Where reading is a way of life

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Spellbound by Rachel Hawkins


Synopsis:  Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. With her powers locked inside her, 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 there is an epic war coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending.  But without her magic, Sophie isn't so sure.

The only known spell that can help Sophie regain her magic is at Hex Hall--the place where it all began, and now the headquarters of the evil Casnoffs.  Together with her best friend, the vampire Jenna; her boyfriend, Archer; her fiance, Cal (yeah her love life is complicated); and a ghost for a sidekick, Sophie most battle an army of demons.  But even with her friends at her side, the fate of all Prodigium rests on her shoulders alone.  Sophie's bound for one hell of a ride...Can she get her powers back before its too late?

My 2 cents:  First of all, let me say how much I love this series!  The first 2 books I was not able to put down, I loved them so much!  This is the 3rd book in the series (and I think its the last--although I'm hoping for a spin-off series).  My first impression was YES!  Loved the first part of the book, although at times it felt so hopeless to read.  Sophie learns even more about her family, especially her Mom.  The tension between her and Cal is heavy, which surprised me a little.  But it was good!

Then the middle part of the story got even better!  It was a complete surprise game changer!  I don't want to spoil it, but it of course has to do with Hex Hall.  I'm so glad Hex Hall was back in the story.  I loved Thorne Abbey for Demonglass, but I missed Hex Hall and its creepiness!

My biggest complaint in this story is the supposed love triangle between Cal, Sophie, and Archer.  It didn't really feel like a true triangle, in my opinion.  It was obvious Cal was in love with Sophie, and I did feel sorry for him.  But  I knew he never had a chance.  So I felt that whole thing could have been better.

The ending also feels kind of rushed.  The epic battle scene is kind of short, although it is a great ending.  The very end had me in tears.  It was so sad!  I would have loved another 20 pages or so to tie things up better, and maybe more action.  But overall, a good ending to a great series!  4 stars

In My Mailbox #6


In My Mailbox is put on by The Story Siren.  We showcase what books we've received over the week!  These include in the mail, bought, checked out from the library, and for review.

First of all, I have to apologize.  I am so behind on my blog this week!  It has been a crazy busy week for me.  I just found out a few days ago that I am on temporary lay-off at work.  I'm not quite sure how I feel about this yet.  On the one hand, I am super busy with lots of other things right now, so 2 months off of work isn't a horrible thing (I will be getting unemployment).  On the other hand, it leaves things up in the air on my job, and I hate things being up in air!  I am definitely a planner, and its hard to plan my summer now.  They might extend the lay-off time, or they can call me back to work anytime.  I'm going to try not to worry about it too much at the moment!

I will hopefully be getting caught up in the next few days!  I have 4 reviews to write, a few books to finish, and some winners to announce!

On to IMM!

This week I bought:










I received for review:


I also won a signed copy of Masquerade by Cambia Hebert!  Thank you, A Night's Dream of Books!


Also received some RAK!  Always a nice surprise!  Thank you, RJ Does Books & Keri!



What did you get in your IMM?

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Shelf Candy Saturday #5


Shelf Candy Saturday is put on by Five Alarm Book Reviews.  We highlight a book cover that we love, and explain why we like it!

This week's Shelf Candy is Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter



I love this cover!  Its so perfect!  You can tell its Alice, but its more contemporary.  I love her dress, and her pose, where she's looking up...looking really confused like anyone would be in her situation.  The background looks appropriately creepy.  But the best part? The tagline!  "Off with their heads."  Genius!

Do you like this cover?

Friday, April 20, 2012

Friday Finds #3



Friday Finds is put on by Should Be Reading.

What great books did you hear about/discover this past week? Share with us your FRIDAY FINDS! 






What new books did you find this week?

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Now over 100 Followers!



We are now over 100 followers!  Woohoo!  So awesome, and you guys are the greatest!  Thanks for all the feedback on my blog on my giveaway, I am finding it helpful for what people like, and a few suggestions were made!  Love it!

Still 2 more days to go on the 50 follower giveaway!  If you haven't entered yet, just click on the pic on the right!  Now giving away 3 boxes of books and other goodies!  Good luck!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Teaser Tuesday #4



Teaser Tuesdays is put on by Should Be Reading.  Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

--Grab your current read
--Open to a random page
--Share 2 sentences from that page
--Make sure to avoid spoilers!
--Share title and author

My Teaser Tuesday is out of The Demon Keeper's Daughter by Jana Oliver.



"These guys were hard-core, with a simple view of how the world should work.  Trapper Rule No. 1: No one messed with your capture.  Rule No. 2 :  No one messed with a fellow trapper."

What book are you currently reading?

Sunday, April 15, 2012

What Are You Reading Monday #6


What Are You Reading Monday is put on by Book Journey, where we highlight what we read last week, and what we are planning for next week!  Its great for planning your reading week!

What I read last week:






What I am planning on reading this week:




What are you reading this week?