Mean Who You Are

Tour Stop and Book Review: My Name is Bryan by Stacy L Carroll

Publisher: Pink Frog Press
Publication Date: 14 September 2014
Genre: Fictional Biography / inspirational fiction
Source: I am a Reader (In exchange for an honest Review)
Format: Ebook
Length: 390 pages

Overview:

If your friends jumped off a cliff, would you jump too? Bryan chose to dive. Moments later, as he lay on the beach, unable to move his arms or legs, two questions ran through his mind: Would he walk again? And would he ever have kids? Based on the incredible true story of life, love, and never giving up.

My Review:

I chose this book (even though I am totally not supposed to be signing up for tours) because when I read the summary it struck a cord and I knew I just had to read this story. I actually didn't realise how close to home it would hit until I opened it up and got drawn into the story. 

I love inspirational stories that carry hope and a happy ending. That is exactly what My name is Bryan is about. A boy who became a man and someone who beat the odds and never gave up hope. I finished this book in record time. Every chance I picked it up to carry on reading Bryan's story. 

When I was 16, two of my friends were in a car accident. One didn't make it and the other broke his back in 3 places. As I was reading what Bryan went through in the hospital, I realised how much more my friend and his family must have gone through. I remember visiting him a few times in ICU after school and playing him music while we waited for him to regain consciousness. Unfortunately he did not recover completely but he is still here with us today. He is full of life and still has his fantastic sense of humor. 

I loved how Stacy took us through Bryan's life from childhood, through Bryan's recovery and how he got to where he is today. My heart ached and swelled with emotion throughout the journey. She gave us just enough at each stage. The pictures at the end had me sniffing and holding back tears as I saw the real people behind the characters. 

Another character that deserves special praise and mention is Nedra. What a wonderful, strong, beautiful, committed woman. Her strength, determination and love for Bryan and her family is truly inspirational.

Cover talk: 5/5 I loved the cover - it is perfect!

Final Thoughts: This is an amazing book and one that I am so happy I squeezed into my schedule. Stacy has inspired me and reminded me why I need to continue writing my own story. You never know who's life life you will touch and how you can help others just by sharing your own story. Bryan is a man I would love to meet if I ever had the opportunity. 

Author Stacy Lynn Carroll
Stacy Lynn Carroll has always loved telling stories. She started out at Utah State University where she pursued a degree in English. Go Aggies! She then finished her BA at the University of Utah (to be closer to her then boyfriend, now hubby) where she got an emphasis in creative writing. After college she worked as an administrative assistant, where she continued to write stories for the amusement of her co-workers. When her first daughter was born, and with the encouragement of a fortune cookie, she quit her job and became a full-time mommy and writer. It seemed like fate when Matt and Stacy married. She was a writer, and her father-in-law had a story that demanded to be written. She and her husband have three children, two Corgis, and a fish named Don.

Website * Twitter * Pinterest * Facebook

Love

Chanzie

Publisher: Hot Key Books
Publication Date: 01 April 2014
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Purchase / Gift
Format: Paperback
Length: 327 pages

Overview:
It begins as an assignment for English class: Write a letter to a dead person.

Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain because her sister, May, loved him. And he died young, just like May. Soon, Laurel has a notebook full of letters to the dead—to people like Janis Joplin, Heath Ledger, Amelia Earhart, and Amy Winehouse—though she never gives a single one of them to her teacher. She writes about starting high school, navigating the choppy waters of new friendships, learning to live with her splintering family, falling in love for the first time, and, most important, trying to grieve for May. But how do you mourn for someone you haven't forgiven?

It's not until Laurel has written the truth about what happened to herself that she can finally accept what happened to May. And only when Laurel has begun to see her sister as the person she was—lovely and amazing and deeply flawed—can she truly start to discover her own path.

In a voice that's as lyrical and as true as a favorite song, Ava Dellaira writes about one girl's journey through life's challenges with a haunting and often heartbreaking beauty. 

Fan-made Book Trailer

(By The Video Bird)

My Review:

I love everything about this book. Ava literally broke my heart. Initially I was a bit weary from reading mixed reviews about it on goodreads but the concept and the way it was written in the form of letters just drew me in.

I loved the raw honesty in this book. Ava knows how to draw you in and connect you to the very heart if the matter. My heart squeezed at the tender moments & ached at the sad ones.

Its quite a heavy read and Ava covers some serious teen issues which are very real in today's society.

Characters & Storyline: 5/5

Sometimes I find it a bit tough to connect to YA books but Ava did a wonderful job. The characters are colourful and are dealing with very real issues that teens are dealing with in our society. 

Laurel - I really just love the name Laurel. She is a shy misfit who is dealing with separated parents and the death of her sister. She misses May terribly and is about to start High School. May was Laurel's everything. Laurel's journey is so real and you cannot help but be touched by it. 

Laurel & Sky - I really enjoy the sweet slow burn chemistry between them. It is a typical high school romance and is filled with all the things teenagers have to deal with. 

Sky - I just loved him. Sky is not cocky or arrogant but sweet with some mystery. 

Natalie & Hannah - These are the friends Laurel makes at High School. Natalie is friendly & nice to Laurel. Hannah is an interesting character but I didn't like her too much.

May - May is such a big part of the book. She is Laurel's sister who dies tragically before the book starts. She sounds like a wonderful fun, person and is missed terribly by her entire family. You get to know quite a bit about her through Laurel's memories and letter/journal entries. Laurel has a tough time when she realises her sister was not as perfect as she wants her to be. 

Plot, Pace, Writing style: 5/5  

I love the unique concept of writing letters to different people as a way of telling Laurel's story. I really connected to Ava's writing style. Its not a slow book but not a fast one either.  I enjoyed the modernness of the book (people, songs). 

Cover talk: 5/5 Love it! It's just beautiful. The title sounds

Final Thoughts: This is an amazing book. It touches on so many tender issues and is a bit if a heavy sad read but totally worth it. LLTTD ends on a beautiful note. I will definitely read more of Ava's work and look forward to seeing great things from this author. 

Author Bio: I was born in Los Angeles. One of my first memories is of looking out the window of the Cadillac that my family drove across the desert when we moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is where I grew up, and where my sister and I spent countless summer afternoons making fairy potions, battling evil witches, and playing other imaginary games that probably contributed to my proclivity to make up stories. Now I live in Santa Monica, in an apartment the size of a shoebox close to the beach. Running, walking, or riding my bike by it are some of my favorite activities. My windows are almost always open, even in the winter. (Cheers to Southern California!) I also love going to the farmers market and buying myself flowers, binge watching TV, and going to movies (where I am always the one crunching the popcorn during the supposed-to-be-quiet moment). I don’t have a dog but I hope to one day very soon. I love spending time with my boyfriend and with my wonderful family. I visit New Mexico as often as I can (I’m addicted to its wide-open endless skies). Sometimes I drive home from work and still feel astonished by the shock of blue water ahead of me as I come over the hill, and I feel so grateful that I am here. That’s how I also feel about publishing my first book, and I am profoundly grateful to you for reading it. 

Author Links: Goodreads l Twitter l Website

Love Chanzie

Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Publication Date: 21 July 2014
Genre: Paranormal Romance, YA
Source: Dark World Books
Audio or Book: ebooks
Length: 242 pages

Overview:
Donna’s always been one step ahead of the game, but the last person she expects to fall for is the first suspect in a line of killings at a school for superhuman teens. 

16 The deciding age of contamination. 
30 The number of coin flips it takes to prove that Donna may have subconsciously used her genetically enhanced abilities to excel in school. 
24 The number of hours Donna has to board a train to the Institute for Extraordinary Children. 
14 The flights of stairs she must climb to get to her room. 
700 The number of pages in the rule book that will determine how she eats, sleeps, and … well … smells for the remainder of the school year. 
2 The number of members in her squad. Good thing Dan’s there to help get her abilities in shape and avoid Donna’s worst fear—humiliation. Her abilities skyrocket. Until the day she learns exactly what Dan is capable of. 
1 The number of bodies that turn up dead. 
0 Her chances of getting out alive.


My Review:

Initially the cover drew me in and the overview intrigued me. A strong theme throughout the story is probability which gives it a unique story line and keeps is interesting. Often I find a theme can either kill a story or make it great. It definitely worked this time round. 

The Executioner at the Institute for Contaminated Children (Wow what a mouthful) didn't grab me as much as I hoped it would but I still enjoyed it and would recommend it as a good read. 

Characters: 3.5/5

Margaret creates likable characters which are easy to connect with. There are 3 parts to the book and 2 point of view changes. Part 1 and 3 were Donna's POV, and Part 2 was Dan's POV. I struggled a little bit to settle into the POV switch initially and when it switched back - just to wrap my brain around who's eyes we were looking through. 

Quick some up of the characters that stood out to me: 

Donna is likable and Fair. Dan is complicated. Eva is so sweet. 

Plot, Pace, Writing style: 4/5  

I have to say that the plot is unique and filled with lots of twists I didn't see coming. It is probably one of the best plots I have read in a while. Margaret has an easy writing style and her pace is moderate throughout the story. 

I loved the ending actually. It was just enough. It rounded everything up beautifully & created enough intrigue for the next book. 

Cover talk: 5/5 I loved it!! Obviously as it is what initially drew me in to grab it.

Final Thoughts: This was a good read and I enjoyed it enough to want to check out the next book!

Margaret E. Alexander

Margaret E. Alexander grew up in Miami, FL. Ten years of frizz and hurricanes chased her away to sunny San Diego, CA. While in college, studying biomedical engineering didn’t stop her from pumping out novel drafts every year. She found her escape in storytelling and others like her who sometimes preferred the world of fiction to the real one. The Executioner at the Institute for Contaminated Children is her first YA novel with Crescent Moon Press. She loves blogging about thrillers with young protagonists and is putting her art minor to good use with a graphic novel project on the side. Her wandering focus is the fault of her cat.

Blog – Twitter – Goodreads

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Chanzie

Series: Alpha Girl #2
Publisher: Ink Monster LLC
Publication Date: 14 October 2014
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Source: NetGalley / Publisher (In exchange for an honest Review)
Audio or Book: ebook

Overview:

Life has been crazy since Tessa McCaide moved to Texas. She’s gone from being a normal-ish girl with visions to a super-powered werewolf. She’s fought off vampires and broken a nearly unbreakable curse. And she’s got a hot mate, Dastien Laurent, to keep her busy. 

Things are looking up until the full moon ceremony rolls around. Before Tessa can strengthen her bond with Dastien, the local coven crashes the gates, demanding that Tessa—their heir apparent—be returned. If the pack wants to avoid a war with the witches, handing Tessa over is the only option. 

Tessa doesn’t want to cause an all-out fight, but joining a dark-magic coven isn’t on her to-do list, especially if embracing her magic side means parting with Dastien. When the coven leader tries to control Tessa with dark-magic, Tessa realizes she has to dismantle the coven or prepare the pack for war. Either choice will change her life—and her world—forever.

Previous reviews by this author:
Becoming Alpha (Alpha Girl #1) 
Avoiding Alpha (Alpha Girl #2)
Cipher (Shadow Ravens #1)

My Review:

This is another one of those Ink Monster books I couldn't wait to get my hands on! I mean who could say no to Inky... Isn't he just gorgeous! Aileen has definitely made it onto my favourite author list. 

When I first read Becoming Alpha, I was completely captivated with Tessa & Dastien. Avoiding Alpha was a bit short but I was still excited to see where things were going in Alpha Divided. 

Once again I think I was one of the first to click request on NetGalley! I have come to expect quality adventure from this publisher and will probably read anything they release!

Characters & Story line: 4/5

The characters continue to grow on you and the story line is intense! 

Tessa & Dastien: I love the world of Tessa & Dastien. Finally!!! I was so excited that Tessa explored her brujo side - even if it was against her will and only a little bit. I love the fact that she is Were and Witch, with a huge amount of potential, power and destiny! We only discovered a little bit more about her powers though - I think Aileen is holding back something big. I loved Tessa in this book as much as I did in Becoming Alpha. Dastien just melts my heart every single he is with Tessa. He is as swoonworthy as ever!

Claudia, Raphel & Daniel: I enjoyed getting to know some of the coven members and understanding their side a bit better. I didn't doubt Daniel as much as Tessa did, I had a good feeling about him from the beginning, even if there was a shocking twist at the end. 

Rosa: I love Rosa! She is that awesome Aunt that is an outcast of the coven and loves Tessa a lot. I would love to know a bit more about her, Grams and their history in the coven. I hope we get to see more of her!!

Plot, Pace, Writing style: 4/5  

Aileen has definitely grown as a writer. Becoming Alpha is still my favourite in this series so far but Alpha Divided was a close second. I am glad Aileen slowed down the pace a bit. In Avoiding Alpha it felt a bit rushed and I wanted to savour it a bit more. She got it right here - It was the perfect pace!! The first half of the book was okay but the second half of the book was better for me. 

The main scene at the end felt like it lacked something though. It was exciting and intense and was building up to something big, there was a twist that made me choke up a bit but left me with a 'up in the air' feeling. 

I know we'll get some answers and resolution in the next book, but it felt a little unresolved for me. Maybe if it ended with the moon ceremony it would have felt like some closure for this book. 

I am quite excited to see Claudia's adventure in Brujo, she is one of those characters I have a soft spot for and cannot wait to get to know better. 

Cover talk: 5/5 I love the cover!! It's the best of the series for me so far. 

Final Thoughts: I love this series and will continue this series!! Bring on the next one. 

Favourite quotes:

"As you grow, you learn that life is rarely about doing what you want. We all do what we must, and that is even more true for the powerful ones like you." 

~ Rosa

"The worst days only make the best ones that much sweeter. This too shall pass. And happy days will be ahead."

~ Grams 

Author Bio:
Aileen Erin is a lover of all things nerdy—from Star Wars (prequels don’t count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW), she reads Quenya and some Sindarin, and has a severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband in Los Angeles, and spends her days doing her favorite things: reading books, creating worlds, and kicking ass.

Author Links: Goodreads l Twitter l Website

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Chanzie

Series: The Shadow Ravens #1
Publisher: Ink Monster LLC
Publication Date: 31 October 2014
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Source: NetGalley / Publisher (In exchange for an honest Review)
Audio or Book: ebook

Overview:

In the not-too-distant future, the color of your helix tattoo shows exactly how your DNA was modified—green for super-smart scientists, black for pumped-up warriors, white for the immortal Seligo—but Cipher’s red helix is a death sentence. It’s a sign of unstable DNA, which is probably the reason she can manipulate electricity.

When she was eight years old, Cipher made the mistake of showing her uncle the tattoo. In return, he killed her parents and tried to kidnap her.

She’s been on the run ever since, and twelve long years later, Cipher is tired of hiding. Survival isn’t enough anymore. She wants her life back.

Hacking into the Citadel mainframe is a huge risk, but it pays off when she finds a database on red helixes. Before she can copy it, she loses control of her power, charring her last processor, and the only person in the Arizona Voids that can get her back online is her oldest friend, Knight. She hasn’t seen him in person since she started running, and Knight 2.0 is fully upgraded with a six-pack and knee-melting smile.

For a girl like Cipher, trust doesn’t come easily, but Knightly makes her yearn for a life she knows she can’t have, especially when every secret she reveals endangers them both

Previous reviews by Author:
Becoming Alpha (Alpha Girl #1)
Avoiding Alpha (Alpha Girl #2) 
Alpha Divided (Alpha Girl #3) - To be posted soon!

My Review:

I have been so excited about this book since I read the sneak peak a little while ago. I wouldn't be surprised if I was one of the first to hit that request button on Netgalley!! 

I haven't read many sci-fi type books but I was drawn to the paranormal element of Cipher. I read a few mixed reviews when I started the book but honestly it didn't make a difference for me. I loved this book - end of story!

Characters & Storyline: 5/5

Aileen has a way of creating lovable and amazing characters. All of them have their little ways and they are so entertaining, each bringing their own to the story. 

Emma: I took to Emma quickly and just loved her to pieces. She is a bit of damaged goods but it adds to her character.  She is strong, brave & smart. Emma is dangerous - being a red helix and even though she has had a tough life, she doesn't act like a victim. 

Hunter: Oh man this swoonworthy gorgeous lovable amazing man! He is just perfect. Strong enough and sweet on the flip side, brave and gentle, and will do anything to find protect Emma. He definitely made my book boyfriend list!

Emma & Hunter's love & chemistry just work. Its a little bit instalove but with some history if that makes sense. Their was just the right amount of resistance and more than enough attraction.

Dex, Oliver & Hunter - What a close knit bunch! I loved their interactions. They tough, rough men & bros til the end. 

Plot, Pace, Writing style: 5/5  

The plot was exciting and the pace was perfect. Aileen draws you in smoothly and sneaks them into your heart. Aileen has a gift at weaving amazing stories. I hope we see what becomes of gang! I am extremely interested to see how this series plays out with the first 3 books being written by 3 different authors. Do I really have to wait til 2016 too see Em & Hunter again??? Hope not. 

Cover talk: 5/5 I love the cover!! 

Final Thoughts: I loved it & am hooked to this series! 

Author Bio:
Aileen Erin is a lover of all things nerdy—from Star Wars (prequels don’t count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW), she reads Quenya and some Sindarin, and has a severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband in Los Angeles, and spends her days doing her favorite things: reading books, creating worlds, and kicking ass.

Author Links: Goodreads l Twitter l Website

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Chanzie

Series: Passion, Power & Sin
Publication Date: 07 November 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Source: Author via Audible
Audio or Book: Audio Book
Length: 20 hours 55 Mins
Narrator: Karin Allers



Overview:

Previous reviews:

Mike Wells opens the book with a good hook - I definitely think he is the king of hooks. There is a reason people say his books are 'unputdownable.' 

 

Initially I wanted to review Passion, Power & Sin book by book but I caught up in the story that I lost track of where one book began and where the next book started. It was just that good! 

Characters & Story line: 5/5

Mike has a way of creating really fantastic characters. They arewell-rounded, interesting and easy to connect with. 

 

Heather - I liked her from the start! She is smart, humble and able to be badass when she needs to be. Heather is your main protagonist and is in a bit of a pickle when along comes an email that seems too good to be true and trust me I think it is!! Sometimes Most times I really wanted to smack some sense into Heather, I was cringing as I listened - it just gets worse and worse and just when you think Heather can't get herself into anymore trouble... something happens! Heather grows as a character throughout this series. She has a beautiful heart and is just awesome.

 

Percy & Nicole - Percy is such a great side character! I just had to put this in here. Percy is Heather's best friend and Nicole is a friend she makes on one of her insane adventures! I loved these too so much they deserved a mention. 

 

Enzo - I loved Enzo to pieces when he came along in the story. I think you meet him in about book 4 and he just crept into my heart. I wanted to protect him just as much as Heather did. And then came a huge twist that I just did not see coming! Wow - it broke my heart in so many ways that I cannot explain without giving anything away! 

 

Gareth - Gareth is the perfect match for Heather. He is sweet, caring, brave and just a really nice guy. Let's just say that the entire book I was praying good things would happen for them!

 

Ricciardo Meyer - *Sigh* I really hated Ricciardo. I did feel sorry for him at one point but he is too full of nastiness for it to last long. He is a brilliant villain that just gets under your skin. Ricciardo makes some brilliant points in the story but has no humanity. 

 

Plot, Pace: 5/5  

The plot was easy to get into and the pace was good. This was one of those audio books I just could not wait to continue listening too. The story flowed smoothly and Mike keeps you on your toes. He throws in curve balls and twists that had me wondering how Heather was ever going to make it through to the end.  

 

Cover talk: 4/5

Initially the cover didn't draw me too much but now after the exciting adventure with Heather I can appreciate it that much more!

 

Final Thoughts: 

I didn't think Mike could top Lust, money and Murder - which is one of my favourite audio books ever. Passion Power & Sin is equally on par in my opinion. 

Definitely 'unputdownable'!!

 

My Rating:

 

 

 

Author Bio:

Mike Wells is an American bestselling author of over 20 "unputdownable" thriller and suspense novels, including Lust, Money & Murder and Passion, Power & Sin. He is also known for his young adult books, such as The Mysterious Disappearance of Kurt Kramer, The Wrong Side of the Tracks, and Wild Child, which are used by English teachers in high schools and colleges worldwide. Formerly a screenwriter, Wells has a fast-paced, cinematic writing style. His work is often compared to that of the late Sidney Sheldon, with strong and inspiring female heroes, tightly-written scenes, engaging action/dialogue, and numerous plot twists. He currently lives in Europe and teaches part-time in the Creative Writing program at the University of Oxford.

 

Author Links: Goodreads l Twitter l Facebook l Blog

 

 

Publisher: HayHouse Inc
Publication Date: 08 April 2014
Genre: Motivational, Spiritual
Source: NetGalley / Publisher (In exchange for an honest Review)
Audio or Book: ebook
Length: 255 pages

Overview:

Miracles Now by New York Times best-selling author Gabrielle Bernstein will help readers eliminate stress and find peace—even if they only have a minute to spare. Bernstein knows that most of us don’t have time for an hour of yoga or 30 minutes of meditation, so she has hand-picked 108 techniques to combat our most common problems—from addiction and anxiety to burnout and resentment. Inspired by some of the greatest spiritual teachings, Bernstein offers up spirit-based principles, meditations, and practical, do-them-in-the-moment tools to help readers bust through blocks to live with more ease. She breaks down each technique Spirit Junkie style—with meditations, assessment questions, and step-by-step guidance—while incorporating lessons from A Course in Miracles and Kundalini yoga.

As readers benefit from the techniques they’ll be able to share them. Each practice has been boiled down to a 140-character description—or Miracle Message—which can be tweeted, pinned on Pinterest, posted on Facebook, or shared on Instagram. Each Miracle Message will end with the hashtag #MiraclesNow. Ebook readers can share right from their device.

Readers familiar with Bernstein’s fun and innovative take on spirituality will scoop up her latest work. And those who are discovering her will appreciate her easy-access approach to spirituality and transformation.

My Review:

Wow what a book! I have been a fan of Gabrielle Bernstein ever since I read her book Spirit Junkie. She is fun, fab and hip. Easily to relate to and her writing/work is easy to read, understand and follow. 

Miracles now is filled with 108 easy and quick to use tips and exercises to help reduce stress and find a few peaceful moments during our hectically busy lives. Some of them are easier to use while out and about, while others are easier to try at home. 

Ironically changing over and living a more spiritual life can feel very overwhelming. I loved reading about every single exercise Gabby spoke about. I have even started using a few myself! 

I think I say this for every motivational book I review, I would love this in paperback and it would be easier to refer back to. 

Final Thoughts: This is an amazing book and one I will be buying as a paperback to add to my bookshelf. 

Author Bio:

Gabrielle Bernstein has been labeled by the New York Times as the next-generation guru. A motivational speaker, life coach, and author, she is expanding the lexicon for the seekers of today and tomorrow. She gives talks and leads seminars throughout the country, is on the Forbes list of the 20 Best Branded Women, and has been featured in media outlets such as Oprah Radio, Marie Claire, Health, Self, CNN, NBC, CBS, FOX, and the Wall Street Journal. She is the author of Add More ~ing to Your Life and can be seen riding around the East Village on a unicycle. Or just look for her online at gabbyb.tv.

Author Links: Website l Twitter

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Chanzie

Series: Angelbound #3
Publisher: Ink Monster LLC
Publication Date: 14 October 2014
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Source: NetGalley / Publisher (In exchange for an honest Review)
Audio or Book: ebook
Length: 200 pages

Overview:

Five years have passed since Myla Lewis last fought gladiator-style in Purgatory's Arena. Now, she’s fighting again, only this time in Hell. And the stakes have never been higher. The King of Hell, Armageddon, has kidnapped Myla and Lincoln’s young son, Maxon. 

In the wake of Maxon’s abduction, all the after-realms calling for war, and no one shouts louder than Lincoln. Myla knows that a war against Hell will cost millions of lives, so she devises her own plan, involving a small attack team and a secret entrance to Hell. Will Myla save Maxon, or will her child and all the after-realms fall to Armageddon?

Previous reviews:
Angelbound #1
Scala #2

My Review:

I loved jumping back into the world of Angelbound. I marked it on my calendar and was so excited when I received an invitation to review from Inky Monster. Christina Bauer is definitely one of my favourite authors and I just love Inky!! 

Characters & Storyline: 4/5

Myla & Lincoln: Myla & Lincoln are now the King and Queen of the Thrax. I loved the chemistry between them as always just on a different level this time around. We see a completely different side to Myla who is no longer the feisty young quasi but now a protective Mother and Queen who would do anything and go to any lengths to save her son. They have both grown up quite a bit and I enjoyed seeing the tender side of Lincoln. They are still a kickass team, especially when they venture into Hell to save their son Maxon. 

Maxon: Maxon is adorable. He just crawls into your heart & makes himself comfy! I think we are going to see amazing things from him in this series when he grows up. Connor & Octavia: They surprised me! We uncover Connor's secret and discover why he has behaved in certain ways. Hildy: Initially I was a bit unsure of Hildy and her role in the story. She went on to become on of my favourite characters! Xavier: Myla's dad is awesome - I still love him! 

I missed Walker & the igni's presence. They do make an appearance but only on a small scale. 

Plot, Pace, Writing style: 4/5  

Christina's writing style is easy to follow and the plot was good. Some of the twists were easy to see and others were quite a surprise. The pace of the story was quick. I would have enjoyed a few more scenes with Hildy and Maxon, and maybe a bit more detail in some of the other scenes. Ultimately it was an enjoyable read. 

Cover talk: 4/5

I liked the cover and understood it a bit better after having read the story. 

Final Thoughts: 
This was a good addition to the series and an enjoyable read. 

Author Bio:

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in Television, Radio and Film Production and English. An avowed girl geek, Christina loves creating immersive fantasy worlds with action, adventure, romance, and kick-ass female protagonists. As part of her work in Ink Monster, Christina has co-developed the ‘Heroine’s Journey,’ a blueprint for telling female myths inspired by the work of Joseph Campbell. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son and golden retriever Ruby

Author Links: Website l Blog l Facebook l Twitter l Pinterest l Amazon Author Page l Goodreads 

Love

Chanzie

Wolfsbane

Series: Nightshade #2
Publisher: Philomel
Publication Date: 26 July 2011
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Source: Purchased
Audio or Book: paperback
Length: 390 pages

Overview:

Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer–one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack–and the man–she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

Previous reviews:

Nightshade (#1)

My Review:

Wolfbane picks up directly where Nightshade ended. The story is split into 3 parts in this book, and starts off with Calla and Shay adjusting to the searchers and forming new relationships. It has a lot of history and facts - It can come across as a small info dump but I found it fascinating. Initially I was worried that this was going to be a slow middle type book, but I was so wrong, and got completely caught up in Calla's world. 

Characters & Storyline: 5/5

Calla - This is such an intense journey for Calla. I related easily to her and found I actually loved her quite a lot more in Wolfsbane, than I did in Nightshade. Maybe it's because she considers Ren a little bit more and her heart aches for him in a different way. *tee hee* #TeamRen

Shay - I liked him more in this book too. He is great with, and for, Calla. (Even though I am still Team Ren!). Shay is on the back burner a bit for me in Wolfsbane but we find out a lot about the role he plays and his past in this book. Shay is a great character, and I think his role in Bloodrose is going to be intense.

Ren - Ren barely made an appearance in this book. I am still totally team Ren and really hope to see more of him in Bloodrose. 

Ansel - When Ansel first appeared my heart broke! He is a shadow of his former bubbly self and I really hope things change for him. 

Searchers - I enjoyed getting to know this group and really like Adne, Connor and Monroe.

Plot, Pace, Writing style: 5/5  

Part 2 is where it really kicked up a gear for me. It is filled with love, friendship and heartbreak. This is a fast paced, exciting and intense read. It does end with quite a huge cliffhanger, and I am extremely glad that I have the next book so that I can continue the story without a break! My heart was left beating with intensity in my chest the way things ended with Calla, Shay, Ren and Adne. Wolfsbane is a middle type book but it is gearing up for an intense war in Bloodrose. 

Cover talk: 3.5/5 

The cover is okay. The girl is not exactly the way I picture Calla but it is still a pretty cover - enough to catch your attention. 

Final Thoughts: I am really enjoying this series and cannot wait to pick up Bloodrose!!

Treachery

Series: Nightshade #2.5
Publisher: Philomel
Publication Date: 13 December 2011
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Audio or Book: ebook
Length: 34 pages

Overview:

Ansel’s world is falling apart. The Nightshade pack led by his parents has been violently destroyed. His sister, Calla, abandoned her little brother, leaving him to answer for her crimes. And the Haldis pack that would have been his future is irreparably broken by Calla's betrayal. Suffering at the hands of the Keepers, Ansel is losing everything he's ever loved. The only chance he has to save himself means an alliance with his tormentors, and repaying Calla in full for her treachery.

In this novella, find out why Ansel makes the decisions he does in Andrea Cremer's New York Times bestselling novel, Wolfsbane

My Review:

I don't like this side of Ren that they show. You get a look at Ansel and how he got to the agreement to betray Calla, but this is after they have tortured him and done all the bad stuff (not being specific here because of spoilers). 

Final Thoughts: This is an okay read. It does not really add value to the story for me even though I adore Ansel.

Author Bio:
Andrea Cremer is the author of the internationally bestselling Nightshade series. She spent her childhood daydreaming and roaming the forests and lakeshores of Northern Wisconsin. 

Andrea has always loved writing and has never stopped writing, but she only recently plunged into the deep end of the pool that is professional writing. Before she wrote her first novel, Andrea was a history professor at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. In her books, she strives to bring together her two passions: history and fantasy. Andrea now lives in New York and writes full time.

Author Links: Goodreads l website l twitter

Love

Chanzie

Publisher: Hay House Inc

Publication Date: 27 May 2014
Genre: Memoir
Source: NetGalley / Publisher (In exchange for an honest Review)
Audio or Book: eBook
Length: 384 pages

Overview:

Tertön Sogyal was a 19th century visionary saint whose mastery of meditation led him to become the revered teacher to the 13th Dalai Lama. Known for his deep spiritual insights and service to the nation of Tibet, Tertön Sogyal’s ability to harness the power of the mind was born of his own profound understanding of the Buddha’s teachings while engaging in the world. Tertön Sogyal’s life of striving for perfection against great odds is an example of courageous diligence appreciated by spiritual practitioners of all traditions. And his practical instructions on meditation and opening one’s heart in devotion are as relevant today as they were during his lifetime. In Fearless in Tibet, Matteo Pistono shares Tertön Sogyal’s essential teachings and life story; from the challenges Tertön Sogyal faced during his early yogic training, to exploring the mystic’s inner world of visions and spiritual revelations, to how he worked to bring peace and harmony in Tibet and China. Fearless in Tibet is a journey where the readers will gain their own insight for today’s challenges: transforming negativity into opportunity magnetizing auspiciousness by letting go of attachments resting in awareness of the present moment enriching life by embracing impermanence finding refuge in meditation recognizing the awakened state is already present within Combining riveting storytelling with Tertön Sogyal’s profound spiritual instructions, Fearless in Tibet will infuse the reader’s spiritual path with wisdom and inspiration, as if the mystical yogi himself were present.

My Review:

I found the beginning of this book to be overwhelming - it was  overloaded with names I could barely pronounce, but were nonetheless beautiful. I have never heard of Terton Sogyal before. 

I was expecting an inspiring story, but in fact it turned out to be completely different! The story line is fascinating, but you need to keep focus as it jumps between incarnations and people, which can be confusing.

There is so much information and, again, it gets very confusing - it can seem like an information dump to the uninformed. A lot of it probably went right over my head.

This book is well researched, but I found it to be a bit of a long and heavy read. Although it is really interesting, it just didn't grab me like I wanted it to. I thought it would be a bit more of an enlightening spiritual read. What I did learn from it was that you need to be strong and stand your ground even when it seems like the world is against you and that challenges will come your way and you just need to stay strong and have faith that you are doing what you are meant to do and it will make a difference. It was probably my lack of knowledge and understanding of Buddhism that worked against me. 

Finally Thoughts: Unfortunately this book just wasn't for me right now. 

Love

Chanzie

Series: Nightshade #0.5
Publisher: Philomel Books
Publication Date: 19 October 2010
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Source: Author Website
Audio or Book: ebook
Length: 79 pages



Overview:

Previous reviews:
Nightshade (#1)

My Review:

My Rating:

Author Bio:
Andrea Cremer is the author of the internationally bestselling Nightshade series. She spent her childhood daydreaming and roaming the forests and lakeshores of Northern Wisconsin. 

Andrea has always loved writing and has never stopped writing, but she only recently plunged into the deep end of the pool that is professional writing. Before she wrote her first novel, Andrea was a history professor at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. In her books, she strives to bring together her two passions: history and fantasy. Andrea now lives in New York and writes full time.

Author Links: Goodreads l website l twitter

Series: Akasha #1
Publisher: Patchwork Press
Publication Date: 25 April 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Source: Author / Audible / Competition Win
Narrator: Emily Gittelman
Length: 37:06:22 hours



Overview:
Elemental powers in the palm of her hand…

Narrator: 3.5/5

Terra has a nice writing style and I think she will grow as a writer in the next few books that follow on in the series. She can create build-up and intensity on a good level. The book did not keep me utterly absorbed, and I found the book a bit short - it left me unsure as to whether I was going to continue reading the series, but I have to say that the cliff hanger ending plus the sneak peak had me going 'oh my gosh, what happens next?' Definitely a reasonable read.

 

Water Rating:

 

Air (book 2):

I really enjoyed the opening scene of this book. It had some humor and was quite intense at the same time. 

Characters: 4/5

Kaitlyn - I found it a bit frustrating in the beginning the way she was keeping her secret from everyone except Susan and any other water user for that matter. I understand she is doing it because she is traumatised by pain shared is pain halved. I don't always agree with some of the decisions that she made and at time she is a bit reckless - considering her condition. Especially the ending! With the risk of sounding cryptic and not wanting to give away a spoiler.. How did she not figure out what was happening when it happened at the end... Even I figured it out!

 

Shawn - Shawn plays a bit more of a background role this story but does make the occasional appearances. His presence is strong and does drive the story from his position. 

 

Micah - I really felt for Micah the way Kaitlyn keeps pushing him away and treats. He is strong and loves Kaitlyn way more than she realises. I loved his gestures throughout the book. 

Alex - Alex remains my favourite character in this story. I love him to bits. He loves Kaitlyn like a sister and I enjoy their quirkiness together. "Buddah Belly" had me laughing every time!

Susan - I'm really glad Kaitlyn has Susan as a friend and almost like a sister. She is sweet and really is the best friend Kaitlyn could have.  

Plot, Pace: 3.5/5  

The plot is great and the pace is moderate. Terra brought in some twists and turns that I didn't see coming and I really enjoyed her development in this story. I was totally shocked at the ending and cannot believe some of the things that went down. Cato. Kaitlyn. I cannot tell you more without spoilers. 

Air Rating:

Fire (book 3):

 

Fire picks up where Air ended. Alliances have shifted and everything has changed. Kaitlyn is on the run and Micah & Alex need to work with Shawn to find her. 

 

I think at this point this is my favourite book. I loved it when the story moved to Easter Island and the good events that took place there. 

 

Characters: 4/5

Terra really developed the characters so beautifully in Fire. Each character grew and changed as they needed to and I really connected with each of them on a different level.

 

Kaitlyn - I cannot say I agree with her decisions but I do understand why she did what she did to end up where she was when the book began. Bee has really changed her and she had to grow up really fast. This is the book that really made me love Kaitlyn and appreciate her as a character. She has grown as a person and really developed into someone worthy of being a Gaia. I am so happy she came to her senses when it comes to somethings. 

 

Shawn - I don't think I'll ever like him. Even in his 'tender' moments (if you can even really call them that) I couldn't feel sorry for him. He does drive the story well and really brings out the villain in the story. I have nothing nice to say about him. It was so annoying how he was just one step ahead of everyone all the time. 

 

Micah - I feel so bad for him in the beginning. He is such a beautiful character and I wanted to smack Kaitlyn for what she puts him through. Just when I think he cannot be a better person he surprises me! All I want for him and Kaitlyn is a HEA. I was so confused about why Micah wasn't where he was supposed to be for the last 3rd of the book. 

 

Alex - Alex is still my favourite character and I love him more and more as the story continues. He is just so great that I don't even know how to explain it to you. He is one of those characters that crawl into your heart and just stay there. 

 

Susan - Susan has really stepped up and become a beautiful person. She is strong, responsible and so loving. I was so happy with the role she had to take in this book and so proud of the changes she brought about. 

 

Ahi - Oh Ahi! I loved her on Easter Island. I was so sad to see how Shawn manipulates her. She is one of the minor characters in the story that I really enjoyed having around. 

 

Plot, Pace: 4/5  

The plot was awesome. Terra really kicks it up a level and takes you on a rollercoaster ride. The pace varies but you are still drawn in at every level. Fire had a weird ending - it was a sort of hanging in the air - not a cliffhanger but it was such a nowhere type ending. 

 

Fire Rating:

 

 

Earth (book 4):

 

Earth kicks off a few months from where Fire ended. The world has suffered and bloomed after daybreak in so many different ways. All these characters have snuggled into my heart and I was sooooo sad to let them go! 

 

Characters: 5/5

Wow! In Earth each character is really stretched to their limits. It just goes to show that the lines are so blurred between black and white if you believe you are doing the right thing.

 

Kaitlyn - Kaitlyn is such a badass! I love how she grows, evolves and does what needs to be done. My heart aches for her and I felt her pain. In Earth you see the true beauty of Kaitlyn's character and why she is the chosen Gaia. 

 

Micah - Micah is too beautiful for words. The way he loves Kaitlyn is timeless. I don't know how to write about his character without giving too much away. For the first part of the book he is still MIA, but when he comes back into the story my heart fluttered and swooned! 

 

Shawn - I love to hate him. Even though his plan's get revealed and why he is doing what he is doing... All I can say is the road to hell is paved with good intentions and he is a good example of this! 

 

Alex - Alex is still my favourite character! He remains one of the truest friends to Kaitlyn and I am so happy that there is some romance in the air for him!! 

 

Bee - Bee is some tough competition for favourite character.. but she is so awesome she just gets her own category!

 

Plot, Pace: 5/5  

Earth is exciting and interesting.  The plot is brilliant with twists and turns you don't see coming. Terra paces everything perfectly. 

 

Rating:

Final thoughts:

This was a great adventure and one that I will gladly listen to again! 

 

Series: Mythos Academy #0.5
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
Publication Date: 01 July 2011
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy
Source: Kalahari.com
Audio or Book: ebook
Length:  30 pages

Overview:

I am Gwen Frost, and I have a Gypsy gift.  It's called psychometry - that's a fancy way of saying that I see images in my head and get flashes of other people's memories off almost everything I touch, even guys.  

My gift makes me kind of nosy. Okay, okay, maybe a lot nosy--to the point of obsession sometimes. I want to know everything about everyone around me. But even I don't want to know the secrets my friend Paige is hiding or the terrible loss that will send me to a new school - Mythos Academy, where the teachers aren't preparing us for the SATs, but to battle Reapers of Chaos.  Now I have no friends and no idea how my gift fits in with all these warrior whiz kids.  The only thing I do know is that my life is never, ever going to be the same.  .  .

My Review:

Initially I won the latest book (#5 Killer Frost) of this series but could not claim it as I didn't realise it was a US only giveaway. It's ok I made peace with this fact but this series did catch my attention. I got this book for a good deal on Kalahari when I was browsing books to buy, as my voucher could only be claimed on ebook purchases. 

I am never really sure if reading the prequel before the first book is a good or a bad thing, as sometimes it can intrigue you and other times it can just put you off. 

First frost gives you the reason Gwen is sent to Mythos Academy. It is quite an emotional and intense quick read. This is my first introduction to Ms Estep's work. It was a short and sweet introduction to what looks to be an awesome series. Jennifer's writing is easy to get into and flows nicely. I am quite excited to continue with this series. 

Final Thoughts: I think I am going to love this series!

PS I was fascinated when I had a look at some of the reviews for First Frost on Goodreads. Yes this quick read has similarities to Harry Potter - that's ok with me! 

Love

Chanzie