Spell Bound, by Rachel Hawkins

Series: Hex Hall, #3
Publisher: Hyperion
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Hardcover: 327 pages
Genre: YA - Paranormal
Read it in: 1 day
Source: Library
Challenge: none 
Rating: ★★★★★

Hailed as “impossible to put down,” the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted.
Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.
Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?

Spell Bound was freaking AMAZING. Even though I'm EXTREMELY upset that this is the last book in the series, it did have a great ending. Hawkins did an amazing job tying up all the lose ends. Though, then again, I am STILL extremely sad. I loved this trilogy so much. But I do hear that there most likely will be a spin-off. Not sure if that is 100% true, but I'm very intrigued!

I don't want to go into too much detail on what happened in this book--though my mind is going miles a minute right now with everything because it totally blew my mind--because I don't want to give anything away or spoil anything.

There is a point in this book, which I'm not going to say, that I really wanted to throw the book across the room and I even tweeted Rachel to tell her I was upset about it. Though I tweeted her again after I read the next chapter and understood what happened, ha! I was SO upset. (If anyone is curious, it's the last line in chapter 10.)

I do like the new characters that come up in here, though I'm not going to say who. They weren't my absolute favorite, but they were surprising and grew on me by the end of the book.

The writing was amazing as ever and had be so absorbed in the book I didn't really notice much around me. I just flew through the pages and devoured this book. This was another book that I really needed to read to get me back into reading and out of this rut.

Overall, AMAZING. Perfect ending. If you haven't read this series yet, please do us all a favor and do it.Including yourself. It's unique and the perfect trilogy to take your mind to another place. HIGHLY recommend!
                                                                                                                                                                                                   
Author Info: Website/Blog | Twitter |  Facebook | Tumblr
Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Read my other reviews for this trilogy:

* Hex Hall

* Demonglass

Waiting on Wednesday, #60

Waiting on Wednsday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights upcoming releases that you are dying to read and can't wait to get your hands on! 
                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Break My Heart 1,000 Times, by Daniel Waters
Publisher: Hyperion
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Pre-Order:  Amazon

Living in the aftermath of the Event means that seeing the dead is now a part of life, but Veronica wishes that the ghosts would just move on. Instead, the ghosts aren't disappearing--they're gaining power. When Veronica and her friend, Kirk, decide to investigate why, they stumble upon a more sinister plot than they ever could have imagined. One of Veronica's high school teachers is crippled by the fact that his dead daughter has never returned as a ghost, and he's haunted by the possibility that she's waiting to reappear within a fresh body. Veronica seems like the perfect host. And even if he's wrong, what's the harm in creating one more ghost? From critically acclaimed Generation Dead author Daniel Waters, comes a delectably creepy and suspenseful thriller. Break My Heart 1,000 Times will leave readers with the chills. Or is that a ghost reading over the page?

 Why Do I Want It?

I admit, I'm starting to run out of books on my Goodreads to use in WoW posts. I try and spread them out. I haven't been looking around much lately, I'm sure glad I looked around now. I've only read one of Daniel Waters books, but I did like it. It was the first book in his zombie series, Generation Dead. I need to continue the series! I saw this book and it sounds amazing! Dystopian/Paranormal sounding, right up my alley. And ghosts?! Hello! Awesome! Then I saw the author's name and freaked and added it. Also, that cover is kind of creepy, but SO COOL! 

So what is on your list this week?

Waiting on Wednesday, #33

Waiting on Wednsday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights upcoming releases that you are dying to read and can't wait to get your hands on!

Body and Soul, by Stacey Kade
(The Ghost and the Goth, #3)
Publisher: Hyperion
Release Date: May 1, 2012

Pre-Order: Amazon

The final book in The Ghost and the Goth Trilogy! 
The Ghost I’ve been trapped in the body of Lily “Ally” Turner for a month now. Talk about a fashion crisis on an epic scale. What worries me more, though, is sometimes I catch Will looking at me like he thinks I’m Lily...or that he wishes I were. Without the good looks of my former self, I don’t know who I am, or if who that is is good enough. I need out of this mess. Now. 
Will and I have been looking for a solution, one that would separate me from Lily without killing her. But it’s not going well. Then, when it seems like things couldn’t get any worse, we run into Misty, my former best friend and boyfriend-stealer extraordinaire, who claims she’s being haunted...by me. Seriously? 
I’m determined to get to the bottom of who’s pretending to be the spirit of Alona Dare (while I’m pretending to be someone else) and then get the heck out of this body. Or die trying... 
The Goth I’ll admit it. It’s really weird to look at Alona but see Lily. I do know the difference, though, contrary to what Alona might be saying. And Alona is more than a pretty face to me, not that she would believe that. 
Our one lead for some help in this messed up situation might be a page torn from the yellow pages-—the “Psychics” section-—I found in my dad’s stuff. One of the “fakes” seems a bit more real-—and odd-—than the others. Before I can investigate further, though, Alona is off and chasing a ghost that’s probably nothing more than a figment of Misty’s guilty imagination. Now Lily’s family is freaking out because she didn’t come home, my mom is ordering me to stay out of it, and something is definitely wrong with the person formerly known as Lily “Ally” Turner...

I'm very sad this is the last book to this awesome trilogy, but I am super excited to be continuing the story! It's such a fast, cute read! Looove this trilogy! =D I can't wait to see what happens with Alona and Will!

Waiting on Wednesday, #26

Waiting on Wednsday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights upcoming releases that you are dying to read and can't wait to get your hands on!

Note: All my links go to Goodreads, the author's website, and the publisher's website.

Spell Bound, by Rachel Hawkins

(Hex Hall, #3)

Publisher: Hyperion

Release Date: March 13, 2012

Pre-Order: Amazon

Hailed as “impossible to put down,” the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted. 
Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident. 
Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?

I got sucked into this series last year and ever since finishing Demonglass, I've been dying to read the third and final book. I'm really sad that this is the last book in the series, but all great stories have to end somewhere and I'd rather it end now than drag on and on and on and not be good anymore. I'm really curious as to what is going to happen in this one. Demonglass really left off with me going, "OH MY GOD, NO WAY!"

Here are links to my reviews of the first two books if you're interested: Hex Hall & Demonglass. 

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. 

Teaser Tuesday #11

Teaser Tuesday is a Meme hosted by Mizb @ Should Be Reading. Anyone can join in, as long as they do the following:

• Grab your current read. 
• Open your book to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page. 
• Warning:  Not everyone has read your current read, be courtesy to those who haven't and not reveal any spoilers. 
• Share the Title & Author so anyone can add your current read to their list if they wish to do so. 

*Note: all my links go to Goodreads, the authors website, and the publishers website.

Demonglass, by Rachel Hawkins
(Hex Hall, #2)
Publisher: Hyperion 
Release Date: March 1, 2011

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?

Teaser: For a moment we smiled at each other. Then Dad cleared his throat and looked away. pg. 154

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.

Generation Dead by Daniel Waters

Generation Dead by Daniel Waters


Series: Generation Dead, book #1
Next book in series: Kiss of Life
Publisher: Hyperion
Release Date: May 6, 2008
Hardcover: 400 Pages
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy: Amazon
Add to Goodreads
Source: Own
Challenge: A to Z, Off the Shelf, 350 Page
Overall: 4/5


Summary                                                                           

Phoebe Kendall is just your typical Goth girl with a crush. He’s strong and silent…and dead.

All over the country, a strange phenomenon is occurring. Some teenagers who die aren't staying dead. But when they come back to life, they are no longer the same. Feared and misunderstood, they are doing their best to blend into a society that doesn’t want them.
The administration at Oakvale High attempts to be more welcoming of the “differently biotic." But the students don’t want to take classes or eat in the cafeteria next to someone who isn’t breathing. And there are no laws that exist to protect the “living impaired” from the people who want them to disappear—for good.
When Phoebe falls for Tommy Williams, the leader of the dead kids, no one can believe it; not her best friend, Margi, and especially not her neighbor, Adam, the star of the football team. Adam has feelings for Phoebe that run much deeper than just friendship; he would do anything for her. But what if protecting Tommy is the one thing that would make her happy?

First Paragraph                                                                                                                               

Phoebe and her friends held their breath as the dead girl in the plaid skirt walked past their table in the lunchroom. Her motion kicked up a cool breeze that seemed to settle on the skin and catch in their hair. As they watched her go by, Phoebe could almost tell what everyone was thinking. Everyone, that is, except for the dead girl. 

My Thoughts                                                                                                                                  

At first all the different names for characters, such as their nicknames were confusing. The characters would be called by their real name one time, and then the next sentence would be their nickname by a certain person. But still, after a couple of pages the story really pulls you in. Heck, I was very curious within the first paragraph (As you can see above!)

I'm starting to get into the zombie hype (You know, just like the werewolf, vampire, fairy, angels, etc. hype?), there are a lot of books with them through YA nowadays. This may be an older YA book, but it is very good and unique! I mean, c'mon, have you ever heard of american teenagers (No one else. Not parents, or dogs, or anything. Just teenagers.) coming back to life after they die? And I mean coming back to life and going right back to their daily lives, almost as if nothing happened. I mean, of course they have their faults. They're a little slower, a little quiet, a little more zombie-like? Ha, ha! 

They don't try and eat people, they don't eat blood (Or anything else for that matter.), they just go to school. Seriously. It's awesome. Most people don't like it, but they have to deal. And I mean some people REALLY don't like it. Not going to get anymore into that because I don't want to ruin the story by telling those of you who haven't read it yet. 

The writing was good and really funny at times, it flowed well and had me hooked. The characters were cool, I mean, Margi annoyed me a little, but other than that she was pretty cool. Adam was awesome! He was a jock, but really sweet and was one of Phoebe's best friends. Have you ever heard of a goth girl being best friends with a  football player? Or a football player being in love with that said  goth girl? Ah, said way too much already. 

Tommy, and the other 'living-impaired' students were pretty cool. I still don't know the full deal on how him and a few other dead characters can move and talk a little faster than the other 'living-impaired', but hopefully I will find out in the next installment. Which I will be trying to fit into my reading pile soon! *Looks over at insanely high tbr stack and glares*

Tommy was really sweet and I liked Phoebe and him together, but at the same time they didn't click right. 

Overall, it was good. That's all I have to say. If you're a fan of zombies, or maybe even if you aren't a fan of zombies, pick it up! It's unique and fun. 

Cover Love                                                                                                                                      

The cover is pretty cool. It's pretty. Not one of those 'OMG, this is gorgeous and awesome!' book covers, but still pretty. I kind of wish it would of been a little different because it made me think there was a dead, er, 'living-impaired' cheerleader in the book, but there wasn't. There was only Tommy, who played on the football team for a little while. 

Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade

Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade

Series: The Ghost and the Goth
Read my review of The Ghost and the Goth.
Next book in series: ?
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Hardcover: 288 Pages
Age Group: Young Adult
Buy: Amazon
Add to Goodreads
Source: Hyperion Books @ Netgalley
Challenge: None
Overall: 4/5

After being sent back from the light, Alona Dare - former homecoming queen, current Queen of the Dead - finds herself doing something she never expected: working. Instead of spending days perfecting her tan by the pool (her typical summer routine when she was, you know, alive), Alona must now cater to the needs of other lost spirits. By her side for all of this - ugh - “helping of others” is Will Killian: social outcast, seer of the dead, and someone Alona cares about more than she’d like.
Before Alona can make a final ruling on Will’s “friend” or “more” status, though, she discovers trouble at home. Her mom is tossing out Alona’s most valuable possessions, and her dad is expecting a new daughter with his wicked wife. Is it possible her family is already moving on? Hello! She’s only been dead for two months! Thankfully, Alona knows just the guy who can put a stop to this mess.
Unfortunately for Alona, Will has other stuff on his mind, and Mina, a young (and beautiful) seer, is at the top of the list. She’s the first ghost-talker Will’s ever met—aside from his father—and she may hold answers to Will’s troubled past. But can she be trusted? Alona immediately puts a check mark in the “clearly not” column. But Will is - ahem - willing to find out, even if it means leaving a hurt and angry Alona to her own devices, which is never a good idea. 

First Paragraph: On television, ghost-talkers run antique stores, solve crimes, or stand on a stage in a nice suit giving the teary-eyed audience a toothy, yet sympathetic grin. 

Even though Queen of the Dead wasn't as good as The Ghost and the Goth, I really liked jumping back into Will and Alona's world! They are, as always, fighting, but you can really tell they are really starting to care about each other and set aside their differences. They find out that they really depend on being around each other all the time now.

I really love how there is romance in this book, but it isn't all what it's about. There is a big story around it, with just the romance bit thrown in there. It is VERY entertaining to read and I really hope there is a third one. If not I think I will seriously cry! The first book had me wanting more, but I could live if there wasn't a second book. But now it has left me wanting more with hoping VERY desperately there is another book to add to this series.

It is a very fast and cute read. I love that about this series. You can read it within a couple of hours, about 2, and it entertain you greatly.

I don't like the new character that was thrown in here. She just reallys bugs me. And Alona, ha ha! Even though Alona isn't the type of girl I'd hang out with. Actually, I would be trying to stay as far away from her as possible if I came upon a girl like her. Which is a huge surprise to me since she is one of my favorite characters. Funny how that works isn't it?

I just love her attitude! And I love how much she's grown since the beginning of the series. I guess death has done her a lot of good!

Even though Will and Alona are complete opposites and they bicker back in forth a lot and sometimes try to outdo themselves with annoying the other, I think they are meant for each other!

Overall, there better be a third book. This series is just too entertaining for this to be the end! So please Stacey Kade, write a third book! =)

Cover: I really like these covers. They are gorgeous!

Mercy by Rebecca Lim

Mercy by Rebecca Lim

Series: Mercy, book #1

Next book in series: Exile

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Release Date: May 17, 2011

Hardcover: 288 Pages

Age Group: Young Adult

Buy:Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Source: Hyperion @ Netgalley

Challenge: none

Overall: 4/5

A fallen angel haunted by her past. Yearning for her immortal beloved. Forever searching for answers. Who will show her Mercy?
Mercy has lost herself. She can’t count how many times she’s “woken up” in a new body, and assumed a new life, only to move on again and again. During the day she survives in the human world on instinct and at night her dreams are haunted by him. Mercy’s heart would know him anywhere. But her memory refuses to cooperate.
But this time is different. When Mercy wakes up she meets Ryan, an eighteen year old reeling from the loss of his twin sister who was kidnapped two years ago. Everyone else has given up hope, but Ryan believes his sister is still alive. Using a power she doesn’t fully comprehend, Mercy realizes that Ryan is right. His sister is alive and together they can find her. For the first time since she can remember, Mercy has a purpose; she can help. So she doesn’t understand why the man in her dreams cautions her not to interfere. But as Ryan and Mercy come closer to solving the dark mystery of his sister’s disappearance, danger looms just one step behind.
Will Mercy be able to harness her true self and extraordinary power in time?

First Paragraph: There's something very wrong with me. 

Mercy was a little hard to get into at first, but around chapter two I really got into it. It's a great start to a new series, and very different from most of the angel books I've come across and read.


Mercy, who named herself because her real name is unknown, is a great character. She kind of annoyed me at first, but grew on me by the end of the book. I also really liked Ryan, I didn't think I would at first, but as soon as Mercy and him started really talking I started to like him. 


This book was originally published in Australia! What is it about these Australian authors? They know how to write some good books. :) 


I can't wait to get my hands on the second book, Exile. I'm really sad to see Ryan go because of Mercy's situation, but I'm looking forward to reading more about Mercy. 


I recommend this to any angel lovers who want a new unique story.

Cover: I really like this cover! It is absolutely gorgeous! Not sure about the cover artist at this time, but will definitely put who it is up as soon as I find out!