Review of Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Release date: August 31, 2010

496 pages (Hardcover)

Rating: 93% A-

Cover 10/10

Plot 8/10

Characters 8/10

Ending 8/10

Mom Approval Rating 9/10 (Some swearing-less than 5, and sensuality)

Disclosure: ARC from Good Golly Miss Holly’s ARC tour

Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Venus Cove. But everything changes when three angels are sent from heaven to protect the town against the gathering forces of darkness: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. They work hard to conceal their true identity and, most of all, their wings.

But the mission is threatened when the youngest angel, Bethany, is sent to high school and falls in love with the handsome school captain, Xavier Woods. Will she defy the laws of Heaven by loving him? Things come to a head when the angels realize they are not the only supernatural power in Venus Cove. There′s a new kid in town and he′s charming, seductive and deadly. Worst of all, he′s after Beth.

Summary from Goodreads.com

Alexandra Adornetto is an Australian author, and this is her first US release. Halo is the first in her trilogy to be followed by Hades in 2011 and Heaven in 2012.

Halo was a great read. I first excited because it was my first ARC tour. I started reading when I was supposed to be going to sleep and quickly found myself saying, “just one more chapter.” Venus Cove was a wonderful small town where you really wanted to live and help make a difference. The characters in the story were real. I found Bethany to be one of the strangest characters of all. She’s the youngest in our trio of angels. Gabriel and Ivy act just as you would expect angels to, but Bethany is different. It might be because she is young, or maybe her personality, but she is like Pandora with her curiosity. This gets her into trouble, often. It also makes her seem more human and easier to relate to as a reader. She may be naive, but she’s impulsive, and very loving.

Most of the story follows her relationship with Xavier. It was well developed. I was only bothered when she started talking about sex (are teen angels really supposed to be thinking like that?).

The good vs. evil conflict was also intriguing (enter Jake Thorn here). Jake moves into town and all of the good that Ivy and Gabe have been doing seems to go downhill. Eventually, they suspect Jake, but as angels, they can’t act on suspicion. That actually works pretty well for a plot device, because when things do come to a head they do it in a big way.

I’d recommend this book to fans of paranormal romance. I can’t wait to see how Hades and Heaven add to this promising new series.

It’s Monday, What Are You Reading? (1)

This meme is hosted by Shelia at Book Journey

 

 

Read this past week:

                

Blood Feud by Alyxandra Drake          The Squad: Killer Spirit by Jennifer Barnes

(Drake Chronicles #2)                         (The Squad #2)

               

Only the Good Spy Young                  Model Spy by Shannon Greenland

(Gallagher Girls #4)                            (The Specialists #1)

 

The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker

Currently Reading:

                

Down to the Wire by                        The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan

Shannon Greenland (Specialists #2)  (Percy Jackson #3)

 

Upcoming:

            

Forbidden Sea by Sheila Neilson    The Grimm Legacy

                                                      by Polly Shulman

 

What are YOU reading this week?

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer

Pages: 178

Release date: June 5, 2010 (Hardcover)

Also available to read online thru July 5th

http://ld-breetannerbook.libredigital.com/index.html

Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits.

In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

Bree Tanner can barely remember life before she had uncannily powerful senses, superhuman reflexes and unstoppable physical strength. Life before she had a relentless thirst for blood... life before she became a vampire.

All Bree knows is that living with her fellow newborns has few certainties and even fewer rules: watch your back, don't draw attention to yourself and, above all, make it home by sunrise or die. What she doesn't know: her time as an immortal is quickly running out.

Then Bree finds an unexpected friend in Diego, a newborn just as curious as Bree about their mysterious creator, whom they know only as "her". As they come to realize that the newborns are pawns in a game larger than anything they could have imagined, Bree and Diego must choose sides and decide whom to trus. But when everything you know about vampires is based on a lie, how do you find the truth?

Summary from Goodreads.com

I can't believe there are so many heartfelt reviews for this book (and negative ones)! For me, it was like stepping back into the Twilight series. The writing stayed true to the series. Although I think it's funny that Meyer's writing exercises on different character's perspectives can result in 180 page books, I was impressed and satisfied.

We see Bree in the end of Eclipse during the fight scene. We know that she surrenders, that she still wishes she could drink Bella, but she is willing to join the Cullens. We also know, sadly, that the Volturi don't give her a chance.

Obviously, in getting a book from Bree's perspective we get to know her, like her, and respect her. I had to keep reminding myself that she was going to die at the end regardless. Even knowing that, her journey there was worth the read. I also look forward to seeing another character, Fred, hopefully pop up in more of Meyer's books.

If you're a fan of the series, I think you'll be pleased. If not, just borrow the book from someone else, or read all of the negative reviews and call it a day :)

Cover 10/10 I actually got the symbolism this time!

Characters 9/10

Ending 10/10

Plot 9/10 Slow at the beginning, but so worth it

Mom Approval Rating 8/10 Light language, vampire induced violence that didn't bother me but was "graphic" to my husband.

Total 46/50 92% A-

Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

When the Prom Queen becomes your fairy godmother…

Sixteen year old outsider, Jess Parker, gets the chance of a lifetime: an invitation to join a secret society of popular girls dedicated to defeating the mean girls of the world. The Cinderella Society guides all new recruits through its top secret ultimate life makeover. It’s all part of preparing them to face down the Wickeds and win. Determined not to let the Cindys down, Jess dives in with a passion. Finally, a chance to belong and show the world what she’s made of.

… be careful what you wish for.

Jess’s transformation wins her the heart of her dream crush and a shot at uber-popularity. Until the Wickeds–led by Jess’s arch enemy–begin targeting innocent girls in their war against the Cindys, and Jess discovers the real force behind her exclusive society. It’s a high stakes battle of good Vs. evil, and the Cindys in power need Jess on special assignment. When the mission threatens to destroy her dream life come true, Jess is forced to choose between living a fairy tale and honoring the Sisterhood… and herself.

What’s a girl to do when the glass slipper fits, but she doesn’t want to wear it anymore?

Summary from Goodreads.com

Okay, I’m a sucker for any book with the word princess in the title, and The Cinderella Society certainly got my attention.  Jess Parker might be on the varsity cheerleading squad, but she’s not popular like you would expect.  She’s moved around many times, always the new girl, always a cheerleader, but never really fitting in.  Life seems to be the same in her new town, but now she’s also being targeted by Lexi, whose spot she got on the cheerleading squad.  Jess is trying to stay under the radar, yet still hoping to fit in when she receives a mysterious invite to join the Cinderella Society.

The Cinderella Society and Elizabeth Eulberg’s Lonely Heart’s Club are two groups I wish I’d had in high school or college!  The Cinderella Society is filled with girls brimming with confidence and potential.  Jess doesn’t see how she fits in with their ranks, yet is excited about the promised makeover.  While the Cinderella Society has some romance, it’s really a story about fitting in, finding yourself, and being true to yourself.  It was an empowering read.  I’m excited to see what Jess and the Cindys will be up to next.

Cover 8/10

Plot 9/10

Characters 8/10

Ending 8/10

Mom Approval 10/10 I can’t recall anything I wouldn’t want a young teen reading :)

Total 43/50, a solid 86%

Body Finder Contest Winner!

Sorry this post is two days too late.  We moved and had a lot of trouble getting our internet back up…

 

Without further ado, and with the help of the random number generator (at random.org), the winner is:

Janie Magelky!

Thanks to those who entered, and have a good day :)

Review of My Double Life by Janette Rallison

Her whole life, Alexia Garcia has been told that she looks just like pop star Kari Kingsley, and one day when Alexia’s photo filters through the Internet, she’s offered a job to be Kari’s double. This would seem like the opportunity of a lifetime, but Alexia’s mother has always warned her against celebrities.

Rebelliously, Alexia flies off to L.A. and gets immersed in a celebrity life. Not only does she have to get used to getting anything she wants, she romances the hottest lead singer on the charts, and finds out that her own father is a singing legend. Through it all, Alexia must stay true to herself, which is hard to do when you are pretending to be somebody else!

Summary from Goodreads.com

Released May 12, 2010 (Hardcover)

272 Pages

I absolutely loved My Double Life.  It was a witty foray into fame, fortune, family, and living our dreams vicariously.  Seriously, even if you haven’t wanted to run off to Hollywood to be a famous singer or actor/actress, who hasn’t wanted to date one?

Alexia has grown up all her life without a dad, or even his name.  Her mom has struggled to provide for her and her Grandma (Abuela).  So, Alexia’s grown up with second-hand everything, resenting that a little, but still loving and respecting her mother.  After a vicious student's prank (involving the posting of Alexia’s picture online) Alexia is contacted by Kari Kingsley’s manager to act as a double for her at small events.  Alexia’s mom turns it down flat, and Alexia is tempted by the money and living with the fame, but is willing to stand by her mom’s decision.  Until she realizes in a sudden burst of clarity who her father is.  She takes the job with the provision that she’ll be able to meet him once and jets off to Hollywood.

There she works non-stop learning how to be Kari Kingsley, then working as Kari.  In the process she meets hunky teen rock-star, Grant Delray.  Grant is now one of my new book crushes.  Unlike, say, Edward Cullen, he’s a real guy (okay, he’s still fictional, and a rock-star, but he feels like a normal guy).  He might be a famous singer, but he helps a damsel in distress, he does fundraisers for sick kids, and actually cares about them, he listens to what Alexia says, and then plans the perfect first date for her.  Maybe he doesn’t actually exist out in the real world, but reading about Grant, I want him to.

The characters in My Double Life were perfect.  I wish I could know them.  Even Kari, who is a bit of a brat, you can’t help but like when seeing her through Alexia’s eyes.  Alexia herself is strong, smart, funny, and caring.  She and Kari both have tempers, but it was great watching Alexia grow as she tried to make herself a better person so she wouldn’t ruin Kari’s reputation.

Oh, I loved this book!  I’d recommend it immediately to fans of Janette Rallison’s other books, to those who love romantic comedies, or anyone looking for a fun, quick, happy read.

Cover 9/10

Characters 10/10

Plot 10/10

Ending 10/10 I could see potential for a sequel (oh please, oh please, oh please) but it can stand just as it is too.

Mom Approval Rating 10/10 No swearing, sex, or violence.  There is only the concept of Alexia being the illegitimate daughter of a celebrity.

Total 49/50  A+

Review of Mistwood by Leah Cypress

The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwood.

But when she is needed she always comes.

Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have.

Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty--because without it, she may be his greatest threat.
Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court . . . until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them.
Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart . . . and everything she thought she knew.

Summary from Goodreads.com

Mistwood was an intriguing fantasy read. Isabel, is the Shifter, a mystical creature bound to protect the royal family. Beyond that, Isabel isn’t even sure what it means to be the Shifter. She can’t remember what happened the last time she was at the castle, or exactly why she left. She learns all of the myths regarding the Shifter, yet has trouble reconciling them with herself. Little by little, Isabel uncovers her memories and her past.

To me, Mistwood was two parts: court intrigue and self-discovery. I really enjoyed watching Isabel find herself, and bluff her way through encounters as if she already knew. She was strong, clever, and sometimes scary. The road to self-discovery is a gradual one, but the plot twists were worth waiting for and really "wowed" me.

My only disappointment in the story was a lack of romance. There was a hint of something for the future, but I understand that it would be hard to have Isabel fall in love when she didn’t really know herself. I think I’ve just come to expect romance in most of my YA books, so I felt let down when it wasn’t there. There does seem to be a possibility of a sequel, yet the ending was also conclusive enough that Mistwood could stand alone.

Cover 7/10

Characters 9/10

Plot 9/10

Ending 7/10

Mom Approval Factor 10/10

Overall 42/50 84% B