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Review: Almost Demon by A.J. Salem

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Almost Demon by A.J. SalemAlmost Demon by A.J. Salem
Series: The Sigil Cycle #1
Published by Inc. on October 31, 2013
Pages: 310
Source: the author
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three-stars

The last thing Gemma Pope expects to study in the after-school book club is demon etiquette but that is exactly what she has to do to succeed as a summoner and save her hometown.

Since taking the blame for the car accident that claimed the lives of her twin brother and two of her best friends, she s been seeing things. Dark shadows, opaque, menacing, multiplying.

The clock starts ticking when the local mild-mannered librarian suffers a psychotic break and pulls a gun on her reading circle. People are dying in disasters and wars all over the world. Gemma s dad is getting weird, her classmates are becoming violent, and the darkness surrounding Harrisport is getting thicker.

Does she trust hot English Lit teacher Mr. Flynn or Ian, the mysterious new kid in town, who has knowledge beyond his years and access to other dimensions?

It is only when the gates to hell are opened, that Gemma learns who her real friends are.

Discover what lies just beyond the veil of humanity in the sleepy town of Harrisport.

Almost Demon had a lot of potential with an intriguing plot. I was really excited to read it. Unfortunately, it didn’t completely live up to my expectations.

The MC, Gemma, was very passive in the book. She didn’t question anyone or anything and she trusted everything everyone said. Maybe if there had been more background concerning Gemma after the accident – what happened, when she started seeing ghosts, how she handled it, etc – then I would believe her not questioning all the supernatural stuff that happened. Clearly she’s used to seeing weird things because she can see the Dybbuk. But we had very little else to go on and it just made it hard to comprehend how Gemma could be so accepting and trusting, without really questioning anything or worrying if she was doing the wrong thing. Especially with Mr. Flynne and Ian.. She barely knew them and she acted as though they were the most honest and trust-worthy people in her life, like they would never steer her wrong.

I didn’t trust Mr. Flynne at all. I didn’t really fall for Ian or trust him completely, either. Gemma kind of has a crush on both guys, but I didn’t really picture her with either of them.

The Dybbuk and the possessions were really frustrating, especially where Allison was concerned. I know she was possessed and therefore not herself, but the things she said and did really irritated me. It was too much. I know the Dybbuk are evil and all that, but it was just too much drama and bitchiness for me. I felt the same way with the scenes with the Dybbuk and her father. I actually almost DNF’d because of the Allison scenes, but I pushed through because the plot had me intrigued and I really wanted to find out what happened next and see how it ended.

About halfway through, I had a hunch who “Ghosty” was. In the end, my hunch was proved to be right! So that was kind of cool.

Some of the scenes happened way too fast. There was no build-up, no time to process everything and then before you know it, the scene is over, the event has passed and there is very little explanation afterwards of what happened. I was actually really confused at times. I had to re-read a lot of sections.

Near the end, there were two pretty significant revelations concerning two characters. But… They really didn’t come as a surprise for me. I had already figured both out – most of it, anyway. It was a little bit anti-climatic, honestly. There were so many places in the book where it was obvious something wasn’t right with those characters. And because it was so predictable, it took the fun out of finding out the truth.

In general, the writing and plot had so much potential, but it was too flat and too fast and I didn’t pick up on the feeling of danger or impending doom. I felt very detached from the story and the characters. It DID get brownie points for being set in the Hudson Valley (Hometown advantage, FTW!).

Overall, I had some issues with Almost Demon but it wasn’t a bad read at all. I know I’ve said it a lot, but it had so much potential and I did enjoy the overall concept of the story. It had a fairly unique plot and that definitely made it more interesting and noteworthy. I’m definitely interested in seeing what Salem comes up with next!

three-stars

Review: The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: The Promise of Amazing by Robin ConstantineThe Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine
Published by HarperTeen on December 31, 2013
Pages: 384
Format: ARC
Source: the author
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four-stars

Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she’s not popular, but not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet, “good” girl who's always done what she's supposed to—only now in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change, but doesn’t know how.

Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe’s. Star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, on a fast track to a brilliant future—until he was expelled for being a “term paper pimp.” Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change, but doesn’t know how.

One fateful night their paths cross when Wren, working at her family’s Arthurian-themed catering hall, performs the Heimlich on Gray as he chokes on a cocktail weenie, saving his life literally and figuratively. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are—and falling in love.

The Promise of Amazing was a fun, cute read that will leave you wanting more! For those of you who know me, I’m not big on YA contemporary. It’s just too.. rainbows and kittens for my taste. But The Promise of Amazing surprised me in such a good way!

Wren was a great character. I found her to be real, down-to-earth and relatable. There’s a big thing in the beginning where Wren talks about being quiet – how being quiet is not a conscious protest, nor a character flaw that can be fixed. As someone who was really shy and quiet in high school, I know exactly what Wren was dealing with. People thought I was a snob because I didn’t speak to them – one friend told me I was being called something much worse, even. But I was just painfully shy. I didn’t like to speak up in class. I didn’t like to raise my hand and draw attention to myself. So, right off the bat, Wren felt like someone I wanted to be friends with because I could relate to her situation. Wren grows a lot throughout the story, though. She starts out very quiet and timid and becomes very outspoken, refusing to be remembered as the one who didn’t speak up.

The story also hit close to home because of things Wren’s family was dealing with financially. My family and I had a similar situation and it was really tough. I even had the same thoughts Wren had regarding her future and what she wanted to do with her life after high school/college. It was kind of hard to read those parts, but it made me connect more with the book.

Grayson was great, though a little bit cliche in the beginning – the golden boy who could do no wrong until he was de-throned for doing bad things. But he was so hot, cocky (in a playful way) and hysterical, I was able to overlook that. He also grows a lot as a person throughout the book and I love how much he matures by the end. Also? The creative swear words he and his friends came up with had me cracking up! At one point, Grayson even calls himself a male slut! Bahahahaha!

I’m not a huge fan of insta-love, but it works for Wren and Grayson and it feels so realistic. Their relationship has its ups and downs – I mean, Grayson nearly died, so that was a bit of a downer. I love the little bit of a role reversal in the beginning, too. Without being spoilery, something that usually happens to the female character ended up happening to the male character and it was really refreshing!

I enjoyed seeing all the family dynamics, with both Wren’s family and Grayson’s family. I loved Wren’s friends, Jazz and Maddie, but disliked Grayson’s friends, who were constantly trying to bring Grayson back into a life he was trying to leave behind. I especially despised Luke.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down! From start to finish, it was a fun, realistic read that had me rooting for a happy ending. Robin Constantine is definitely a debut author worth watching out for! I can’t wait to read more of her amazing (see what I did there?) stories!

four-stars

Review: Ultraviolet Catastrophe by Jamie Grey

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Ultraviolet Catastrophe by Jamie GreyUltraviolet Catastrophe by Jamie Grey
on September 24, 2013
Pages: 350
Format: ARC
Source: the author
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four-stars

Quantum Electrodynamics. String Theory. Schrödinger's cat. For sixteen-year-old Lexie Kepler, they’re just confusing terms in her science textbooks, until she finds out that her parents have been drugging her to suppress her outrageous IQ. Now Branston Academy, a school run by the world’s most powerful scientists, has tracked her down and is dying for her to attend - as a research subject.

She takes refuge at Quantum Technologies, a secret scientific community where her father works as a top-notch scientist, and begins her new life as girl genius at Quantum High. But the assignments at her new school make the Manhattan Project look like preschool - and Lexie barely survived freshman algebra.

Her first big assignment – creating an Einstein-Rosen bridge – is also her first chance to prove she can hold her own with the rest of QT's prodigies. But while working with the infuriatingly hot Asher Rosen, QT’s teen wonder, Lexie uncovers a mistake in their master equation. Instead of a wormhole, the machine they’re building would produce deadly ultraviolet rays that could destroy the world. Now Lexie and Asher have to use their combined brainpower to uncover the truth behind the device. Before everyone at Quantum Technologies is caught in the ultraviolet catastrophe.

Before I read Ultraviolet Catastrophe, I was in such a reading slump.. I used to finish books in 1-3 days, 4 if I was having an off week. Then I started blogging and taking notes to help me with reviews, and I started to slow down. It was taking me 4-7 days to finish a book, sometimes longer.

And then I read Ultraviolet Catastrophe. I finished this book in about 2 days. I just couldn’t put it down! It was action-packed, interesting, unique and incredible. The characters were likable and relatable. The plot was… Okay, I normally don’t like comparing books to other books because it can really throw people off, depending on whether or not they liked the book you’re using to compare. But I definitely saw certain elements from Beth Revis’ Across the Universe and Rachel Caine’s Morganville Vampires. Both are series I love and this is definitely, 100% a compliment! Also, the science and technology felt authentic, yet it was relatively easy to follow. I only got confused a few times.

I loved the MC, Lexie. She was fun and relatable. As a genius who’s parents drugged her to make her “average,” she has a little more trouble fitting in at her new school than most new students do. She struggles to keep up with her coursework, constantly fighting the drug in her system that’s suppressing her outstanding IQ.

I actually really like when the parents know or are involved. I know a lot of the time, the MC has to hide her abilities or her secret vampire boyfriend, but sometimes it’s nice knowing the parents can swoop in and save the day. Even if they can’t, it’s reassuring to know they can at least try. Although, I must admit, I was a little suspicious of Lexie’s parents for much of the book.

Asher was an interesting character. He was smart and sexy, and sometimes a little over-confident. He and Lexie worked well together, though, and I loved them as a couple. It was also a refreshing change, having Lexie hesitant to start a relationship. Asher pursued her, but she refused to bite for the longest time. I really don’t believe in love at first sight, and so many YA novels have that now. Yes, you can be ATTRACTED to someone and think they’re hot/sexy whatever. But you can’t fall head-over-heels in love with one look. It doesn’t happen. So I really loved how Lexie made Asher fight for it.

I loved Max and Zella. Max was adorable, and I kept waiting for him to be the third part of the love triangle. Actually, it was refreshing – again – when the love triangle ended up being two girls fighting for the same guy, rather than two guys fighting for the same girl. Honestly, everything about this book was refreshing. Except for the stereotypical “mean girl” Amy. I’m a little tired of the mean girl character, but in general, not specifically in this book. Amy was, actually, a complex character with a lot to lose and it was nice seeing that for once, as well, instead of just a shallow, vain mean girl trying to “steal” the popular boy out from under the sweet girl-next-door’s nose.

There was one character – I can’t name names or I’ll give something big away – that I wasn’t suspicious of in the beginning and then as time went on, I grew more and more suspicious of this character. In the end, my suspicions were confirmed! I also didn’t expect what happened to this character in the end. It was just… a complete shock! Pretty much the entire end of the book was a huge shock, honestly. It was incredible and it blew my mind!

I have my fingers crossed that this is a series, because I’m loving these characters and this plot, and I’m anxious to see what kind of trouble Lexie, Asher, Max and Zella get themselves into next!

four-stars

Review: Eternal by Kristi Cook

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Eternal by Kristi CookEternal by Kristi Cook
Series: Winterhaven #3
Published by Simon Pulse on September 3, 2013
Pages: 384
Format: ARC
Source: the author
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five-stars

True love and destiny collide in the conclusion to the Haven trilogy, which Booklist called “a blend of the Gemma Doyle trilogy, the Twilight saga, and Lois Duncan’s thrillers.”

Forced to endure the violent punishment of the Tribunal for murders he has no recollection of committing, Aidan is slowly rotting away in a Paris dungeon. Violet is all but an unreachable dream to him now.

But unlike Aidan, Violet has not given up hope as she works tirelessly with Matthew, her guardian and protector, to prove Aidan’s innocence and unravel the haunting vision that plagues her thoughts—the death of someone closest to her.

Determined to set Aidan free, Violet discovers that a dangerous vampire war is brewing—and that Aidan may be at the center of it all. It’s only when the war reaches the doors of Winterhaven and tragedy strikes the school that Violet has to finally accept her fate. But that could mean losing Aidan—forever.

With no other option, Violet must choose between true love and fulfilling her destiny…unless she can find a way to have them both.

Eternal was the most satisfying conclusion to a trilogy that I have read… ever. Period. End of discussion. It was so good, I don’t even know if I can put it into words – minus spoilers – but I’m going to try!(I’m also going to apologize right now for babbling and fangirling, because it might happen… I can’t promise that it won’t).

I picked up Haven (the first book in the Winterhaven trilogy – although I didn’t know at the time it was a trilogy) when it first came out and I devoured it. It was an interesting, original, and refreshing read. The characters, the plot, and the twists at the end of Haven made it one of the most original young adult novels I had read in a long time. Next came book two, Mirage, and it definitely didn’t disappoint! Again, in a market saturated with, at the time, vampire novels and “she goes away to boarding school and discovers she’s not alone!” stories, Mirage proved, once again, why this was one of the most original YA series I’d read in a long time. I could tell right away that the end of Mirage set up for a third book, and I was really excited for it!

And then I read Eternal… And first of all, I was honored to be selected as one of only two or three bloggers who got an eARC from Kristi Cook herself. I’ve loved this series and these characters from the beginning, so I was just.. completely fangirling!

Eternal picks up right where Mirage left off and it jumps right into the important stuff, the action scenes. Almost immediately, something major is revealed to Violet and it set me on edge – I had a bad feeling that I couldn’t shake the entire time I was reading the book.

I absolutely love Matthew. He’s an amazing character and he takes his Megved duties seriously. He has more of a brotherly/protector relationship with Violet and though I can’t see them together – Because, duh, Aidan!!! – I still sort of want them to end up together because of their shared destiny. Something about it just always felt right. Matthew kind of reminds me of Alaric from The Vampire Diaries (the show, not the books). He’s that authority figure, the big brother, the protector.

Tyler was really annoying in Mirage. Like, I really wanted to slap him a few times. But I liked him a lot more in Eternal. He was.. tolerable, I’ll say. And a few times, I actually felt really bad for him!

We learn about several betrayals in Eternal and who was behind these betrayals. It’s a big shock, and despite the reasoning behind the betrayals, I didn’t trust the characters involved for the rest of the book. My heart was just in my throat the whole time I was reading and I kept waiting for more betrayals from these characters.

There were about three scenes that absolutely killed me – I mean, the whole book killed me, but three scenes stand out in particular. Like, I was just a complete mess!!! I still haven’t gotten over them and I’m DYING to talk to someone about them! (So… if/when you read Eternal, CONTACT ME SO WE CAN FANGIRL OVER THIS!!!!!). I’m just… I kind of had a bad feeling about one scene. I sensed it pretty much from the very beginning, but I still wasn’t prepared for it. At all. And I really, really wanted to be wrong… But, I was right *sobs.* There was another scene, as well, that I had hunch about. I felt like it just wasn’t what it seemed. And again, I was right. But it was still startling and incredible to read – I kept wondering if my hunch was wrong, what was going to happen, etc. Bottom line, this book just had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Finally, just gotta put it out there, I love that this series is set in the Hudson Valley. Hometown love for the win! Now, I’m not from the EXACT area the book is set in, but close enough and I know a lot of the places and landmarks mentioned. I’ve even been to/on some of them!

All in all, I loved this book so, so much. I can’t wait till it releases so everyone can join me in my fangirling and so I can hug and pet the hardcover and read it again!

five-stars