Angel Burn Review

Angel Burn
L.A. Weatherly
Release Date: May 2011

Synopsis:
Willow knows she’s different from other girls, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into the future and know people’s dreams and hopes, their sorrows and regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where this power comes from. But the assassin, Alex, does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows more about Willow that Willow herself. He knows that her powers link to dark and dangerous forces, and that he’s one of the few humans left who can fight them. When Alex finds himself falling in love with his sworn enemy, he discovers that nothing is as it seems, least of all good and evil.

Review:
I was actually pretty impressed with this book. It had an interesting concept, one where the Angels aren't exactly the good guys. It was told from several POV's which, if your not expecting it, can thrown you off at first. But I grew to actually enjoy the switch-ups. I really liked the main characters. It was nice to see a female lead character who wasn't whiny, weak, and annoying. The friction between Willow and Alex was entertaining and believable, but once they got past that, it got a bit too sappy and cliche for my tastes. Some of the lovey-dovey parts dragged on a bit too long as well. But you can't have it all right? Aside from that, it was still pretty fast-paced and action-filled. I enjoyed Weatherly's writing style. It's very simplistic, she doesn't use fancy adjectives or over-detail every little thing. Which is a breath of fresh air sometimes. It was very easy and engaging to read. This is definitely one you Paranormal YA fans should read.

I am rating "Angel Burn"

 

Hush, Hush - Review

Hush, Hush
Becca Fitzpatrick

Synopsis:
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Review:
I thought Hush, Hush was a great quick read. I mean, the story isn't anything ground-breaking...Handsome and mysterious male attracts unsure, yet curious female and love ensues. But I must admit, I am a sucker for those stories. Parts of it were pretty predictable, but there were still a few surprises thrown in that were of redeemable quality. It has suspense that kept you wondering who, what, and why. 
I wouldn't necessarily say that this book was WOW! material. But it was definitely intruguing and entertaining. What strikes me as odd though, it apparently there is a sequel, Crescendo. Normally when I start reading a series, I can't stop until I have read them all. However, I'm quite content with how this one ended and I wasn't left with any gnawing questions that will drive me to read the next one. So I don't think I will right now. I may pick it up a little later on just to see how Patch and Nora are doing. But I'm okay with not knowing for now. I'm not quite sure how I feel about that...

I am rating "Hush, Hush":

Water For Elephants Review

Well, I finally finished Water for Elephants. I posted a summary of the book in one of my previous posts and am also linking to the book on Barnes and Noble, so I won't bother posting a summary here. Just my opinion/review of it.

I must say, it really wasn't a bad read. I did take me over a week to finish reading, which is highly unusual for me. Although the story was interesting, it didn't have me so engrossed that I just HAD to keep reading. But that is not to say it was UNinteresting so to speak. Just a bit slow at times. It started off a bit slow, but did pick up about half way through. The author did such a good job of portraying the main character "Jacob" that I completely forgot she was a woman. She definitely did her research on "Circus Life" and I felt like I got a glimpse of what that life would have been like. The character of August was definitely an interesting one to see develop as well. I know Christoph Waltz will be playing the character of August in the movie that is coming out and I am so excited for that. I think he will do a phenomenal job portraying the crazyness that is August.

As much as I enjoyed the book, I really didn't feel the characters were very deep emotionally. The relationships between the characters just weren't incredibly believable to me. They didn't make me feel what they were feeling. If that makes any sense.

That being said, All-in-all I don't regret reading this. It's definitely a great book to pick up to get a glimpse into a different time of life and to witness a quite unique love triangle.

I am rating "Water for Elephants"

Currently Reading (2.28.11)

Water for Elephants
Sara Gruen

As a young man, Jacob Jankowski was tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. It was the early part of the great Depression, and for Jacob, now ninety, the circus world he remembers was both his salvation and a living hell. A veterinary student just shy of a degree, he was put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It was there that he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. And he met Rosie, an untrainable elephant who was the great gray hope for this third-rate traveling show. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and, ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.


I know this book was recently made into a movie. I don't know whether or not if it has been released in theaters yet. But I saw the preview and thought it looked like it would be a neat story. Once I found out it was an adaptation of the book, I knew I would wait to see the movie until after I read the book. I much prefer reading a book first. So, after finishing the Fever series, I wanted a break form both paranormal and series books. So this was my next choice. I will let you all know what I think when I am done.

What are you guys reading now?

Fever Series

So I just recently finished the "Fever" series by Karen Marie Moning...WOW!

Ideally, I would have liked to have done individual reviews on each of the books, but since I am not normally disciplined enough to take that kind of time in between such good books, I didn't. So I will provide my opinion on the series as a whole.

I LOVED them. The first book was interesting. It didn't exactly grab me by the neck and pull me into the story, but it was definitely interesting enough to read the second book. About halfway through the second book, I was thoroughly yanked into the books by a choke-hold and couldn't read fast enough. The characters are so detailed and interesting. There are mysteries you need to know the answer to. There are twists and turns that keep you guessing. Plus quite a shocker ending. If I could figure out how to implement the star rating system into my blog (any tips?) I would rate this series a 4.5 out of 5.

Darkfever
Bloodfever
Faefever
Dreamfever
Shadowfever

Definitely add these to your reading list if you dig paranormal/fantasy with a twist of romance genres.