MINI REVIEWS: The Frost Chronicles by Kate Avery Ellison

As you probably know from some of my previous reviews here, I enjoy reading self-published books by indie authors, though they can be very hit-or-miss. A friend of mine recommended the Frost Chronicles to me, since we share similar tastes in books. Kate Avery Ellison, the author of the Frost Chronicles, lives in Atlanta, Georgia, so I thought I would take the opportunity to support a local author. Lucky for me, the Frost Chronicles has turned out to be one of the best indie series I have come across so far! Every book is a relatively quick read -- the first is right around 200 pages, and each book is a little longer than the last. (Side note: I’m reading the eBook versions.) I devoured these books in just a few days and thought that rather than post four consecutive reviews (one for each book), it might make more sense to share four mini reviews here in one post. Then, when the fifth book is published later this year, I will devote one review to it as a finale of sorts. :-)

NOTE: If you haven’t read this series, you might want to stop reading my reviews after Frost, because eventually it will get a bit spoiler-y, given that I’m reviewing four books…

MINI REVIEW #1: Frost 

SYNOPSIS: In the icy, monster-plagued world of the Frost, one wrong move and a person could end up dead—and Lia Weaver knows this better than anyone. After monsters kill her parents, she must keep the family farm running despite the freezing cold and threat of monster attacks or risk losing her siblings to reassignment by the village Elders. With dangers on all sides and failure just one wrong step away, she can’t afford to let her emotions lead her astray. So when her sister finds a fugitive bleeding to death in the forest—a young stranger named Gabe—Lia surprises herself and does the unthinkable.

She saves his life.

Giving shelter to the fugitive could get her in trouble. The Elders have always described the advanced society of people beyond the Frost, the “Farthers,” as ruthless and cruel. But Lia is startled to find that Gabe is empathetic and intelligent…and handsome. She might even be falling in love with him.

But time is running out. The monsters from the forest circle the farm at night. The village leader is starting to ask questions. Farther soldiers are searching for Gabe. Lia must locate a secret organization called the Thorns to help Gabe escape to safety, but every move she makes puts her in more danger.

Is compassion—and love—worth the risk?

Frost sucked me right in -- you might recall my Teaser Tuesday post earlier in the week… Those first few sentences had me hooked from the start! Ellison has managed to bring something fresh to the YA Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Dystopian genre with this series. Part of me was sorry that Frost wasn’t a little longer, but at the same time, Ellison’s ability to so thoroughly paint the picture and fully tell the story in less than 200 pages was impressive! Admittedly, some of the writing and phrasing (and eBook formatting) could have been tightened up with just a bit more editing, but honestly, I really enjoyed Ellison’s storytelling and writing style -- it is very descriptive with vivid imagery. The only part of the story I had a small issue with was Lia’s and Gabe’s (admittedly brief) relationship -- it was just a little hard to believe Lia could have developed such strong feelings so quickly, but I like a little romance in my stories, so I could overlook this, mostly… As it was, immediately upon finishing Frost, I purchased and downloaded the next three books in the series (the fifth is yet to come), so that should tell you something! This book was THAT good.

MINI REVIEW #2: Thorns

SYNOPSIS: Lia Weaver went against everything she’d ever known when she risked her life to help a Farther fugitive named Gabe escape from the Aeralian soldiers, and her life changed forever. And the Frost changed, too—the Farthers have taken over her village, a new group of vigilantes calling themselves the Blackcoats are making plans to overthrow the Farther occupiers, and the Thorns are seeking for her to join them.

Lia seeks to fight back against the evil and injustice that has swallowed up her home, but danger lurks at every turn. The monsters that dwell in the deepest regions of the Frost are growing bolder and more dangerous every day, a Farther noble takes up residence in the village on a mysterious mission, and Lia discovers that her parents were harboring even more secrets.

As the frozen world of the Frost grows even more perilous, can Lia survive?

Perhaps the best part about having an eReader is being able to immediately download the next book in a series… (Well, assuming it’s been published, haha.) I loved that I didn’t have to wait after finishing Frost to begin Thorns. For me, Thorns and the third book, Weavers, are my favorites in the series so far. Thorns was fast-paced and I liked the direction Ellison decided to take Lia’s affections this time (despite the invetible love triangle). To me, this attraction was much more believable than Lia’s fast tumble for Gabe in the first book. I had actually wondered if this particular romance might develop when I was reading Frost, but that’s all I’m going to say on that subject. J Trying to keep things as spoiler-free as I can here… Ellison does much to advance the story in this book, developing the conflict caused by the Farther occupation of Iceliss, and still further building the world of the Frost (and beyond!) -- I could not put this book down. Once again, Ellison’s writing is beautifully descriptive and this time I really felt like it was spot on and very well-edited. With the way events were left in the Frost and the fact that Lia’s new romance was not quite fulfilled, needless to say, I had to jump right in to Weavers…

MINI REVIEW #3: Weavers

SYNOPSIS: Every day, life in the Frost grows increasingly perilous for its inhabitants. The Farther occupation continues, and food is becoming scarce. And Lia Weaver’s family is facing increasing perils, too—Jonn pushes his health to the brink as he works to uncover the secrets of Echlos, and Ivy risks everything to get food for the family. And for the second time, the Weaver family is harboring a fugitive, but Lia doesn’t trust her.

Lia has personally braved many struggles—a Farther occupation, family secrets, a heart torn between two men, and Watcher attacks—as she struggles to keep her family safe. But now she will face her greatest challenge and uncover the Frost’s deepest secrets as she completes her most dangerous mission yet for the Thorns.

Wow, Weavers almost left me breathless by the end of the book, as once again Ellison packs quite a punch in her stories! As much as I enjoyed her writing in Frost (despite some minor flaws) and then again in Thorns, it just keeps getting better and better. As the conflict increases in the Frost, I really like that we are beginning to see the more vulnerable side of Lia, who has struggled for so long to provide for her siblings in the harsh climate (both weather-wise and politically-speaking) of the Frost, while trying to complete missions for the Thorns and subsequently doing what she can to help end the Farther occupation of the Frost and the village of Iceliss. Isn’t that enough to wear anyone down? And then there’s her whole struggle with her feelings for two boys, poor girl, though really, that frustrates me to no end because at this point I just don’t think Gabe should be a factor. Admittedly, I’ve pretty much been “Team Adam” from the start of this series, when he wasn’t even on the radar, yet! And oh, the end of this story and the cliffhanger! I was fortunate that Ellison just released Bluewing because I didn’t have to wait long to find out what happened next.

MINI REVIEW #4: Bluewing

SYNOPSIS: Lia Weaver is a fugitive. Her family's farm has been confiscated by Farther soldiers, her sister has been reassigned to a new family in the village, and her official status is "missing." Now, she and a band of fugitive followers must make their home in the harsh wilderness of the Frost. Food is scarce, and hope is scarcer still as Lia tries to find information about the whereabouts of her missing friends. She is determined to rescue them, but when a surprising ally steps forth with an offer that will both return her friends and expel the Farthers from the Frost in exchange for something very precious, Lia must make a choice.

While I enjoyed Bluewing, I thought it started off a little slower compared to the other books in the series and it took me longer to really immerse myself in the story. I can’t quite pinpoint what it was, because the writing continues to be outstanding and a lot does happen in this book to further the plot, but for some reason Bluewing just didn’t grab me early on the way the first three books did. Perhaps it's simply that most of the action was in the latter half of the book. Ivy, Lia’s younger sister, continues to play a larger role in this story, and we also see a lot more of Gabe’s brother, Korr, who first came into the picture in Weavers. The Blackcoats and Thorns join forces against the Farthers, and that alliance brings with it a few surprises. Interestingly, a rather significant portion of the storyline wraps up by the end of the book, though we are definitely left with several questions and a pretty big cliffhanger, so there is plenty of the story left for Ellison to tell in the final book. As for that cliffhanger, I have my suspicions, so I am anxious to see if they are confirmed in the final book. And this time, darn it, I have to wait, haha…

If you stuck with me through all of that, suffice it to say that I LOVED these books and would recommend them to anyone who is a fan of YA Dystopians. And I'd also like to extend props to whoever designed the covers for this series -- I love them all!

Read this series…

• If you like YA Fantasy/Dystopian/Sci-Fi (this story is a great blend of all of those genres)
• If you enjoyed the Under The Never Sky series by Veronica Rossi
• If you liked The Girl of Fire and Thorns series by Rae Carson

REVIEW: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Series: Lunar Chronicles #2
Genre: YA Paranormal/Dystopian
Pub Date: February 2013, Feiwel and Friends
Format: eBook (Nook)
Source: Purchased from BN.com

The fates of Cinder and Scarlet collide as a Lunar threat spreads across the Earth...

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

MY THOUGHTS
Well, Marissa Meyer has done it again with Scarlet... As much as I loved Cinder, I'm pretty sure I enjoyed its sequel even more! While Cinder was an obvious re-telling of the story of Cinderella, this time we have the dystopian future version of Little Red Riding Hood and it was every bit as captivating as the cyborg version of Cinderella.

Meyer's creativity seems to know no bounds with these stories she has crafted. She has a gift for creating characters that come to life right off the pages of the book. This story alternated back and forth mainly between Scarlet's and Cinder's points of view, so in addition to Scarlet's own part in the Lunar Chronicles, we picked up Cinder's story right where it left off in the first book. While Scarlet is matched up on her adventure with the "big, bad" Wolf, a dark and troubled street fighter, most of Cinder's journey finds her in the company of "Captain" Thorne, a spaceship thief and general rogue who provides much of the comic relief during the story. And a bit of a spoiler, for those of you who were amused by Iko in Cinder, you can look forward to her return in Scarlet, though not quite how you would expect. :-)

Of course, quite a bit is done to advance the story of Queen Levana's quest to claim power over the Earthen Union, as well. Meyer also tells some of the story from Kai's point of view, though overall he was a more minor player in this book. Yet it was his decision towards the end that finally spurred Cinder to take some action and shoulder the responsibility that comes with her true identity, which she is finally able to fully admit to herself. Fans of Cinder will surely love the story's continuation, though I would recommend re-reading Cinder if it has been awhile since you first read it. I am now stuck playing the waiting game for the remaining two books, but I look forward to getting to re-read Cinder and Scarlet before they are released. Cress is due out next year and is to be a Rapunzel re-telling, while Winter will be released in 2015 and will focus on Snow White. Seriously, if you have any love for YA dystopian/sci-fi books, then add in all of these fairy tale re-tellings, you've got a highly original series and you owe it to yourself to give these books a try!


Read this book/series...

• If you enjoyed the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld or The Host by Stephenie Meyer
• If you like fairytale re-tellings
• If you like YA Dystopian with a good mix of Sci-Fi

Links:

• Website
• Twitter: @Marissa_Meyer
• Facebook Fan Page
• Goodreads Author Page

REVIEW: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Series: Lunar Chronicles #1
Genre: YA Dystopian
Pub Date: January 2012, Feiwal & Friends
Format: eBook (Nook)
Source: Purchased from BN.com

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

MY THOUGHTS
So this is one of those books that I saw popping up on Teaser Tuesday posts recently, along with the second book in the series, Scarlet. I'll admit what I saw had me intrigued, but I was a little skeptical. But then I kept reading glowing review after glowing review and my curiosity was piqued even more. I guess I have B&N to thank for having their NYT Bestselling titles for Nook on sale for 50% off this weekend, because that is what finally spurred me to just take the leap and give Cinder a try.

I've had a pretty good run of luck lately, as this was another book that I absolutely devoured and couldn't put down. I do love a good dystopian, and somehow I'd forgotten how much I enjoy Sci-Fi. Cinder is definitely an excellent blend of both, not to mention an incredibly unique "re-telling" of the Cinderella story. You'll never view this fairytale in the same way after reading this version! I really loved everything about this story -- the premise, the characters, the execution... I couldn't believe how quickly the pages flew by and before I knew it I had finished! I'll admit I figured out where part of the story was headed pretty quickly, but I really enjoyed seeing how Meyer revealed it bit by bit as the book went on. I know that's a bit cryptic...

It's funny, I find myself struggling to write this review because I don't want to give anything away, and so many things I keep thinking about mentioning really spoil too much of the story. One thing I can say is that I enjoyed the characters as much as I enjoyed Meyer's refreshingly original storyline. There's so much more to Cinder than meets the eye, Kai may be a prince, but that doesn't mean he always acts like one, and don't be surprised if you find yourself attached to a particular android... I'm so glad I went ahead and bought Scarlet, taking a chance that I'd want to continue the series. Of course, I'll have to play the waiting game along with everyone else to read the last two books in the Lunar Chronicles, but that just means I can look forward to a re-read before they are published!


Read this book...

• If you enjoyed the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld
• If you like fairytale re-tellings
• If you like YA Dystopian with a good mix of Sci-Fi

Links:

• Website
• Twitter: @Marissa_Meyer
• Facebook Fan Page
• Goodreads Author Page

REVIEW: Suddenly Royal by Nichole Chase

Series: The Suddenly Series #1
Genre: New Adult / Contemporary Fiction
Pub Date: April 2013 (self-published)
Format: Paperback, 464 pages
Source: Pre-ordered directly from the author at an event.

Samantha Rousseau is used to getting her hands dirty. Working toward a master’s degree in wildlife biology while helping take care of her sick father, she has no time for celebrity gossip, designer clothes, or lazy vacations. So when a duchess from the small country of Lilaria invites her to dinner, Samantha assumes it’s to discuss a donation for the program. The truth will change the course of her life in ways she never dreamed.

Alex D’Lynsal is trying to keep his name clean. As crown prince of Lilaria, he’s had his share of scandalous headlines, but the latest pictures have sent him packing to America and forced him to swear off women—especially women in the public eye. That is, until he meets Samantha Rousseau. She’s stubborn, feisty, and incredibly sexy. Not to mention heiress to an estate in his country, which makes her everyone’s front-page news.

While Sam tries to navigate the new world of politics and wealth, she will also have to dodge her growing feelings for Alex. Giving in to them means more than just falling in love; it would mean accepting the weight of an entire country on her shoulders.

MY THOUGHTS
Soooo... Can I tell you how much I LOVED this book? I read over half of it one evening and then put off work the next morning (good thing I work from home!) to finish it. Okay, now let's just go ahead and get this out in the open: no, the premise of Suddenly Royal is not exactly original (think The Princess Diaries, but steamier). However, in my opinion that absolutely does not take away from what an incredibly fun and engaging book this is! For me, I think that's in part because I'm one of those girls who always had that secret little dream inside of discovering that she is actually a princess. I'm not ashamed to admit that in the least! Come on, I know there are more of you out there...

I read most of this book with what was probably a very goofy grin on my face. I was hooked from page one. How could I not love Samantha?! She is smart, sassy and unafraid to speak her mind, yet at the same time vulnerable and just so real. And while far from perfect, Alex certainly made for a pretty dreamy prince. It probably didn't hurt that Chase had mentioned she envisioned Chris Hemsworth as Alex. I'll take that visual any day! Prince Yummy, indeed... ;-) But in addition to these engaging lead characters, Chase does what she is so very good at, providing a well-rounded and well-written supporting cast. Between Sam's personal assistant, Chadwick, her best friend Jess, and various members Alex's family and other Lilarian royalty, there is a great variety of people who each add something special to the story and the events that unfold. Without a doubt, the lovable (and even the less-than-lovable) characters are the other big reason why this story just worked so well for me.

What may be most telling: I loved this story so much, I would rather not even call attention to the handful of typos I came across, but fairness dictates that I have to at least mention them. I believe they were all cases where apostrophes had jumped into words where they didn't belong -- probably from some of the words that were missing them... Those pesky apostrophes! Even they could not mar my enjoyment of Suddenly Royal. I laughed, I even got a bit teary, and by the time I turned the last page I sighed in complete contentment.

Looking back, it's funny to think that had I not worked with a young lady who knew Nichole Chase and just happened to mention her Dark Betrayal trilogy to me in conversation one day, I might not have discovered her books -- at least, not as soon as I did. Suddenly Royal is easily now my favorite of Chase's books and if you have read the rest of her works, I think you will see how much her writing and storytelling have grown. The earlier mention of The Princess Diaries aside, this book really did play out like a movie in my head as I read, thanks to Chase's descriptive and easy-to-read writing, which enables you to just immerse yourself in the story as if you were a part of it. I think anyone who had dreams of becoming a princess or their own happily-ever-afters would enjoy this book. And, well, if you don't happen to be one of those girls, then you might just enjoy it for the smart characters and the steamy romance that develops between Sam and Alex.
*It should be noted that due to adult content, Suddenly Royal falls into the New Adult category, not YA like Chase's Dark Betryal trilogy.
Read this book...

• If you ever had dreams of being a princess
• If you have read any of Nichole Chase's books
• If you enjoyed the Princess Diaries

Links...

• Website
• Twitter: @NicholeChase
• Facebook Fan Page
• Goodreads Author Page

REVIEW: To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Pub Date: May 2011, Bethany House
Format: eBook (Nook)
Source: Purchased from BN.com

Having completed his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father's knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past. But small towns leave little room for secrets...

Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she steels herself against the attraction he provokes. His halting speech and hesitant manner leave her doubting his intelligence. Yet as the mysteries of the town's new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.

Levi's renewed commitment to his faith leads Eden to believe she's finally found a man of honor and integrity, a man worthy of her love. But when the truth about his prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian's affections?

MY THOUGHTS
Well, it would seem that Karen Witemeyer is quickly becoming a new favorite Christian fiction author of mine. I loved Short-Straw Bride when I read it last month and I enjoyed To Win Her Heart just as much, if not more! Witemeyer has a gift for telling a breathtaking story with a definite Christian theme, but without preaching to the reader via the oft-used method of one character seemingly preaching to another or trying to change the other person. I read this book in one sitting -- I absolutely couldn't put it down until I read the last pages and yes, I even got a little teary at the end. Thankfully, they were tears of joy and satisfaction, because you know how I can't stand to read a sad story!

Can I tell you how much I loved Levi Grant? I'll admit I wasn't particularly crazy about Eden Spencer, but then I suspect that Witemeyer wrote her character a little less favorably on purpose. Not only has Levi come a long way in his own life and faith, but Eden learns a few lessons along the way and transforms herself, as well, by the end of the book. But without a doubt, it is Levi who steals the story (along with the heart of the person reading it). As I read, I anxiously awaited the moment when Levi's past would catch up with him and without giving too much away, I'll just say that Witemeyer gives him a bit of a double whammy when it finally happens. There are interesting side plots that definitely helped to round out the story and develop both Eden's and Levi's characters -- not to mention providing some excitement near the end of the book.

But it is the final chapter and epilogue that will leave you deliciously satisfied and certainly filled me with emotion. The end of the story is beautifully written and I thought that Witemeyer closed the book perfectly. I can't wait to get my hands on every other book she has written and if you enjoy Christian historical fiction (particularly that set in the early Western United States), then you will want to give this book a try and see if you don't feel the same way.


Read this book...

~ If you like any of Karen Witemeyer's other books
~ If you enjoy Christian Historical fiction in a Western frontier setting
~ If you love books by Tamera Alexander, Janette Oke, Colleen Coble, Kelly Eileen Hake, etc.

REVIEW: The Collector by Victoria Scott

Series: Dante Walker #1
Genre: YA Paranormal
Pub Date: April 2013, Entangled Teen
Format: Paperback, 352 pages
Source: Purchased from Amazon.com

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple: weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal-opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within ten days.

Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect, he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector…and uncover emotions deeply buried.

MY THOUGHTS
I'm a huge fan of YA paranormal and urban fantasy, but I will say that The Collector is not like most of the books I typically read in those genres. Yes, I could tell that just based on reading the synopsis. In the last few weeks, though, I had seen a few Teaser Tuesday posts with excerpts from Victoria Scott's debut and couldn't help but find myself drawn to the book after reading those little snippets. And after a grueling week of work with precious little time to read, this was exactly the kind of book I needed to get my reading mojo back on -- it was fun, it was quirky, and yes a bit dark at times, but it made me laugh and smile, too... In short, I loved it!

Usually I find myself turned off by YA books that feature dialogue laced with today's popular slang and typical teen quips. In this book, Dante is the primary "abuser" of said phraseology. And if I'm 100% honest, I will admit that it did annoy me, but I'm also fully aware that this book isn't necessarily being written with me in mind. ;-) Not that any of that really mattered in the end because what really mattered is the story is just fantastic! A few chapters in, I wasn't totally sure what to make of the book but all I knew was that I couldn't put it down. In fact, I read the entire book in one sitting and refused to turn out the light to go to bed until I had read the last page.

I loved seeing Dante's transformation slowly unfold after he meets Charlie. He irritated the heck out of me in the beginning with his obnoxious arrogance and pretty terrible treatment of Charlie, but trust me, I think you'll find your opinion of him changes by the end of the book. Well, mine did, at any rate... Along with the paranormal storyline, Scott uses a creative approach to address teenage insecurities about appearance and beauty (or lack thereof) through Charlie, who is a bit of a dork, albeit an endearing one. Yes, Dante's behavior towards her is deplorable and I hated how he threw her flaws in her face and made her believe them herself, but he does eventually begin to redeem himself as the story goes on. I'm holding out hope that he improves his character even further in the next book. I can't say that I found Dante particularly swoon-worthy in this book, but maybe there is hope for him yet... :-)

As it was, I kept turning the pages, not only to see Charlie's friendship with Dante grow and change, but also to find out just how Dante's schemes to collect her soul panned out. I mean, how could anything good come of that?! There were a few twists and turns along the way, and what a climax! I suppose the ending was not completely surprising, but I am definitely glad this first book ended the way it did. It's a bit of a cliffhanger, but happily, the relationship piece of the puzzle is put into place before we are left hanging and waiting for The Liberator.

I have to confess I'm a little surprised by just how much I enjoyed The Collector. Other than the modern slang and language that didn't appeal to me, though, the writing is great. The story is fast-paced and witty, and Scott is able to paint a detailed picture so that I could see the entire book playing out almost like a movie in my head. For those reasons, and the fact that the book kept me up WAY past my bed time, there was no way I could give it less than five stars.


*I would like to note that this is Mature YA (language and adult situations), so please be aware of that going in.

Read this book...

~ If you like Stained by Ella James
~ If you like The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
~ Modern YA paranormal romance/urban fantasy

REVIEW: My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Release Date:
Format: eBook (Nook)
Source: Purchased from BN.com

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks Kate to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance, takes a leave of absence from her job as a social worker, and the two of them set off.

Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man her grandmother has hired to renovate the house. From the first moment she meets Matt, Kate can't help but be attracted to him--he's got a combination of good looks and charisma that draw and tug at her. But she knows there's zero chance of a romance between them. Matt's in love with his dead wife, and even if he weren't, Kate realizes that she's way too ordinary for him. For Matt Jarreau is no ordinary guy. Kate discovers that he was once a great NHL hockey player who left the sport when his wife--an honest-to-goodness former Miss America--was diagnosed with brain cancer. Matt's been hiding from people, from God, and from his past ever since. Yet Kate is absolutely determined to befriend him, to try to reach him, to help him in some small way.

No, Kate's not looking for love. She knows better than that by now. But when the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?

MY THOUGHTS
So this is another ebook freebie I have had for awhile and hadn't really thought much about reading. Then I happened to use the cover for one of my daily photos on Instagram (the prompt was "heart") and received a comment from someone who LOVED the book. I thought, why not just go ahead and try it out? I'm usually more interested in historical fiction -- the overwhelming majority of Christian fiction that I read is historical -- and I have to be in the right mood for contemporary fiction (don't ask me what exactly that mood is, I just know I have to be in it).

Oh my goodness, I cannot get over how much I loved this book. I'm not usually into emotionally wrenching stories -- probably because they frequently have sad endings and I'm sorry, but I hate reading sad books. I just can't do it. But this book has a happy ending (sorry, I suppose that was a spoiler) and even though I had tears in my eyes at many points, the story was just SO emotionally raw, intense and gripping, I could not put it down. I finally had to give up on finishing in one night because I just couldn't keep my eyes open (it was after 1:00am and I had nearly half the book left) but I picked it up and finished the remainder first thing the following morning.

One of the aspects I liked was that the story felt so real -- between the characters, the storyline, and Becky Wade's crisp, no-nonsense, yet detailed writing style, this book just worked on all levels for me. And I have to admit I did enjoy reading Christian fiction that was set in the present day for a change. The story definitely had a different feel, probably in that it was more relatable due to the time period. And while I couldn't personally relate to some of the more tragic aspects of the story, there were many poignant moments that did resonate. Bottom line, I thought this was a fantastic debut for Wade and I can't wait to read more of her books!


Read this book...

~ If you like clean romances that fall in the Christian Fiction genre
~ If you like contemporary fiction/romance
~ Enjoy emotionally impactful stories (that have happy endings)

**This is my seventh book towards the #TakeControl March 2013 TBR Challenge.

REVIEW: Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: June 2012, Bethany House
Format: eBook (Nook)
Source: Purchased from BN.com

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?

MY THOUGHTS
I've had this ebook for a few months -- I had downloaded it as a freebie, I believe -- and only just now got around to reading it, prompted by several glowing reviews I had read. I'm so glad I did -- it was such a fun read, nothing too over the top and far from preachy. But, yes, this is a work of  Christian fiction and while those overtones are there, I did not think they were oppressive or offensive. And we already established a few reviews back that I do love my cowboy romances!

The characters in this story are enjoyable to read about. The Archers are a rather quirky bunch -- after all, confining yourself to your own and and never leaving does tend to make you a bit reclusive and, well, different. Meredith is spunky and just the type of female heroine I enjoy reading about. Certainly, she and Travis have their share of misunderstandings, but in general I wasn't too annoyed by them, I think because they weren't as cliched as they tend to be in Christian Fiction, and even romances, in general.

It is amusing and occasionally frustrating to watch Meredith and Travis's relationship develop, but Witemeyer expertly weaves the story, giving you just a little taste of what is eventually to come and leaving you wanting. That's why I had to keep turning the pages to see how it all played out. I felt thoroughly invested in the outcome of the story, and that's always a sign of a great read for me. I'm looking forward to reading other books by Witemeyer soon!

Read this book...

- If you enjoy Christian Historical romances that are clean reads
- If you like your Historical Fiction with a Western frontier setting

*This is my sixth book towards the #TakeControl March 2013 TBR Challenge.

REVIEW: The Scorpio Racesby Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Release Date: October 2011, Scholastic Press
Format: eBook (Nook)
Source: Purchased from BN.com

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

MY THOUGHTS

Some of you might recall that after reading and reviewing Forever, the last book of the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy, I wasn't sure if I would read anymore books by Maggie Stiefvater. I had loved the first book, Shiver, but after that, each book went downhill. However, a few of you had commented that The Scorpio Races was excellent and very different from the Wolves of Mercy Falls, so in the end I decided to give that a try.

So... I can't say enough good things about this book! I will say that I have always enjoyed Stiefvater's writing style and I think I love it even more inThe Scorpio Races. Once again, we have a dual first-person point of view, which at times can take some getting used to, but I did love being in both Puck's and Sean's heads to see both sides of their story. And what a story it was -- this take on the legends of mythical water horses (called capaill uisce) is so different from anything I have read! It did not take me long to get sucked into the story and I hated the times that I had to put it down to, you know, attend to the rest of my life. ;-)

As you might suspect from the synopsis, given that Puck and Sean are the only characters mentioned, there is a brewing romance between them, but Stiefvater really does not make that the focus of her story and I, for one, appreciated that. The anticipation certainly kept me turning pages, but there was so much more to those days leading up to the Scorpio Races... The story Stiefvater paints is breathtaking, horrifying, touching, raw -- so many different emotions ran through me as I read this book. And I absolutely loved the ending. In a rare moment for me, I even shed a few tears. I don't know that Stiefvater could have ended it any more perfectly and this despite the fact that there is certainly an open-ended feeling to it, as well. Not in the sense that another book could follow, but just that the possibilities are endless for Puck and Sean. Speaking of there not being another book to follow, I will also say that it was great to read a stand-alone YA paranormal book. It seems that so many books are written as trilogies or series that it is quite an accomplishment to produce a work so phenomenal and contained within the covers of just one book.
Read this book...

- If you have already read any of Stiefvater's other books and enjoy her writing.
- If you have a love of horses. This is certainly a different type of horse, but I think horse-lovers would appreciate the story.
- If you enjoy YA paranormal reads.
- If you are looking for a stand-alone book, as opposed to a series.

**This is my fifth book towards the #TakeControl March 2013 TBR Challenge.

Review: The Shadowy Horses

The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I first stumbled across Susanna Kearsley last year, when I read The Winter Sea, quite some time after Sourcebooks re-released it. And I will freely admit it, I was totally drawn to that book by its cover and once I read it, I found myself saying "must read ALL the books by Susanna Kearsley!!!" But much to my shame, this is the first time I am actually writing a review of one of Kearsley's books and it is long overdue!

I love, love, LOVE Kearsley's works, whether they are time slip stories or simply tales that take a look back at a certain time and place in history. While not a true time slip novel, like The Winter Sea and The Rose Garden, The Shadowy Horses almost had an almost magical quality to it. I found myself completely lost in the pages of this book and thanks to Kearsley's beautiful, descriptive writing style, I felt like I was right there, witnessing everything happen.

As is typical with Kearsley's stories, there is a lovely romance that builds throughout the book. And though she does not send a character back in time, instead we meet a centuries-old ghost and a boy who is part of a line of men with the second sight. I think because there is just a hint of the paranormal, it allows you to believe that maybe, just maybe this story could be real. I also loved the Scottish setting!

If you enjoy historical fiction, time slips, or even just fiction with a hint of romance, I think you would greatly enjoy The Shadowy Horses and any other of Kearsley's books.

*Read in January 2013 and originally reviewed at Goodreads. View all my reviews

Review: Through The Ever Night

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Oh, look! It's another dystopian series I have fallen in love with! While I didn't post a review for Under The Never Sky, I can remember for some reason being very hesitant to read that book. I'm not sure if it was the cover or the title that put me off, but for whatever reason I just didn't find myself drawn to this series... until I finally just gave in (looking for something new in the dystopian world) and decided to read the first book last Fall. It's hard to believe that authors can keep the dystopia genre fresh, since it seems to be all the rage these days, but once again we have an original story,this time by Veronica Rossi.

While I definitely enjoyed Under the Never Sky--I rated it 4 stars--I positively adored and devoured Through the Ever Night! I have to say that I basically love everything about these books: the premise, the characters, the story itself, the writing... I could go on and on. As with most dystopian books that I've read, there is a definite sci-fi edge, with a hint of the paranormal/fantasy element, as well. And I have to admit it's nice to have a romance that hasn't been turned into a love triangle with a potentially heartbreaking or shocking choice to be made at the end.

Sure, like all dystopians, this series is a bit post-apocalyptic and there is major conflict between groups/tribes of people, but there is so much about the story and premise that is fresh and original. Unfortunately, I can't really get into it in great detail because I think that would take away from some of the enjoyment if you haven't read the books -- I think it is better to know almost nothing about this series going in.

Read this if you liked The Hunger Games by Susanne Collins, Divergent and Insurgent by Veronica Roth, or the dystopian genre, in general. I don't think you'll be disappointed!

*Read in January 2013 and review originally posted at Goodreads. View all my reviews

Review: The Darkest Minds

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I'm kicking myself for not writing this review immediately after finishing The Darkest Minds because while I remember thinking this book was a whole lotta awesome, I don't remember all of the specifics that sparked that feeling! Of course, the fact that it's a dystopian is what drew me to the book, because so far I haven't met a dystopian novel or series I haven't liked! And this time, Bracken has put a fresh spin on dystopia that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There is also a hint of Sci-Fi thrown in.

I grew way too attached to the characters in this book. And because of that, I was VERY frustrated with Ruby for her actions at the end (not to spoil things too much). That said, boy does it make for a great cliffhanger leading into the second book. Too bad I will have to wait awhile on that one -- Never Fade isn't due out until the Fall, sigh...

There's a lot going on in this story and Bracken shows it all in vivid detail -- it is definitely action-packed and the pace moves along quickly. Despite its chunkier size, I still moved through TheDarkest Minds pretty quickly because I simply couldn't put it down.

Bottom line, read this book if you liked any of the following:

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth
Inside Out/Outside in by Maria V. Snyder

Read in January 2013. Review originally posted at Goodreads. View all my reviews

REVIEW: Rugged and Relentless

Rugged and Relentless by Kelly Eileen Hake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I'm always on the hunt for new Christian Historical Fiction authors I enjoy, but because I do not care to be preached to, it is often hard to find books in this genre that I truly love. Rugged and Relentless is the first book I have read by Kelly Eileen Hake and it most definitely will not be my last! It's been a LONG time since I've discovered a "new-to-me" Christian Fiction author who made me want to immediately go and buy more of their books. Guess it's a good thing I primarily read eBooks these days, so it will be easy to do just that!

This book just worked for me on so many levels. I greatly enjoyed Hake's writing -- full of wit and amusing turns of phrase with fun, memorable characters to set the tone. One aspect that may seem minor but really hit home was the game the four ladies had of coming up with the "worst pun" at various times throughout the story. As someone who has a similar habit of making jokes with puns, that little trick really resonated with me. Additionally, Hake did a fantastic job of creating characters who were varied and full of life -- when I read this book I felt like I could see it all playing out right in front of me, which for me is always a sign of a great read.

Truth be told, my enjoyment of this story may also have been due to the fact that I found the main character, Evie, to be very relatable on a more personal level. Happily, there was no pretense of simpering perfection with her or any of the other women in the story; these were people you could probably picture in your own life. Thankfully, Hake also did not choose to employ any of the cliched themes that are SO overused in Christian romances--couples that completely (and to me, incomprehensibly) misinterpret one another's feelings and actions, which generally causes them to behave stupidly, or one half of the couple feels the need to convert the other in order to be together, etc.

While I've come across some relatively enjoyable Christian romances in the last year, I haven't found one this captivating since I read Julie Lessman's first books. I was awake until the wee hours of the morning because I just had to know how the story was going to end.

Originally posted at Goodreads. View all my reviews

REVIEW: Scent of Triumph

Scent of Triumph by Jan Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Wow! I came across Scent of Triumph through the Goodreads grapevine. I enjoy historical fiction and have recently been branching out into more types, but I will admit that I wasn't too keen about a book set during WWII. However, the premise of the book was intriguing, given the way scents and smells play a large role in the story and how they affect our memories. And I will admit, the 99-cent sale caught my eye so I thought I would give it a go. I was not prepared to be as blown away by the story as I was. Jan Moran's ability to weave scents and smells into the fabric of the story is masterful! I was afraid that it would seem stilted or forced, but there is nothing more natural -- I even began to feel like I could smell some of the scents myself. I don't know about the rest of you, but there are definitely smells that instantly take me back to memories from my childhood or even just a few years ago. I have often thought that much we observe with our senses really can shape and tie into our memories.

But back to the story... All of this praise is not to say there weren't a couple of things that bothered me. One, there were a few spelling/grammatical errors that I hope will be caught and corrected in a later edition. When I find those kinds of errors, I normally want to deduct a star from my rating on that principle alone. However, Moran's overall brilliant writing style won me over and given that I didn't want to put the book down, I decided that I probably ought to be a bit more forgiving. Related to the story, I did find myself frustrated with Danielle's actions and reactions, at times, but ultimately I reminded myself that I have never been in any situation remotely like hers, so I shouldn't be so judgmental of how she opted to deal with certain events in her life or not see things that I felt should be obvious. How often are we all oblivious to what is going on in our own lives?!

Truly, I was captivated from the first page. I wanted to stay up late reading it two nights in a row, but had to restrain myself and ultimately decided to finish it before getting to work this morning. (I guess it's a good thing I work from home and to some extent can set my own hours!) I was surprised to find that I enjoy reading a story set in the WWII era, and though there is more to the story than the war and it is not the focus, it certainly plays an important part in the tale.

WHO SHOULD READ SCENT OF TRIUMPH: General historical fiction lovers, anyone for whom scents and smells play a strong role in their life and memories, and anyone who simply enjoys a powerful story of a woman struggling to overcome adversity and regain her life.

Additional note: There is some sex in the story, but it is by no means graphic. However, in fairness to those who may not want to read about it, I felt that a mention should be made.

*Originally posted at Goodreads. View all my reviews

Review: Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

Title:  Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow
Author: Jessica Day George
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Pub Date: January 2008, Bloomsbury USA
Format: Hardcover
Source: Received as a gift

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Blessed—or cursed—with an ability to understand animals, the Lass (as she’s known to her family) has always been an oddball. And when an isbjorn (polar bear) seeks her out, and promises that her family will become rich if only the Lass will accompany him to his castle, she doesn’t hesitate. But the bear is not what he seems, nor is his castle, which is made of ice and inhabited by a silent staff of servants. Only a grueling journey on the backs of the four winds will reveal the truth: the bear is really a prince who’s been enchanted by a troll queen, and the Lass must come up with a way to free him before he’s forced to marry a troll princess.

My Thoughts

I really do enjoy Jessica Day George's books. She has such a way of storytelling that makes it almost impossible for me to put her books down -- of course, there are the demands of the rest of my life that prohibit me from reading for hours on end! Once again, George is retelling a fairy tale -- this time it is the Nordic legend East of the Sun, West of the Moon. I was not at all familiar with this legend before reading this book, but that in no way kept me from enjoying how George brought this story to life.

If I had to put my finger on just what it is about George's stories that I like so much, I think there is just some inherent magical quality to her writing. Perhaps it is that fairytale-like, happily-ever-after element, but her books always seem to resonate with me, no matter what the particular story is. I will say this book started off just a little slow for me, as I had to gain a better understanding of the characters and the Norwegian influences. But once events really started moving, this story was very easy to get lost in.

I absolutely can't wait for my daughter to reach an age where she can read George's books. I know I would have loved them as a Tween/Young Adult. They are so imaginative -- the stuff dreams are made of, if you will. One helpful feature that I wish I had known about as I was reading is that there is a helpful glossary of Norwegian terms. If you decide to give this book a try, be sure to keep the place marked for quick reference!

Overall, if you have enjoyed any other books by Jessica Day George or perhaps Shannon Hale, I think you won't be disappointed by Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow. No one quite reimagines fairytales like Jessica Day George does!

My Rating

Review: City of Lost Souls

Title: City of Lost Souls
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy
Pub Date: May 2012, Simon & Schuster
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased from BN.com

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace freed from captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing, so is the boy she hates: her brother Sebastian, who is determined to bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

The Clave's magic cannot locate either boy, but Jace can't stay away from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith's magic has wrought - Jace and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other.

Only a few people believe that Jace can still be saved. Together, Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle bargain with the sinister Seelie Queen, contemplate deals with demons, and turn at last to the merciless, weapon-making Iron Sisters, who might be able to forge a weapon that can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. If the Iron Sisters can't help, their only hope is to challenge Heaven and Hell - a risk that could claim their lives.

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary is playing a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing not just her own life, but Jace's soul. She's willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?

My Thoughts

Holy cow, there is a LOT going on in City of Lost Souls! At first I thought I wasn't going to be able to keep up with all of the plot lines that were breaking off of the main story, but in the end it wasn't really too much to keep track of. While I am one who admits to having a fondness for happy endings, this book doesn't wrap every piece of the story up with a pretty bow and I am totally okay with that because the way some events played out was totally necessary and appropriate. (Don't you love the vagueness of my attempted spoiler-free reviews?) Of course, this book also isn't the last in the series, so there is still time for "and they all lived happily ever after."

{CAUTION: Spoilers ahead if you haven't read City of Fallen Angels.} So call me crazy, but I actually enjoyed Jace and Clary more in this book, probably because I'm so sick of "I love you but we can never be together, blah, blah, blah." For me, the fact that Jace was possessed for the majority of the story actually made the times when he wasn't possessed a little less annoying. But if he and Clary don't finally make it to their happily ever after by the end of the last book, I'm throwing out all of these books! ;-) Other interesting side stories: (1) Alec -- just what is he thinking by listening to Camille's tempting offer? (2) Simon tells his sister about what he is now. Will she handle it better than his mother did? 


{We now return to the spoiler-free zone.} Even though I was a bit disappointed with City of Fallen Angels, it ended with just enough intrigue to make me dive right into City of Lost Souls and I'm really glad I did... except for the fact that I have to wait until March 2014 to read the finale! This book is fast-paced with a much stronger plot, so really held my interest the entire way through and was much more reminiscent of the first three books in that respect. I think I will have to plan an entire series re-read before that last book comes out so that I can really savor the ending. Fans of this series should be pleased with City of Lost Souls!

My Rating