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.

Queen of Babble, by Meg Cabot

Queen of Babble, by Meg Cabot

(Queen of Babble, #1)

Publisher: HarperCollins/William Morrow & Co.

Release Date: June 23, 2006

Hardcover: 309 pages

Age Group: Adult

Buy: Amazon

Source: library

Challenge: A to Z, Support Your Local Library

Rating:  

 

What's an American girl with a big mouth, but an equally big heart, to do?

Lizzie Nichols has a problem, and it isn't that she doesn't have the slightest idea what she's going to do with her life, or that she's blowing what should be her down payment on a cute little Manhattan apartment on a trip to London to visit her long-distance boyfriend, Andrew. What's the point of planning for the future when she's done it again? See, Lizzie can't keep her mouth shut. And it's not just that she can't keep her own secrets, she can't keep anything to herself.
This time when she opens her big mouth, her good intentions get Andrew in major hot water. Now Lizzie's stuck in London with no boyfriend and no place to stay until the departure date written on her non-changeable airline ticket.
Fortunately, Lizzie's best friend and college roommate is spending her summer in the south of France, catering weddings in a chateau. One call and Lizzie's on a train to Paris. Who cares if she speaks only rudimentary French? One glimpse of gorgeous Chateau Mirac -- not to mention gorgeous Luke, Chateau Mirac's owner -- and she's smitten.
But while most caterers can be trusted to keep a secret, Lizzie's the exception. And no sooner has the first cork been popped than Luke hates her, the bride is in tears, and it looks like Chateau Mirac is in danger of becoming a lipo-recovery spa. As if things aren't bad enough, ex-boyfriend Andy shows up looking for "closure" (or at least a loan), threatening to ruin everything, especially Lizzie's chance at ever finding real love -- unless she can figure out a way to use that big mouth of hers to save the day.  

Ah, Meg Cabot. Oh how I've missed your writing. I haven't read a Meg Cabot book in a while. I'm pretty sure since Insatiable was out. Why?! I always know that I'm going to love a Meg Cabot book, even before I know what the book is about. 'Oh, it's by Meg Cabot? Oh, okay, slide it right down please!'

I haven't read all of her books. But I do plan on it, setting aside the middle grade novels. I just don't do well with middle grade novels. Not sure why. But her books are the ones to read! You can NEVER go wrong with a Meg Cabot book. But anyway, you're here to read what I thought of THIS book. Queen of Babble. 

I loved it. I need to pick up the second book as soon as possible. I didn't have very many issues with this book. It took me about a chapter or two to get into it fully, but of course her writing pulled me right in. There is just something about Meg Cabot's style that keeps you reading, even if the plot isn't dragging you in right away. 


And Lizzie. Sweet, sweet, can't-keep-her-mouth-shut, Lizzie.  I loved her, but gosh. She really bugged me sometimes. I mean, who in the world would fly all the way across the world to spend the summer with a guy who she's only technically been with for three months? I mean, in some cases I would say, "Hell yeah!", but in this case, "Hell, no, no, no, no!" She really quite annoyed me sometimes. I mean, was she really that oblivious at times? I'm really glad she learned in the end. That's what counts! 


And Jean-Luc. Oh, my, my, my! Loved him! I mean, really, what's not to like? Sweet, charming, half-french, rich. Ahhh. Not that it's all about the money, because it definitely isn't. He was one of my favorite characters! Along with Shari and Chaz of course. Oh, and you can't forget Lizzie's Grandma! Even though she plays a VERY minor roll. 

But Andy and Luke's girlfriend, er, can't remember her name right now. You don't wanna know the name I gave her throughout the whole book. I don't really know what to say about them, other than BOO! 

Overall, this was a fun read. Loved mostly everything about it, other than the few things I mentioned. If you love Meg Cabot, or if you've never read a book buy her before, you'll love it. Meg Cabot is a fantastic author! Which is why after finishing this, I started another Meg Cabot book. Abandon, to be exact. 

The second book in this series is called Queen of Babble in the Big City.  It was released on July 1, 2007.

The Season, by Sarah MacLean

The Season, by Sarah MacLean
Publisher: Orchard Books
Release Date: March 1, 2009
Hardcover: 343 pages
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy: Amazon
Source: Library
Challenge: A to Z, Support Your Local Library
Rating: 


 To learn more about my rating badges, click here!

Seventeen year old Lady Alexandra is strong-willed and sharp-tongued — in a house full of older brothers and their friends, she had to learn to hold her own. Not the best makings for an aristocratic lady in Regency London. Yet her mother still dreams of marrying Alex off to someone safe, respectable, and wealthy. But between ball gown fittings, dances, and dinner parties, Alex, along with her two best friends, Ella and Vivi, manages to get herself into what may be her biggest scrape yet.When the Earl of Blackmoor is mysteriously killed, Alex decides to help his son, the brooding and devilishly handsome Gavin, uncover the truth. But will Alex's heart be stolen in the process? In an adventure brimming with espionage, murder, and other clandestine affairs, who could possibly have time to worry about finding a husband? Romance abounds as this year's season begins!

I'll admit, this book was a little hard to get into. I guess because I haven't read any historical romances lately, but after a little while I found myself completely entranced. By the end of the book, I didn't want it to finish. I wanted to keep reading about Alex, Gavin, Ella, Vivi and the Stafford brothers. All the characters were so lively and funny. They were real to me. 

I've been wanting to read this book for a while, since hearing about it back in 2009 before it was released, but I just now got to it. Thanks to the A to Z challenge! I added it to my challenge list so I would finally pick it up. It's funny with me and historical fiction. Most sound good to be, especially the historical romances. Those are my favorite. It will sound good to me, and then when I get it I'll be all, "Ugh..." and procrastinate starting it. But then when I get into it and read it, I love it! Why is that? Ha! I'm weird. 

I kind of figured out who killed Gavin's dad in the beginning, but at the same time I wasn't completely sure. There were a few possibilities. But it didn't take away from the story much. I'm so happy about Gavin and Alex, and that is all I'm going to say. I love Gavin! He was such a joy to read about, plus, he was so cute!

Overall, I loved this book. I had a few issues, like not being able to get into it right away, but none that were too big. This was a great book. It had it all; great writing, mystery, romance, great characters and a lovely setting! I was able to picture everything as if I were there. Reading this has let me know I definitely need to pick up for historical romances soon. Also, I will definitely be picking up Sarah's adult series soon! 

I really like the cover as well. Really captures Alex, Vivi and Ella. 

The Espressologist, by Kristina Springer

The Espressologist, by Kristina Springer
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Release Date: October 27, 2009
Hardcover: 184 Pages
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy:Amazon
Source: Library
Challenge: A to Z, Support Your Local Library
Rating: 

What’s your drink of choice? Is it a small pumpkin spice latte? Then you’re lots of fun and a bit sassy. Or a medium americano? You prefer simplicity in life. Or perhaps it’s a small decaf soy sugar-free hazelnut caffe latte? Some might call you a yuppie. Seventeen-year-old barista Jane Turner has this theory that you can tell a lot about a person by their regular coffee drink. She scribbles it all down in a notebook and calls it Espressology. So it’s not a totally crazy idea when Jane starts hooking up some of her friends based on their coffee orders. Like her best friend, Em, a medium hot chocolate, and Cam, a toffee nut latte. But when her boss, Derek, gets wind of Jane’s Espressology, he makes it an in-store holiday promotion, promising customers their perfect matches for the price of their favorite coffee. Things are going better than Derek could ever have hoped, so why is Jane so freaked out? Does it have anything to do with Em dating Cam? She’s the one who set them up! She should be happy for them, right?

First off, this is my first book by Springer. I've wanted to try one of her books for a while, but never got around to it until now. I came upon this book on Goodreads a while back and added it to my to-be-read list, and FINALLY got around to reading it due to my A through Z challenge. =) 


When I first heard about it, I thought, "Hey, this sounds like a cute, fun book." and I was not disappointed. It was exactly that; short, fun and cute. I read it really fast, it's not that long and it is just an overall fast read. You're at page fifty before you know it, and then one hundred and fifty, and then you're done. 


The plot in this book is cute and unique. I mean, hello, the main character becomes an Espressologist by accident at her coffee house job! An Espressologst is someone who matches people up based on their favorite coffee drink. Isn't that awesome? It would be awesome if that really worked! I'm eager to find out of it does and start trying to set people up. Ha!


The characters in this book are fun too. Even the annoying characters were fun, if that is possible. The ones who are the mean characters, you get the ones I'm talking about? I really liked Jane, the main character, right off the back. She was fresh. She isn't one of those characters who feel sorry for themselves most of the time and live within their best friend's shadow. Speaking of best friend, Em--Jane's best friend--she was cool. I'd love to have a best friend like her. You'll see what I mean after you've read it. 


And Derek! He was pretty cool. He seems like an annoying boss, but at the same time it would be pretty entertaining with his weird moods. Also, Cam, he was awesome! I knew he'd be a good guy from the start! 


Overall, if you want something fun and short to read that is super cute, pick this one up! I liked it a lot and I can't wait to pick up another one of Springer's books. 

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. 

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.

My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent

My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent
(Soul Screamers, #1)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: July 29, 2009
ARC: 288 pages
Age Group: Young Adul
Buy:Amazon
Source: Harlequin Teen
Challenge: A to Z, Off the Shelf, Book Blogger Recommendation
Overall:

She doesn't see dead people. She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally. 
Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next.

Oh my! This was so unique and refreshing. I can't believe I took so long to read this. Now I'm dying to read book 2! And sadly, I don't have it. So I'll have to put a hold on it at the library to get it sent to my library. I wish I could have it in my hands RIGHT NOW. 


But anyway, I should of known this would be a great series. I've read the first two books in Vincent's Adult Urban Fantasy Shifter series. If you haven't read them or heard of that series yet, you should definitely look it up. They are good. 


This is a great start to this series. The character's are well developed. I really liked Kaylee and Nash. Those were my two favorites characters. Wait, I can't forget Tod! I haven't decided who I like better yet, Nash or Tod. Hmm.


Kaylee seemed like a normal teenager, except for the whole knowing someone is going to die a few minutes before they do. So that was really good. I love when writer's can do that, make someone seem really normal without knowing their secret and when you do it comes as a surprise. You know what I mean?


I was hooked from the first chapter, and the writing kept me reading and reading and reading. Ha! 


Overall, very, very interesting read! I was sad to see the first book end, especially without having the second. I'll definitely be trying to get my hands on the second book very, very soon. Vincen't has made it to my author's to look out for list. I'm really interested in checking out her other adult series as well. 


I really like the cover for this book. But I can't figure out if I like the US cover better or the UK version better. I like how dark the US covers for this series are, but then again I like how bright the UK ones are. *sigh* 

The second book in this series is My Soul To Save. It was released on December 29th, 2009. 

Wake by Lisa McMann

Wake by Lisa McMann
(Dream Catcher, #1)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: December 23, 2008
Paperback: 224 pages
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy: Amazon
Source: Bought
Challenge: A to Z, Off the Shelf, Book Blogger Recommendation
Overall: 

For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.
She can't tell anybody about what she does -- they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can't control.
Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant....

I read this book at the beginning of this month (September).  I have been trying to figure out what to say in my review. It has really made me think about the rating of it, because it's not really a three, or really completely a four. I really liked this book, but it wasn't my favorite. 


It was a little hard to get into and a little hard to read at times because the sentences were kind of choppy, but I got into it after a little while and got used to it. I really liked the idea of Janie being able to enter someone's dream, but I wouldn't want to live someone's nightmares! 


I want to read the next book in the series, but it's not at the top of my list. 


I feel bad for how Janie has had to grow up. Her mom isn't the best at all, she needs to get stuff together and start acting like a mother to Janie. She's an alcoholic. 


I'm glad she started making friends, plus maybe more, with Cabel. He seemed like a nice guy. Can't wait to see how much farther that goes in the next book.


Overall, I'm sorry I don't really have much to say about this book, hopefully it will get a lot better in the second book. Which I will try and pick up soon. =) Also, I will be checking out more of McMann's books, I'd like to see how the rest of her writing style is. 


The cover fits the book well, but isn't one of my favorites. 

The second book in the series is called Fade. It was released on February 10, 2009. 

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
(Hex Hall, #1)
Publisher: Hyperion Children's
Release Date: March 2, 2010
Hardcover: 336
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy: Amazon  
Source: library
Challenge: A to Z, Support Your Local Library, Book Blogger Recommendation
Overall:   

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

To be honest, the first time trying to read this a couple of months ago didn't work out. I couldn't get into it. This time I could and boy did I like this book! It was a great start to a series and I really wish I would have swiped Demonglass, Hex Hall's sequel, when I had the chance because now I'm regretting that big time, wanting to know more about Sophie and what happens to her school. 

And also, hello, what happened about Archer! I mean, how can someone NOT be curious about THAT? I'm not going to say more about it than that because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. 

The writing was intriguing, I finished this book pretty fast after getting into it, and the characters were fun to read about. Even if Elodie and her gang made me incredibly mad basically every time they came into the picture, though Elodie did have her moments.

I love witches. I was a major fangirl of Charmed growing up and I still watch my seasons on DVD once in a while, I've always been fascinated with them and most other things paranormal. I guess that is one of the reasons why I wanted to get through this book so bad. Though I really don't understand why I couldn't get into it the first time, I guess because I wanted to read something else? I dunno.

But overall, I know I didn't say much about this book, other than I liked it. But I just couldn't figure out what to say about it. I really, really liked it and all the magic and awesomeness. You should definitely read it if you are a fan of witches in a school where there are also Fae, vampires and shape shifters. It made an awesome, though sometimes terrifying, pairing.

I really like the cover, I didn't understand it much at first, but if you read this book you'll understand about the reflection in the water. =)

The second book in the series is called Demonglass. It was released on March 22, 2011.

Timeless by Alexandra Monir

Timeless by Alexandra Monir
(Timeless, #1)
Publisher: Delecorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: January 11, 2011
Hardcover: 304 pages
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy:Amazon  
Source: Library
Challenge: Debut Author, A to Z, Support Your Local Library
Overall:   

When tragedy strikes Michele Windsor’s world, she is forced to uproot her life and move across the country to New York City, to live with the wealthy, aristocratic grandparents she’s never met. In their old Fifth Avenue mansion filled with a century’s worth of family secrets, Michele discovers a diary that hurtles her back in time to the year 1910. There, in the midst of the glamorous Gilded Age, Michele meets the young man with striking blue eyes who has haunted her dreams all her life – a man she always wished was real, but never imagined could actually exist. And she finds herself falling for him, into an otherworldly, time-crossed romance.

Michele is soon leading a double life, struggling to balance her contemporary high school world with her escapes into the past. But when she stumbles upon a terrible discovery, she is propelled on a race through history to save the boy she loves – a quest that will determine the fate of both of their lives.

Wow. I finished this book about a month ago now and I'm still thinking about it. When I look at this book I can't help but smile. It is so romantic and heart-wrenching. I knew from the moment I heard about this book that I wanted to read it, and I knew I would love it. It's just one of those books you know the moment you hear about it that you are going to like it. It definitely did NOT disappoint me!

I've had time to think over what I was going to say about this book in my review, but I am still in shock over it all. I'm still wondering "What the hell just happened here?" but in a completely good way. It's just one of those books that is overly amazing and you are wondering minutes, hours, days, months what the heck just happened. Until you finally get the next installment and dive in and get that "Ahhhhh" =) feeling. You know what I mean?

Not only is this book AMAZING, but it's utterly beautiful. The writing is gorgeous! And the descriptions. Arg! Makes it even more amazing. I love the lyrics added in, they are beautiful. Monir put juuust the right amount into it to where it wasn't major overload.

The plot is unique and just very romantic. This book made me hurt so badly for Michele. Everything she had to endure with her mom and then with Philip.

Oh, and you can definitely NOT forget about the awesome history that is in this book and how well crafted and genius Monir put this book together! You won't really understand until you read this book and that's all I'm going to say.

Overall, I can't really say much about this book until after you read it. Whenever you do, please send me an email and strike up a conversation about this book so I can overload you on how awesome I think this book is and we can discuss the awesome-ness of it. Please?? I'm DYING for the sequel. Seriously.

Also, the cover is GORGEOUS! It's so, so, so beautiful! Possibly one of my top five favorite covers of the year.

The second book in this new series is called The Time Keeper. It is expected to be out in 2012.

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.