Review: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Title: Paranormalcy

By: Kiersten White

Series: The Eternal Ones Series Book 1

Publisher: Harper Teen (August 31, 2010)

My Copy: Bought ebook from Barnes and Nobles

BookWhisperer Rating:

 

About the book:

Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.

But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.

Paranormalcy is an incredible mixture of all paranormal creatures new and old; many that readers have come to love in the rapidly growing genre. Kirsten White has offered a love story of suspense and mystery that readers will question throughout the final pages. Evie is a fresh new character that offers an abundance of humor. This character is easy to follow throughout the story, and readers are just as confused and dumbfounded about her talents and abilities as her. She is something new to the genre that promises originality. Interestingly,  Lend is another character that will be a complete mystery to all paranormal followers. His character will be one that will keep the readers guessing as to what the future will hold for him. With mystery and questions White promises readers a unique untold story. Her writing style is intriguing, and easily grabs the reader from the first pages. Kiersten is a new developing author, and I find myself noticing this occasionally throughout. This preview of talent offers a glimpse at a rising star. I look for each novels to experience and comfort that will further improve this authors stories. This was overall an incredible story that immediately grabbed my attention and will keep me following the series, but I noticed points of struggle that I look for this author to greatly overcome.

Review: Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari

Title: Ashes, Ashes

By: Jo Treggiari

Genre: Apocalyptic Futuristic Novel

Publisher: Scholastic Books (June 1st, 2011)

My Copy: Early Review Galley from Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

A thrilling tale of adventure, romance, and one girl's unyielding courage through the darkest of nightmares.

Epidemics, floods, droughts--for sixteen-year-old Lucy, the end of the world came and went, taking 99% of the population with it. As the weather continues to rage out of control, and Sweepers clean the streets of plague victims, Lucy survives alone in the wilds of Central Park. But when she's rescued from a pack of hunting dogs by a mysterious boy named Aidan, she reluctantly realizes she can't continue on her own. She joins his band of survivors, yet, a new danger awaits her: the Sweepers are looking for her. There's something special about Lucy, and they will stop at nothing to have her.

Ashes, Ashes is a terrifyingly realistic view at the world’s end. BookWhisperer is not known for books such as this one; after several struggles this is usually a book that I would have avoided. Much to my surprise Ashes, Ashes will be the first of this type of book on my favorites list. Lucy is the strong and courageous sixteen year old that will follow throughout this novel. Being the soul survivor of her entire family she has set out to living in the wild alone. It is remarkable to follow this young girl as she struggles to survive in a world where the population has been wiped out down to a mere third. After the natural disasters that reeked havoc over the entire world the survivors then battled the plague that swarmed the remaining population. This was a terrifying look at the apocalypse that would leave every reader pondering their future. The romantic twist for Lucy and Aidan was a sweet hopeful addition that give readers moments of happiness to grasp through this story. This simple addition gives readers future hope the story that they will follow, and possibility for a dramatic happily ever after. As far as I can tell this is only this authors second novel, but I am utterly impressed by her ability to present such an intriguing story. If this is a glimpse at the works possible from this author I look for many more great books.

Review: Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell

Title: Fallen Angel

By: Heather Terrell

Series: Fallen Angel Book 1

Publisher: Harperteen (December 28th, 2010)

My Copy: Review Copy from Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:


About the book:

Heaven-sent?

Ellie was never particularly good at talking to boys—or anyone other than her best friend and fellow outcast, Ruth. Then she met Michael.

Michael is handsome, charming, sweet. And totally into Ellie. It’s no wonder she is instantly drawn to him. But Michael has a secret. And he knows Ellie is hiding something, too. They’ve both discovered they have powers beyond their imagining. Powers that are otherworldly.

Ellie and Michael are determined to uncover what they are, and how they got this way . . . together. But the truth has repercussions neither could have imagined. Soon they find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict that threatens to destroy everything they love. And it is no longer clear whether Ellie and Michael will choose the same side.

In this electrifying novel, Heather Terrell spins a gripping supernatural tale about true love, destiny, and the battle of good versus evil.

Heather Terrell has created a very interesting mixture in this paranormal read. It seems the fallen angels of this novel are a mixture of what paranormal lovers have come to expect as vampires and angels. The uniqueness of this novel will offer a new look in the paranormal genre, but with the mixture and variation it seems to create a slight barrier in the presentation. The story is presented in a easy and quick pace that will carry readers through effortlessly. While not the emotionally stricken novel that I anticipated, but it was an enjoyable and easy ride that readers will enjoy.

Review: Brother/Sister by Sean Olin

Title: Brother/Sister

By: Sean Olin

Publisher: Razorbill (June 2011)

My Copy: Librarything Early Reviewer Winner

BookWhisperer Review:

 

About the book:

Will and Asheley have a troubled past. Their father left them when they were little, and their mother has just been carted off to an alcohol treatment center. Now, they have the house to themselves, and an endless California summer stretching out before them. Through alternating perspectives, they tell the story of how and why their lives spun violently out of control - right up to the impossibly shocking conclusion you'll have to read for yourself to believe.

WOW! Simply there are no better words to sum up my review for this book. While I will not just leave you with that one word I struggle with what exactly to say. First off, nothing that I have to add about this novel says that it is awful or horrifying. Although, twisted is the word at the forefront of my mind for explaining what the concepts of this novel with leave on the reader. Will and Ashley are very neglected and abused children. With the abuse varying between mental and physical it seems from the start that these kids will not catch a break. One would be right in this prediction. If anything the story only becomes more wicked and vicious as the story progresses. The reality of this story is not for the weak at heart; many will steer clear of this novel for that fact alone. This is a book for someone that this not looking for someone building a happily ever after, and not looking for the sweet and innocent read. One that is in search of something that will stretch their minds to the limit; while pressing the boundary of what society will look at as acceptable. This is a terrible and frightening ride that will have readers at the edge of their seats throughout the last page. With a last minute twist that will have you with more questions than answers.

Review: Trial by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Title: Trial by Fire

By: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Series: Raised by Wolves Novel #2

Publisher: Egmont Books (June 2011)

My Copy: Review Review Copy from Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:  

About the book:

Bryn is finally settling into her position as alpha of the Cedar Ridge Pack- or at least, her own version of what it mean to be alpha when you’re a human leading a band of werewolves. Then she finds a teenage boy bleeding on her front porch. Before collapsing, he tells her his name is Lucas, he’s a Were, and Bryn’s protection is his only hope.

But Lucas isn’t part of Bryn’s pack, and she has no right to claim another alpha’s Were. With threats old and new looming, and danger closing in from all sides, Bryn will have to accept what her guardian Callum knew all along. To be alpha, she will have to give in to her own animal instincts and become less human. And at the end of the day, she’s going to have to do it alone.

Trial by Fire is an amazing sequel to the Raised by Wolves debut novel for the Raised by Wolves series. Jennifer Lynn Barnes is young and extremely talented author that is taking this genre by storm. Bryn is a strong and addictive character that readers will love to follow. Barnes creates a novel told by this young girl, but constructed with a variety of strong characters that promise deep careful constructed storylines.  The novel took a drastic turn at the end of Raised by Wolves; as the Cedar Ridge’s new alpha Bryn has mounting odds against her. Most importantly as a human Bryn will always be looked at as the weaker link, and she will constantly struggle to keep her pack safe. As a survivor she has special abilities to get herself out of sticky situations, but will she be able to overcome forever. Bryn has help from Dev, Lake, and Chase; but below the surface their main priority is to protect her leaving her to question their motives. This sequel novel is just as amazing as her first in the series, but it has left me with endless questions for the future. Bryn and her friends may overcome yet again, but it will be with casualties that will cause more ripples and changes for the future.

Review: Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Title: Raised by Wolves

By: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Series: Raised by Wolves Novel #1

Publisher: Egmont Books (June 8th, 2010)

My Copy: Ebook bought from Barnes and Noble

BookWhisperer Rating:  

About the book:

Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.
But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.
But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?

Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a young and extremely talented author. My first experience at works by Barnes was the well loved Tattoo and Fate novels that made me a immediately follower. Both novels were unique and creative works with endless ability. Much to my surprise, my first impressions of this author were left short with the debut of this awesome series.  The Raised by Wolves series just goes to show the ability of this author to write so much more an a “good” book. The storyline of this novel takes a raving genre and twists it to create something totally unique and brilliant. Bryn is a sixteen year old human that has been raised by werewolves. Having been abandoned after the brutal killing of her parents; a local alpha decides that she will be protected and raised within his pack. Her character is addictive with her wittiness, strength and determination. Easily followed, readers will find this character just as impossible as the various characters within the novel. Many of which are just as strong and deep as our main character promising a detailed future for all of these incredible personalities. Readers will find their selves torn and siding with the various character through the journey of this story. The future of the series is guaranteed to hold sadness, but readers will definitely enjoy the ride.

Review: Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready

Title: Shift

By: Jeri Smith-Ready

Series: Shade Book #2

Publisher: Simon and Schuster (May 3rd 2011)

My Copy: Galley Grab via Simon and Schuster

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to.

Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.

As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart.

The Shade Series is a new and excitement story line for Young Readers. Aura lives in a world post Shift, meaning that everyone born after the Shift is able to see the ghosts surrounding them everyday. When Aura’s first love Logan died in the Shade; she found herself savoring the ability she has dreading for many years. At first to a post shifter death seems irrelevant, but as time passed Aura comes to discover that Logan was not meant to live forever as a ghost. It is not fair to herself or him to hold in the state of limbo. To truly find peace he needs to cross over. Aura is not only post shift, but after meeting a luscious Zachary she finds that she is very special. Being the first born after the shift she has very special talents, and attracts some very unwanted attention from the DMP’s. Zachary is quite special too, being the last born prior to the shift; which his ability to repel ghosts. As Zachary and Aura try to discover what these special gifts truly mean; they will be followed, hunted, and kidnapped. Readers will have to continue to see if this story can truly have a happy ending.

Jeri Smith-Ready always offers suspenseful romantic ride that readers will devour. I am always anxiously awaiting the next books, and wondering just how she will manipulate and twist the story next. Shift was an excellent addition to Shade, and I believe that readers will be truly satisfied with this sequel. The Shade series is a new and unique storyline that will captivate the paranormal lovers. In a genre so large readers find many books carry similarities to others. Shade will break the mold creating a new and intoxicating additions to the genre.

Review: Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens

Title: Overprotected

By: Jennifer Laurens

Series: Young Adult Romance

Publisher: Grove Creek Publishing (April 2011)

My Copy: Autographed Final Copy from Author Goodreads Win

BookWhisperer Rating:


About the book:

Ashlyn: A lonely society princess living in New York City.
Daddy hired you to be my bodyguard.
Colin: Childhood enemy, now her protector.
Daddy thought I’d be safe. He thought I’d never fall in love. He thought he could keep me forever.
Charles: obsessed with keeping her safe, keeping her his, he hires the one person he knows she could never fall in love with: Colin.
Daddy was wrong.

Is there such a thing as OVERPROTECTING your children? Jennifer Laurens dives head long into the reality of a life for a young girl that has just that. After being kidnapped at five years old Ashlyn has learned to live a life of constant surveillance. Now at almost eighteen life is changing for this young woman, but her father is determined to remain limiting her experiences and understanding of the real world. While rebelling against her father wishes she finds herself without a body guard. Whom is quickly replaced by the one person that she hoped to never meet again.

Truth be told Ashlyn’s father must have realized that with his “princess” changing that he had more to protect her from than years prior. Now as a beautiful and talented young woman it became clear that she was no longer a little girl, but her father was determined to avoid changes that would allow her to life, learn, and most importantly love. When Colin and Ashlyn spend more and more time together it becomes clear that the memories she holds of this young man does not represent the man that he has become. As the story unfolds, so does the attraction and mystery of these two characters. Anticipation will keep readers on the edge throughout this novel with Colin’s constant dedication to her job. Even as Ashlyn begins to show her feelings; it appears as though the feelings are not reciprocated. Though it soon becomes evident that his strength to hide his true emotions are beginning to slip.

As an overall story it was a bit depressing to see this young woman craving adventure and knowledge that her protection prohibits. While at this age most young adults are experimenting and studying their selves; this young woman is under constant demand to continue being a child. This is a sweet love story that readers will enjoy, and remember long after the last page.

Review: Wherever You Go by Heather Davis

Title: Wherever You Go

By: Heather Davis

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Harcourt Children’s Book
(November 14th, 2011)

My Copy: Ebook from NetGalley

BookWhisperer Rating:

 

About the book:

Seventeen-year-old Holly Mullen has felt lost and lonely ever since her boyfriend, Rob, died in a tragic accident. The fact that she has to spend most of her free time caring for her little sister and Alzheimer’s-stricken grandfather doesn’t help. But Holly has no idea that as she goes about her days, Rob’s ghost is watching over her. He isn’t happy when he sees his best friend, Jason, reach out to help Holly with her grandfather—but as a ghost, he can do nothing to stop it. Is his best friend really falling for his girlfriend?
As Holly wonders whether to open her heart to Jason, the past comes back to haunt her. Her grandfather claims to be communicating with the ghost of Rob. Could the messages he has for Holly be real? And if so, how can the loved ones Rob left behind help his tortured soul make it to the other side? Told from the perspectives of Holly, Jason, and Rob, Wherever You Go is is a poignant story about making peace with the past, opening your heart to love, and finding the courage to move forward into the light.

Holly is a young girl that a very complicated life. As the main caregiver of her Alzheimer stricken Grandfather and her younger sister; shoe doesn’t have much time for herself. Also grieving the loss of her first love in an accident that almost claimed her own life.  She may be finding herself with more than she can bare. When she begins to receive unwanted attention for her late boyfriends best friend; she finds herself questioning his motives. With the remainder of her peers blaming her for the tragic car accident that took her boyfriend it is hard to see why Jason has all of a sudden taken interest in her. As she begins to develop feelings for this young man; she will be left to question what kind of a future she really has to offer.

After my past two experiences with Heather Davis works; I was curious what I would find in this novel. I was intrigued to find that Davis soared above in this novel grabbing me by the lapels to drag me through this intense story about learning to love again. The emotional level of writing was not what I had come to expect from this author, and just goes to show that author grow over time. Davis is ready to take readers by storm in this novel.

Review: Magic on the Hunt by Devon Monk

Title: Magic on the Hunt

By: Devon Monk

Series: Allie Beckstrom Book 6

Publisher: Roc Publishing

My Copy: Early Review Galley from Publisher
(April 5th, 2011)

BookWhisperer Review:

 

About the book:

In the secret lockup of the Authority, the council that decides what can and can't be done with magic, an undead magic user has possessed one of the prisoners. He wants his freedom-and then some. Now Allie Beckstrom and her lover, Zayvion, are the first line of defense against the chaos he's about to unleash on the city of Portland...

The Allie Beckstrom series has been a well loved favorite personally for The BookWhisperer over the past few years. Allie is a very entertaining character; that while obviously not bullet proof she has the courage and power of even the strongest characters. With the circumstance of the fifth book I had concerns as the the future of Allie and Zay, and just what would be the repercussions of giving her magic for his life. It appears with this novel that she is not at a disadvantage with the lack of some of her own power. Although, much of this could be contributed to the fact that Allie’s father is taking up residence in her body. Allie seems to be learning even more magic with the help of her father. I am beginning to wonder if he is truly the monster that we have believed over the past five books. The Allie Beckstrom series is more action packed novels with a slightly twist of romance. Zay and Allie continue to love and fight their way through the novels, but at times the lack of intimacy can be frustrating. Zay is a very closed character that true emotion is shown few and far between. This novel was a slightly slower pace than the past novels. I am fairly concerned that this is a preview as to the direction of future novels, and hope that the next novel restores my faith.

 

 

Review: Forsaken by Keary Taylor

Title: Forsaken

By: Keary Taylor

Series: Fall of Angels Book 2

Publisher: Createspace (December 23rd, 2010)

My Copy: Review Galley from Author

BookWhisperer Review:

 

About the book:

It’s been four months since Alex gave everything to save Jessica. Life should be perfect; she has Alex, she’s been freed of the nightmares, and most of all- she’s alive. But some things have changed, some things haven’t. That’s the problem. Alex still hasn’t asked “the question”. Jessica can’t see the reason why and it’s tearing her apart. He’s keeping something from her.
Alex isn’t the only one who has changed though. Something is different about Jessica but she doesn’t understand what’s happened. She just knows something’s wrong, that she feels different than she used to, on a skin deep level. And it may keep her and Alex apart. Forever.
But while Alex and Jessica struggle to stay together, Cole’s not about to be forgotten. There are a few things he didn’t tell Jessica, about his past and her future. There are reasons why he came after her, reasons that are tied to his history that is even darker than she could have ever realized.
Everyone has secrets. Everyone has something they can never have no matter how hard they fight for it. But, in the end, we are all Forsaken.

Keary Taylor offers a story that will emotionally touch her readers. Forsaken is the second in the Fall of the Angels Series. After loving the first story I was certain that I would enjoy this one as well. Taylor surprised me by crumbing my expectations, and creating a story that was even better. The emotion pushed out in this novel I find to be occasionally overwhelming, but never a downfall of the story.  I find myself so enraptured by her story that I feel like a character within the book. Jessica is a tremendously intense character, and with her past is also a character that will demand sympathy. While she is not a helpless bystander every reader will find themselves drawn in by this realistic personality. I love reading feeling the stories through her character. It makes for effortless reading and simplicity of the raw emotion in these books. Alex is also another loveable character that readers will have no problem reading alternating narrated chapter. Taylor makes a simple transition from one character to another that does not leave readers frustrated when alternating between multiple characters. With two incredible figures it should be easy to conceive this as a story with such intensity and suspense that readers will continuously crave more. Forsake seems to shake things up a bit from the first novel. The changes that appear in this story expand and transform the original story into a detailed and intricate story. While broadening our horizons readers will also find new blossoms of detail that will promise expansion in the future. Upon conclusion of this storyline Taylor as wrapped up some simple aspects while leaving a variety of new and old situations open for future novels. I look forward to seeing what is to come of Alex and Jessica, as well as, some old and new characters that stepped to the forefront in this incredible addition to the Fall of Angels series.