juliette and puts his whole heart into everything for her which is so great. Warner, literally is the opposite of Adam. During Shatter Me I really really really didn't like him, especially after seeing all of the horrible things he had done. I didn't think I would like Warner at all during Unravel Me, but I was totally shocked. Warner goes through some major character development in this book and I really felt like he became almost a new character. I've definitely warmed up to Warner (just like Juliette has) in this book and I am excited to see where this love triangle will take us next.

Overall, this book literally was so brilliantly written, so earth shattering, that I still can't stop thinking about it. Tahereh Mafi is a fabulous writer, and probably one of the best YA authors out there. If you haven't read this series yet GO READ IT. It literally is such an amazing series and you won't regret it.


My Rating:

Opal (Lux # 3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout Review

Name: Opal (Lux # 3)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: December 11th, 2012
Format: E-Book
452 pages
Buy the book on Amazon

Summary:
No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

Goodreads

My Review:
Why is Jennifer L. Armentrout so amazing? Seriously..I have yet to read a book by her that doesn't sweep my off my feet and get me so hooked on a series! Anyways, I absoutely LOVED Opal! From start to finish this book was flawless.

Of course, I loved the plot of Opal! After Dawson returning at the end of the last book, I wasn't really sure what to expect plot wise from Opal. Jennifer does a great job of picking things off where they ended in the last book. There really was non stop action from start to finish. I absolutely love the main character, Katy (otherwise known as Kitten by Daemon). She definitely has grown up so much from the first two books. and has become so much more independent then the first time we meet Katy in book one. As the story progresses I felt that she becomes a much more stronger female lead and figures out who she really is. Of course I loved Daemon's one liners..he is seriously amazing. One minute he can be the biggest jerk, but then the next minute he can be the sweetest guy ever. He really cares for Katy which I love.

I seriously loved every scene that Katy and Daemon were in. Seeing them together as a couple made me so happy. I loved seeing their relationship grow throughout the span of the book and they are just so adorable. The end of this book AH. Such a cliffhanger!!!! I thought the last book ended on a cliffhanger but this one definitely is worse. I CAN'T WAIT TILL SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!! I really don't want to give anything away but you will all be blown away by the ending!

Overall, I LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED OPAL! If you haven't read this series please go do so. You won't regret it!!!!!!

My Rating:

Radiant (Unearthly, #2.5) by Cynthia Hand Review

Name: Radiant (Unearthly, #2.5) 
Author: Cynthia Hand
Publisher:  Harper Teen
Release Date: December 4th, 2012
Format: Ebook
Buy the book on Amazon
94 pages

Summary:
From New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Hand comes a riveting original novella (available only as an ebook) set in the world of the Unearthly series.

Clara is desperate to get away—from the memories that haunt her in Wyoming and the visions of a future she isn't ready to face—and spending the summer in Italy with her best friend, Angela, should be the perfect escape. . . .

For as long as she can remember, Angela has been told that love is dangerous, that she must always guard her heart. But when she met a mysterious guy in Italy two years ago she was determined to be with him, no matter the costs. Now she must decide whether she can trust Clara with her secret, or if telling her the truth will risk everything she cares about.

Alternating between Angela and Clara's perspectives, Radiant chronicles the unforgettable summer that will test the bounds of their friendship and change their lives forever.

Goodreads

My Review:
While this read was really quick, it definitely was enjoyable! Radiant isn't necessary to read before reading the final book in this series, Boundless, but it was a great book to hold me over till Boundless is released!

I did wish Radiant focused more on the Angel mythology, but instead it focused on learning about Angela's life/her relationship with Phen. I liked learning about about Angela..especially since we don't know a lot about her! I feel like through the past two books in the Unearthly series Angela is always surrounded in mystery. After reading Radiant, I was really happy to learn more about Angela..especially the mysterious "italian boy" that we learn about in the second book in the series. It was also nice to see her and Clara in Italy..a nice change of pace from Wyoming!
  
I liked how each chapter switched from the point of view of Angela and Clara, so we really got to see their thoughts on what was going on. It was sad to see Clara still dealing with the grief of losing her mother and her brother running away in the previous book. 

Overall, I enjoyed Radiant! Plot wise, it didn't really add any more knowledge to me for the series, but it was a fun read! If your looking for something to hold you over before Boundless is released, check this book out!

My Rating:

Crimson Frost (Mythos Academy # 4) by Jennifer Estep

Name: Crimson Frost (Mythos Academy # 4)

Author: Jennifer Estep
Publisher:  Kensington
Release Date: December 24th, 2012
Format: Ebook
Buy the book on Amazon
384 pages
Thanks Netgalley and Kensington for giving me an ARC copy of this book!

Summary:
For a moment, a face flashed before my eyes—the most hideous face I’d ever seen. No matter how hard I tried to forget what had happened, I saw him everywhere I went. It was Loki—the evil god that I’d helped set free against my will.

I should have known that my first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. If we’d gotten into a swordfight, or been ambushed by Reapers, I’d have been more prepared. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? I didn’t see that one coming.
I’ve been accused of purposely helping the Reapers free Loki from his prison—and the person leading the charge against me is Linus Quinn, Logan’s dad. The worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks I’m guilty. If I’m going to get out of this mess alive, I’ll have to do it myself…

Goodreads

My Review:
After reading all three of the Mythos Academy books..I've been hooked on this series since I started it last year! Crimson Frost is another awesome book to a great series, and I keep liking this series as I read more!
 
One of my favorite parts of this book was the plot!! Jennifer Estep does a really great job of weaving an amazing story..with new characters and lots of intrigue! I was on the edge of my seat reading this book..not knowing what would happen next. I really like how Jennifer is able to make aspects of the book, that don't seem important at all the reader, become SO important. Definitely make sure you pay close attention to every scene in this book! They will become very important later on. I really liked that this book was action packed and didn't spend a whole lot of time explaining different mythologies and details, and instead really showed what was going on. The action and fight scenes in this book were awesome!

I also really liked the progression of the main character Gwen! Of course she's still her sarcastic, determined self, but she really becomes a strong person. I really liked seeing her growth as a character and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!! I was a little bit sad to see Logan and Gwen spend less time together in this book, but the introduction to new characters were a really great addition to the series.

Overall, this was a great third book to a really enjoyable series!! After leaving us on a cliffhanger at the end of this book, I can't wait to see what's in store next!!

My Rating:

Beautiful Redemption (Caster Chronicles # 4) by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl Review

Name: Beautiful Redemption (Caster Chronicles # 4)
Author: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: October 23rd, 2012
Format: Hardcover
Buy the book on Amazon
464 pages

Summary:
Is death the end . . . or only the beginning?
Ethan Wate always dreamed of leaving the stifling Southern town of Gatlin.But he never dreamt that finding love with Lena Duchannes would drive him away. Lena is a Caster girl whose supernatural powers unveiled a secretive and cursed side of Gatlin, so powerful it forced him to make a terrible sacrifice.Now Ethan must find a way to return to Lena - and Gatlin - as she vows to do whatever it takes to get him back. Even if it means trusting old enemies or risking their loved ones' lives.Can Ethan and Lena rewrite their fate and their spellbinding love story in this stunning finale to the Beautiful Creatures series?

Goodreads

My Review:

What a great ending to a great series!  I started reading the Caster Chronicles what feels like forever ago, when the first book, Beautiful Creatures, came out and I quickly feel in love with it!  These books have a brilliant plot line where there is always tons of supernatural action, but at the same time it contains one of the cutest love stories I have ever read and has a funny Southern, small-town aspect to it as well.  This is one series that if you have not checked out already, you definitely should (especially because it is being made into a movie!).

This book picks up right after the cliffhanger in the last book, and has three separate sections: the first from Ethan's point of view, the second from Lena's, and the third from Ethan's again.  I really loved being able to see into Lena's head during her section, which is something we never really get to experience.  Plus, she has the most amazing poems!  Ethan and Lena both change a lot throughout this series, but Ethan especially changed during this book.  He literally went to the end of the universe and back to try to make it to Lena, which really intensifies their love story.

The plot in this book, though wildly imaginative and certainly interesting, just did not seem entirely believable.  It was quite anticlimactic; after spending almost the entire series trying to evade and eventually kill certain evil Dark casters and keepers, there was really no satisfying final battle at the end.  Although it was nice that this book was not the same as all other YA books with one big, intense scene at the end, the result was just that when the characters finally did run into these Dark casters and keepers, it really just was not as realistic as I was hoping (that is, as realistic as a book dealing with magic can be).  That being said, I still really enjoyed this book and the challenges and hardships that every single character had to face in order to try to bring Ethan back home.

As the final book in the series, I thought that Beautiful Redemption did a great job of exemplifying all the qualities that were truly important in this book.  Not only was there and ending that was, of course, romantically satisfying, but there were also some really true, sad sacrifices that had to be made in order for certain characters to have their happily ever after.  There was a great deal of happiness and heartache at the end of this series, and that was one of the main reasons why I loved it so much!  Everyone who's ever read any of the books in this series should read this excellent end to the series, and if you have not yet read any of the Caster Chronicles, you should definitely check them out!

My Rating:

Winter White (Belles # 2) by Jen Calonita Review

Name: Winter White
Author: Jen Calonita
Publisher: Poppy
 Release Date: October 9th, 2012
Format: Hardcover
Buy the book on Amazon
368 pages
Thanks Poppy for sending me a copy of Winter White for review!

Summary:
Isabelle Scott and Mirabelle Monroe are still reeling from the revelation that they share more than just the roof over their heads. The media has pounced on their story and the girls are caught up in a flurry of talk-show appearances and newspaper interviews. They've put on a happy public face, but someone is leaking their true feelings to the press, and while it seems like the world is watching their every move, at least they have each other.
But with cotillion season right around the corner, Izzie and Mira have barely had time to process their newfound sisterhood. Mira has dreamed of making her debut in a gorgeous white gown forever-now, if only she could find an escort. Izzie, meanwhile, is still struggling to find her place in Emerald Cove and it's seeming ever more impossible with EC mean-girls, young and old, doing their best to keep her down. As cotillion preparations heat up, though, there are dance steps to learn, manners to perfect... and secret initiations to complete? As if sophomore year wasn't hard enough!
It's time for the gowns to go on and the gloves to come off.

Goodreads

My Review:
After reading Belles (and really enjoying it!), I knew that I had to read the second book, Winter White! Overall, I really enjoyed Winter White! While it wasn't as good as the first book, I still find this series very enjoyable and I love seeing Mira and Izzie's various adventures that they have together.

It was great to see Izzie and Mira's relationship grow throughout the series. Well they still have various issues to work out, I liked seeing them trying to work on their friendship and becoming better friends. It was also really cute seeing Izzie and deal with their various relationships with different boys.

Now onto the plot..I will say the plot wasn't as shocking as the first book but it was still good! I do wish there were a little bit more twists and turns to make things more exciting. It was really fin to learn about the whole cotillion process, especially since I haven't read about cotillions in a really really long time! It was fun seeing Izzie and Mira go through the whole process of cotillion..and it was cute seeing them go dress shopping! I will say that the ending of Winter White definitely caught me off guard and I didn't see it coming at all.

Overall, I enjoyed Winter White! It was a nice addition to a really cute contemporary series! If you are looking for a fun book to read, definitely check out this series!

My Rating:

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

Name: The Mark of Athena

Author: Rick Riordan

Publisher: Hyperion Books

Release Date: October 2, 2012

Format: Hardcover

pages: 608

Summary: Annabeth is terrified. Just when she’s about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo’s fantastical creation doesn’t appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that’s only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close— the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth’s biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he’s now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare. . . .

In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six--who will complete the Prophecy of Seven? 

Goodreads

My Review:

I was first introduced to Rick Riordan's books when I was twelve. I picked up a copy of The Lightning Thief at a book fair, started reading it, and was instantly hooked. Six years and eight books about demigods later, I am still a huge fan. Both Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians quintet and the sequel series, Heroes of Olympus, have more than their fair share of humor, character development, and smart, quick writing that both reluctant and avid readers enjoy. The Mark of Athena wasn't just up to standard - it went above and beyond, crafting a complex story with familiar characters and easily becoming my favorite book so far in the Heroes of Olympus series. 

One of the things I loved the most about this book was how well Rick Riordan balanced multiple plot threads. The novel is split up into four different characters' points of view, which in most authors' hands would be a complete mess. Riordan, however, handles it remarkably well, juggling Piper, Leo, Percy, and Annabeth's individual thoughts with the story's overall plot. In a novel with seven main characters, that's not an easy thing to do. 

The story picks up where the last one left off and moves quickly, taking our pack of demigods - some of whom are more experienced than others - on a madcap quest through the United States and, eventually, across the Atlantic Ocean. The stakes, as always, are high: if they don't succeed, Romans and Greeks will never be able to settle their differences, allowing the evil Gaia to take over the world without a fight. The only clues they have come from something in Annabeth's possession: the Mark of Athena.

As a reader who watched Annabeth grow and change over the course of a series and a half, it was awesome to finally get inside her head. I've always loved Annabeth's character, but I feel like I just got to know her all over again. Although the other main characters are still important, this is really her story - something that will be a huge treat for fans that have been reading Riordan's books for years. Seeing the enormous sacrifices she's willing to make for her friends and the future only solidifies her as a strong, amazing character. 

I don't want to spoil any of the plot, but let's just say the book ends on a typical Rick Riordan cliffhanger that will leave readers waiting eagerly for The House of Hades, the next installment in the series. Too bad it won't be released until next fall...

My Rating: