Review: Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

From Goodreads: The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey. 

Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.

Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose everything.

 

The thrilling conclusion to Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series will leave readers breathless. 

Review: This is the final installment of the Wicked Lovely series =( I’m so sad to see it end, but oh my, what an ending! Marr wraps everything up tightly. She leaves nothing undone. All my favorite characters from each of the books were featured in this final book, except for Ani and Delvin, although they were mentioned. What I was really excited about was that Keenan got a bunch of ‘screen’ time. I always wanted more of him and I finally got it. And I have to admit, Donia never really stuck with me until this one, so I was pleasantly surprised to find myself truly rooting for her and Keenan. A new character is introduced who plays a pivotal role, and all the faeries are on edge around him. For the first half of the book things move along in a predictable pattern as the faeries gravitate toward the battle with War. Marr’s writing is absolutely beautiful, and although it felt at first like this was just going to be a long wrap up, her writing kept me turning the pages, and I was surprised when a couple of twists took place, completely shocking me there near the end. I can honestly say I NEVER saw this one thing coming. Aislinn also had some shocking discoveries, and I’m happy with her decision. Seth, oh Seth. I’ve loved him from the start. I wish I could have gotten just a wee bit more of him in the book, seen more of his new faerie talents, but we are led to believe he has a bigger purpose in store for him. But that just makes me want to read more! The steamy is taken to a new level as the summer and winter courts yearn for their loves. I think I fanned myself more than a few times while reading. Yeah, it’s that hot. I even found myself imagining where the next book might lead for these characters. Gah! All right, enough of my whining that’s it’s over. This was an amazing book. Amazing series. One of my all-time favorites, and I think Ms. Marr did a fantastic job! If you haven’t read any of these books yet, straighten up and go get them! With Marr’s literary meets edgy prose, they are bound to become classics in the YA genre.

Hardcover, 327 pages

Published February 22nd 2011 by HarperCollins

Signed copy of PLAYING HURT by Holly Schindler! Contest ends 4/3/11 (Open to US Residents Only)

Head over to The Ending Unplanned site to WIN a singed copy of Playing Hurt! Rachel offers an amazing interview with the author, Holly. Check it out, read it, learn some interesting things for readers and writers both, and sign up to WIN!

Click here to go there! Or copy and paste URL

http://theendingunplanned.blogspot.com/2011/03/interview-with-holly-schindler-and.html

The Magnificent Steam Carnival of Professor Pelusian Minus: Frist Flight by Sean Hayden

From Goodreads: When Professor Pelusian Minus' steamsmith dies, he needs another one quickly. He sends his giant henchman out to complete the task. The professor is not at all happy when Abraham Lincoln brings back two small twin babies. Soon though, he discovers they are just what he needs; he just has to wait for them to grow up.

For years, the twins, Dade and Paige, have been slaves to Professor Minus and his carnival. Now, the professor wants them to build him an army of minions, they just want to escape. With some clever planning, they build what the professor wants–kinda.

Then, Dade finally comes up with a plan for their escape. They think they have it all figured out. But things go terribly wrong and now Dade has to put aside the escape to save his sister's life. Has Professor Pelusian Minus finally found a way to keep Dade and Paige at his Magnificent Steam Carnival?

Review: First, I love this cover! Steampunk covers are always so much fun. First Flight is the first installment of a series of short stories through Quakeme.com, a division of Echelon Press, intended to shake up young readers. I love the dedication Hayden gives in this story: ‘We dedicate this to all the children out there who are finding it cool to read, shutting off their televisions, and using their imaginations.’ Awesome! This program is such a wonderful thing, I support it fully! Hayden co-wrote this story with his son, who is in Fifth grade! I love that. Hayden’s Steampunk series is super-fast and fun read. I’m a big fan of Steampunk, and Hayden’s description of all the contraptions and inventions around the carnival was fascinating. For a short story, I really connected with the main characters, Dade and Paige. Dade is very protective over his twin, and his mission is to free them from the evil Professor Minus. I also really enjoyed the bit of paranormal in this story, with Dade and Paige being steamsmiths. Not only are steamsmiths incredibly talented with machines, they seem to have a supernatural energy that allows them to connect with the machines around them. I definitely want to read the next story to find out more about this. A new character is introduced near the end of the story and I’m really interested to see more of this character and discover what his role will be. I definitely recommend this series for anyone who loves Steampunk, fun and action-packed scenes, and wonderful, imaginative writing you can get lost in!

Kindle Edition

Published March 15th 2011 by Echelon Press 

You can find this story on Amazon for only .99 cents!

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Hardcover, 496 pages

Expected publication: May 31st 2011 by HarperTeen 
Buy from Amazon here
 

From Goodreads: Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history. 

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

Review: Oh heaven help me, not only is this kind of love story that fires me up, but there’s sparks flying around the non-love interest guys, too!  Angelini is an amazing writer. She sets up a beautiful love story that has spanned the ages combined with an intense plot that keeps you turning the pages. Her writing is clear, descriptive, passionate, and at times humorous. One scene I was holding my breath and the next I was laughing out loud. A writer soon becomes one of my faves when she/he can pull off the love/hate relationship between characters, and Angilini smoked it with Helen and Lucas. Helen can’t seem to control the voice within herself urging her to kill Lucas, and finds herself chasing him down in the hallway at school, ready to pound his head in. But as the story progresses—no spoilers—Lucas and Helen overcome this, and fall in love. Beautifully written, the romance in this story is breathtaking. I loved all the twists and turns and heightened tension between Helen and Lucas as they struggled to be together, and decipher their connection to one another. The other characters are wonderful, too. Lucas’s family (hot brothers, whoa—and cool sisters) are great at helping to build that tension. I have to admit that I did kind of see the twist near the end coming, and was praying it didn’t go there, but… At least part of the story is written in third person, so we get another POV and the reader doesn’t have to wait till the next book to breathe a little easier. I really liked Helen. I’m so happy she was not a whinny, pouty girl that isn't willing to accept her powers. She’s tough, smart, and ready to fight for what she wants. I love the romance in this story. I love the action, the suspense, the plot, and… Just everything! It’s a great addition to the YA market and I’m counting down the days till I can get my hands on the second book. Anyone who enjoys Greek mythology, smoldering, true love romance, and action-packed plots, will devour Starcrossed. I highly recommend it!

Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

From Goodreads: Every girl who has taken the test has died.

Now it's Kate's turn.

It's always been just Kate and her mom--and now her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.
If she fails...

Review: Carter’s writing had me at hello… Cheesy, but I really fell in love with her prose and ability to describe things without actually having to be overly descriptive. The action in the first few chapters really sucked me into the story, and the drama and mix of humor was great. I really liked Kate from the very beginning also. She was truly a realistic character with real problems that I felt she handled gracefully, and very much the way  a girl in her position would. As the story moved along, I was a little disappointed that I figured out the plot and characters from the start, I was hoping for more of a twist in there somewhere, but I still really enjoyed the story. It was beautifully written and the characters were awesome. Although Henry was a hottie, his and Kate’s relationship seemed a little too distant and forced. And although I understand why this was, and that was part of Henry’s character—because of what he’s been through—I couldn’t help wanting more of a connection between him and Kate. I also wanted to see more of his powers. He’s Hades. God of the Underworld. I didn’t really get a sense of power—of that fire, I felt was needed for his role. But near the end, I did see a more passion in his emotions toward Kate, I just wished it could have come earlier in the story. I’m looking forward to the next installment with hopes that their relationship will develop on a deeper level. James was a great character. He didn’t get much ‘screen’ time, but I feel he’s going to play a much bigger role in the next book. I felt the ending wrapped up tightly, and had a satisfying resolution, and I’m definitely diving into the next one as soon as it’s released. This is a wonderful addition to the YA market and I think anyone who loves stories of Greek Mythology, romance, and heart-felt, well developed characters will enjoy The Goddess Test. 

Paperback, 297 pages

Expected publication: April 19th 2011 by Harlequin Teen

Review: Bite Me by Parker Blue

From Goodreads: An edgy book for teens that spans the gap between YA and adult fiction. Life after high school is tough enough without having to go 15 rounds with your inner demon. Val Shapiro is just your ordinary, part-demon, teenaged vampire hunter with a Texas drawl. And a pet hellhound named Fang. Soon enough she finds herself deep in the underbelly of the city, discovering the secrets of the Demon Underground and fighting to save those she loves. Whether they love her back or not.

Review: Val is a mix between Buffy and Anita Blake, so is the book. I really thought I wasn’t going to enjoy this as much as I did, based on that fact alone. I love Buffy, and no one for me can compare. Anita, meh, not so much—but Val is a pretty cool girl. She has her own sarcastic, tough-girl swagger and I really like how she handles herself. The description above is pretty accurate, this is not a YA. It’s a crossover and leans more toward Adult Fantasy, but regardless, I found many things I enjoyed that will appeal to young adults as well. Val has some pretty difficult things to deal with. One, her mother kicks her out because she doesn’t want her vampire hunting influence around her full human sister. Val’s relationship with her mother is strained even before this, and treats her as if she’s not even her daughter. Two, she begins working for the Special Crimes Unit and has a smoking hot partner that she has to reign in the succubus side of herself around. Not so easy. And when she feels everyone is against her, and she’ll never be accepted, that’s when Val starts to figure some things out for herself. I really enjoyed the self-discovery in this story, and Val is a strong female character that I find likable and relatable. The overall plot reads like your typical ‘who did it’ with her and her partner trying to discover the big bad in her city, but I really liked it. It kept my guessing till the very end and rooting for Val the whole time. I would defiantly recommend this to anyone who loves Paranormal Romance, strong, butt-kicking girls with attitude, and a fun fast read with mystery. 

Paperback, 232 pages

Published September 30th 2008 by Bell Bridge Books

Review: In The Arms Of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane

From Goodreads: Two years ago I did a terrible thing. I accused my best friend of being a killer after seeing him kneeling over a girl's body. That moment and that outcast boy still haunt me.

Now my mom is forcing me back to Oklahoma and I can't get White Bird out of my mind. But when I find out he's not in juvie—that he's in a mental hospital, locked in his tormented brain at the worst moment of his life—I can't turn my back on him again.

No one wants me to see him. My mom doesn't trust me. The town sheriff still thinks I was involved in the murder. And the other kids who knew the dead girl are after me.

I'm as trapped as White Bird. And when I touch him, I get sucked into his living hell, a vision quest of horrifying demons and illusions of that night. Everything about him scares me now, but I have to do something. This time I can't be a coward. This time I have to be his friend.

Even if I get lost, as well…

Review: I honestly feel I’m going to do this book no justice. Words are failing me as I’m wracking my brain to express how much I love this book. Brenna Nash, the MC of this story, brings us inside her haunted reality of how she views her world and herself through a dark and edgy first person narrative. For once, an author truly captures the teens of today—their talk, their swagger; their distorted and spot on perceptions through how they see their world. I was so connected to Brenna. She was as real as if I reached out and touched another person. And the relationship between Brenna and White Bird was utterly… I want to say romantic, but that word just doesn’t fit. They complete each other on a level that goes deeper than love. The other characters in this novel were amazingly developed also. I loved loving some, and I loved hating some, and I loved when I was confused at the end because some characters weren’t so black and white. It’s true to all humans, no one is simply evil or good—there are shades of gray, and Dane captured these shades beautifully—painting a town and characters that I will forever hold in my heart. The ending was powerful. I teetered on the edge of my seat, gripping at every word, studying every glimpse at new information, completely sucked into the story. I did not want it to end, yet I was completely satisfied with the ending. In the YA market, majority of the new stuff leaves you hanging, waiting for the next book, but I was so relieved when I was given an ending with amazing closure. I just can’t gush enough, and now I’m rambling. I feel there are no words for how strongly I feel for this book, so just do yourself a favor and read it. I promise you won’t be sorry. This one goes down on my list of all-time favorites. 

Paperback, 384 pages

Expected publication: April 1st 2011 by Harlequin Teen

Review: Short Story Seeing For The First Time by Nicole Zoltack

From Goodreads: For the last ten years, Ana has spent summers with her Gram. With nothing to do, the closest beach two hours away, and Gram, who Ana is convinced is crazy, always in her garden talking to things that aren't there; Ana is bored out of her mind.

One day, Ana sees strange colors floating around Gram as she works in her garden. Gram says they're fairies. She can "See" them, and there are others who can see things. Ana's a Seer, too.

When Gram gives Ana a book that explains about the many different creatures, like selkies, unicorns, vampires, and others, Ana gets curious. She is shocked when she comes across the entry about famous werewolf hunting parents.

Determined to learn where she fits in, Ana's summer gets a lot more exciting as she sets off to find out what she can "see." Only problem is, she's not sure what to do when she finally discovers the truth. And she's not sure she'll live to tell anyone.

Review: Seeing For The First Time is the first story in a series for YA readers from Quakeme.com, a division of Echolon Press, with intentions of shaking up young readers. This first story is a fast, highly action-packed read that makes me want to read more. Ana’s character didn’t wait around debating and trying to deny who she was, she simple accepted that what she’d been told made sense. Why wouldn’t it? Her parents were always leaving her alone to go off on long vacations, and now she understands why. Ana discovers she’s a part of a family of seers. But she doesn’t know what mystical creature she can see. She sets off to Paradise Cove to discover just that. When she meets some strange characters, she’s starting to questions everyone around her. Luckily, Ana is smart, and she quickly learns what her seeing power is and who she is to become. The ending leaves the reader anticipating the next installment as Ana’s adventure continues. I recommend this story for anyone who is a lover of Paranormal or has a reluctant reader who they want to get interested in the written word. 

ebook

Published March 8th 2011 by Echelon Press

Review: Time Witch by Jacqueline Corcoran

From Goodreads: Within the gardens of Dumbarton Oaks, famous Washington D.C. estate and site of many historic diplomatic meetings, lies a portal to another world where competing dynasties of witches battle, as time ticks backward, for control over a magical clock and a winged horse as part of an ancient prophecy. Twelve year old Genevieve's integral role in the prophecy and the fate of this world -- and her own -- is revealed in the quest to find her missing single-parent mother, assume her own powers as a witch, and return home before time runs down in seven days.

Review: Time Witch is my first Middle Grade review. Normally I don’t take requests for MG, but I loved the premise of the novel and wanted to know more. The MC, twelve-year-old Genevieve (love that name BTW) begins her adventure at home, a normal girl, waiting for her mother to return from work. When her mother never makes it home, she becomes desperately worried. I have to admit that the beginning of the novel is a bit slow. I wanted more action right up front to really thrust the story forward. But as soon as Genevieve discovers a secret part of her home where she finds a bracelet, and is sucked into another dimension, the story really picks up. When she meets Rowan and Ciera, she decides to join them on their quest for a crest and winged stallion. I love the way the author developed these two characters, especially Ciera. She is so much fun. Although she comes off a little rough around the edges, I truly thought her character was strong and witty. Rowan is a great character as well. Who doesn’t like a dashing boy in medieval clothes? And although they are very mistrusting of their new team member, they soon allow her to join them. Genevieve’s adventure form this point is only beginning. Throughout this magical land, she runs into all kinds of dangers and mystical elements, all the while never forgetting that her mother is the most important thing she must find. The author’s description is fantastic! For MG, it held my attention.  Every detail and scene was well constructed and the writing was beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and scenery of this world. Genevieve is a wonderful character. For such a young age she shows tremendous strength and determination. I rooted for her the whole time. I highly recommend this book for readers of MG that want an action-packed read as well as a fun descriptive world, with memorable characters. 

Kindle Edition

Published February 24th 2011 by Solstice Publishing

GIVEAWAY! Review: Meant To Be by Tiffany King

Two winners! One singed copy and an ebook copy. Simply comment on the review to enter a chance to WIN MEANT TO BE! Also giving away some really awesome swag! Thank you all for your comments! Good luck!

From Goodreads: Krista Miller feels like she has lived her entire life in a glass box with her every emotion on display. She can’t help feeling like a defect as her sensitivities have made her socially inept and without any real friends; the one exception being the boy that visits her each night in her dreams.

Krista’s emotions are put to the test when a move to California triggers a devastating change to her fantasy world. The nightly comfort that the boy provides has now become a recurring nightmare as he is taken from her by an unseen force.

Struggling to appear normal, Krista enrolls in a new school and finds it to be nothing like she thought. Her new life is sent spiraling out of control from a strange connection with a boy, Mark, who claims to know all her secrets.

As Krista begins to explore the emotions that Mark evokes in her, secrets from their past about their shared connection threatens to separate them just when they have found each other.

Review: Okay, let me start off by saying that I live to read romance in YA novels. Besides awesome plot lines, and the twists that I DON’T want to see coming, it’s what I relish about losing myself in a book. And Meant To Be has it. The relationship between Krista and Mark is so breathtakingly beautiful and full of passion; I held my breath with their every encounter. King’s description throughout the novel is wonderful. I was able to envision everything the MC saw, felt, or heard. And Krista was a very likable character. Although I tend to have issues with weakness in protagonists, Krista weakness was also part of her strength, and she overcomes her fears in record time. I loved this girl. I admit that a tad of editing is needed, but the author wrote so fiercely that I quickly lost myself in the story and grammatical errors were easily overlooked. There are no spoilers in my reviews, but I will tell you this. If you’re a lover of the plot twist, and you think you can figure out what’s going to happen at the end, think again! I’m the queen of knowing how a book is going to end, and even I didn’t see this one coming. So if you’re looking for a read to lose yourself in, with lots of romance and paranormal twits, I recommend Meant To Be. 

ebook, 169 pages

Published March 18th 2011 by Self Published

Review: Zombies Don't Cry by Rusty Fischer

From Goodreads: In the sleepy small town of Barracuda Bay, Maddy Swift leads the life of a fairly typical teenager, but while attending a party one night, Maddy is struck by lightning and awakens to realize she has been reanimated and turned into a zombie. While becoming acquainted with her new "lifestyle," Maddy stumbles upon two unexpected undead chaperones, fellow students Dane and Chloe, who begin to teach her the ways of zombie life, including defending the populace from Zerkers—the bad zombies. Together, on prom night, the three teens must ultimately defend Barracuda Bay High from an all-out zombie Armageddon.

Review: Okay, so I open my mailbox and see a review book for Zombies Don’t Cry, and I have no idea what to expect. I read the first chapter and think, “is this author for real?”. Then I keep reading. Then I’m soon flying through the pages, laughing, talking to myself and the characters, and thoroughly enjoying myself. Rusty Fischer is an amazingly talented author. His writing style is clean, clear, smart, and fun.

Seventeen-year-old Maddy Swift is an awesome character. I easily related to her. The thoughts this girl has, had me rolling on the floor laughing. It’s so refreshing to read a character who doesn’t whine or complain, but accepts a lightning strike to the head with grace and humor. She’s having a tough time coming to terms with being a zombie right before the Fall Formal after having met her dream guy, Stamp, who actually wants to take her, and, be her boyfriend. Only one problem, according to the zombie guide, it’s against the rules to date Normals. As Chloe and Dane help her adjust to her new life, a couple of Zerkers—bad zombies—are stalking fellow classmates and threatening Maddy. The three band together to stop them. However, even though Maddy still pines for Stamp, she’s getting close to Dane, the bad boy zombie that’s fast becoming a love interest. I have to admit, I’m Team Dane all the way! But one line of the book really made me stumble… “… because he’s my boy.” Ahhh! I love that line. You’re just going to have to read the book because I don’t do spoilers. But oh, I can totally understand Maddy’s reasoning. Fischer sets up a great love triangle here, but I'm still Team Dane! (Can't believe I'm saying this about a zombie! But he's one hot zombie.)

What surprised me most about this book was the last chapter. I’m reading along, having fun, laughing, and all of a sudden I find myself feeling deeply for these characters. So much that I actually tear up, and am desperately not wanting the story to end. I hope there’s going to be a second one, because in my opinion, Maddy’s story is just beginning. This book is witty, funny, romantic, and downright brilliant. I highly recommend it to lovers of Paranormal Romance as well as readers who just want a breath of fresh air in the YA market.

Paperback, 300 pages

Expected publication: April 2011 by Medallion Pr Inc

Review: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Hardcover, 356 pages

Expected publication: March 22nd 2011 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing 
Buy from Amazon here
 

Goodreads: What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left.

Review: I was so hesitant to read this based on other reviews, but, I always decide for myself if I’m going to like something or not, as I encourage others to do as well. I use other review sites as a guide for finding new books. You should too. But always, always remember that reviews are subjective as people have different tastes. Please give a book that you think you might enjoy a chance, despite one or several bad reviews. Tastes are subjective. That being said, I loved Wither. It is completely different than anything that I’ve read on the current market. Ms. DeStefano is an amazing writer. I love an author that is not scared to take creative liberties, and she does a phenomenal job of breaking the rules—artistic and smart. Rhine was easy for me to sympathize with. Her character was genuine and realistic. If I was in her position, I feel I would have many of the same thoughts and actions. The plot itself, for some, was a hard swallow, but I think given the circumstances of the future world, it can be believable. The only thing that I wished I understood more of, was the virus itself, although I think that I will get more of an explanation in the second or third book as this is a trilogy. I’m looking forward to discovering more about the time, world, and characters. One of my favorite characters was Jenna. I felt for her on a deep level. No spoilers, I know, but the author did an fantastic job with all her characters, Jenna especially. She was distant at times, and in a moment, could become deeply passionate, lighting up and showing a side of herself that would be a shining beacon in their dismal world. As they were sister wives, I felt as if Jenna was the watchful mother, and she protected Rhine, giving her everything as a mother would. Parts of this book were haunting. Other parts heartfelt and gripping. But I can say with certainty that I was never disinterested. I flew through this book in four hours because I could not put it down. I love stories that make you feel, even if it’s not the feeling that you want, and also makes you think. So if you’re looking for something original and a story with deep characters, and if you want something that will tug at your heartstrings and even make you question your beliefs about the human race, then read Wither. Overall it’s a passionate read that will leave you feeling hopeful or discouraged, but it won’t leave you. This story will linger in your soul.

Review: The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

From Goodreads: Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.

When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend—even if it means betraying everything her parents and the alchemist community fought to the death to protect.

Review: Okay, I can’t believe I’m just now getting around to reviewing this book. I feel so bad, but I’ve been terribly busy. Karen Mahoney is one of my favorite authors. I fell in love with the characters in her short stories, and I couldn’t wait to meet Donna, Xan and Navin of The Iron Witch. So happy to report I was not let down! Donna is a fantastic character. She’s fierce, strong, and independent. Although at times she’s a bit head-strong, that’s one of the main things I loved about her. The story is written from the third person, but I didn’t find this a hindrance in connecting to the MC. Donna also keeps a journal, which we get a first person perspective that also allowed me a closer look into her character. Navin is an awesome, awesome best friend to Donna. I want him as my best friend lol. He’s her strength and so supportive of her. And although Donna wants to stand alone, she almost always looks to Navin for guidance. I love this about their relationship. Donna had a pretty rough deal growing up, her dad died while rescuing her and her mother went insane. She has this power, and tries to keep it a secret by covering her arms with gloves, and she just wants to be a normal girl. Trying for no spoilers here, but it’s just so hard when I want to gush =). When she meets Xan, a half-fey hottie at a party, sparks fly. These two have some major chemistry together. Xan is fast becoming one of my favorite YA guys. Not just because he’s smoking, but also because he’s hilarious. I love a sense of humor in male characters, and he’s so funny at times. Donna and Xan share more than they realize, and together set off on a mission to rescue Navin after he’s taken by Wood Elves. This story blends so much together. I enjoyed the mix of alchemy and paranormal. The plot was strong and Mahoney’s writing near flawless. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book. I'm dying to know more about the Order of the Dragon, and also, I sense a love triangle brewing ;) I loved this book and think it’s a wonderful addition to the YA market! Lovers of YA Paranormal/Urban Fantasy won’t be disappointed. 

Paperback, US Edition, 290 pages

Published February 8th 2011 by Flux

Review: Banished: Tales of Ever by Jennifer Wylie

From Omnilit: My life was normal. It sucked, but it was normal. At least until I got this new power. I can control fire. It would be cool if it wasn't so dangerous and if I knew how to use it. Pretty much my sucky life took a nose dive once I got it. Yup, everything gone. I suppose I should be thankful some uncle I never heard of took me in. Turns out the whole family isn't normal and my power is a lot more dangerous than I thought. I thought things couldn't get any worse. I was wrong. They banished me to Ever.

If I'm lucky, I might survive my first day.

Review: Banished is the first installment of the YA series Tales of Ever. The MC, Misha, and her mother live alone in a rundown house. Misha struggles with herself and her situation, wanting a better life for herself and her mother. She’s shy, doesn’t have many friends, but her lack of money and quietness isn’t what sets her apart from the wealthy kids at school, it’s the fire she sees dancing in front of her vision. When her mother tells her she’s basically a firestarter, Misha then understands why she’s been having strange dreams and seeing fire. Her mother guides her, giving her lessons about her unusual gift, until the day she becomes ill, leaving Misha alone in the world. Misha’s character is amazingly strong. I fell in love with this girl right from the start. She’s already been through so much growing up, and now faces all new obstacles. When she meets a long lost relative who takes her into his care, she’s cautious, not knowing if she can really trust him. Her uncle knows things, and he’s keeping secrets about her family from her. Misha sets off to discover the truth, and during her mission becomes banished to another realm called Ever. As I’m trying not to give spoilers, I’ll tell you this much. Ever is a scary place. You don’t get sent away on vacation here, you’re sent because the people who sent you here don’t want you to come back. Wylie’s description of Ever is haunting. I love the world the author created, and I felt for Misha as she struggled to survive her first day there. Misha’s only chance of survival is a strange and gorgeous guy she runs into named Jadus. He’s been there for a long time and knows about the plants, monsters, and other magical creatures living there. Banished left me hanging big time, but that’s okay, because I know there’s going to be a new story each month for six months! I don’t have to wait a year to get my hands on the next chapter of Misha’s story. I love that about this series. Banished is a fun and fast read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its wonderfully crafted characters, original plotline, and action-packed scenes, I think Ever is a fantastic addition to the YA market!

Published By: Echelon Press LLC.
Published: Mar 01, 2011

Word Count: 13,025

You can find Banished at Omnilit here for only .99 cents!