Tempest Rising, by Tracy Deebs

Tempest Rising, by Tracy Deebs
(Tempest, #1)
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Release Date: May 10, 2011
Hardcover: 352
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy: Amazon
Source: Library
Challenge: Debut Author, Support Your Local Library, 350 page
Rating: 
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Tempest Maguire wants nothing more than to surf the killer waves near her California home; continue her steady relationship with her boyfriend, Mark; and take care of her brothers and surfer dad. But Tempest is half mermaid, and as her seventeenth birthday approaches, she will have to decide whether to remain on land or give herself to the ocean like her mother. The pull of the water becomes as insistent as her attraction to Kai, a gorgeous surfer whose uncanny abilities hint at an otherworldly identity as well. And when Tempest does finally give in to the water's temptation and enters a fantastical underwater world, she finds that a larger destiny awaits her-and that the entire ocean's future hangs in the balance.

I really, really liked this book. It was fun to read and very refreshing. I was hooked from the very beginning with Tempest's mother's letter. It was very intriguing! I wanted to read this book from the start when I saw it on the debut author list. The cover is gorgeous and I'm a sucker for mermaid books. I've always loved mermaids. The Little Mermaid used to be one of my favorite movies when I was little(Still love! Ha!) and though the last couple of years I haven't really thought much of mermaids, they've always had a place in my heart. 


I loved the characters. Though I have to admit, Tempest annoyed me a bit throughout the novel. It was more like "I can't believe you did that!" annoyance. But I still loved her. Plus, she knows how to surf! That has been on my list of things to learn how to do before I die. But I'm kind of afraid to even begin to try and surf. I also like how she has more guy friends than girl friends. That's how I've always been. I have my group of girl friends, but sometimes I get along better with guys. You don't really see that much in books, so I was glad to see it.


When Kona showed up, I didn't really like how Tempest instantly got all weird around him, but after finishing the book I realize why. But it still bugged me a little bit. But that's one of the only things that bugged me. I did love Kona though. He's weird, but really cool and I'm totally Team Kona! =D 

One more thing was the deal with Tempest's mother. The way everything happened so suddenly. I wish Tempest would of had a little more time with her, some sort of closure or something. It would of been nice and I know in that situation I would of wanted some sort of closure. (I really want to call my mom and tell her I love her right now, ha! Though we've had some hard times through my teen years!)

I actually kind of liked the evil sea witch in here (Nope, not Ursula, sorry! But that's a good thing.) even though she was so mean and just evil! But all her power intrigued me! Also, the mythology in this book and the different types of species that is half human just like mermaids was a really great add on. Like Kona! (I'm not going to tell you what he is!)

Overall, the writing sucked you in, like all good books do. I can't wait for the sequel. That ending made me want to find out what happens after that! I love all the descriptions used for being underwater, it really made everything that much more believable and I felt like I was a mermaid! 

The Iron King, by Julie Kagawa

The Iron King, by Julie Kagawa
(Iron Fey, #1)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: February 1, 2010
Paperback: 363 pages
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy: Amazon
Source: Bought
Challenge: A to Z, Book Blogger Recommendation, 350 Page
Rating: 


To learn more about my rating badges, click here!

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined. Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home. When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change. But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart. 

FINALLY! I finally read this. I've been meaning to since before it came out. I've been wanting to read this amazing book for so, so long and I have finally done it. This was one of those books that I knew from the very beginning--since reading the summary for the first time--that I was going to love it. I wasn't wrong. I was definitely not wrong. 


You are captured from the very beginning. You are sucked into Meghan's world as a normal teenage girl, who has normal teenage problems. She's not popular, she's not rich, and she has family problems. She's not handed anything she wants.

Meghan started out as a timid character. She didn't know who she truly was, I mean yeah, she catches a glimpse of shadows here and there and she sees some things one minute and then blinks and their gone, but she was just "Whatever" about it. But then as it gets closer to her sixteenth birthday it keeps getting stranger and stranger until her sixteenth birthday and then she's sucked into this world she didn't know existed. And she starts learning more about herself, and she starts blossoming and growing into this new, stronger, fierce person. But it didn't happen overnight or in the blink of an eye, it gradually happened and the pacing was great!

There were so many times in this book that I was just like, "No! That can't happen!" and yes, it was something the reader would be pissed that would happen, but it had to happen. Sometimes authors don't show that enough. Sometimes it seems like the readers are just handed what they wanted, and that isn't always right.

Everything was so realistic. Yes, it's fantasy, and there are fantastical creatures in it, but it was real to me. And dark! It was a lot darker and twisted than I thought. I never expected it at all! Never! And I absolutely adored it! There were a few things in here that I recognize from other fae books I've read and it really has me curious! I know that it has some references to A Midsummer's Night Dream, but I'm really curious if there is more of a legend going. So I'm going to research that soon.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. I loved it and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of The Iron Daughter. I will be putting that on hold from my library as soon as possible. It has a very high standard to live up to. Just sayin'! I know I'll love it.

The second book in this series is The Iron Daughter. It was released on July 27th, 2010.

Other Words for Love, by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal

Other Words For Love, by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal
Publisher: Delecorte Books for Young Readers 
Release Date: January 11, 2011
Hardcover: 368 pages
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy:Amazon
Source: Library
Challenge: Debut Author, A to Z, Support Your Local Library, 350 page book
Rating: 

When an unexpected inheritance enables Ari to transfer to an elite Manhattan prep school, she makes a wealthy new friend, Leigh. Leigh introduces Ari to the glamorous side of New York--and to her gorgeous cousin, Blake. Ari doesn't think she stands a chance, but amazingly, Blake asks her out. As their romance heats up, they find themselves involved in an intense, consuming relationship. Ari's family worries that she is losing touch with the important things in life, like family, hard work, and planning for the future. 
When misfortune befalls Blake's family, he pulls away, and Ari's world drains of color. As she struggles to get over the breakup, Ari must finally ask herself: were their feelings true love . . . or something else?

I finished this book over an hour ago, and since then I've been thinking about my review. This will be a hard book to review. To be honest I wasn't really sure what I was expecting out of this book. I mean, I saw it on the debut author challenge list and I fell in love with the cover. The summary sounded pretty interesting, so I added it to my list of books I'd like to read for the challenge. 


When I put it on hold from the library, I didn't really know what I was going to get out of this book. It sounded interesting, but I still wasn't sure. You know what I mean? But this book, wow. I'm so glad I read it. A lot of people probably see the cover, and the title and then read that this book is about first love and think it's a fluffy read. Well, they are all wrong. Very wrong. 


It's not only just about first love. It's basically nearly everything to do with growing up, being a teenager, trying to live up to what everyone expects you to be like. I think everyone can find some part of this book to relate to. 


At first, it was kind of hard to get into it. I'll admit that. You basically go through Ari's every day life; get up, eat breakfast, socialize with parents, go to school, socialize with best friend, eat lunch, come home, do homework, etc. But after a while I got sucked in. Lorraine has a way of writing it that doesn't make it seem boring at all. She makes you WANT to know about Ari's life. And lots of months went by, about two years, actually, and it didn't drag on at all. I find it amazing she was able to add years into the book without adding "Seven months later" or "one year later" etc. 


And the characters. Wow! They were so greatly mapped out and real. Everything felt real. I liked Ari, though she sometimes really annoyed me. Like towards the end especially. But she made me proud! And I liked Leigh, a lot better than Summer. Summer annoyed me. So did Del a little bit, but he was pretty cool. I really liked Blake, but some things he did really made me mad. You'll understand that once you read this book! 


And Ari's parents. They had a pretty big role in this book as well. A lot of books nowadays mentions their parents, but you don't get to know them very well. But her parent's were their own characters. Even Ari's father who isn't mentioned much in the novel because of his job, but still. Amazing! 


Overall, this was a great book. I overestimated it. This is a book you definitely want to read, no matter how old you are. This book is just so relate able. Oh, and by the way, it was set in the late 1980's, but half the time you forget about that and don't even notice! I will definitely be reading more by this author. I can't wait to hear news on another book by her. 

Demonglass, by Rachel Hawkins

Demonglass, by Rachel Hawkins
(Hex Hall, #2)
Publisher: Hyperion
Release Date: March 1, 2011
Hardcover: 359 pages
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy:Amazon
Source: Library
Challenge: Support Your Local Library, Book Blogger Recommendation, 350 Page
Rating: 

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.
That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.
Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.
But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?
After finishing Hex Hall back in August, I couldn't wait to finally get a hold of this one. I put it on hold at the library and was finally able to read it, and it blew me away! I wasn't sure in the beginning whether or not it would be as good as the first book, but I was wrong! I personally liked the sequel better than the first book. 

You can tell Sophie has grown a lot since the first book, she's through a lot since arriving at Hecate (a.k.a Hex Hall). There was a lot more action, which I totally loved. Also,  a bit of a "which side should I be on in this sort-of love triangle?" which I loved as well, believe it or not. I mean, it annoyed me a little bit at times, but other times I loved it. Though at some points I couldn't figure out which guy I was rooting for more. And after finishing, I still am not completely sure if I'm Team Archer or Team Cal. 



The characters are great. I really love Sophie as the main character/protagonist. She's snarky, fun and just an overall great and real character. I also really love Jenna, I'm glad Sophie has her. She's a great character and really adds to the story. Well, actually, all the characters have something pretty interesting about them. 


Overall, the writing drags you in and holds you just as the first one did. Hawkins really knows how to write. I can't see what she comes up with for the third book in the series. Also, I'm really glad you get to learn more about demons in the sequel. The only thing I really that bugged me at times was I could predict a few things would happen, though it didn't take away from the story. =)




The cover is really cool. I love how it shows kind of a mirror image. Love both book covers in this series. 

The third book in the series is called Spell Bound It will be released on March 13, 2012. Here is my review of the first book Hex Hall. 

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer
(Nightshade, #2)
Publisher: Philomel 
Release Date: July 26, 2011
Hardcover: 400 pages
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy:Amazon
Source: Library
Challenge: Support Your Local Library, 350 page
Rating: 

When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

After finishing Nightshade I knew I had to dive into this ASAP, so I put it on hold in the library and got it pretty quickly. It took me a bit to read this, sadly, because I just didn't have much reading time. But every time I picked it up I was sucked into the world of Calla. And when I wasn't reading, I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next. 


I was never (That I can remember!) able to guess what was going to happen next. I was hopelessly captivated by this story. These books are so addicting! They keep you reading, and reading, and reading. I was never, EVER bored. The history in the books for the Keepers, Searchers, and wolves are just...amazing. So intriguing. I thought you knew pretty much most of the history after reading the first book, but boy was I wrong! You dive even deeper into the history, the REAL history (You'll understand if you've read the first book.)in this sequel. 


This one seemed short (Though it definitely wasn't!), and didn't have as much action as the first book, but it was very intense. And it made my heart break for Calla. 


The writing is great, and I can tell I will not be disappointed with these books. It isn't one of those series that gets worse and worse as they presume, but one that with each new book it gets better, or equals or at least nearly equals the amazement of the first book. 


When the last book ended, I couldn't figure out if I was Team Shay or Team Ren. I still can't truly figure it out, I love them both. But with this book Shay kind of annoyed me a bit with how he was. Sometimes he was truly mean with Calla's feelings. She can't help he feelings! She can't help how brainwashed she is with how things in her world used to be. He made me want to smack him SO much in this book, though I still love him. And Ren kind of made me mad too, but I'm not going to get into that. His couldn't completely be helped. 


Overall, I loved this book. It wasn't AS great as the first book, but pretty damn close. If you haven't picked up this series yet; do it as soon as possible. You will NOT be sorry. And if you've read the first book, but haven't read this one yet; again, do it as soon as possible. Bump it up on your list. You know you have to be dying to know what happens. And, by the way, can Bloodrose PLEASE come out sooner? I need it in my hands right now. 


I really, really love this cover. I actually kind of like it better than the original Nightshade cover. The one I have for my hardback copy. I love the green and darkness of the cover, and I love, love, love the cover model's hair. I am SO jealous. Oh, and she fits Calla's description so well. 

The third book in the series is Bloodrose. It will be released on January 3, 2012. My review of Nightshade. 

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
(Bloodlines, #1)
*Note: Spin-off series of Vampire Academy
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: August 23, 2011
ARC: 432 pages
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy: Amazon
Source: BookDivas
Challenge: 350 page
Rating: 5/5

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning. 
Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

First of all, I am a HUGE Vampire Academy fan. Richelle Mead is a fantastic writer. You know how a lot of series start out AMAZING, but then each book keeps getting worse and worse until finally they are too horrendous to even think about? Yeah, well that is DEFINITELY NOT Vampire Academy. Each book got better and better and I was very sad to see it end. 


But, you know, the world didn't end. Richelle created another fabulous series. A spin-off series of Vampire Academy. When I first heard about Bloodlines, I was super ecstatic. But a little sad because I knew Rose wouldn't be the main character. 


When I got this in the mail from BookDivas, I freaked out and did my happy dance. Seriously. Outside my apartment with my neighbor to see. And then ran into the apartment screaming for my husband to see because he knew I was DYING for Bloodlines. 


Bloodlines didn't disappoint me. It took me  a little bit to read it because I didn't have much time and I just really didn't want to finish it, ha! Bloodlines is a bit different than Vampire Academy. You get to see through the eyes of Sydney, an alchemist, who grew up being brainwashed that all vampires were an abomination. (Say whaat?!)


So throughout her whole life, up until she met Rose, she completely despised vampires. You still see a lot of that with how she acts around them, but you can tell she is starting to have her own opinion about certain ones. 


Richelle didn't disappoint me with Bloodlines, ever since Vampire Academy I have had VERY high expectations for Richelle's writing. In Bloodlines, just like all her other books I've read, she grabs a hold of you and doesn't let go until the very last word in the book, and then leaves you thirsting for more. 


I can't wait to dive into the next book and see what will happen next in the alchemists world. And ooh la la, with Adrien. Hopefully there will be some love in the next one. I'm actually rooting for a certain sexy spirit user (You know who I'm talking about.) and a young, alchemist. =D


Overall, I really loved this book and can't think of anything that really bothered me about it, except the fact that two people that I wanted to get together didn't in this book. Boo!


I really like the cover. I think they found a dead on image for Sydney. =) 

The second book in this series is The Golden Lily. It will be released on June 19, 2012. (My b-day! Exciting!)

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
(Nightshade, #1)
Publisher: Philomel
Release Date: October 19, 2010
Hardcover: 528 pages
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy:Amazon
Source: Bought
Challenge: A to Z, Off the Shelf, Book Blogger Recommendation,  350 Page
Rating: 

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything- including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

After hearing such great things about this book, I bought it last Christmas with a gift card my husband got me, and I finally got to read it. I've been dying to read it for a long time, but there just isn't enough time in the day to get through my tbr list! 


I know a lot of books don't live up to their hype, but boy this one was one. It lived up to the hype and went way over it. I know some people may be getting tired of werewolves (I love werewolves!), but this is a unique take on it. Werewolves and witches. It's amazing!


What makes a great book a lot of time when I'm reading, is the characters. But this one was definitely the plot. I mean, the characters were AWESOME! But the plot? The plot was unique and intriguing and just kept throwing new and exciting things at you. 


Sometimes I would think, "Oh, this is going to happen next.", but it didn't! I was left with my mouth hanging open and my eyes on overdrive trying to take in everything on the page so I could flip to the next one.


I've been looking for another book that has a strong female character. A kick-ass, strong female character. (i.e. Rose from Vampire Academy.) And I haven't really found many lately, but Calla? Calla is DEFINITELY kick ass. She cared about her pack, she put her pack in front of her own happiness. I'm not going to get into that because it would giveaway some of the story, but you'll understand once you pick this book up. 


Yes, there is a love triangle in this book. But I really can't figure out which guy I want Calla to be with. They both have their qualities and both sound smokin' hot. Sometimes I like Shay more, and sometimes it's Ren. 


Hopefully the next book (Which I'm currently reading! Yay! That's how great Nightshade is, I read ONE book after this book before I took on Wolfsbane.) will help me figure out which side I'm on. 


Overall, pick it up. Do it. If you haven't read it already, please get a move on it. It's not your typical werewolf book. And the writing is amazing. It keeps you reading and keeps you interested and wanting more. Andrea Cremer is definitely on my author watch list now. 


The cover is gorgeous. I can't figure out if I like this versions cover, or the new paperback cover better. I'm really mad, though, because once I buy Wolfsbane for my shelf, my covers aren't going to match. Anyone know where I can get a new book cover to put on my hardback? I've seen them around the blog-o-sphere. 

The second book in this series is Wolfsbane. It was released on July 26, 2011.

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton


Series: Angelfire, book #1
Next book in series: Wings of the Wicked
Publisher: Harperteen/Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: February 15, 2011
Hardcover: 464 pages
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy: Amazon
Add to Goodreads
Source: Harpercollins @ Netgalley
Challenge: Debut Author, A-Z Reading, Support Your Local Library, 350 Page Book
Overall: 5/5

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul. A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once. While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul eaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.

First Paragraph: I stared out the classroom window and longed for freedom, wanting to be anywhere in theworld other than gaping up at my economics teacher like the rest of my classmates. The last time I had listened to him, Mr. Meyer had been lecturing about fiscal policy, and that was when he'd lost me. My eyes rolled over to my best friend, Kate Green, who was doodling intricate flowers all over her notes and looked like she was thoroughly entertaining herself. Meanwhile, I was reduced to staring at the wiry, gray chest hair puffing out at the collar of Mr. Meyer's polo shirt like overgrown steel wool and wondering whether he'd ever considered waxing.

Angelfire was just wow. It was very unique and completely different from most young adult books. I mean, Angels have been making it's way to the top lately in the young adult publishing industry, but this is more than just angels! There are grim reapers! And not your typical creepy guy in a black hooded cloak with a scythe. Moulton completely created her own version of the grim reapers, making them all types of creepy creatures that go bump in the night.


She kept Ellie's world much like our own, but added a world that co-existed with the world called the Grim. Humans (Unless they were special psychics, or Ellie.) couldn't see the Grim or any of Grim's creatures.  


And speaking of those Grim creatures, there are some awesome fight scenes in this book. Moulton really knows how to write a kick-ass fight scene! Plus, her description is just amazing anyway. 


I had a few issues reading this book, but it isn't Moulton's fault. It's just because I read this on Netgalley and I'm still not entirely use to reading books on the computer. I like having an actual copy in my hands. I can enjoy them a lot more and I know I would have been in love with this book more than I already am if I had read it through a physical copy. This is my second-ever book that I've read on the computer.  


I have a love/hate relationship with Ellie's character. She's awesome and kick-ass, but at the same time she's annoying. The bad thing is, I can't really explain the full reason of why she's annoying. I guess you'd have to read it for yourself and see if you find her annoying as well. It didn't take away from the fact, though, that she's a pretty strong character and seemed real to me. I really felt bad for her about her bad luck with her car and then her dad issues. He was a real jerk! 


I also really, really, really loved Will! (How can you not? Seriously?) The only thing that bugged me was that he'd do completely ANYTHING for Ellie. I mean, yeah, I like guys who car enough about the girl they love that they'd do anything for them. But there is a line you have to draw somewhere. When he said some of the things he did, he just sounded downright pitiful and unbelievable. But other than those little moments, I loved him. If there was a way to ever see him, I'd so run up to him and give him a hug. Then I'd go cuddle with my husband, ha ha. 


I also really liked what Moulton did with the romance in this book. :) You can see the attraction and love Ellie and Will have for each other, but they don't really do anything about it for a long, long time. :) Which really bugged me while reading it because I really wanted them to get together and the moments where it looked like they were, and didn't, it drove me NUTS! But it bugged me/drove me nuts in a good way. 


This kind of reminded me a little of the anime show Blood Plus. Don't ask me how, it just did. For some strange reason. It's nothing really alike. But I love Blood Plus, so it's cool. :) 


I guess you would just have to watch the show to maybe kind of understand. I don't know. 


But overall, this was a great debut book! Major brownie points for Moulton! This was a great start to a new series and I can't wait until the sequel comes out! I'll be eagerly counting down the days to the release date. Which at the moment all I know of the release date is that it will be published in 2012. Boo!


I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a great debut with a unique story of angels and grim reapers. :)


Cover: I really like the cover. The model on the front fits Ellie's description perfectly and I love her outfit! The mist and the black birds in the background just makes the cover looks so...paranormal! The jacket art and design is by Joel Tippie and the jacket photograph is by Amber Gray.