Hooked by Liz Fichera

Title: Hooked
Author: Liz Fichera
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: January 31st, 2013
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Pages: 368
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Interest: Series
Age Group: Young Adult

When Native American Fredricka ‘Fred’ Oday is invited to become the only girl on the school’s golf team, she can’t say no. This is an opportunity to shine, win a scholarship and go to university, something no one in her family has done.

But Fred’s presence on the team isn’t exactly welcome — especially not to rich golden boy Ryan Berenger, whose best friend was kicked off the team to make a spot for Fred.

But there’s no denying that things are happening between the girl with the killer swing and the boy with the killer smile...

I'm not really sure what to say about this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it, found the drama to be very real, and overall just liked the characters. I finished rather quickly, which is actually not so bad.

When Fred, a young girl from the Rez, joins the boy's varsity golf team, teaming up with one of the best players on the team, Ryan Berenger. But Fred and Ryan are on the opposite side of the tracks and in order to be together they'll need to overcome their cultural differences.

But that won't be so easy considering that Ryan is not only popular but he also has friends who will do anything to keep Fred away from Ryan.

If I say this wasn't drama heavy, I'd be lying. For a moment I almost felt like I was on an episode of a teen drama. All I can say is that Ryan's friends really, really, really didn't want him to be with Fred.

I absolutely loved both narratives between Ryan and Fred. I liked being able to get into both their heads, though sometimes I feel like we got more one story than the other. There were a lot of moments that Ryan and Fred made me upset, but in a good way.

I wanted to claw out Gwen's and Seth's eye, but after reading, who wouldn't?

There was just so much going on, but I loved it. I liked the way things ended. The realistic aspect of it all drew me in, because there was nothing too out there (even though there would be no problem with that!) and I think that Fichera did an amazing job.

And the best part? There is a sequel! *squeals* I cannot wait for it!

Covet by Melissa Darnell

Title: Covet
Author: Melissa Darnell
Info: Website | Facebook
Release Date: September 25th, 2012
Publisher: HarelquinTeen
Pages: 488
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley; From Publisher
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Crave
Age Group: Young Adult

Dangerous to be together. Painful to be apart. Savannah Colbert knows she broke up with Tristan Coleman for the right reasons. Most of all, to keep from killing him with her new vampire abilities. But try telling her heart. Now, lost in a sea of hostile Clann faces, Sav tries to come to terms with what she's becoming and what that means for her future. And that someone is doing their best to bully her into making a terrible mistake.

Tristan can't believe Sav won't even talk to him. If being apart is her decision, fine. Just don't expect him to honor it. But even as he prepares to fight for the girl he loves, forces beyond their control take them both in directions neither could have foreseen or prepared for.

A reckoning is coming… and not everyone will survive

Wow. Just wow. This book - Goodness.

Well, to start with, the cover. Yikes. If I hadn't read the first book and loved it, I might have been reluctant to read the series just looking at the second book. I am someone who judges a book by the cover, sadly, and this would have turned me away. Compared to the other book, where the cover was much more serene and matched the story. This, this scares me a little. She looks like she's come back from the dead and if I were to judge what the story were about I would probably think some weird zombie book.

Cover aside, the story was just as good, if not better than the first. Savannah and Tristan have been pulled apart and now the two have to find a way to get back together, but sadly that looks like that will be tougher than expected.

I was laughing, I was crying, and I was doing a whole lot of wondering as I read. Sometimes I felt like the story would never move forward and the characters would be stuck in this poor state they were in (loving each other but not being able to be together) but Darnell never fails.

Honestly, I am so glad that I started reading this book series.

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Lost Prince
Author: Julie Kagawa
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: October 23rd, 2012
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Pages: 379
Format: Electronic
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Interest: Series
Age Group: Young Adult

Don't look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

That is Ethan Chase's unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he'd dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister's world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten

Hot damn, she does it to me again! Julie Kagawa is an absolute genius and I would have been a fool to pass up reading the spin-off to her amazing Iron Fey series. This novel not only lived up to my expectations but even went the extra mile!

First of all, I am beyond ecstatic that the original trio is back. Obviously the novel wasn't about them, BUT I like that Kagawa brought them all back, even for some small scenes.

Now, to the story. Ethan is all grown up and completely alone. Since the day that Meghan first left, his life has forever been changed by the fey, who he tries to avoid at all costs, but who come after him anyways. Whether its because he's the younger brother of the Iron Queen or because he has the Sight, they refuse to leave him alone, which causes a lot of trouble for him.

And when a friend get's taken by a new type of fey - one that no one has ever seen before - Ethan realizes he will have to get involved no matter how hard he tries to keep them away. This time he's not alone, not with Kenzie by his side.

Emotions are high in this novel as Ethan comes face-to-face with his sister and the man he blames for taking her away from him. And the family drama deepens when he meets his nephew. Sadly for Ethan, family drama is the least of his problems. Not only are these Forgotten making it clear they intend to stay, but somehow Ethan has officially entangled himself in the mess.

For all Iron Fey fans out there this book will be everything that was expected. Kagawa has made her plot line incredibly interesting by adding family, politics, mystery, adventure, and love into her world where one will never have it figured out.

I also think that it would be a great idea if The Iron Prophecy were read before this, so readers can have a better understanding of the complicated relationship that will arise between Ethan and Keirran. And I say "will" with full confidence, because in just this novel alone one can see a rift between the two already.

Absolutely, 110% loved this novel! And can I just say, PUCK IS AMAZING! I am so glad that nothing about him has changed. I'm sorry, but this novel could not have been the same if Puck had not been here.

Adventure, love, betrayal, and a lot of unexpected twists this is a book that once you pick it up you will not be able to put it down! Ethan not only has grown so much since the first series and this one, but there is so much more growing going on in this book that reader's will hopefully see in the coming books! Even though I have read this, I just put a preorder for this book, because I absolutely, positively need it!

Kagawa is a mastermind!!

Iron's Prophecy by Julie Kagawa

Title: Iron's Prophecy
Author: Julie Kagawa
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: September 1st, 2012
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Pages: 79
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series/Novella
Others in the Series: The Iron King, The Iron Daughter, The Iron Queen, & The Iron Knight / Winter's Passage & Summer's Crossing
Age Group: Young Adult
Rating: 5 Stars

Meghan Chase is finally getting used to being the Iron Queen, ruler of the Iron Fey. Her life may be strange, but with former Winter prince Ash by her side at last, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

But when they travel to the Summer and Winter courts’ gathering for Elysium, the oracle from Meghan’s past returns with a dire prophecy: “What you carry will either unite the courts, or it will destroy them.” Now Meghan faces a devastating choice that may determine the future of all fey—and her and Ash’s unborn child… 

Honestly, am I the only one that thinks that Kagawa should write a separate series featuring Kierran? Unless, he's in the spin-off series featuring Ethan Chase...either way, this novella was epic!

Obviously this review won't be as long, but I absolutely loved seeing Meghan again and Ash! I could die happy. There are so many ways that these things can go between them all, I feel like Kagawa should not stop now.

I have never really read a novella before, but the way that Kagawa set this up I was impressed. I never knew one could put so much in such a short time span. And there was so much I was so angry that it stopped where it did, but again, it leaves so much room for possibilities!

And now that I have the entire collection on paperback, I can finally go back and enjoy some of them! Kagawa, thank you! I love this so much. This is amazing!! I going to review the entire book when I finished the other two novellas, but I just couldn't resist doing this one since I haven't exactly read the other ones yet.

But I will get to them, even if I have to sacrifice precious study time. I don't think I will ever get tired of these guys. And the growth that Meghan experiences. Being Queen looks good on her, that's all I must say to that! And Ash, oh goodness, how I missed him!

This was such a beautiful novella. Even though it was short, there was absolutely nothing miss from it that the other books had that this didn't. Kagawa knows how to bring in a reader and keep them.

Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Title: Speechless
Author: Hannah Harrington
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: August 28th, 2012
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Pages: 288
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Age Group: Young Adult

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret 

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself

Harrington does it again! A powerful novel with so much meaning and a young girl finding herself, slowly but surely. 

After Chelsea outs a classmate about being gay, he is nearly killed. Realizing what her actions had done, she takes a vow of silence. Now, she has to face her own inner guilt and as well as the harassment from classmates. But, Chelsea is stronger than what people realize and with the help of new friends she is ready to tackle the consequences of her actions. 

This novel, is by far, the most powerful one I have read this year. I wanted to insult Chelsea into little ribbons. I mean, she just seemed so naive about things. I almost couldn't believe how surprised she would be about the way people would react to news. Sure, gays are becoming a little more accepting in this world, but that doesn't mean everyone understands or acceptance the difference. But, I guess that's the whole point for Chelsea. It shows the flaw in her character and what she has to do to remedy that. 

My initial anger towards her dissipated quickly though. I know what it's like to be bullied, but to be bullied for doing the right thing is worse. It showed how self-involved Chelsea's supposed friends were truly, and it gave her an insight on herself, on who she use to be. 

The growing that she did wasn't quick but it was noticeable. I loved Harrington's character development. She takes time to weed out the problem before going in for the fixing, and I think that's what always makes her novel great. By the end the main character, and to some extent the reader, has learned something valuable to take with them. 

I, for one, could not do a vow of silence for so long. Just imagine, not saying anything for extended period. Harrington said she took this inspiration from the National Day of Silence, which many high school's host in order for students not to say anything for a full day the same way that gay and lesbian's keep quiet about who they are. I always did it back in high school for my friends and myself, and sometimes I just always believed that was as much as I could do. Yet, Chelsea has shown me that silence can play a part, but speaking out is just as important. 

She sacrificed a lot to do the right thing and that, in my eyes, makes her one of the most decent character's I have read. Just as one of the character's said, "Hate is easy. Love takes courage." 

This, like I said before, was one of the best books I have read this year. It's heartwarming, refreshing, and one book should be placed on everyone's TBR pile. Beautifully written, does not even begin to describe this work. It was pure amazing. 

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Title: Pushing the Limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Info: Website | Twitter 
Release Date: July 24th, 2012
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Pages: 384
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Age Group: Young Adult

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster from page one. I had no idea what to really expect when it came to this book, but I absolutely loved this book.

The author takes two teens who are both facing some of the toughest moments of their life (because being a teen is not hard enough apparently) and both have to begin healing. And the way the author brought two character's from completely different backgrounds together; it was just epicness in the making.

Pushing The Limits was beautifully written, almost poetry. There was a lot of kissing, which made me a little happy, and the way things fell into place I would never have imagined them happening the way they did. I found myself at the edge of my seat wanting to know each of these characters as much as possible.

Beautiful, haunting, and coming out truthfully with the tough choices that teens face today in a complicated world. For the most part I wished that neither Echo nor Noah would go through the tough time they were having. I especially found Echo's step-mother to be irritating but it seemed that both got a break in their life through a guidance counselor at school, someone I always found to know all the answers. Personal experience anyways.

This book I highly recommend to anyone that loves true life teen problems and someone who can connect to the loss of a love one and the healing that has to go with it.

McGarry writes a memorable book that will not be forgotten, even after turning the last page.

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Knight
Author: Julie Kagawa
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: October 26th, 2011
Publisher: HarlequeenTeen
Pages: 361
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: The Iron King, The Iron Daughter, & The Iron Queen
Age Group: Young Adult

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought. Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive. With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side. To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale. And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice

Holy Emotional Rollercoaster! I didn't think I could love the Iron Fey series more than I did while reading the story from Meghan's point of view, but looking through the eyes of Ash really put things into perspective.

When I first saw this, I knew that like her other works, this would be incredible. Not to mention the way The Iron Queen had left me, I knew that Kagawa would have to give in to the romantic nature of a tale sooner or later. But she blew me away with Ash.

Exiled son of Queen Mab, Ash is now searching for a way to be with his love, Meghan, in the iron realm, a place he cannot step into while still a Fae. With Puke and Grim by his side, Ash is about to go through unknown territory and make new friends and uncover new revelations that will make him question if being human really is the life for him.

I have to say, I love that reader's finally get a real insider's view of what Nevernever is like from someone who has seen it all. And the story continues to surprise me, and at times even creeps me out, but this was a book that will get devoured in one sitting.

The adventure, the romance, and the determination that Ash presents in order to complete his vow drive this story as the young prince must face trials that will determine if he can actually stand to be human and to accept everything that comes with it.

A lot of things surprised me. This is what I love about Kagawa, she always leaves the reader's on the edge. Giving little hints here and there, before BAM! she surprises you and leaves the reader's feeling like she just said, "Haha, didn't see that coming, huh?"

Honestly, Ash was just a wonder and I am so glad that she decided to write this book. The way his mind works, both in its darkest time and in the weakest moments to the happiest of days really surprised me. Whenever Ash does something he does it completely and full heartily. At some moments I didn't even recognize this cold prince who froze his heart as to not feel.

This, I feel, is the proper way that The Iron Fey should have ended, and I'm glad that Kagawa had it that way. This book, like its predecessors, does not disappoint. I cannot wait for the spin-off, but for the moment, I'm just going to enjoy the way this book ended and anticipate all the surprises that await from the next book just a little while more.

The Iron Knight promises to be everything that it set out to be and all I can say is that I truly hope they have forever.

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagaw

Title: The Immortal Rules

Author: Julie Kagawa
Release Date: April 24th, 2012
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Pages: 485
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Interest: Series
Age Group: Young Adult
Rating: 5 Stars

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters. Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad. Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike. But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for

Kagawa stole my heart with her first series, The Iron Fey, so I had an extremely high hopes for this novel. And I am happy to say that I was not disappointed at all. This novel had everything from romance to action to adventure to betrayal, to lies, to secrets -- it was nonstop fun that I could not put down until I finished it.

Allison lives in a world where, after a deadly virus had either killed humans or turned them into rapids, the vampires now rule her world. In a little vampire city, she tries to survive with her gang in a dark bleak world. But this world was turned completely upside down after she is turned into a vampire herself. Sadly even this life can't offer her any kind of peace, because not only has she become a monster, but she has become an outsider even to the vampire society. And when she has to flee for her life, once again, she meets a ragtag group of humans who are searching for Paradise; one that Allie knows that she'll never be able to follow them to.

This book had me at the edge from the first page to the last. Suspense was Kagawa's true friend in this whirl wind of excitement that had been contained within the pages. Whenever Allie got herself into a less-than-desirable situation I could always feel my own heart beating, wondering what was going to  happen next.

I have to admit that out of everyone, I think my favorite had to Kanin. There is something dark and mysterious about him, and I wished that there had been more of him before the madness happened. I can't wait to see what happens in book two!

And Zeke, I loved him. He was so sweet and adorable. And completely perfect for Allie, even if she was a little...fangy. And this surprises me, because unlike some other books where I am really emotionally involved, I wasn't as upset as I should have been. I know Allie did the right thing, which makes her a strong character in my book; she knows when to decide between putting others first or herself, and in the end what happened had to happen.

I am a little afraid of putting book two in such a high pedestal, because plenty of books that I've read had let me down so hard when that happened, but yet again some had surprised me. Kagawa has such a strong start with this novel, I can't wait to read Allie's next adventure and what will happen.

This book series has so much promise and I can't wait to see where Kagawa takes it.

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Queen
Author: Julie Kagawa
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: January 25th, 2011
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Pages: 358
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: The Iron King & The Iron Daughter
Age Group: Young Adult
Rating: 5 Stars

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

One word: WOW!

As I turned the final page on this book that was all I could think. Kagawa has joined the ranks of some of my favorite authors, because this book took me to new places and back, and somehow kept me coming back for more.

Meghan Chase has grown so much, and I can't believe only a year has gone by since the first book to this one. I am speechless, I am spellbound, I cannot wait to read the next book because it will bring with it equal awesomeness.

The war is coming and Meghan, Ash, and Puck will need everything they can in order to give Summer and Winter back their home and rid themselves of the evil Iron Kingdom. I wasn't sure how they planned to do this, because obviously Iron cannot coexist with the "oldbloods" but Kagawa shocked me in more ways than one.

And of course there is the romance between Meghan and Ash. If any two characters were ever right for each other these two would be it. And yet, Meghan has grown into her own character that doesn't lean so heavily on Ash, but they give each other support and lean on one another. I really like how Kagawa had given Meghan her own identity away from Ash, but still give her the soft spot that needs Ash.

Then there's the ending. I think my jaw dropped several times. I couldn't believe what I was reading, but at the same time I wasn't overreacting to the whole event, like I usually do when situations like that arise. Anyways, I felt so proud for Meghan. She gave up so much and asked for very little in return. I was also a little angry with her, but I could understand why.

I cannot wait to start the next and final book. I can't believe this series is already coming to an end. But one thing I can say for sure is that I'm glad it didn't end here, even if it would have been a pretty powerful ending.

Romantic, adventures, funny, and heart-racing; this book has it all.

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Daughter
Author: Julie Kagawa
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: August 10th, 2010
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Pages: 359
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: The Iron King
Age Group: Young Adult
Rating: 5 Stars

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

I feel like I'm falling in love all over again with this series. As if the first book didn't convince me enough that this was something that would be of high interest. I don't know how Kagawa does it, but she has brought to life these mischievous little creatures into a whole new light.

The first thing I want to start out with is Ash, because I am falling so much in love with this prince. There is this dark, haunted soul that continues to resurface again and again, Kagawa never once breaking this spell that she has cast over him, that reveals this tormented man and what Fate has thrown at him. I kept wanting to hit Ash so many times, I was losing my mind. There is just something about him that makes me want to break in and start digging through this ice fortress that he has built around himself.

And Meghan, I'm becoming a little fond of her. There is still this selfish side of her that continues to show up, but I feel like at times it can be acceptable for her to be like that. For those who have read the book would know everything that she had to give up for the sake of others. I do feel like there is a lot of growth, that Kagawa has developed Meghan from this pig-farm girl that was practically invisible at her school, to this half-breed Summer Princess who gets stronger with each obstacle thrown at her.

The main story itself was fascinating. I love all the twists and turns that Kagawa throws into this book, and all the lies and deceptions that are uncovered. The world of the fey becomes incredibly complicated as the Iron fey becomes more and more of a threat, but with a looming war between Summer and Winter, Meghan realizes that this new world that she has been thrown into, and has slowly started to love, is in great danger.

Enemies become friends, friends become enemies, and a revelation is made that could change Meghan's life forever.

Once I picked this up, I couldn't put it down until I finished it because Kagawa takes this book at such a quick pace. Something is always happening and things are always changing, and before anyone can blink things go into mayhem.

Best book I have read in 2012, thus far. I wish I didn't have so much studying and reading to do for school so I can read the third book already, but soon enough. I am excited for this series because so far it is showing so much potential to be amazing.

This is a must, must read!

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron King
Author: Julie Kagawa
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: February 1st, 2011
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Pages: 363
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Age Group: Young Adult
Rating: 5 Stars

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined. Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home. When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change. But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

This book was amazing. I cannot think of any other way to describe it besides amazing. Kagawa kept me surprised as the story deepened and the character's started to come to life before my eyes. The imagination that this novel holds is incredible and it could bring out the child in anyone it was great.

I've been reading about faeries since I could remember, so most stories about such creatures turns from original to predictable, but I have to say that Kagawa completely changed my perception. She not only brought her own host of amazing creatures, she brought back to life creatures that are familiar to everyone and...modernized it. The reference to one of the most popular Fae tale is A Midsummer Night's Dream, which plays a big role in the story.

The entire plot line is fast pace, but not so fast that it's almost unbelievable. There was action everywhere and danger at every turn. Kagawa brought the world to life. I love this idea about how technology and the modern world leaks into the world of the "Fae" and what this would be for the future of these magical beings.

I can tell this series is off to a great start.

I have to say that one of the best things about this book is that Kagawa easily mixes humor into her tale. Even at the point of complete danger and no-nonsense scenes, somehow there's always a character that can throw out a joke. Grim and Puke are especially the lighthearted ones in this tale.

Meghan, I loved her. She feels like the universal character that almost anyone can relate to. There have been moments in everyone's life where they don't belong or they feel like something is not always together in their life, even those who appear to have it together. She is brave and honest and doesn't hold anything back. At moments I felt like she was a little selfish, especially when she runs into danger without a thought besides that of her loved ones.

Ash, I feel like I am bashing my head against a brick wall whenever I look at him. I kept thinking that something was going to happen, and we did see something but there was that wall again that was put up near the end, which feels like absolutely no progress was being made. But this is only the first book so I am looking forward to the next books in the series.

Something that I found great about the book is that I kept predicting how events will be played out later on, but Kagawa always surprised me by doing something different. So, if I had to sum up this book in one word it would be "Unpredictable." And this, I feel is a good thing because it keeps the reader guessing and wondering what will happen next.

Overall, a fantastic read. Stayed up all night to finish it and now I really want the rest of the series.

On A Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

Title: On A Dark Wing
Author: Jordan Dane
Release Date: December 27th, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 320
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Age Group: Young Adult
Rating: 3 Stars

  I would learn a lesson I wasn’t prepared for.

                                      The choices I had made led to the moment when fate took over.

                                                          And Death would be my willing teacher.

 Five years ago, Abbey Chandler cheated Death. She survived a horrific car accident, but her “lucky” break came at the expense of her mother’s life and changed everything. After she crossed paths with Death—by taking the hand of an ethereal boy made of clouds and sky—she would never be normal again.

Now she’s the target of Death’s ravens and an innocent boy’s life is on the line. When Nate Holden—Abbey’s secret crush—starts to climb Alaska’s Denali, the Angel of Death stalks him because of her.

And Abbey finds out the hard way that Death never forgets.

I have to say the cover and description drew me in. I was excited going into this book wondering what sort of wonderful story was hidden underneath it. But, like most things, as the pages started to turn and the story got closer and closer to the end, I found myself not interested at all. I would put the book down for a while, pick it back up for a few minutes, and put it down again. I honestly did not find myself drawn to this book the way I should have been.

For me, the character of Abbey was too much. I understand the feeling that of guilt over the death of her mother, but to me, it feels like Abbey is just drowning herself in this. I feel like she puts too much in one thing and doesn't focus on anything else. And then there's this obsession with a guy who probably doesn't even know her name. I mean, I've been a love sick girl before, but this was a little too much for me.

The story started out just a little to slow for me, and at times it was difficult to figure out who was telling the story and who wasn't because the narration kept switching. To be honest, I don't know Abbey at all, I don't know any of the characters at all, and because I don't know them I can't find any connection. This book felt like a good waste of time then an actual story to enjoy.

Near the end it got somewhat exciting, but not enough to make me want to go head over heels for this book.

I give it three stars because the suspense Jordan builds up did keep going a little, and I liked the way she brings out some of Abbey's emotions, but for the most part I feel like this book, in my opinion, could have been better. The story line is great, the entire concept of Death coming after Abbey and Nate, but I wasn't feeling it.

Bland, but okay if you have time to waste.

Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Title: Saving June
Author: Hannah Harrington
Release Date: November 22nd, 2011
Publisher: Harlequinteen
Pages: 336
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Age Group: Young Adult
Rating: 5 Stars

Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.

When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going California.

Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.

Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.

This book is an emotional ride that takes the reader into the life of Harper, after losing her sister to suicide. The subject of suicide is always a very emotional one for me, just because of how personal it gets for me. And when reading something about suicide, but not from the victims point of view, but the aftermath, it just makes it much harder.

Harper's life was surrounded by the perfect life of her sister June, who in a twist of events kills herself. Now Harper is left to ask why, especially surrounded by her somewhat dysfunctional family. And as a way to save her sister from the life she hated, Harper decides to take her sister's ashes to California, her sister's dream.

The book was so warming but sad at the same time. It makes people think about who is in their life and what certain people mean to everyone. Death is a very touchy subject, but it is also one where if people talk it over, they can start this healing processes.

When Jake appears in Harper's life and takes her to California, things get interesting. I love Jake, because he is so understanding, and sometimes I wish he wasn't so closed off from people. It's almost like him and Harper try to block people out and in the process draw each other in, it's weird, but you can see that. Laney, as much of a good friend as she was, pretty much annoyed me a lot of the time. I just wish someone would tell her to shut up and almost applauded Jake for when he told her off, but also felt bad because of the way he did it.

I really liked the ending, because it made me cry, it made me smile, it broke my heart, and just gave me this hope for the characters. Harper was trying so hard to push people away, and when she lets them in it's great. These characters came to life and the music. I have to know what the authors intention of using the music in the book as one of the main themes. Most of the artists, of course, I've never heard of, but whenever music was involved, it was like it brought them together. Harper and Jake that is.

Anyways, I absolutely loved this book, and I highly recommend it because this book is sad and beautiful and just everything you can imagine.

The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

Title: The Juliet Spell
Author: Douglas Rees
Release Date: September 27th, 2011
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Pages: 304
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Age Group: Young Adult
Rating: 4 Stars

I wanted the role of Juliet more than anything. I studied hard. I gave a great reading for it—even with Bobby checking me out the whole time. I deserved the part.

I didn't get it. So I decided to level the playing field, though I actually might have leveled the whole play. You see, since there aren't any Success in Getting to Be Juliet in Your High School Play spells, I thought I'd cast the next best—a Fame spell. Good idea, right?

Yeah. Instead of bringing me a little fame, it brought me someone a little famous. Shakespeare. Well, Edmund Shakespeare. William's younger brother.

Good thing he's sweet and enthusiastic about helping me with the play...and—ahem—maybe a little bit hot. But he's from the past. Way past. Cars amaze him—cars! And cell phones? Ugh.

Still, there's something about him that's making my eyes go star-crossed....

This is cute, this is really, really cute. For those that want a light read and something cute, this is the book to go to. Miranda is obsessed with becoming Juliet in her school's production of Romeo and Juliet and she does a spell and accidentally brings William Shakespeare's brother, and things take off from there.

It feels like Juliet is becoming a very popular girl this year, and I want to applaud Douglas in being able to take a role like Juliet and adding some twists to it. I mean the magic? Edmund? That's pretty original here. And 2011 looks like the year for Shakespeare because it's not just Romeo and Juliet that keeps getting retold, but several of his other works, and even the man himself is being put on the spotlight here. So this is a big year for Shakespeare.

Now on to the actual story. I liked the beginning and I liked Miranda. I can't say I completely agree with her reasons to become Juliet in the play or what she is willing to do to get it, but I like her as a general person. And I like the characters. I was afraid that this would just be surrounded by simply the actors and their motivations in this play and so on, but then the story actually starts developing and the characters start forming in some way. The story becomes sophisticated as love, jealousy, and friendship begin to take shape. The characters become alive, and while I would suggest that Douglas should have gotten the ball rolling a little sooner, the fact that it does later on makes the story worthwhile.

Miranda's mom was great, one of my favorite characters. I don't think I could handle being told that I had a boy from Elizabethan era staying in my house as well as she would, so kudos to her. 

I normally don't comment on the covers, but this one I have to say is pretty awesome. It also seems to follow the theme of girl's in dresses theme, but it's pretty nice.

If you have time to sit around and have a fun read, this would be it. It will be worth your time. I don't want to say too much, but this is one in the making. And the final performance? Magical. This is like so much is happening and then all of a sudden all this wonderful magic forms and it's great.

Crave by Melissa Darnell

Title: Crave
Author: Melissa Darnell
Release Date: October 25th, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 432
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Interest: Series
Age Group: Young Adult
Rating: 5 Stars

Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences….

I have to say, finding original stories these days has become a difficult tasks, because lots of authors seem to love to fall into the trap of vampires as sexy and dangerous, and fall into the same trap of the supernatural genre has, but I have to say this story surprised me in a lot of levels.

I enjoyed Melissa's book a lot. The whole witches vs. vampires vs. vampire-witch baby is this fun twisted ride. And the fact that it was the girl this time who was the vampire surprised me, because as I was reading this I thought to myself the exact opposite of what I would have originally believed.

The fact that Savannah was considered an outsider is something I can relate to, because for a long time I was an outsider as well, and even now in college people still treat others like they are not good enough, and the worst part for Savannah is that none of this was her fault to begin with. This is just some weird traditions that go back centuries and the fault of genetics. And then the way she uses fear as the fuel that drives the Brat Twins to despise Savannah is interesting and real at the same time.

The love between Savannah and Tristan is cute and some of the things they did to be together surprised me, especially Tristan. There are moments when someone can tell this boy is truly in love, I mean he goes to an extent to prove this to Savannah. I never thought the boy had so much will power, and I found myself cheering them on the whole way.

And finally the ending. It was not a complete disappointment, because it gives you something to think about and when you get the sneak peek on the next book, it's like a mouth dropper.

I can tell that this series will be one that doesn't just revolve around these two love birds, but a whole system that is being threatened here. I loved the originality of this story and how alive all the character's were. I mean, everyone had their own personality. There was Anna and Carrie and Michelle, each with distinct personality but still working well together, and then there were the guys, which I found both creepy, like Savannah did, which just makes Melissa even better because she can make me feel like Savannah felt being around them.

And what I think she did best was switching points of views. I always want to know what the other person is thinking, whether a guy or girl, because it just drives me nuts, and I was glad that Melissa had differing points of views, because it's essentially the same story but a whole different effect. So I hope the rest of the series continues that way.

There was one mistake that was made when Savannah was referred to as a junior and not a sophomore, which she was. I don't know if it's because I have an ARC, or if that's how the finished product is, but besides that there just a whole lot of goodness in there.