Friday, September 28, 2012

Endlessly by Kiersten White (Paranormalcy book 3)

"The clock is ticking on the entire paranormal world. And it's fate rests solely in Evie's hands."

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't read the first two books in the series, Paranormalcy and Supernaturally, Stop! I don't want to ruin a fun series for you.

One month has passed since the events that occurred in Supernaturally. Evie found out that her father is a drunken faerie. Jack abandoned her in the Faerie Paths and she found her way back to Lend. Evie is determined to live her life in the moment and is currently happy. She is not happy when Anne-Laurie LeFevre, her new supervisor at IPCA, turns up on her doorstep one night. It turns out Raquel is no longer her supervisor and Evie is to report back to work at IPCA immediately. She slams the door and flatout refuses to speak to anyone but Raquel. Evie arranges to meet with Raquel who asks her to come back to IPCA in a formal capacity. Agitated and in a hurry, Raquel offers her time to think about it and says she will see her again at the end of the week.

For her birthday, Lend throws her a fabulous surprise masquerade ball with all her friends from school in attendance. Thinking that the lights out by the pond is a part of Lend’s continuing surprise, Evie finds that most of the paranormals she knows, including Lend’s missing mother Cresseda. Cresseda lets her know that it is time to take her path and follow the prophecy pertaining to letting the souls go. Evie states that she has already completed it with Vivian but Nona lets her know that she can open a gate to send them all back. They are only here on Earth because the faeries brought them here. Evie runs back to Lend’s house.

Lend and his father speaks with Evie and gets her to meet with Nona and talk. Evie is adamant that she doesn’t want to rectify the damage the faeries did. When Reth steps through a faerie door, Evie throws her hands up. He is there because the Dark Queen has discovered their intentions. She is there for Evie. A battle ensues and several of Evie’s paranormal friends fall. Wanting to keep any more of her friends from dying, Evie agrees to go with her. With Reth holding her back and silencing her voice, Lend kisses Evie goodbye. He changes his glamour to replicate Evie and turns himself over to the Dark Queen.

Things get even worse for Evie when she is arrested by the IPCA. Depending on Reth and Jack to escape, Evie is determined to rescue Lend. Will she be able to get Lend away from the Dark Queen before she learns of the deception? Can she trust and be able to work with Reth and Jack? Will Evie have the ability to send the paranormals through the gate? What is happening at IPCA? And will Evie ever get to live the normal life she craves?

Kiersten White has a new book, Mind Games, coming out on February 19, 2013.

Forever by Judy Blume

"Is there a difference between first love and true love?"

Katherine Danizer meets Michael Wagner at a New Year's Eve party. Seniors at neighboring high school, it is not long before love blooms between the two. As their emotional relationship heats up so does the physical aspect. When a summer forces them apart and college looming on the horizon, can Katherine and Michael be together forever or will it be a bittersweet ending to first time love?

Visit Judy Blume's website.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Hidden by Sophie Jordan (Firelight book 3)

“A dangerous journey. Shattered bonds. Undying passion.”

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the second book in the series, Vanish, Stop! Vanish ended with a true cliffhanger. I wouldn’t want to ruin the story for you.

Miram has been captured by the enkros and even though she is partly to blame for her predicament, Jacinda feels guilty. Now bonded with Miram’s brother Cassian, Jacinda is experiencing his emotions over her disappearance. In a desperate attempt to rescue her, Jacinda talks Cassian and Will into allowing the enkros to capture her. With her bond to Cassian, he and Will should be able to locate her in the laboratory. But once Jacinda is inside, things are not what she expected and they quickly spiral out of control.

Will Jacinda be able to save not only herself but Miram as well? What secrets does she uncover while being held prisoner? Can she discover any information about her father? And who will Jacinda ultimately decide to be with; Cassian or Will?

In nonstop action from the first page, the Firelight trilogy is neatly concluded for fans of Jacinda.


Monday, September 17, 2012

The Unnaturalists by Tiffany Trent

Vespa Nyx is joking around with a stuffy patron when the paralytic field suspending a sphinx in New London’s Museum of Unnatural History is suddenly disabled. She later claims to her father, the head of the museum, that she was pushed from behind. This time the field was much stronger than the one she took down at Miss Marmalade’s Seminary for Young Ladies of Quality that led to her expulsion a year earlier. Working for her father at the Museum ever since, Vespa prefers the life of a Scientist. She secretly desires to be the first female Pedant in several generations rather than to become a wife and mother as is expected of her. When she is aided by the unfamiliar Pedant Lumin, she is shocked to discover her father dislikes him even more than she does.


Not wanting to leave Vespa alone after her incident, she goes with her father and his creepy assistant, Charles Waddingly. Nicknamed The Wad by Vespa, she feels hurt that her father has replaced her. When she awakens during the carriage ride and doesn’t remember the trip, her father brushes off her concerns. Soon the carriage is stopped by a small gang of highwaymen who demand all of their valuables and ask for the strongbox. Vespa steps forward, trying to put on a brave face, and tells them that they will be sorry if they take it. A voice calls out saying that she is right and a small clan of Tinkers emerges from the other side of the road. The highwaymen scurry off and the Tinkers come forward. Stating that they know what is in the trunk and that they can have all the Waste if they really want it, the Tinkers demand payment for their rescue. When a Tinker, Syrus, spies the jade frog that Vespa carries in her purse to remind her of her mother, he takes it and leaves the money behind. Vespa vows to get her frog back and to find out what exactly is in the chest.

When some unnaturals escape in the laboratory, The Wad stays behind while Vespa goes off in search of a containment unit. Struggling to get it to a lift, Vespa runs into Pedant Lumin. He offers to take the unit upstairs while Vespa goes off to get her father. Vespa is told by the receptionist that her father is not to be disturbed. She forces her way into his office and stumbles upon several Pedants and museum directors in protective gear with the strongbox open. It is full of the Waste from the forest and Vespa slowly backs her way out to keep from contaminating anything else.

Vespa makes her way back to the laboratory and finds Pedant Lumin with only one sylphid, who he has trained, where there should have been a roomful; of them. Confused, Vespa studies Lumin and her thoughts turn to whether or not he is going to kiss her and if that is what she wants. What she doesn’t expect is for him to reveal that he is an Architect of Athena (a warlock) and that he believes Vespa is a witch!

Elsewhere, the Empress’ guards come to the abandoned rail yard to Cull Tinkers to work in the refinery. Syrus is the only member of the reed clan to escape. He goes to visit the Manticore deep in the forest. He laments that he wishes the Manticor4e could do something to protect the Tinkers who protect her. She says that she always thought there was nothing she could do but realizes that she was mistaken. The Manticore tells Syrus to bring her the witch and they will be able to free his family.

Is Vespa Nyx a witch and what does this mean for her future? Just who is pedant Lumin and is he truly a warlock? What secret does Charles Waddingly hide? Why is Vespa’s father experimenting with the Waste? Will Syrus be able to help the Manticore and save the forest and the clan families? And will Vespa be able to rise about it all when the situation calls for it?

A book with tons of action and adventure set in a steam punk, fantasy realm with a splash of romance, readers will be clamoring for more of Vespa Nyx. Ms. Trent is currently working on book two.

Visit Tiffany Trent's website.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Miles Halter has a thing for famous last words. A social outcast at his public high school in Florida, he decides to begin his junior year at his father’s alma mater, Culver Creek Boarding School in Alabama. Hoping to start anew, Miles soon meets his new roommate, Chip “the Colonel” Martin who promptly states that he is not going to be Miles’ ticket to popularity at the Creek. The Colonel slowly shows Miles some of the ropes around campus and a friendship develop. One person the Colonel introduces Miles to turns out to be Alaska Young.

Smart, beautiful and incredibly sexy Alaska captures Miles’ attention immediately. Alaska is faithful to her boyfriend away at college but hangs out with Miles, the Colonel and their friend Takumi. Soon Miles finds himself tangled in Alaska’s labyrinth and doesn’t want to escape. With each chapter heading counting down to the unknown, the reader is left wondering what looms on the horizon.

Spark by Amy Kathleen Ryan (Sky Chasers book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Glow, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the series for you.

“Once the embers are glowing, it only takes one small breath to ignite the spark …”

Things are far from normal since Waverly Marshall and the girls from the Empyrean barely escaped from Anne Mather and her congregation on the New Horizon. Having to leave their parent behind as prisoners, most of the children blame Waverly while a few see her as a hero. Her days are spent working on farm equipment where she is in relative solitude. Seth Ardvale spends his time in solitary confinement in the brig as punishment for his failed attempt to overthrow Kieran Alden, the Captain of the Empyrean. His only consolation is the hope that Waverly might visit him again, but he is not holding his breath. Waverly is well known to be Kieran’s girlfriend.

Kieran’s Sunday morning congregation has dwindled to about half of the ship’s crew. Everyone is waiting the day that the Empyrean will catch up to the New Horizon and rescue their parents. When a blast rocks the ship during Sunday morning services, everyone aboard is thrown into a panic. Kieran and his top officers discover that someone has tampered with the computer navigation software and the blasts where really thruster bursts. It is not long before Kieran discovers that Seth has escaped fr5om the brig. It is revealed that Waverly visited Seth in the brig a month earlier. Kieran asks her why she is undermining his authority. While talking, Kieran realizes that their relationship is fractured beyond repair. With 250 lives in his hands, Kieran realizes that there aren’t many people he can trust.

Hiding on the ship, Seth soon realizes that someone on board has tampered with the surveillance system. He goes to find his friend Max for some more information. Even thought he is drunk, Seth realizes that Max has been poisoned. He carries him to the elevator and sends it to the infirmary. Max is found unconscious and he dies the next morning. Seth begins to suspect that someone from the New Horizon is on board to sabotage their efforts. He investigates and finds conclusive evidence of someone on board. Seth is able to get a message to Kieran to alert him of the situation.

Chasing Seth down on one of the storage bays, Kieran has it out with him. Seth claims someone unlocked his cell. Kieran is doubtful and the two boys soon exchange words over Waverly. Kieran says that Seth will never be with her. Hurt, he leaves. The next thing everyone on the Empyrean hears is an announcement by Kieran. He informs them of a stowaway on board from the New Horizon and that Seth Ardvale is helping them. Waverly is stunned and Seth knows that he is in trouble.

Who is attempting to sabotage the Empyrean? Will they ever be able to catch up to the New Horizon and rescue their parents? Will Seth be able to prove his innocence? Can Kieran maintain control of the Empyrean? Will Waverly patch things up with Kieran or will she start a new relationship with Seth? And will either ship make it to New Earth?

The next installment in the Sky Chasers storyline will be available in the Summer of 2013.

Visit Amy Kathleen Ryan's website.



Thursday, September 6, 2012

Immortal Hearts by Ellen Schreiber (Vampire Kisses book 9)

SPOILER ALERT! This is the ninth and final book in the Vampire Kisses saga!

“I will love you for all of eternity.” – Alexander Sterling


For Raven Madison, life in Dullesville is almost perfect. She is dating the vampire of her dreams; the incredibly handsome Alexander Sterling has fabulous Underworldly friends and has a sensational nightclub to dance in until dawn. The only thing missing is the fact that Alexander has yet to make Raven a vampire. Alexander’s best friend Sebastian has recently dodged Luna Maxwell’s clutches when she attempted to trick him into a commitment ceremony. Raven’s vampire friends, Scarlet and Onyx, have their sights set on guys, including Raven’s arch nemesis, Trevor Mitchell. Even though she isn’t interested I Trevor, Raven is still uneasy about him possibly dating a vampire. To top off everything, Raven’s best friend, Becky Miller, discovered he truth about vampires living in Dullesville and is slowly accepting it.

Now that life is somewhat perfect for Raven, she and Alexander are awaiting the arrival of his younger sister, Athena “Stormy” Sterling. For Raven, she is excited to finally meet her and see what being a vampire is really like. On the other hand, she is terrified that Stormy will not be accepting of her. Will Raven and Stormy hit it off or will they be at adds, with Alexander caught in the middle?

In this final chapter in the Vampire Kisses saga, will Raven’s dreams of becoming a vampire and being Alexander’s for all eternity come true or will she decide that giving up her humanity isn’t worth it?

Visit Ellen Schreiber's website.

Once by Anna Carey (Eve book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Eve, Stop! I don’t want to ruin a fantastic series for you!


“When you’re being hunted, who can you trust?”

Three months have passed since Eve left an injured Caleb behind to live at Califia, the all-female settlement on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin to escape her future in New America. Having been promised to the King as his wife and the mother of his heirs, she is in hiding as he continues to search for her. Locked behind the walls of the City of Sand is what is in store for Eve if she is caught. Settling into her new life, Caleb is never far from her mind. When an unknown person is spotted on the bridge, Califia is on high alert fearing it is one of the King’s soldiers. Eve is surprised to spot her friend Arden who has finally reached the settlement.

Later that night, both girls awake to the sounds of the settlement’s founders talking downstairs. Several of the women are ready to kick Eve out because of the threat she poses to their way of life. Some of the others want to use her as a bargaining chip with the King to save Califia if it comes to that. Eve and Arden keep quiet about what they found out and begin to make plans to leave. At dinner one night, someone tells Eve that they heard word on the outside that Caleb is hurt and hiding at an IKEA store. The girls decide it is time to leave.

Eve trips and screams as they get to the end of the bridge during their escape attempt. Running for their lives, they soon reach the IKEA. Eve goes off in search of Caleb without waiting for Arden. She soon realizes that it is a trap and three soldiers await her. Both girls put up a valiant effort but are captured any way. Shortly, they find themselves at the gates to the City of Sand, the one place Eve worked so hard to avoid. From the outside, the city doesn’t live up to the girls’ expectations. Once the gate opens, they realize that they are back at their old school. Arden is quickly strapped to a gurney. Eve is given very little time to say good-bye and notices her friend Ruby. Asking about Pip, Ruby doesn’t react and Eve is loaded back on to the truck for the City of Sand.

Finally arriving at the City gates, all of Eve’s expectations are met as she enters the City. She voices her displeasure to Sergeant Stark about her treatment and he states he did what was necessary to bring her to the King. All of her suffering will never make up for Eve killing his friends. At the King’s residence, Eve looks for a way to escape but comes up empty-handed. When the King enters, Eve states that she will never bear his children. That is not what he wants and when the King reveals his true motive, Eve’s world is turned upside down.

What does the King really want Eve for? Will she ever find Caleb again? Can she rescue her friends from school? And what is in store for Eve in the City of Sand?

The Eve trilogy will conclude with Rise due out on April 2, 2013.

Visit Anna Carey's website.