Witchstruck (The Tudor Witch Trilogy,#1)

Summary:

"If she sink, she be no witch and shall be drowned. 
If she float, she be a witch and must be hanged. 
Meg Lytton has always known she is different—that she bears a dark and powerful gift. But in 1554 England, in service at Woodstock Palace to the banished Tudor princess Elizabeth, it has never been more dangerous to practise witchcraft. Meg knows she must guard her secret carefully from the many suspicious eyes watching over the princess and her companions. One wrong move could mean her life, and the life of Elizabeth, rightful heir to the English throne. 
With witchfinder Marcus Dent determined to have Meg's hand in marriage, and Meg's own family conspiring against the English queen, there isn't a single person Meg can trust. Certainly not the enigmatic young Spanish priest Alejandro de Castillo, despite her undeniable feelings. But when all the world turns against her, Meg must open her heart to a dangerous choice. 
The Secret Circle meets The Other Boleyn Girl in Witchstruck, the first book of the magical Tudor Witch trilogy"

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The tone of the book, was actually quite realistic. Lamb did a good job at making you feel like you were in that era and what it would be like for someone who practices witchcraft. All the obstacles they would face. She was also able to make the witchcraft believable, not overly dramatic and fantasy-like. Needless to say I was impressed with hoe well the atmosphere of the book is set and the general plot was well done. It had always been rumored that Anne Boleyn was a witch... so to have a witch present with Elizabeth and for Elizabeth to maybe possess those powers herself is plausible. Add the mix of Catholic vs Protestant and forbidden love, family and witch hunters and execute it perfectly as Lamb did and you can't fail. I can only say I did feel that towards the middle-ish end that is slowed down a little and for a second I lost some interest. 

Meg has some gumption for a girl of her age and stature, but she still knows her place; although at times she has tested it. I enjoy that she is learning that she is scared but willing. She has a way of being empowering. Then there is the sexy Spaniard Alejandro. He can be quite frustrating and stubborn, but he is conflicted between his duties and his feelings. Personally, I find their connection to be forced and more lust than love. Elizabeth, Elizabeth, Elizabeth a Princess imprisoned. Lamb portrayed her perfectly. She is someone of royal stature, yet she is still a young girl. She has her beliefs that she wants to instill, yet she still doesn't want to upset her sister. She really just wants to know what her future will be and hopefully that future involves staying alive.

Honestly, I didn't expect much from this book at all. I requested it for two reasons the name Tudor and the pretty cover. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself actually intrigued and enjoying it. What I most excited about though is reading the next book, since it ended at a great turning point. 

Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer

Summary:

"Colette Iselin is excited to go to Paris on a class trip. She’ll get to soak up the beauty and culture, and maybe even learn something about her family’s French roots.
But a series of gruesome murders are taking place across the city, putting everyone on edge. And as she tours museums and palaces, Colette keeps seeing a strange vision: a pale woman in a ball gown and powdered wig, who looks suspiciously like Marie Antoinette.
Colette knows her popular, status-obsessed friends won’t believe her, so she seeks out the help of a charming French boy. Together, they uncover a shocking secret involving a dark, hidden history. When Colette realizes she herself may hold the key to the mystery, her own life is suddenly in danger . . .
Acclaimed author Katie Alender brings heart-stopping suspense to this story of revenge, betrayal, intrigue — and one killer queen"

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The concept of the plot was pretty nifty and in my opinion, well executed. It was pretty much everything I wanted Flirting in Italian to be. It gave me teen angst, it gave me cheesy, it gave me love, and mystery and history and foreign places. My only slight with it would be the ending... I just wasn't completely satisfied with it. However do I sense more?

I feel for Colette. She is in this odd position and time in her teenage life and her friend situation may seem kind of dumb to some people, but I have witnessed "friendships" like this first hand. I actually had a friend similar to Hanna. Not as bad, but similar. So, I see Colette's approach to Hanna has being more passive, than doormat. Hanna's character is the perfect domineering female friend. The second Colette does something a little diverse from the crowd, you instantly think.. "what will Hanna's reaction be?!" I enjoyed Pilar, but felt she could of added a little more the the trio.  As for Jules, what a crush worthy french boy he was! He was the perfect addition to the cast of characters. 

You need to be in the right mood for this book, you need to want cheesiness,travel and mystery... otherwise you will be disappointed. However, when you are in the right mood this book will be perfection for you. You will not want to put it down until you know every last detail. 

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children (#1)

Summary:

"A horrific family tragedy sends Jacob 16 to a remote island off Wales, to the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, where he finds unusual old photographs. The children, one his grandfather, were more than peculiar, perhaps dangerous, quarantined for good reason - and maybe still alive."

What a plot, what a plot...what a unique plot. 

That is all I can say.

The story obviously centers around several Characters. Jacob, his Grandfather Abe, Miss Peregrine and her Peculiar Children. Mainly, a girl names Emma. I like Jacob. I oddly like him, because their is nothing overly special about him. He knows his faults and where he can improve. However, he doesn't magical get strength for his short-comings or anything like that. Which I can respect. You don't see that enough in books. We learn about Abe more post-humously and there is still SO much more to learn about him. Miss Peregrine, is your typical matriarchal mysterious and stern headmistress and I love that about her. The peculiar children.. are just that peculiar and Emma's personality fits her talent perfecty.. a fiery temper that one. 

SO unique and a great unisex read.

Slower than I expected.

My feelings about this book are so very mixed. I liked it, but I want be dying to read Hollow City. More like something I will pick up if I see it on the shelves of my library. Now that isn't saying this book is bad, it isn't by any means. I just think this is one of those books, that had SO much hype, that I built up my own expectations of the book and it just didn't live up to what I imagined it would be. 

The Madness Underneath (Shades of London, #2)

Summary:

"When madness stalks the streets of London, no one is safe…
There's a creepy new terror haunting modern-day London.Fresh from defeating a Jack the Ripper killer, Rory must put her new-found hunting skills to the test before all hell breaks loose…
But enemies are not always who you expect them to be and crazy times call for crazy solutions. A thrilling teen mystery."

Starts off slow and is mainly a transitional book for the rest of the series. However, it has a great plot twist and I am very eager to see what book 3 has to offer!

Not a lot of character growth or crazy character involvement. 

While reading I was very intrigued, there is something about Maureen Johnson's writing that can do that, but there really wasn't A LOT going on. The book wasn't action packed and I was stumped with where the book was going to go. Which is when Maureen Johnson threw me for a loop! Now, I have no idea, where the book will be going. BUT I am very excited to find out! 

The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1)

Summary:

"“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”
It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.
Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.
His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.
But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.
For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.
From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before."

Man oh man! Maggie Stiefvater knows how to write a book! She does it in such a beautiful and lyrical way. The plot is very unique, with a bi twist I didn't even see coming.

I really love most of the characters, especially Stiefvater gives us different character POVS so we can really see who they are as person and how they developed to the characters we see now. They only character who really gets on my nerves is actual Adam and basically it is because he is the biggest "chip on the shoulder" character ever and it gets so UNBELIEVABLY annoying.

I think Raven Boys to date, is Stiefvater's best book yet! She mixes creepy and paranormal with Young Adult perfectly. Raven Boys really would make a marvelous Halloween read. I would most definitely recommend Raven Boys to friends, especially) since it is a gender nuetral read. It isn't just told from a male point of view or just a female point of view. 

True (Elixir #3)

Sapphire Blue (Ruby Red Trilogy #2)

Summary:

"Gwen’s life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean. At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out."

I love that Sapphire Blue pretty much picks up where it left off, although the prologue threw me off slightly. Anyways, The plot of Sapphire Blue is basically the same as Ruby Red , it just thickens a little.   And as I did with Ruby Red, I enjoyed the plot. However, I think Gier has a slightly different way of writing plots. She doesn't really stop at a cliff hanger, she just pauses at what she feels is a good spot and continues on in the the next book. It doesn't bother me, but it does make me want MORE when reading.

I love Gwen, she has just the right of confidence and insecurities.. as well as wit. Then there is Gideon, who I will admit I have a MAJOR crush on, but there is something I don't trust about him. I am loving the addition of Xemerius the Gargoyle as I think he adds the right assistance and humor to the story.

Historical Time Traveling fun! <--- basically="" books.="" favorite="" kind="" my="" nbsp="" of="" p="">

Not  a long enough book in my opinion.

Since this is a trilogy, I am hoping Emerald Green is a HUGE action packed, answering giving book! I know not everyone has been smitten with this trilogy as I have BUT if you love books that have history in them and you love books with Time Traveling and magic, then you really can't go wrong. Sapphire Blue was a great companion of Ruby Red and like I said I cannot wait for Emerald Green. 

Shiver (Wolves of Mercy Falls, #1)

Summary:

"For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without.
Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human… until the cold makes him shift back again.
Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human—or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever."

Plot: Okay, I obviously see the Twilight similarities. Not just cause of the wolves, but because of the "insta-love" that Shiver has. It kind of takes you aback and is a little overwhelming, but the sensible parts of your brain should get over it. I liked that these aren't your average werewolves, and I want to learn more. There were some parts of the plot line that seemed off to me and I wouldn't say this is STRONG writing, however Stiefvater has a way with her writing that is genuinely beautiful. It always reminds me of a whispered song.

Characters: There are really only two main Characters Sam and Grace, everyone else might as well be the scenery. I liked both Sam and Grace and we get a pretty general understanding of who they are as people in Shiver, but I hope we learn more about them in the next 2 books. Same with the rest of the characters that were introduced. I am dying to know more about both Grace and Sam's parents.

Pros: Beautiful Writing Style and intriguing plot lines.

Cons: Felt Rushed and at times jumpy.

Final Thoughts:  I was definitely drawn into Shiver and I can see why the serious was very popular , but I want to see progression and growth in the series. Not just with the characters but in the writing as well.



If You Haven't Already....

HERE

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines, #3)

Summary:

"In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next."

Plot: Oh, how the plot thickens! Mead lays the romance, mystery and action on thick in The Indigo Spell. I really could feel Sydney's struggle in this book, between being who she was raised to be and the loyalty she feels she needs to uphold and between being herself and how she personally feels. I also, love that Mead didn't make this predictable for me. Minor things were predictable but all the major plot lines, I didn't see coming! As usual for Richelle Mead, well done.

Characters: Normally Mead, writes her books around all characters but Indigo Spell was really based on Sydney and Adrian. With Marcus and the teacher coming in a close second. There isn't a lot of Jill or Eddie in this book. The growth both Sydney and Adrian made as characters was amazing and will give readers a huge sigh of relief!

Final Thoughts:  Oh La La! I didn't want to put the book down, I badly wanted to know what was going on, mainly with Sydney and Adrian but even with Marcus Finch. I am dying to know more! I enjoyed getting to see some of my favorites for the VA series in this book as well. Just to give a little glimpse into how they are doing. Overall, Indigo Spell is by far my favorite of the Bloodlines Series, so far.

The Gates of Paradise (Blue Bloods, #7)

Summary:

"Schuyler Van Alen is running out of time. The Dark Prince of Hell is storming the Gates of Paradise, intent on winning the heavenly throne for good. This time he has his greatest angels by his side, Abbadon and Azrael—Jack and Mimi Force, as they are known in the Coven.
Or so he thinks. Even as Lucifer assigns Jack and Mimi the tasks of killing their true loves, the Force twins secretly vow to defeat the Dark Prince once and for all. But how far will Mimi and Jack go to conceal their real loyalties?
Meanwhile, former vampire Bliss Llewellyn has joined forces with Lawson, the greatest wolf of the underworld, to free his people from their imprisonment in Hell. As they struggle against impossible odds, an ancient message, woven into the very fabric of time, reveals just how much depends on the success of their mission.
Lucifer seeks the key to the Gate of Promise, and when Schuyler is taken captive and delivered straight to Hell, she must make an unthinkable choice—the same one the archangel Michael was forced to make during the Crisis in Rome. Will Schuyler find the strength to do what he could not?
The epic, heartbreaking Blue Bloods series comes to a close with this final novel about staggering courage, unbearable sacrifice, and the immortality of true love."

Man oh man, did this book come full circle! I enjoyed every moment of it and if you are a fan of the series, I do not think you will be disappointed. I am SO very excited that De La Cruz will continue the story lines in a new series. Since I am not fully ready to let these characters go.

Paper Valentine By Brenna Yovanoff

Summary:

"The city of Ludlow is gripped by the hottest July on record. The asphalt is melting, the birds are dying, petty crime is on the rise, and someone in Hannah Wagnor’s peaceful suburban community is killing girls.
For Hannah, the summer is a complicated one. Her best friend Lillian died six months ago, and Hannah just wants her life to go back to normal. But how can things be normal when Lillian’s ghost is haunting her bedroom, pushing her to investigate the mysterious string of murders? Hannah’s just trying to understand why her friend self-destructed, and where she fits now that Lillian isn’t there to save her a place among the social elite. And she must stop thinking about Finny Boone, the big, enigmatic delinquent whose main hobbies seem to include petty larceny and surprising acts of kindness.
With the entire city in a panic, Hannah soon finds herself drawn into a world of ghost girls and horrifying secrets. She realizes that only by confronting the Valentine Killer will she be able move on with her life—and it’s up to her to put together the pieces before he strikes again.
Paper Valentine is a hauntingly poetic tale of love and death by the New York Times bestselling author of The Replacement and The Space Between."

I found Paper Valentine to be a very captivating and pretty fast paced book. I liked how their was a paranormal element to the book, but that it was understated... like it happens normally. However, I would of liked a little more of an explanation on that front. I was pretty interested in the story line until midway through the book it was obvious where the plot was going and it kind of got old but I powered through it. Finn and Hannah's relationship is kind of cute, but I felt no real connection with it. Would definitely read more from this author, but Paper Valentine ended up being a disappointment.