Being Alpha (Alpha Girl #7)

                Hello happy readers!  Another weekend is here and I can’t believe July is almost over.  This is seriously insane.  Still that being said I have a review of a new book in a series I adore today, Being Alpha (Alpha Girl #7) by Aileen Erin.  I received an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review but as with the other books in this series I already had that baby on pre-order, that arrived this Tuesday, I just get it a bit early this way ;)  This is the 7^th book in the series which might be intimidating but they are so good and super-fast reads.  I have reviewed all the books in the series if you’re interested or need a refresher:  Becoming Alpha, Avoiding Alpha, Alpha Divided, Bruja, Alpha Unleashed, and Shattered Pack.

Rating:  5 Stars

               

                In the last book we stepped away from Tessa for a bit and got to follow what was happening with Meredith and Donovan in Ireland.  After defeating the evil witch Luciana, Tessa and Dastien were able to go on vacation / honeymoon after seeing their friends’ full moon ceremony and it is glorious and much deserved.  But Tessa hasn’t been able to have a vision and there is a nagging feeling that something is amiss….oh and a magical attack that nearly kills her might have been a sign something is up.  Now they have to end their vacation and go back into the thick of things, because even with Luciana dead her mess isn’t over. 

                It is so nice to dive back in with Tessa and the gang well minus Mer in person as she’s back in Ireland but she was just a call away.  More it was nice to see Tessa and Dastien get some much needed time together.  They have been from one disaster to the next and this was no exception but at least they got a break in there for a little bit.  They are so cute and I love how they are adapting to the bond.  They have a real healthy relationship and I adore how they work together and balancing one another out.  It was fun to see how the different pairs worked together as well.  I like the unity they all show.  Many are Were and loyal by nature but even the others there is this great loyalty between them tried and true forged in battle.  Even when they don’t see eye to eye on things they still hear one another out.  This is friendship goals!

                Tessa has grown so much since we got to know her in the first book.  She continues to grow as she comes to terms with what she has become.  She is powerful in both respects plus she was raised a human so she can see things from different angles.  She is ready to jump in and help anyone and takes on more than her fair share of responsibility but still she doubts herself as ever being a true alpha.  I love the character development for her and others as they grow from being teens to something more with what they have been forced to endure and adapt too. 

                In books past, and this one as well we always have lots of evils to fight with but in this we had another different battle to win as well.  A super powerful demon is trying to take Tessa and she has to battle not just physically but with her mind and soul which was different and fun.  I loved seeing the different tethers between the characters was cool.  We also got to see how a new generation may be young have a different set of priorities and willingness to work together and break down walls and bound together.  Unity is a real theme and I really enjoyed that and of course the combination of Weres’, witches, and fey.  The different levels of power between the factions and inside them was present.  This book sent shivers down my arms in many moments and had me laughing so hard it hurt at others.  Tessa is for sure one of a kind and I love her inner thoughts because I was right there with her.

“I didn’t look to see who followed me as I raced out the door.  The ones that trusted me would come.  The rest could f&@k themselves, because I wasn’t waiting.”

                The story in here is intriguing mixing all the different supernaturals and we even got introduced to some new ones I can’t wait to learn more about.  Samantha and Eli both seem like huge stories for the telling and oh yeah the whole quick pop over to the Lunar Court….yeah totally have to explore that more in time because that looks amazing!  I love that this is seven books deep and we still have so much we can explore and do.  Each chapter as you read pulls you in and flies by, the pacing is really on point, add that with amazing characters and fun story and it is gone in a blink leaving you needing more.  I’m excited for the next book in the series, and like in books past we are jumping to different characters.  I like that the series does that as well as it gives the reader a deeper insight into characters we already know and love and it also provides a break and a way to explore new worlds!

                Bottom line = I LOVE this installment and this series is an autobuy for me.  I already have book 8 on preorder!  Come on 2019!

                Until next time…

Witch's Pyre (Worldwalker #3)

                Hello happy readers!  So today I have my thoughts on a series ender I have been meaning to read for a while and finally did.  I read the first book of the trilogy and loved it.  Same for book two until the end just broke me and left me nervous about continuing on.  Then my bestie wanted to borrow a book and saw the cover for book one and asked if I had read this series (because yes I have plenty of books on my shelves I haven’t read and thus not a huge fan of loaning out those until I have read them first) and I had the first couple so I let her borrow book one.  I had planned to read the final book this year anyways so this would give me incentive.  Mind you the last time she was reading a book it took forever and a day for me to be able to talk about it but this one she flew through in a couple days.  So I had to get on it and that weekend at work I finally read the amazing finale for the Worldwalker trilogy by Josephine Angelini, Witch’s Pyre.  I have previously reviewed the first books:  Trial by Fire & Firewalker.

 Rating:  5 Willstones

                Lily has come a long way from the sick girl she used to be in the world we know.  She has traveled worlds, gained power as a witch, become a leader, and faced dangerous travels and battles.  She has also lost a lot.  Her first crush and best friend and in a different way the man she loves after he betrayed her in the worst possible way.  Now Lily and her coven are introduced to a new society unlike anything they have ever seen.  A society that lives with the Woven but something isn’t right in the perfect utopia and Lily is determined to find the answer.  Along the way she begins to uncover a deeper truth.  There is still nuclear war to be prevented and many sides to fight on.  Can Lily find a way to victory that doesn’t turn her into the tyrannical other her, Lillian or cost the lives of all those she cares for?

                So when I went into this book I was nervous.  At the end of the last book Rowan did something horrible.  He betrayed her in the worst possible way to me.  He took her will stones from her and locked her in a cage.  Knowing that she was still haunted by her last similar encounter and promising to protect her from such a fate being the one to do it made him dead in my eyes.  So I was worried he’d show up and magically be forgiven and all is well.  I wasn’t near ready to forgive him.  Even waiting almost two years between books as soon as I saw his name my anger was right back at peak level for him.  But I was so thrilled that the story didn’t go that way.  There was so much happening and I loved the way things played out.

               

                This new city that has been thriving all these years.  The discovery of a whole world who knew they were there but didn’t try to help.  There is a lot going on and a lot of mystery and intrigue happening.  I liked getting to know more about the others and the coven bond as it grew stronger for some and weaker for others.  When Rowan did show up, because we knew he was, it was natural for me.  The way the story plays out is so much better than I could have imagined.  There is the conflict outside our little coven from all the challenges they face but also within as everyone in the coven has their own baggage and thus react differently to things. 

                I really enjoyed getting to see a wider aspect of the world in this book.  We see the west coast but we also learn about how the rest of the world is doing.  It is such a vast contract to how they were doing in the colonies.  We also got to learn more about the Woven and the different types and what makes them unique.  We traveled a ton and used up some serious magic as the plots were uncovered.  It was a thrill ride for me.  I got the character work I have come to love in this series but I also got the action we expect as the series comes to an end and so many irons are in the fire.  Battle is on the horizon and lines have been drawn. 

               

                I saw several things coming from the start but others caught me off guard in the best way.  There was death and tears but also life and joy.  I covered the emotional spectrum in this for sure.  The end was very fitting and really encompassed what we had been building towards.  There is a real payoff in the end and while I would love to go back into the world and continue to see the “after” and more from those who made it I am also completely at ease with the end.  There was nothing that was really left hanging everything was pretty much covered and I am so happy with how things happened.  So many characters got some great arcs overall with real depth.  It was amazing.  I highly recommend this series!!!

                Until next time…

The Head of Medusa (Elementals #3) Review & Blog Tour!

                Filled with magic, thrilling adventure, and sweet romance, Elementals 3: The Head of Medusa is the latest installment in Michelle Madow’s exciting Elementals series. Follow Nicole and her fellow Elementals as they journey to the end of the world, unsure of who to trust, and facing choices that will put their lives and the entire world at risk. Will they all survive the mission? And if they don’t, will the ones who do be able to find the strength to continue?

               Hello happy readers it's another Friday.  After I post my review today I'm off to finish working on a cake for a baby shower…..I'm excited and it's Harry Potter themed so even better.  Anywho today I am taking part in The Head ofMedusa (Elementals #3) blog tour.  Now if you don't remember this is book three of the series and I reviewed The Prophecy of Shadows (review) and The Blood of Hydra (review) previously and was looking forward to continuing on.  So here are my thoughts and feels on the latest in the series by Michelle Madow.  There will be spoilers for the first two books.

Rating:  4 Stars

                So we left off our group had just completed their mission to gather the ingredients that would stop the monsters they kill from being able to come right back out of the portal.  Along the way they made a few new friends and lost one, angered a god, and so much more.  Now Nicole and her friends are trying to keep the monsters at bay while working on a plan to close the portal and keep the Titans from coming out to end the world while still enjoy her newfound relationship with Blake.  Now they must focus on Typhon, one of the worst in history and only one thing can destroy him, Medusa.  However getting Medusa's head is far from simple and will require many decisions, many of which are life changing.

                This book is like the others for me in the same way that you can sit down and fly right through the book.  Head of Medusa is no exception it was a quick read and it was so fast paced you didn't want to put it down.  Madow has a way of making sure to keep the characters moving and hustling and the action up.  That said this one also has much more for me in the romance department.  It has been in there nudging it's head in for a while but it was more prevalent in this one.  I enjoyed that and I didn't even notice until I finished it just felt so naturally where the story was going.  

                There are twists and turns with new quests and missions and even new monsters to face.  We get to explore some different locations that keep it interesting from the South Pole to LA.  Oh and with new monsters comes more  mythology to enjoy, the one part of history I enjoyed!  New and old characters are in this one and it's not only a fight against the monsters but with their own choices and I liked that play.  They were changed after losing someone on the last mission, they couldn't take for granted that Nicole could simply bring them back so the stakes are amped up.  Nicole is also struggling with not being able to save someone, her main part is to save and she couldn't.   Overall another great addition to the story and OMG that ending I admit to suspecting some things from the start but yes I am so ready for the next book because….feels!

                 That's all without saying to much these are so much fun to read and I wouldn’t want to give away to much.  I'd love to hear your thoughts below in the comments.  Which mythical monster has been the most interesting so far?  Where do you think they will go next?  Share below and we can discuss. 

Rafflecopter for Release Tour Giveaway:

Michelle is offering up a fabulous prize during her Elementals 3: The Head of Medusa Virtual Tour event. One (1) lucky winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Elementals 1: The Prophecy of Shadows! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blood of Hydra (Elementals #2)

                Hello happy readers. Some pretty awesome reading is being done and I’m trying to maximize my reading time.  Today I’m reviewing Blood of Hydra (Elementals #2) by Michelle Madow.  I reviewed the first book, The Prophecy of Shadows, in this series earlier in the year here.  So being a sequel there will be some spoilers for the first book.  This is a fast turnaround for a new series.  This book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher and is available next week on April 18th. 

Rating:  4 Stars

                Blood of Hydra picks up where we left off with our group of chosen witches and a demigod who have been gifted these elemental powers and a job to stop the Titans from escaping.  Gifted these powers they are set on training and trying to be ready for the next monster or threat they face after having such a close call with the harpy.  The harpy Nicole killed by using black magic which is against the law.  No one knows what she did and as much as she wants to trust everyone this is too big.  As monsters arise they must journey to Greece to locate the ingredients needed to help in their tasks.  The harder of the ingredients is the blood of a slain hydra.  Not an easy task. 

                So this one is much like the first as it was fast paced and a quick read, finishing it in one day.  We have our Greek mythology playing a big part as in the first part.  The cast grew more dynamic as we got to learn more about our core group, one of which showed much more depth than the previous book.  The interaction between Nicole and Blake still had the undeniable tension and while he is no longer with Danielle, Nicole still wants to deny what they could have to keep their group focused on their goal.  I could commend her on that decision.  Wanting to upset the group dynamic when their task is so important despite your personal desires.  Nicole is also struggling with her newfound power, the one she is afraid and ashamed to tell anyone about, and watching her struggle as the book went on helped her develop for me.  Blake understands her point but he is also determined to try and make her see they could be good together.  Got to love a man with determination.  Also side note surprise God visit was really fun though I won’t say who.

                The action scenes were well written and lots of fun.  Even at times when the tension was extremely high but there wasn’t action per say in that specific part it was amped up.  The start of the first task for instance, intense but kind of calm before all hell breaks loose!  The book also infuses plenty of laughs in at the right moments that flow naturally.  Though it doesn’t shy away from some darker choices and tasks, epic quests to save the world generally aren’t easy and without risk after all.  Neither are their tasks, all of which were well thought out and interesting from the act of completing them to simply managing plans when no matter what nothing ever goes according to plans.  The scenery described throughout the journey in Greece only makes me want to visit so much more.  Okay maybe not some of the spots but still, Greece seems so beautiful.

                I enjoyed this sequel and am again looking forward to know what our group is left to face next.  Looks like it won’t be too much of a wait so cheers to that.  Blood of Hydra was a fun continuation to the Elementals series.  I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. 

                Until next time…

Shadow Falls Books 1-5 Series Review

                Hello happy readers.  I hope you are all doing well, I'm not feeling so hot myself think I have a bit of a sinus infection (yuck) and plan to spend most of today and tomorrow sleeping to try and head it off.  That said I won't be posting tomorrow given I hope to be sleeping all day.  But today I wanted to take a moment an do a series review.  As you may know one of my goals this year is to finish off some of the series I have or have started but haven't finished.  Now while the whole series is out some I will review individually but others I may do one big series wrap up.  This is a bit of a longer series of five books and I thought a brief review of each book and a overall series thought would work best. Today that series is the Shadow Falls series by C.C. Hunter.

Born at Midnight (Shadow Falls #1) Rating:  4 Stars

                Good solid start to the series.  The first book drew you into the world and gave lots of back story and understanding of the different supernaturals without making it sound like an info dump.  It flowed naturally and Kylie is really likeable.  She is going through some major changes in her normal life and then to find out on top of breaking up with her boyfriend, her best friend pulling away, and her parents divorce, surprise you're also an unknown supernatural!  I didn't really ship either Derek or Lucas in this book, they both were not on good terms but of the two I liked Lucas more and yeah maybe Socks has something to do with that ;) but  finding Derek a bit creepy from the start factored in too.  But where there is some boy drama for sure what really shined for me was the cabin mates.  Della and Miranda are the best.  So much fun!  And Holiday was pretty amazing. 

Awake at Dawn (Shadow Falls #2)  Rating: 4.5 Stars

                Picking up where we left off.  Still don't know what Kylie is but I had it figured out here just saying.  It's all good though and the story itself is fun and keeps you moving right along.  Still the great things I loved in the first one Socks, Della, and Miranda and their fights and banter is on point.  Holiday is still a favorite and I grew to really like Burnett in this one and the dynamic between the two of them as well.  We went to the falls and find out more about the  lesser known and outcast type ability to see ghosts.  The ghosts are still vague and such but it's kind of like a mystery each time, a horrible and terrifying one but still interesting.  I like how it continues to have everyone dealing with their own things.  Perry was cute in the first book but he kind of grew on me a bit more in this one.  I really grew to dislike Derek in this one around the time I was growing to like Lucas more and he seems more accepting of her wishes at least in respect for boundaries which Derek claimed book one but never managed.  Also I like how one of the bad guys from the first one blends into this one and a larger plot.

Taken at Dusk (Shadow Falls #3)  Rating:  4.5 Stars

                So Derek was my least favorite character in this one I think.  I even enjoyed Frederka a bit more in this one than him and that's saying something.  Though while I was solidly on team Lucas I didn't like that he kept things from her, the packs disapproval and such but it kind of fits his protective instinct to keep her from the harm.  Plus he owns up to his issues and even admits it's part of his wolf nature and one thing I love about Kylie is that she always sees peoples sides of things and never holds something against them they can't control (their powers).  If I didn't already really love Burnett before…Miranda and a certain book dropping scene…yeah great stuff.  Both for the Burnett moment and for the moment I'd been waiting for since the previous book!  I liked that we find out more about the FRU and about Burnett and how he is a good guy.  Plus he is more chill about her ghosts and need to help than so many others (aside from Holiday who doesn't count since she sees them too) Burnett and Holiday have some of the most amusing lines ever and I love how Kylie is in the middle of it trying to help play matchmaker.  Plus learning more about her family, her blood family and what it means.  Also that was a horrible ending!

Whispers at Moonrise (Shadow Falls #4)  Rating: 4.5 Stars

                I start out freaking out worried about Holiday because she is one of my favorite characters.  A ghost that might be here is scary!  Okay this series made so many favorite characters it's insane.  I just kind of really grew to know all of them so well and being able to marathon the series made my feels stronger.  Having learned what the FRU of the past did I am so against them in this one you have no idea.  But I love Burnett's reaction to them, steadily showing which side he is on and still persisting to try and get through to Holiday despite all her protests.  Though some moments are pure perfection.  Della grew on me more if that was possible, she is always there and ready to help.  She doesn't like the ghosts but if it comes down to it she's there.  I did like how Derek seemed to be moving into more of the real friend type role, there to talk and listen but being pretty good about his distance (finally) but his constant declarations are not cool.  Though the end of this had me torn up.  I was so emotional.  So many things happening and so many feels!  Also finally understand Holiday's vampire issues I've been wondering on for the last few books.  Plus this ending while one aspect had me shaking with rage another had me grinning like an idiot so my emotions were a bit confused there which was great.  Even better that I didn't have to wait.

Chosen at Nightfall (Shadow Falls #5)  Rating:  5 Stars

                A great conclusion.  So many things wrapping up but first and foremost I need to know what happened because she left Shadow Falls to live with others like her.  While I understood needing to go learn about herself and all I hated that she left her friends and the place she knew as home.  Plus getting distance from Lucas…oh did I want to throttle him for how the last one ended.  Not cool.  I was firmly on Team Kylie and no boys at this point.  Getting to know more about who she is and finding herself more both in terms of as a supernatural and as a person was great.  There was so much happening and all the underlying threats and threads that weaved throughout the books so far came to a head and some things I expected others I didn't so that was great.  I really enjoyed Kylies journey and how she came into her own.  And became the apparent relationship advise go to person which was hilarious. 

Shadow Falls overall *spoilers* for the series as a whole!!!

                You've been warned.  Okay so I was super thrilled about the wedding!  I had been shipping them since the second book so to have them finally go for it after all that build up and wow the pregnancy test….I couldn't see for a bit I was cry laughing too much.  Holiday was one of my favorites from the start and her and Burnett were so much fun but even with all the romances both them and others my favorite aspect of this was still the friendship between Kylie, Miranda, and Della.  They were just meant to be friends even through the threats and the moments of misunderstanding.  They always had one another's backs.  Girl power at it's best.  I also was on Team Lucas most of the series but I was seriously questioning if I could finish the series if they got back together after what he did but the way it was all written out was so perfect for me.  He didn't get off easy and he had to really prove himself after that.  Also she had to make it more than about her, and I respect that.  I'm happy with everything overall and her mom knowing the truth makes things so much easier.  I did want more of Della and Steve but she is apparently the subject of the spin-off series so I look forward to more of the crew in that one and hopefully finding out more of the secrets that she has been holding onto this whole time and maybe even letting herself open up. 

                That's all I have to share on the series as a whole.  I'd love to know your thoughts on this series and if you've already read the spin-off what did you think?  I'm dying to get to it.  Also the wrap up of the whole series was kind of fun and I'm planning to finally read Percy Jackson this year and was thinking of doing them the same way.  Let me know what you prefer to see.  Have a great weekend.

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows

                “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows by Michelle Madow

Out:  1/26

From Goodreads:

 Filled with magic, thrilling adventure, and sweet romance, Elementals is the first in a new series that fans of Percy Jackson and The Secret Circle will love!

When Nicole Cassidy moves from sunny Georgia to gloomy New England, the last thing she expects is to learn that her homeroom is a cover for a secret coven of witches.  Even more surprisingly…she’s apparently a witch herself.  Despite doubts about her newfound abilities, Nicole is welcomed into this ancient circle of witches and is bedazzled by their powers—and, to her dismay, by Blake—the school’s notorious bad-boy.

Girls who got close to Blake wind up hurt.  His girlfriend Danielle will do anything to keep them away, even if she must resort to using dark magic.  But the chemistry between Blake and Nicole is undeniable, and despite wanting to protect Nicole from Danielle’s wrath, he finds it impossible to keep his distance.

When the Olympian Comet shoots through the sky for the first time in three thousand years, Nicole, Blake, Danielle, and two others in their homeroom are gifted with mysterious powers.  But the comet has another effect—it opens the portal to the prison world that has contained the Titans for centuries.  After an ancient monster escapes and attacks Nicole and Blake, it’s up to them and the others to follow the clues from a cryptic prophecy so that they can save their town…and possibly the world.

               

Why I’m Waiting:

                So I haven’t read the Percy Jackson books just yet but I’m excited to do so as I love me some Greek mythology.  I also really enjoyed the original Secret Circle books, haven’t continued with the recent additions thus far.  So combining the things sounds like it could be interesting.  I’m curious.  I was recently gifted an ARC of this title and plan to start it this weekend if all goes well so looks like I won’t have to wait long!

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out!

Firewalker by Josephine Angelini

                Hello readers!  I hope you had a great weekend.  I completed my first rosette cake, a smash cake for one of the two 1st birthday parties I went to on Saturday, my birthday, so it was full of sweets and birthday cheer!  I think the cake turned out very good!  I'll post pictures below.  What I really wanted to discuss today is a newer release, Firewalker by Josephine Angelini.  This is the sequel to Trial by Fire which I reviewed here.  I was beyond excited to get this book as I had been waiting a long time for it.  This being a sequel there will be some spoilers for the first book as this picks up at the exact moment Trial by Fire left us hanging. 

Rating: 5 Willstones

                Worlds divided, magic slays, and love lies.

                That's the tagline.  Lily is back in her own world, and she's ready to start a new life with Rowan by her side.  After healing from her near death Pyre incident. She now must hide her magic for obvious reasons.  Still things seem much easier than the near constant threat of death she faced in the other Salem with the monstrous Woven and her evil other self.  Still other her, Lillian, the ruthless ruler of the other word is not willing to let her and Rowan go.  She decides if she can't reason her into coming home she will force her hand in any way necessary.

                Firewalker was my other must have release of September 1st and I got right to it.  First I have to mention the cover change.  Now I loved the original cover for book one but the new ones are even prettier.  It's even pretty naked.  Now I'm not a huge fan of my covers not matching but still it's pretty.  Also there is a novella between the two books, it's not necessary it's just from Rowan's perspective as he finds Lily and believes she is Lillian and how he comes to realize that isn't the case.  As I mentioned Trial by Fire may have left us with a cliff hanger, Lily and Rowan about to jump worlds after he said he was sticking with her always.  Super sweet.  Well they jumped.  Downside is that Lily is in seriously bad shape after staying on pyre so long for her first time first fueling her army and then for the world jump.  She needs her mechanics attention.  Turns out coming home also has some troubles besides healing up.  Apparently when you go missing for weeks on end the authorities get involved. 

                Rowan is put into a work he is completely unfamiliar with and tasked with saving his witch with the help of her mother who's head isn't always in this world and her sister in this world, a nurse, who isn't sure what she believes. Tristan of her world is there as well, he has been worried for her since she disappeared.  Her Tristan is like Rowans best friend, he has the power to be a strong mechanic inside of him but in a world without magic he was never awoken but with a witch in this world, and a powerful one, there will be those now drawn to her power if not knowingly. 

                Lily quickly makes a new group of friends and at Rowans insistence her own coven.  There is a lot going on and we see it from different perspectives which was interesting.  There were also lots of flashbacks/memories that Lillian shared with Lily trying to make her see her side of things and convince her to return.  I liked seeing the reversal of roles, Rowan in an unfamiliar setting.  People questioning him.  Though it was like a walk in the park learning to navigate the new world with the internet and such vs constantly being on the move and attacked from all different sides from the cities and the Woven.

                That's all I can really say without giving any spoilers.  Now I want to talk about the characters some more but I have some serious things to say and some will be spoilers.  You've been warned so read on at your own discretion. 

                Lily.  She has grown so much since the first book.  She has come into her power and while it does call to her she is able to resist it and is scared of the feelings it gives her, making her want to lose control.  I agree with Rowan here, her being careful and fearful of losing control makes me think she will never be like Lillian in the sense that she respects the power she was given more.  Still seeing her in her own world, where she left broken hearted and weak and coming back strong in many ways and with the love of her life there with her was great.  She had a huge crush on Tristan and had thought something was finally happening between them when she caught him with another girl and then proceeded to have an episode and went straight to another world.  Seeing her face him again, I was proud of the way she handled herself.  Even as things turned bad and she could have easily sought out solace in him, in that way, she didn't and I really liked that.

New Cover for book 1

                On the flip side, her other world self Lillian changed some too.  Not so much the character changed but our understanding of her changed.  She has always said she has a reason for the evil she has done and she will be the villain to let him stay the hero, that she really loved Rowan and that what she did to him was out of love.  I always thought she had knocked her head or got a bit to high on witch magic with that line of thought.  Every good villain always thinks they are doing what is best.  Still seeing her memories and how her good intentions were turned against her and would create something none of her world would survive I understood.  I still don't agree with her methods and don't think I could ever forgive her some acts, but I understand what was driving her.  That was a unique perspective to have.  Understanding of the villain of the story. 

                Then we have Rowan.  I was cold to him at the start of the first book because he was kind of an ass.  As the story wore on I understood him and his reasoning and conflict but grew to love him.  I was just so happy for him and Lily.  Still I knew something was off from the start.  Knowing everything he had been through I even suspected things.  Still these two suffer from a huge obstacle.  Lies and half-truths.  I think so much of this could have been cleared up with honesty, it would have sucked and it would have hurt but I think it would have been understood and then everyone would have been on the same page.  I also think if Lillian had just been honest she could have saved so much trouble.  While I understand the desire to protect the one you love from that information, I think in the end it would have been easier for him to take. I thought Rowan was a strong character and I think both Lillian and Lily sold him short on what he could handle.  Lily in particular who is always upset about him trying to decide what she can and cannot handle. Though my views on Rowan change by books end.

                The journey of this book, trying to understand the past and find a solution for the future of this world is epic.  Facing the different woven, trying to understand them and feeling their may me more to them.  Firewalker let me more heartbroken and in a state of emotional duress than the first book and all I want is to know what happens next and hope that some things can be fixed, though I'm not sure they have not passed the point of no return.

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                *****Spoilers***** Really need to discuss so only read this next paragraph if you've finished Firewalker*****

                 I went from loving Rowan to having an issue with him and not liking him one bit.  First he is going to leave her, which is a dick move by the way after you swore your place is by her side and you came with her to begin with.  I understood his need to go back but to wish to be apart and keeping it from her was not cool.  Also he's all about wanting to know everything and not be pushed out but he does a lot of secret keeping and pushing her out of things which makes him a hypocrite and I'm never fond of those.  Then back in the other world together all happy and even finally have their alone uninterrupted sexy fun times and it all seems good, minus her small secret but that seems simple now.  Nope then he does the unforgivable.  He sides against her.  He does it by taking her willstones.  That's it for me for him.  I don't care his reasoning behind it and I don’t know if anything could ever make up for it to redeem his character to me.  He made her show him what those creeps did to her and her willstones when they tortured her.  He knew what they did and he vowed to never let that happen to her again.  Then he DID that very thing to her himself.  What they did to her in that place was evil and unforgivable but I feel what he did, knowing that and what it did to her, makes him a bigger monster.  He was too chicken to do that to the evil Lillian whom did horrible things but he was able to do it to the sweet Lily who just wanted to make things better and only wanted to help people, who always tried to respect the power she had been given.  The one whom he said he had always loved, she's the one he was able to torture like that.  I'm curious how he plays into the next book but honestly I'd be okay if he was brutally murdered at this point. 

*****Spoiler rant over*****

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               That's all I have to share about Firewalker.  I did enjoy the book, though it left me an emotional wreck and in desperate need of the next book.  I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy, magic, witches, parallel universes, rebellions, constantly evolving characters and all that good stuff.  Just be prepared to be in shock and awe.  Tell me what you think in the comments below.  Have you read Firewalker yet?  Tell me what you think about my rant, though please state spoiler in the comment to be safe.  I'm dying to discuss this book with someone!  Until next time.

My review of Escape From Witchwood Hollow

                Welcome back for another review.  I was contacted by the author about reviewing Escape FromWitchwood Hollow.  I had never heard of this book before but the concept was intriguing and that was all I needed. 

                Escape From Witchwood Hollow by Jordan Elizabeth takes place in a small town of Amn, a small farming town that has a legend.  Witchwood Hollow is that legend, a haunted place in the forest where if you wander in you will never leave because the witch will trap you in the shadows.  Creepy right?  I love small towns and their legends and mysteries with the way the kids in town will play on them.  Anyways this story spans several lives that all center around Witchwood Hollow and the mysteries that lay within from the 1600's, 1800's to current 2001 where Honoria and her brother move to Amn with their Aunt and Uncle after losing their parents in 9/11.  Honoria finds the legend compelling and the idea of this haunted place not so scary but more hopeful.   She sets off to find the secrets of the Hollow and if the witch is real, if she could help her.  But at what cost.

                I liked the time aspect of the book.  We see inside the heads of three main characters who span the times.  We see from Lady Clifford in the 1600's who starts this off.  Our witch.  What drives her to this Hollow and things that transpire.  In the 1800's we have Albertine who wonders into the woods on her way to her fathers' after arriving in America ready to see him again and marry the son on the neighboring farm.  Her plans are derailed when she is lost/trapped in the woods.  Then we have the modern aspect of Honoria (the name is a bit out there for me), who is suffering the loss of her parents and trying to start a new life.  City girl to country girl, there is a bit of a learning curve to the way things are done in small towns.  Each has their own story and journey and the way the weave together enlightening parts of the others was well done.  While all three ended up in the small town of Amn for different reasons and in vastly different time periods each one was unique and had their own characteristics and way of speaking that seemed authentic to someone like me who doesn't read a lot of historical fiction. 

                I can't discuss the plot too much because the book is a super short and quick read and the best part of the book is the mystery as you read.  Uncovering the past and figuring out how it plays into the future of Witchwood Hollow.  I say go into this book not knowing anything else and enjoy the mystery.  Also not a spoiler but random thing I can totally say it sums up chickens, aka demon spawn, perfectly when Honoria, a city girl, has her first encounter with them.  I just had to add that.  I give this book a solid 4 Stars. 

Rating: 4 Stars

                Let me know what you think down below in the comments please.  Comments are happiness J  Share with me any local legends you’ve lived near or visited.  I never heard any in my small area which was somewhat disappointing. 

Bruja: An Alpha Girls Novel with a new POV to fall for!

Amazon / B&N / BAM

                Hello happy readers!  Today is a wonderful day in the book world.  End of Days by Susan Ee is now officially out.  If you haven't entered my giveaway yet, I suggest you head on over for a chance to win a free paperback and some awesome temporary tattoos.  That's not all.  Today many more books came out, two of which I'm beyond excited about.  Both are forth books in their respective series, Maxon by Christina Bauer and the one I'll be discussing today, Bruja by Aileen Erin.  I received and ARC from the publisher, Ink Monster, and NetGalley for my thoughts.  Mostly just advance copies because they’ve been pre-ordered on my Amazon account since October 2014.  

                Jumping right in, Bruja is the fourth book in the Alpha Girl series, my review of the previous book Alpha Divided can be seen here.  As such there are spoilers for the first three books ahead, it’s unavoidable, so be warned.  If you haven’t read these books yet, what is wrong with you?  You should totally go right now and marathon these books.  Just saying I adore them!  Now if you are caught up, or like to be spoiled, let’s discuss Bruja. 

                We pick up pretty much where Alpha Divided left off.  Unlike the previous books we don’t follow Tessa’s POV, but instead her cousin Claudia De Santos.  She did some not so good things previously with the best of intentions and now she has some making up to do for herself and others.  Her old cover has splintered between those still with Luciana and her dark magic ways and the few like herself who have chosen to fight with the wolves.  War is coming either way but the wolves need help to counter Luciana’s dark magic.  The best theory thus far lies in ancient magic.  Magic Claudia must go on a journey to find what has been lost for ages.  She must travel to Peru and search for what the Inca mages left behind.  Of course she’ll need a guide there to help her and keep her safe, Lucas, a wolf who gets under her skin.  Top it all off with your former arranged fiancé to be us still lingering around wanting what he was promised and you have a whole lot of interesting and amazing story.

                So I admit not being in Tessa’s head was a bit weird for me at first.  Seeing how someone outside the wolf community sees and interprets Tessa and Dastien together was interesting.  Claudia has a lot going on both around her and inside.  She is torn up with the feels for her past decisions and all that hangs on her in the future.  She has a lot to process.  She’s only ever known coven life and now she’s thrust into a new world.  I liked being there for the ride.  The way she reacted to things around her, the wolves, the bond between mates, and her own feelings of jealousy and such about that.  I liked her moments of weakness and uncertainty, but even more I liked that she mostly made rational decisions based on thinking things out.  That’s hard to find sometimes with the right emotional connection.

So so beautiful.

                Let’s not neglect to mention the new wolf in the story, a whole pack really, but one in particular.  Lucas.  He and Claudia have a connection of sorts from the start and it’s so cute the way they play off one another.  He is sweet and gentle with her not pushing her to talk more than she is willing.  It seems to be a trait of many wolves.  Where can I find one?  Even with everything going on and staying focused on task, romance and attraction can still find you when you least expect it.

                I liked the journey the story takes you on.  We are sent to a new country to follow Claudia as she searches for a way to save so many.  She has a lot on her plate but she is also traveling for the first time and seeing a new location, somewhere exotic like Peru, through the eyes of someone like that makes me want to pack my bags and book a trip.  Especially if there will be a pack of hunky wolves there to protect and guide me.  Just saying HUGE perk.  With the quest, the adventure, the peril, the action, I got a total Indiana Jones vibe going from this.  I don’t want to give away too much and ruin the story. 

                In case it's unclear I give Bruja, like the other books in the series, 5 Stars!  I implore you all to check out this series if you haven't done so already.  I am stoked for the next installment and want it to be October so I can have it.  Ink Monster has also released the cover to the next book for us to salivate over.  Check it out, Alpha Unleashed.  So again Bruja and Maxon came out today May 12th and are available now, I'll have my full Maxon review up soon.  As always share your thoughts in the comments.  What did you think of seeing the story through a new POV?  What was your favorite part of the quest?  Click follow and stay tuned for more fun reviews, giveaways, and the like. 

Rating:  5 Stars

Burn Mark by Laura Powell

                It seems like forever since I’ve finished a book.  Bright side is my new job is pretty cool so I can’t complain too much about it cutting into my reading/writing time.  So on  my lazy Saturday I finished the last half of Burn Mark by Laura Powell that I received as an ARC from NetGalley.com and Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

                In a modern world where witches are hunted down and burned at the stake two people who have lived completely different lives find they have more in common than they ever would have thought.  Glory is from a family of witches, and prays every day that she will develop the ‘Fae’ and become a witch herself.  Lucas on the other hand is son of the Chief Prosecutor for the Inquisition, a long line of Inquisitors for that matter.  His privileged life is completely different from the witches he has been raised and trained to prosecute.  Then one day, both Gloria and Lucas develop the Fae.  In one day their lives are changed forever and they start on a path that will entwine their lives together.

                So first let me say that this book does have some random terminology I was unfamiliar with, authentic slang from London I guess and I liked it.  I only mention it because I did do a quick good search to be sure that my understanding of a couple of words were correct, and they were so go me, so it’s nothing that will detract from the book in the least, I felt if anything it made it more authentic.  I will say that the versions of witches in this book is more elemental.  No simple phrase or thought and things happen, there is real work to do it.  I liked how gritty and complex it was.  For me it made it more realistic and not hyped up.  Fantasy but with limits.  Though I will say I don’t think I’d be practicing my Fae as I’m a slight germaphobe, but even as I cringed I enjoyed the way they had to do the work to make things.

                Character wise I liked Gloria and Lucas.  They are like two sides of a coin.  Gloria is tough and rough around the edges where Lucas is proper and refined.  They rub against each other and create this great tension and as a reader you are see both their sides and can understand them both.  I loved seeing things from both of their viewpoints.  I constantly felt myself being pulled to one side then the other over and over again with who I felt was right.  Seeing two characters who are so clearly different have to work together and eventually grow to understand the other slightly better while never really changing their core beliefs was amazing.

                Now the characters really sold me but they wouldn’t have been nearly as good without a great plot and let me tell you this one was stimulating.  A plot abound with undercover operations, mystery, intrigue and secrets galore.  I think the plot moved along very nicely pacing everything so as a reader you are always interested and not wanting to put the book down.  For me I’d finish a chapter and then think, just one more then to sleep.  Then that one chapter turned into four or five…  A good mix of suspense, action, and inner self development if you ask me.

                I give this book a solid 5 Stars.  Now this great book is set to come out June 19^th and I suggest you check it out.  Would you side with the witches or the Inquisitors?  Would developing the Fae be a blessing or a curse?  Let me know what you think?