Neferet's Curse by P.C. Cast & Kristen Cast

Goodreads
146 pages, YA Paranormal (Vampires)
House of Night Novellas #3
My rating: 4 stars

Synopsis

The White City, 1893: In turn-of-the-century Chicago, with the World’s Fair bringing bustle and excitement to her home city, sixteen-year-old Emily Wheiler should be reveling in her youthful beauty and the excitement around her. But her whole life changed when her mother died, leaving her to be the Lady of Wheiler House. Her father, a powerful bank president, is at the center of an important social hub for the booming young city, and he needs Emily to do everything her mother would have – to be a good hostess and make sure the mansion runs smoothly.

As Emily uneasily tries to replace her mother, she also longs for more… for love and a life of her own. When a handsome young man notices her at one of her father’s parties, it seems that her hopes may finally be coming true. Until her father forbids her to see him – or any other man – and starts revealing a darkly violent side that even he can’t understand.

At last, afraid for her life and with nowhere to turn, Emily is Marked by a vampyre and brought to the Chicago House of Night, where she begins a magickal new life that should allow the wounds from her past to heal. But as she gains strength, and a powerful new name, she carries a dark need to wreak vengeance on the man she trusted most.

My 2 cents

Even though I'm starting to get tired of the House of Night series, I do love these novellas. I love learning the back story on some of the adult characters. I didn't like Neferet's story as much as Lenobia's, but this was still worth the read if you are a fan of House of Night. I know now a lot more on what makes Neferet tick, even if she did make all the wrong choices!

Requiem For Blood Blog Tour + Giveaway!

Requiem for Blood by Alexandra Hope
Publication: February 7th 2013
Genre: Upper YA Paranormal/Dark Fantasy

Synopsis:

Marrying East Asian mythology with Western folklore, this novel has a surprising twist for fans of the paranormal genre!
Seventeen year old Olivia Cohen has also had an appetite for blood and an aversion to the sun as a human and when she is killed by a mysterious young woman, she finds her appetite has heightened and her skin is now burned by the sun. Living her life in a colony with other people who live a "vampire-like" lifestyle, she has grown up hunting humans and believing there is a blood so powerful it will turn them from vampire-like into true vampires. On one of Olivia's final nights as a human she meets eighteen year old Troy Evans and is immediately drawn to the unique scent of his blood. Now as an actual vampire, she must learn how to suppress her need to hunt and kill for his sake and decide if his unique blood is worth saving from those who seek it.

16+ for dark themes.

GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17378106-requiem-for-blood

PURCHASE: 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Requiem-for-Blood-ebook/dp/B00BCMK5Z0

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AUTHOR BIO (no author picture)

Alexandra Hope was born in New York, raised in Atlanta and has lived in Germany for the past three years. She writes pretty much whatever she feels like and for her debut novel she chose ninja-like vampires. She's a (Linguistic) Anthropology major, language lover, vocalist in a Japanese band and part-time bad fanfic writer.

Author Links:

Website: http://harlequin-ink.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6925698.Alexandra_Hope

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alexandra-Hope/389766147771252

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nonkyannn

My 2 cents

My rating: 3 stars

This was an intriguing vampire novel with an entirely new kind of premise.  I had trouble understanding the whole idea behind the "colony", and I think a little more back story would have been good, especially on Noah and Olivia's relationship. 

Other than that, I really enjoyed this book.  It was uber creepy, just what I love in a vampire book!  Olivia was a great MC, and I loved watching her journey as she tried to decide who she really is and what she wants to be.  This is a dark book with lots of blood and violence, so it is recommended for ages 16 and up for a reason!

And now for the giveaway!

Enter on the Raffelcopter below, and Good Luck!

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Breaking Point by Kristen Simmons

Goodreads
400 pages, YA Dystopian
Article 5 #2
My Rating: 5 stars

Synopsis

The second installment in Kristen Simmons's fast-paced, gripping YA dystopian series.

After faking their deaths to escape from prison, Ember Miller and Chase Jennings have only one goal: to lay low until the Federal Bureau of Reformation forgets they ever existed.

Near-celebrities now for the increasingly sensationalized tales of their struggles with the government, Ember and Chase are recognized and taken in by the Resistance—an underground organization working to systematically take down the government. At headquarters, all eyes are on the sniper, an anonymous assassin taking out FBR soldiers one by one. Rumors are flying about the sniper’s true identity, and Ember and Chase welcome the diversion….

Until the government posts its most-wanted list, and their number one suspect is Ember herself.

Orders are shoot to kill, and soldiers are cleared to fire on suspicion alone. Suddenly Ember can’t even step onto the street without fear of being recognized, and “laying low” is a joke. Even members of the Resistance are starting to look at her sideways.

With Chase urging her to run, Ember must decide: Go into hiding…or fight back?

My 2 cents

If its possible, I loved this sequel even more than the first book, Article 5. This was another heart-pounding, raw, and nail-biting adventure for Ember and Chase. The action just really didn't stop, except for a few emotional scenes between Ember and Chase here and there. 

*There will possibly be spoilers from the first book in this review*

Things pick up right where we left off in Article 5, but things have gotten even more dangerous for Ember. There is a sniper out there that has been picking off officers. The government's top suspect is Ember herself. They have issued a Code 1 on her--which means they can shoot and kill at will, they don't have to bring her in for questioning. Of course, Ember is not the sniper, as she's been hiding out in the resistance headquarters. I have a few guesses on who the sniper is, but we'll get to that in a minute.

I don't want to give away too many spoilers, but things get blown to hell really quickly, so once again, Ember, Chase, Sean, and other friends are running for their lives again. Rumors are flying...and Tucker has joined the cause? I know, right? But he claims to know where Becca is...so against Ember's better judgement, he joins their group.

We do get to know Tucker and Sean a little better in this story. Ember and Chase's relationship makes huge leaps and bounds, but that's about it for character development. This is really a more action packed book. I did suggest I might know who the sniper is. FYI, we never find this out before the end of the book, although Ember thinks she's figured it out. Her prime suspect is mine: Cara. She's always hiding something, and she disappears for hours at a time. I also suspect it could be Tucker, since he was dishonorably discharged a month before the events in the story. He definitely has the capability, and is pretty crazy! I guess we'll find out!

The focus of the story is really finding out what Tucker knows, and for Ember, Chase, and Sean trying to find Becca. Things get complicated though..especially when they hear a rumor that Ember's mother might be alive and in charge of a safe house in Ember's old home! I can't really think of anything I didn't like in the book, and I'm super excited for the release of the final book!

The Star Dwellers by David Estes

Goodreads
YA Dystopian
The Dwellers #2
My rating: 5 stars

Synopsis

After rescuing her father and younger sister, Adele is forced to leave her family and Tristan behind to find her mother in the cruel and dangerous realm of the star dwellers. 

Amidst blossoming feelings for Adele, Tristan must cast his feelings aside and let her find her own way amongst the star dwellers, while he accompanies Adele's father to meet with the leaders of the moon dwellers and decide the fate of the Tri-Realms.

Will Adele be able to rescue her mother and make it back to the Moon Realm before the President and the sun dweller soldiers destroy her family?

Can Tristan convince the moon dweller puppets of the error of their ways?

Was Adele's lost kiss with Tristan her one and only chance at love?

In her world there's only one rule: Someone must die.

My 2 cents

I'm a huge David Estes fan, so this may be biased...but I LOVED this book! This is the second book in the Dwellers series, a dystopian series where humanity has retreated underground for survival. We left off in Moon Dwellers with the Star Dwellers invading and bombing the Moon Dwellers, Adele heading off to try and rescue her mom, and Tristan teaming up with Adele's dad, Ben, to try and unite the Moon and Star Dwellers against their common enemy, Tristan's dad.

Things pick up right where we left off, with everyone still running and trying to survive. Now everyone has a purpose, which makes things all the more fun! The world building continues to amaze me. Everything is so descriptive. Its almost like watching a movie in my head!

I never knew what was going to happen next. Between things like "Bat Flu" (Yuck!)and trains running behind hidden caves, there was always something new coming at us. There were also a couple of surprising twists that I didn't see coming, and it makes me wonder what else the author has in store for us later!

The highlight of the book for me was Tristan and Roc's "Bromance." I just love the banter between these two, and it really helps lighten things up sometimes. I got to know Roc a lot better in this story, and I can't wait to see him become more of a hero. Adele and Tristan also had some more time together towards the end, which was great. I love the two of them together!

Adele also learns a lot about her own family, and their part in the Resistance. Her dad, Ben, is just an amazing man. He and Tristan spend a lot of time together in the beginning of the story, and Tristan sees in him the father he never had. Its amazing how much the theme of family is carried throughout the book, and I loved it!

You might be tired of hearing me say that, but I honestly can't think of anything in this story I didn't like. This is an amazing thing, because usually the second books in a series are my least favorite of the series. This girl can't wait to see what happens next in Sun Dwellers!

Ten Tiny Breaths by K A Tucker

Goodreads
262 pages, NA Contemporary
Ten Tiny Breaths #1
My rating: 5 stars

Synopsis

Kacey Cleary’s whole life imploded four years ago in a drunk-driving accident. Now she’s working hard to bury the pieces left behind—all but one. Her little sister, Livie. Kacey can swallow the constant disapproval from her born-again aunt Darla over her self-destructive lifestyle; she can stop herself from going kick-boxer crazy on Uncle Raymond when he loses the girls’ college funds at a blackjack table. She just needs to keep it together until Livie is no longer a minor, and then they can get the hell out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

But when Uncle Raymond slides into bed next to Livie one night, Kacey decides it’s time to run. Armed with two bus tickets and dreams of living near the coast, Kacey and Livie start their new lives in a Miami apartment complex, complete with a grumpy landlord, a pervert upstairs, and a neighbor with a stage name perfectly matched to her chosen “profession.” But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle all of them. What she can’t handle is Trent Emerson in apartment 1D.

Kacey doesn’t want to feel. She doesn’t. It’s safer that way. For everyone. But sexy Trent finds a way into her numb heart, reigniting her ability to love again. She starts to believe that maybe she can leave the past where it belongs and start over. Maybe she’s not beyond repair.

But Kacey isn’t the only one who’s broken. Seemingly perfect Trent has an unforgiveable past of his own; one that, when discovered, will shatter Kacey’s newly constructed life and send her back into suffocating darkness.

My 2 cents


This book was an emotional roller coaster ride!  I fell in love with it--Kacey, Livvie, Trent, little Maia, Storm, and crazy funny Ben!  The story made me experience every emotion.  I was laughing out loud on some pages, drooling over Trent in others, and tearing up by the end.  Just know if you read this, you might want to read it in the privacy of your bedroom, not out in public.  People will be staring at you!

Our MC, Kacey, has had a tough time of things.  She was in a horrific car crash when she was 16.  Her parents, best friend, and boyfriend all died in the crash.  She was the only survivor, but she was badly injured, and underwent many surgeries and physical therapy.  4 years later, she has buried all of out down deep, and has run away with her little sister, Livvie, who is 15, to Miami.  Their current guardians were not good at all, so Kacey vows she will get a job and take care of her sister.

She doesn't expect to meet so many great people who care about her and Livvie in Miami.  Especially Trent, her new next door neighbor, who does things to her no one have ever done before.  Trent was yummy goodness all wrapped up in a somewhat "bad boy" exterior.  The romance in this one was fabulous, and not typical at all, which I enjoyed.

The story has an amazing cast of characters, and they are what made the book for me.  Kacey's neighbors, boss, and sister make up as much of the story as Trent does, which was refreshing.  The story felt so real, and I think that was in part to the characters.

But this book is all about Kacey, and her trying to find her way after tragedy.  She is full of rage and hurt, and the book bounces around a lot, depending on her mood swings.  She thinks she has it all figured out, but she's not even close!  There is a major twist at the end that I did not see coming at all!  The ending was perfect.  The entire book was perfect.   I think this may have been the best book I've read so far this year!

In My Mailbox #30

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.  Us bloggers feature any new books we've received in the past week, either bought, borrowed, or received for review.

This actually covers the last 2 weeks!




Books Mentioned in this vlog

Light
Falling Under
Callum & Harper
Evergreen
Isolation
My Blood Approves
Shattered Promises
Frost Fire
Insignia
No Attachments
Descent
Neferet's Curse
The Fox Inheritance
Nightshade
The Iron King

Hope you all have a great week!

Fragments by Dan Wells

Goodreads
564 pages, YA Dystopian
Partials #2
My Rating: 5 stars

Synopsis

Kira Walker has found the cure for RM, but the battle for the survival of humans and Partials is just beginning. Kira has left East Meadow in a desperate search for clues to who she is. That the Partials themselves hold the cure for RM in their blood cannot be a coincidence--it must be part of a larger plan, a plan that involves Kira, a plan that could save both races. Her companions are Afa Demoux, an unhinged drifter and former employee of ParaGen, and Samm and Heron, the Partials who betrayed her and saved her life, the only ones who know her secret. But can she trust them?

Meanwhile, back on Long Island, what's left of humanity is gearing up for war with the Partials, and Marcus knows his only hope is to delay them until Kira returns. But Kira's journey will take her deep into the overgrown wasteland of postapocalyptic America, and Kira and Marcus both will discover that their greatest enemy may be one they didn't even know existed.

The second installment in the pulse-pounding Partials saga is the story of the eleventh hour of humanity's time on Earth, a journey deep into places unknown to discover the means--and even more important, a reason--for our survival.

My 2 cents

This was the kind of story that had me glued to the page, much like the first book in the series! This was a fantastic sequel, and Wells really outdid himself with it! It will be hard to review this one without giving away spoilers, but I'll try!

First of all, the story is split up between Kira, Marcus, and Haru's POV. I was glossing over Haru's chapters a bit, but then had to go back and reread, because his stuff is very important! I loved getting Marcus's side to things. We actually get one chapter in Samm's POV as well, which really went a long way in trying to understand him.

There isn't a lot of character development in this one, like in Partials, but the plot of the story more than makes up for it. So much happens in this story, and Wells is a genius tying it all together. And it seems the more we learn about Partials, RM, and Paragen, the more questions we have. 

Just like in the first book, there are some major plot twists throughout, with a huge bombshell at the end! I can't wait to read the conclusion of this story! This is genius dystopian storytelling at its best!