ARC Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Synopsis:
Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee. 

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. 

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart.


My Thoughts:
Shadow and Bone is an incredible book. It is definitely my favorite book by a debut author so far this year. I think the idea of Grishas is creative, and a lot of fun to read about. I opened the first page of Shadow and Bone and was pulled into a magical world unlike anything ever seen before. I loved the book so much that I completed it in just a few short hours. I was sad when it ended because it will be a long wait until the next book, expected to be published in 2013. I like all the characters. My favorite character is Genya. I thought her power of being able to fix physical imperfections was very awesome. I also liked her carefree and gentle attitude. I can identify with her because she loved someone that didn't even notice her, which I think happens to everyone at some point in life. I loved how the book ended, and can't wait until the second book is released. Bardugo is a very talented debut author who I think we can expect to see astounding works from in the future. I can't highly recommend this book enough.


I give Shadow and Bone: 5/5.


Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.leighbardugo.com/
Blog: http://leighbardugo.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrishaTrilogy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Lbardugo
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4575289.Leigh_Bardugo

I received this book in exchange for an honest review, and was in no way compensated for this review.

The Apocalypse Gene by Suki Michelle and Carlyle Clark

Synopsis:
Global pandemic is raging.

Olivya Wright-Ono's once loving home has been converted to a hospice for the dying. Her ability to see auras forces her to witness, with agonizing detail, the vibrant colors of life consumed by malignancy.

The beautiful and troubled Mikah is an elite Empath in the ancient Kindred clan, led by the brooding, ever-morphing, monster named Prime. Mikah has learned a terrible truth . . . the plague is linked to Kindred origins. When Olivya sees evidence of disease creeping into her mother's aura, she has no one to turn to but Mikah. Can he unearth the Kindred secrets and find a cure?

Can she trust this boy whose power allows him to manipulate her very emotions? With her mother's life, and that of the world, in the balance, Olivya and Mikah embark on a quest to stop the Pandemic, only to discover it is far, far more than a mere disease...


My Thoughts:
The Apocalypse Gene was a great dystopian story. It had me captivated from beginning to end. The plot was very original, which I loved. Cancer turns into a pandemic and wipes out a good majority of the population. The cancer turns out to be alien like creatures called Adversarii which want to take over the world. The book got a little confusing for me at times. The most confusing thing about it was all of the slang that the characters used. It was incredibly hard for me to figure out what some of the characters, especially Ayvilo, were talking about sometimes. I all of the characters, with the exception of Hakim. I didn't like his attitude or personality. My favorite character was Lylobriel. His back story was very interesting. I also liked his wisdom and how he helped out Mikah and Olivya I will definitely be reading more of each author's work in the future. I recommend this book for fans of dystopian and science fiction books.


I give The Apocalypse Gene: 4/5.


Want to know where to buy this book?

• Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Apocalypse-Gene-Suki-Michelle/dp/160043102X/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1319052254&sr=1-2
• Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-apocalypse-gene-suki-michelle/1033903534?cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-je6NUbpObpQ-_-10:1
• Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/105427

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, and was in no way compensated for this review.

The Witch Awakening by Karen Nilsen

Synopsis:
Book One of the Landers Saga
The odor of burning flesh and the screams of those condemned to the flames disturb the dreams of young Safire of Long Marsh. Safire struggles to keep the curse of her psychic abilities secret, lest she be burned at the stake as a witch in her native land Cormalen. Forced to keep her talents hidden instead of learning how to use them, Safire is ill-prepared to face the evil that awaits her. When she meets the rebellious Merius of Landers, a nobleman determined to escape his overbearing father's influence, she finally finds someone who accepts her. But their romance interferes with court plots and family duty and ultimately leads Safire to confront the dark secrets of the House of Landers alone. What she discovers there proves to be a test of her unusual gifts, a test that could free the soul of a haunted man--or end in her death.


My Thoughts:
The Witch Awakening was an okay book. The beginning started off slow until about page 150. Afffter that, the book got better. I liked most of the characters. Arelia confused me a little bit. Sometimes Mordic could see her and other times he had to touch Safire to see her. My favorite character was Safire. I liked her personality and her fiery attitude. She didn't take any crap from anyone. At first, I really liked Merius, but towards the end of the book he started acting like a jerk. Dagmar gave a few hints that Merius had a horrible temper and that Safire shouldn't be with him. Due to that, I'm not entirely sure if I trust Merius anymore. The ending wasn't really a cliffhanger. Although the book is the beginning of a series, you could read it as a stand alone novel. The plot taught me about politics in the past. I recommend this book to fans of supernatural stories. 


I give The Witch Awakening: 3/5.


Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.karennilsen.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/karen.nilsen.50
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3456012.Karen_Nilsen

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, and was in no way compensated for this review.

Preservation by Rachael Wade blog tour

Preservation On Tour!


A sexy, arrogant, playboy professor. A stubborn, independent, aspiring writer. Both masters at the art of sabotage. Let the games begin. Available 5/25 in print and e-book from Amazon and print from Barnes and Noble.


· Song: Why Do You Love Me
· Artist: Garbage
· Tour Date: 5/22
· Venue: Downtown Seattle, Kate’s apartment
· Anthem:  




I'm no barbie doll
I'm not your baby girl
I've done ugly things and I have made mistakes
And I am not as pretty as those girls in magazines
I am rotten to my core if they're to be believed
So what if I'm no baby bird hanging upon your every word?
Nothing ever smells of roses that rises out of mud


Why do you love me
Why do you love me
Why do you love me, it's driving me crazy
Why do you love me
Why do you love me
Why do you love me, it's driving me crazy



Video link:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcrv9nhH9iY&ob=av2e



Fear is sabotage’s sweetest weapon. 


Kate has no time for meaningless romantic charades, and definitely no time for hot college professors who are full of themselves and smitten with her. Constantly battling eviction notices, tuition she can’t afford, and a sick, dependent mother, the last thing she needs is to be distracted with someone else’s complicated baggage. 


When she stumbles into Ryan Campbell’s creative writing class, he is only “Mr. Campbell” to her, until Ryan finds himself captivated by her writing and she is forced to face their mutual attraction. His cocky know-it-all syndrome is enough to send her running in the other direction, and his posse of female admirers and playboy reputation are enough to squander any odds in her favor. 


But underneath Ryan’s abrasive facade is something to behold, and she can’t stay away for long. Ryan and Kate must decide who they’re willing to become and fight against their former selves if they want to make things work. That’s if academia, vicious vixens, old skeletons, and their own mastery at self-destruction don’t pummel their efforts first.


Visit www.RachaelWade.com 5/25 for the Preservation launch party!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


My Thoughts on Preservation:
Preservation is Rachael Wade's best book yet. Out of all the books I've read this year, this one has been my favorite by far. I loved how well the story line flowed. There were no plot holes, spelling errors, grammar errors, or other inconsistencies. I thought it was going to take me a while to read since it's an adult book and I typically read young adult books. However, the story absolutely captivated me and I kept turning pages late at night wanting to know what happened next. I finished it in a little less than twenty-four hours. My favorite character was Carter. Even though he was in love with Kate, the main character, he still stuck by her side as her best friend when she fell in love with someone else. I also liked his snarky attitude. He kept me laughing all throughout the book. I liked the main character, Kate. Her commitment phobic nature got a little annoying at times, but it wasn't too bad. Ryan, the main male character, kind of seemed like a complete jerk at first. I thought I was going to hate him, but I liked him by the middle of the book. This was the author's first contemporary romance novel, and it was mesmerizing. I will definitely read more of her adult contemporary novels in the future. However, due to the language and sex scenes, I would recommend this to readers eighteen and older. I can't recommend this book enough to everyone old enough to read it.


I give Preservation: 5/5.

Winner of A Ranger's Tale and Serenya's Song

GIVEAWAY WINNER

I have picked a winner for A Ranger's Tale and Serenya's Song by Mysti Parker. The winner is... Anna James! Congratulations! I have sent an email out to both the winner and Mysti Parker informing them. Thank you to everyone who participated. A special thank you to Mysti for letting me host the guest post and giveaway. Make sure to check out my other giveaway I have going on.

Vampire Kisses: Dance with a Vampire by Ellen Schreiber

Synopsis:
Theres a new vampire in town. His name is Valentine Maxwell. Goth-girl Raven knows this latest intruder can only mean trouble--hes the younger sibling of two vampires she fought to drive out of Dullsville. But when her brother, Billy, befriends this dangerous tween night prowler, the stakes are suddenly higher.


My Thoughts:
Dance with a Vampire was a fantastic installment to the Vampire Kisses series. Alexander and Raven might have gotten rid of Luna and Jagger, but a new vampire is in town, Valentine. As far as villain characters go, Valentine is pretty tame. He reads thoughts and spreads secrets to stir up trouble in Raven and Alexander's relationship. My favorite character is Raven. I like her style and attitude. She dresses and acts how she wants to and doesn't care what anyone else thinks. Alexander has become my new book boyfriend. His goth style, being a vampire, and caring attitude make him very swoon worthy. The plot flows elegantly, thanks to the author's talented writing style. I couldn't put the book down. The ending made me a little agitated. I can't wait to pick up the next book in the series and find out what happens next. 


I give Dance with a Vampire: 5/5.


Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.ellenschreiber.com/home.htm
Blog: http://ellenschreiber.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ellenschreiber
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ellen-Schreiber/112889228802218?created

I bought this book from the bookstore and was in no way compensated for this review.

The Caldecott Chronicles: Excerpt No. 2 by R.G. Bullet

Synopsis:
The Earl of Rothshire has decided to leave Caldecott manor and find his son, Albert. His plans to ride his surviving horse, Willow, to London have derailed and the only other way to get there is to venture forth in a newfangled horseless carriage. Saffy insists on accompanying him, and together they make their way through the local villages encountering fights with undead and...the living.


My Thoughts:
The Caldecott Chronicles: Excerpt No. 2 was an enjoyable sequel to Excerpt No. 1. The cover is awesome, and tells quite a bit about the story line. The plot picks up with the Earl and Saffy getting ready to make the journey to the Earl's son, Albert. I was sad that they didn't take the cat, Vitrus, with them. I like Vitrus, and I hope it becomes a main character sometime in the future. The sequel is filled with even more zombies. I think Mr. and Mrs. Beastly was my favorite zombie situation the Earl and Saffy got into. Even though they didn't kill Mr. and Mrs. Beastly, the whole situation was very funny. The group that Saffy and the Earl ran into were interesting villains. They seemed unintelligent and should be easy to outwit. They were also very hard to comprehend. The ending of Excerpt No. 2 left off quite abruptly. I'm curious if they'll have any more run-ins with the group in the third excerpt. I can't wait to read the next book and find out what other exciting things are in store on the way to find Albert. I recommend this book for zombies fans that have read the first book in the series.


I give The Caldecott Chronicles: Excerpt No. 2: 4/5.


Want to know where to buy this book?
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006DI6WTG/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-caldecott-chronicles-no2-rg-bullet/1107084605

I received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review and was in no way compensated for this  review.

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Synopsis:
Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.


My Thoughts:
The Immortal Rules was an incredibly good book.I have never read Kagawa's other series, The Iron Fey series, but I definitely will be. Her writing style is brilliant. I like that the book wasn't your typical young adult vampire love story. The author gave us a gritty, sometimes heart wrenching tale of survival. No matter what it takes or what you have to do, you have to survive. The characters were wonderfully written. It was almost like you were in the book with them, feeling what they felt. I liked Stick from the beginning, and was very bummed out to find out what he did to Allie. I still hope he reappears in book two because he has a lot of potential to become an awesome main character. I liked the fact that the book was a vampire dystopian novel. I'm curious to learn more about the red lung virus. I can't wait to read the second book in the series, and see where things go from there.


I give The Immortal Rules: 5/5.


Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.juliekagawa.com/
Blog: http://juliekagawa.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julie-Kagawa-author/252661891438654
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jkagawa
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2995873.Julie_Kagawa

I received this ebook from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Dark and Light: A Small Collection of Poetry by K.W. McCabe

Synopsis:
A small collection of dark and light poems:

- Sea wurm
- Red river
- Confusion
- Bloody Hands
- Butterfly 


My Thoughts:
Dark and Light is a decently good short book of poems. I didn't really care much for Sea Wurm. I couldn't identify with it. I really liked Confusion. I thought it was very well written. The cover is pretty, but also a little creepy and ominous. The poems inside are definitely dark, but they are beautiful as well. Dark and Light only took me a few minutes to read. I would suggest downloading it  and reading it when you have a few minutes to spare. I recommend Dark and Light for young adults and older (13 and up).


I give Dark and Light: 3/5.


Want to know more about the author?
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kywmccabe
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/kw_mccabe
Blog: http://kwmccabe.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5269189.K_W_McCabe

I bought this book on Smashwords when it was free, and was in no way compensated for this review.

The Caldecott Chronicles: Excerpt No.1 by R.G. Bullet

Synopsis:

Caldecott, the ancestral home of the 32nd Earl of Rothshire, is besieged. The undead and certainly unwashed are traipsing across overgrown lawns intent on ripping the very flesh from the Earl’s body, scooping his brains out and eating his remaining horse.

But many of them will not make it that far as the 32nd Earl has two things in their way: A prised Purdey shotgun and an accomplice named, Saffy. Saffy is a young and simple girl from the local village. She is quick of foot at setting traps, and dispatching the undead to the afterlife. She is endlessly coming up with cunning and disturbing methods to rid the estate of disease.

Although the word zombie is never used in The Caldecott Chronicles, the undead, the ungodly, the beef squad, and stumblers certainly is.  

The bizarre and gruesome details are narrated in a journal by a very Aristocratic British gent. Get a first hand look on how the Victorian upper class deal with stumbling trespassers and see how one draws ones inspiration from a teenage girl born to kill.

A truly chilling, unique and often hilarious illustrated fantasy set as a series of short stories. The Caldecott Chronicles will resonate till your dying days.

My Thoughts:

~~Note: The book never uses the word zombie, but it is pretty much a zombie apocalypse so I shall use the word zombie while describing the monsters in the book. ~~

The Caldecott Chronicles: Excerpt No. 1 is a great zombie short story. I liked how the main character, the Earl, didn't do obviously stupid things for the most part during the zombie apocalypse. The only stupid thing he did was keeping Charles alive, which kind of annoyed me. It annoyed me because the Earl was being overly cautious about everything else, but he wouldn't kill Charles just because he is the Earl's brother. My favorite character was Saffy. I liked her take charge attitude. She might have been young, but she definitely wasn't helpless, like a lot of younger characters are. I thought the plot flowed nicely. I liked how the time period was set in the 1800s. I haven't read a lot of zombie novels where the era is in the past. There were only a couple of things that I wish were described better.  I was hoping to find out how the zombie apocalypse started, but that might be revealed in a future excerpt. I will definitely be reading the second excerpt in the series to find out what happens on the way to find the Earl's son. I recommend this for fans of zombie novels that want something original.

I give The Caldecott Chronicles: Excerpt No.1: 4/5.

Want to know more about the author?

Website: http://www.rgbullet.com/index.html

Twitter: http://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=RGBullet58

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/RGBullet/202101156498538

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5307265.R_G_Bullet

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, and was in no way compensated for this review.