Review: The Vampire Stalker by Allison Van Diepen

Title: The Vampire Stalker

By: Allison Van Diepen

Publisher: Point Books (June 1st, 2011)

My Copy: Advanced Reading Copy from Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

What if the characters in a vampire novel left their world--and came into yours?

Amy is in love with someone who doesn't exist: Alexander Banks, the dashing hero in a popular series of vampire novels. Then one night, Amy meets a boy who bears an eerie resemblance to Alexander. In fact, he IS Alexander, who has escaped from the pages of the book and is in hot pursuit of a wicked vampire named Vigo. Together, Amy and Alexander set out to track Vigo and learn how and why Alexander crossed over. But when she and Alexander begin to fall for each other, Amy wonders if she even wants him to ever return to the realm of fiction.

The Vampire Stalker is not the traditional mixture of Vampire and Love Story. Van Diepen created a original read with both a science fiction and paranormal twist. The concept of portals and alternate realities pushes this novel into a more scifi than what I have come to expect in paranormal reads. It was also intriguing to see the shift in the characteristics of the Vampire's as a species. This is not the well loved mouth watering Vampire perception, but more of a feral creature that is a dangerous cold blooded killer. This is not my first journey with Van Diepen, but as her first paranormal/science fiction read I was a little curious what I would find. As her first attempt it is easy to accepted this as a easy and entertaining read. While it is nothing to shout from the mountain tops it is just worth reading.

 

Review: The Thirteenth Chime by Emma Michaels

Title: The Thirteenth Chime

By: Emma Michaels

Series: Sense of Truth Book 1

Publisher: Bokheim Publishing
(August 13th, 2010)

My Copy: Ebook purchased from Barnes and Nobles

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

HATRED NEVER DIES...

Destiny has finally found the life that she has always wanted. She is about to finish college, has a fiance that loves her, and a great summer on the West Coast planned with her friend, Stephanie. But her world is turned upside down when an antique clock mysteriously chimes thirteen times and someone attacks them, sending Stephanie and her mother to the hospital.
Alone, and without any help from the police, Destiny has no choice but to turn to the one man she had left behind a year ago - her ex-boyfriend, David. Together, they must solve the riddle of the thirteenth chime before the clock strikes thirteen again. Yet as they face their own past and hearts, a trap over half a century old is waiting for them to become its prey.
For revenge, fifty years is never too long...

The Thirteenth Chime is a creepy little ghost story. A easy 145 pages readers will zip through this short story with little effort. Michaels created a unique and twisted tale about a haunting grandfather clock. This clock was the perfect object for the focus of this novel. Many naturally find these items dark and mysterious, and the use of the story is effectively and intriguing. The characters of this novel are not as well rounded and detailed as I would have liked. I felt that I did not truly know or understand the characters in actions and thoughts. Thirteenth Chimes’s overall story is suspenseful and riveting that I usually expect to find in a mystery. The conclusion adds a extra twist that will promise for future additions for this story. Michaels promises a quick and entertaining read well worth your time.

Blog Tour Review of Tempest Rising

Title: Tempest Rising

By: Tracy Deebs

Series: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Walker Books (May 10, 2011)

My Copy: Advanced Reading Copy from Publisher

BookWhisperer Review:

 

About the book:

Tempest Maguire wants nothing more than to surf the killer waves near her California home; continue her steady relationship with her boyfriend, Mark; and take care of her brothers and surfer dad. But Tempest is half mermaid, and as her seventeenth birthday approaches, she will have to decide whether to remain on land or give herself to the ocean like her mother. The pull of the water becomes as insistent as her attraction to Kai, a gorgeous surfer whose uncanny abilities hint at an otherworldly identity as well. And when Tempest does finally give in to the water's temptation and enters a fantastical underwater world, she finds that a larger destiny awaits her—and that the entire ocean's future hangs in the balance.

 Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs is the best mermaid novel that I have had the pleasure of reading. Mermaid novels are a uniquely new addition to the genre. It seems that novels surrounding this species have proved to be difficult in creating a extraordinary read. The common perception of a fairy tale glittery world appears to conflict with many authors ability to invent a strong storyline. Deebs made this challenge appear effortless with her creation of this novel that is packed full of suspense, love, and mystery. With this shift of view the world was wide open for the intensity of this novel. Tempest was a very detailed and unique character that will capture the readers with her strong and quiet personality. Being a surf baby added an incredible shift to her character that many readers will enjoy as unique and inventive. The romance of this novel was yet another rare quality with the development of two wonderful characters that are not easily overlooked. Mark is the special and attentive boyfriend that readers will crave, but the emotion for Tempest is obviously lacking. Kai is the new mouth watering attraction that will quickly develop in the story. It is obvious why our main character will struggle with her decisions when it comes to her love. In the beginning it does appear that Tempest attraction to Kai will be a bit abrupt, but as the story progresses it becomes clear that this was intentionally in building the story. It is also refreshing that it does not go overlooked, as the author returns to build emotion and background as the journey continues. The story is not concluded, but set for a future that promises continuance. I look forward to seeing where this author will take the story in future novels.

Review: The Girl Next Door by Selene Castrovilla

Title: The Girl Next Door

By: Selene Castrovilla

Publisher: Westside Books

My Copy: Review Copy provided by Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

In THE GIRL NEXT DOOR, two teens are forced to make some very grown-up decisions when one of them is diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Seventeen year old Samantha has been best friends with seventeen year old Jesse since she moved into the New York high-rise apartment next door to his thirteen years ago. Jesse is their school's poster child for popularity: good-looking, a star athlete, even Romeo in the school play. On opening night he collapses on stage. That's when doctors discover the unthinkable: a tumor on his spine. His type of cancer is virtually incurable – 97% of those diagnosed die within ten months.
Jesse shuts down, refusing to see most of his friends. He submits to treatments of chemo and radiation, but he doesn't possess hope. Sam is the one person he’ll talk to. He convinces his mom to let her sleep in another bed in his room, saying he's afraid to die alone.
That’s when Jess and Sam make a startling, bittersweet discovery: they’ve been in love all along.
THE GIRL NEXT DOOR addresses the universal question: In an unpredictable world, how can we possibly feel safe?

Be prepared to cry your eyes out. It is a tragedy to view something so horrible as this young man struggles with such an aggressive and lethal cancer. Even more intriguing I love that way that the author not only shows the Jesse's progression of cancer and acceptance; but it also the acceptance and emotional progression for Sam. Sam and Jesse have been best friends and drawn to one another since they were toddler, but only once Jesse is diagnosed with Cancer do they realize what they truly mean to one another. The emotion level throughout this entire book is almost palpable, and the readers will feel the travel this emotional journey as if part of the story. The love presented by these two young adults was amazing. Most adult's don't see this level of dedication in a lifetime, but miraculously it was gifted to these two young people that will not even get to cherish it for long. It was crazy to follow alone with a novel that pull my feelings so drastically; it was like if Sam was depressed I felt depressed, and if she had a glimpse of hope I felt that hope. This is a powerful and dramatic read that will touch its readers.

Book Trailer Peek: Hereafter

Check out the trailer for Hereafter… This was an awesome book. if you did not read my review check it out by clicking the book below.

Now I have the book trailer to post. Check it out this is an awesome one!

Review: 44 by Jools Sinclair

Title: 44

By: Jools Sinclair

Publisher: You Come Too Publishing
(March 10th, 2011)

My Copy: Ebook provided by Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Last year after falling through the ice, seventeen-year-old Abby Craig woke up from death.
But she woke into a world she barely recognizes. She can’t see colors, memories have been erased, and her friends all hate her. And then there’s Jesse, who she loves, but who refuses to forgive her the one mistake she made long ago.
Just when she thinks it can’t get any worse, the visions begin. In them, she sees a faceless serial killer roaming the streets. While the police believe that there have been a lot of accidents in town lately, Abby knows differently. And she soon realizes that it’s up to her to find him.
But to stop him, she’ll have to confront more than just the killer. She’ll have to face something else that was lost in those dark waters. The truth.

 

IMPRESSIVE! 44 is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and will take is readers by storm. Abby is a seventeen year old trying to come to terms with her near death experience. Although, that hardly gives justice when she was officially dead of 44 minutes. As if waking for this wasn't enough to overcome emotionally; now Abby is trying to adjust to the physical damage that the accident has caused her. With several problems including a limp, color blindness, severe headaches, and memory loss; Abby life is not at all what she was used to. Even worse she can't remember  most of what happened just before or after the accident leaving a ton of mysteries that she just can't seem to sort out. Just when she begins to accept her life as normal; she begins having nightmare that are actually more than just dreams. This was an intriguing twist of paranormal added to the story. After a couple unexplained deaths are uncovered; Abby learns that she is having dreams about these unexplained death, even more that dreams are telling her they are not simple suicides. The ability to uncover the killer through her dreams was a bit terrifying to say the least. Jools Sinclair is a talented author with the ability to paint a very vivid picture for the readers. It is easy to imagine and follow a story with detail and intensity that was previewed in this story. Jesse and Abby are a bit of reality that was easy to relate and understand. Their romance was a bit of sweet heaven in this novel. The history and relationship between characters is an unspoken and deep hearted love that will have readers craving more. There past is heart wrenching and emotional promising to captivate readers with intrigue and desperation. Their sweet romance with add to the overall excellence of this read promising to attract a variety of readers. With so little pages concern toward to pace of this novel was elevated immediately. Sinclair seems to start this book in the middle of the story without leaving the reader confused and unknowing. With so much information in such a small book it will impress readers to the detail and depth in so few pages. The conclusion will take your breath away. Don't miss you chance to check out this amazing story.

New Book Trailer: Passion

Passion book three of the Fallen Series by Lauren Kate is right around the corner. I come across this awesome book trailer. Check it out below!

New Book Trailer: Branded

Keary Taylor posted new a trailer for Branded. Check it out below.

Review: The Fallen Star by Jessica Sorensen

Title: The Fallen Star

By: Jessica Sorensen

Series: Fallen Star Book #1

Publisher: Self Published

My Copy: Review Copy from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

For eighteen year-old Gemma, life has never been normal. Up until recently, she has been incapable of feeling emotion. And when she's around Alex, the gorgeous new guy at school, she can feel electricity that makes her skin buzz. Not to mention the monsters that haunt her nightmares have crossed over into real-life. But with Alex seeming to hate her and secrets popping up everywhere, Gemma's life is turning into a chaotic mess. Things that shouldn't be real suddenly seem to exist. And as her world falls apart, figuring out the secrets of her past becomes a matter of life and death.

This self published novel is a breath taking display of talent from this new author. Gemma’s story is unique and heartbreaking; creating a story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With a story that plays on the sympathy of the readers it is almost impossible to not find yourself absorbed into this story with so much intensity. Though, I must note this book is so much more than just sadness for Gemma’s life; the story is action packed and mysterious creating a suspenseful read for the paranormal and supernatural lovers. With no clear cut direction this is a compilation of the species that readers love in this genre. Gemma carries a Fallen Star’s power that proves unique and intriguing, but as the story progresses it is evident that this author knows no bound including Vampires, Fae, Forseers, and a entirely new species that would include the Death Walkers. Specifically, the Death Walkers remind me of the Dementors out of Harry Potter movies, but I have to say that in my opinion it did not deter the story’s  integrity; other than a slight feeling of déjà voo.   I am speechlessly impressed by the ability that this author has shown in this debuting novel, and to find it self publisher was shocking. The conclusion was a heart stopping cliff hanger that comes to a very abrupt halt. As a reader this left me distraught with the lack of a clear cut ending; although as a reviewer I think this was a promise of talent in the author to notice an opportunity to leave the readers guessing for the future of this novel. This is definitely a book to be recommended.

Review: Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

Title: Spellbound

By: Cara Lynn Shultz

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Harlequin Teen (June 28th, 2011)

My Copy: Netgalley Ebook

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

Spellbound is a mix of fairy tale and mystery that will keep readers guessing. This unique story is a entertaining and eventful read. Keep readers attention through the last pages this promises to be a success for the debut author. Noticeable a new author there is much potential hidden in this 300 pages, and the future of this author looks to be very promising. Emma and Brendan are great characters, and the attraction presented in this new story is spellbinding in itself. Emma has lived a life of tragedy, and the need to sympathize with her character is strong. Brendan is the fairy tale prince; that would grab readers through his protective nature throughout the pages. I look forward to see what is to come in the future for Shultz, but I am also wondering by the conclusion if there will be a possible sequel to this lovely read.

Vampire Book Club’s Alpha Showdown

A friend sent me the link for this awesome competition. For all the Paranormal book lovers make sure you rush of and vote for your favorite.

Simone Elkeles News!

I was browsing one of my favorite authors websites today, and I was previewing the description for the upcoming newest edition of the Perfect Chemistry Series.

 

Chain Reaction

Luis Fuentes is a good boy who doesn't live with the angst that his big brothers, Alex and Carlos, have always lived with. Luis is smart, funny, and has big dreams of becoming an astronaut. But when he falls for the wrong girl, Luis enters a dark world he's never known, and just when he thinks he's got life all figured out, learns some disturbing news about his family that destroys his positive outlook on life. Will that Fuentes bad boy streak come out with a vengeance and lure Luis to live on the edge like his new girlfriend and his own father?

 

 

Now the news is not that the anticipation of book 3, but rather that I just read on Simone’s website this will be the last book in the Perfect Chemisty series. Oh No! But I guess they couldn’t go on forever. I also must not my intrigue is only boosted at the thought of this novel being a twist. Both earlier novels have preview troubled Fuentes boys, and the loves and girl good that rescue them. It appears that this last novel is the good boy and bad girl. I can’t wait to see Simone work her magic on this twist. So if you have not had the chance to read this series…… What are you waiting for????

Review: Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Title: Love Story

By: Jennifer Echols

Genre: Young Adult Romance

Publisher: MTV Books (July 19th, 2011)

My Copy: Advanced Reading Copy for Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Erin Blackwell is headed to college in New York City to study creative writing and earn a living as a romance novelist. Her grandmother has other plans: she approves of the college, but she wants Erin to major in business and then come back home to Kentucky to run the family's famous racehorse farm. There is no way Erin will agree. Studying in New York and writing her way into a career is her escape from the farm and the family tragedy that happened there. So Erin's grandmother decides Erin really will live life as a starving artist. She takes Erin's future job running the farm, her inheritance, even her college tuition, and gives them all to Hunter Allen.

Hunter has lived on the farm for years. He's Erin's age, he's the stable boy, and he's the romantic dream of every girl in her high school. But he was involved in the family tragedy. Erin has always given him a wide berth. And he's a slick opportunist. She's furious that he fooled her grandmother into giving him Erin's birthright and sending him to Erin's college.

At least she's free of him in her creative writing class. So she pens a story that has haunted her lately, in which the horse farm heiress at the very first Kentucky Derby starts a forbidden affair with the lowly stable boy. Unfortunately for her, the day she's sharing this story with her New York classmates, Hunter walks in. He's switching to her class. And after reading about himself in Erin's story, he writes his own sexy assignments that lure Erin into dangerous fantasies about what could have been between them, and what might be.

Love Story is a bitter sweet romance that will take readers on a breathtaking journey. This is a story about two drastically different character from the same world. Erin is the wealthy Granddaughter that is an heir to endless wealth. Raised by her Grandmother on a horse ranch; she is being groomed to take over the family business. Although, as the years pass she has discovered her desired future is far from the wealth of horse racing. When she declares or intentions to become an author her Grandmother refuses to support Erin in her conquest, and declares her own intentions to groom the young stable boy to be the heir of her fortunes. Erin soon finds herself in New York struggling to balance working and her college tuition. When she writes a sexy and sultry story for her creative writing class that last thing she intended was for Hunter to join the class. Hunter is the young heir to her Grandmother fortune, and her sworn enemy. It is depressing to see the past of these two once friends denigrate over years of misunderstandings and stubbornness. When Hunter discovers Erin’s story to be about him; it begins a whole new story told through the alternating characters class stories. Readers will uncover emotional details about each character, and will see the obvious through the story. All the while, the characters will over analyze and make assumptions of their own. Over all this is a heart shattering story that will captivate it readers. Do not underestimate that even in such a pain stacking story there too can be a happily ever after.

Review: Kane Richards Must Die by Shanice Williams

Title: Kane Richards Must Die

By: Shanice Williams

Genre: Young Adult Romance

Publisher: Lands Atlantic Publishing (May 12th, 2011)

My Copy: Advanced Reading Copy from Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

 

About the book:

After an unexpected transfer to the States for her senior year, Suranne's new friends give her just one instruction: stay away from Kane Richards. According to everyone, he's a heartless playboy concerned only for himself. With one glance, it's easy to see why he gets away with it. But things aren't always what they seem- especially when he sets his sights on her and whispers that she's "different."

Despite all the red flags, Suranne considers whether or not his intentions are genuine or if she's simply another name on his list. In the process, she may just uncover the real Kane Richards. But, when it comes down to it, the real Kane Richards may not want to be found. Filled with raw emotion, Kane Richards Must Die, explores relationships, trust, love, and what can happen when life takes an unexpected turn.

Shanice Williams takes readers by storm in this vibrant novel of romance and reality. The story of a young girl that finds herself relocated in the States, and the main attraction for the school playboy. This is a story with deep emotional dialect that readers will consume in one setting. The characters of Kane and Suranne are intriguing and relatable, so readers will feel interwoven into this heart racing read. From the description alone this novel was nothing the simple young romance that I had anticipated, but rather a intense read of love, loss, and acceptance.  Awestruck is the best word that I could find to describe my feelings toward this debuting novel. Seeing that this was a young adult read I was surprised that the depth of sexual concept in this story. While I do not think that this author could have created as great of a story without it I would definitely be wary of the advanced concepts of this novel. Personally, I would recommend this read the higher spectrum of young adult readers, as well as, adult readers.  Prepare to be  overwhelmed by the emotional rollercoaster of this read, but sad to see it all come to a close. The conclusion was a wonderful twisted; it manages to wrap the heart wrenching story and tuck nicely into a happily ever after that readers will love. This author will intrigue and surprise readers. This is one to be on the look for in the future.

Happy Mother's Day

Dear Lord, it's such a hectic day
With little time to stop and pray
For life's been anything but calm
Since You called on me to be a mom.
Running errands, matching socks.
    Building dreams with building blocks

Cooking, cleaning, and finding shoes
And other stuff that children lose
Fitting lids on bottled bugs
Wiping tears and giving hugs
A stack of last weeks mail to read
So where's the quiet time I need?
Yet when I steal a minute, Lord
Just at the sink or ironing board
To ask the blessings of Your grace
I see then, in my small one's face
That you have blessed me
All the while
And I stop to kiss
That precious smile

Taking a Moment!

I hate to do this, but I just feel I need to... Today while I was checking on a google reader. I was reviewing some of my comments, and might I add how I love comments. They are the highlights of my days. Although, today I was not so excited, and the reason woul be exhibit B.

Exhibit B
Anonymous said...

excuse me khadija or whatever how come you are reading a book which is not even out yet??????

Really Now, are things like this necessary. I am sure almost all of you know nothing about this, so let me give you a little background research. This was posted one my review for Paranormalcy by Kiersten White. Khadija, which is not afraid to show her name, was commenting on how she read this last year, and is reading Supernaturally now. Now the issue is that as you can see Anonymous here was being rather rude in commenting about how Khadija is reading a book that is not even out yet.

Oh the many way this comment ticks me off let me count them.
1) If you knew much about book blogging, which most of you I am sure will agree this person does not, would realize that we get advanced reading copies.

2) If you are going to rude or disrespectful, DO IT ON YOUR OWN PAGE.

3) When you feel that need to say something you know nothing about, don't it makes you sound like an idiot.

4) Leave me comments I love them, but if you are thinking about belittling another person please don't. There is enough negativity in the world, and I would prefer it not be on my page.

With Blogging Love
The BookWhisperer

Passion Trailer

Passion, book three of the Fallen series, now has a book trailer. Check it out below.

Review: But I Love Him by Amanda Grace

Title: But I Love Him

By: Amanda Grace

Publisher: Flux Books

My Copy: Early Review Copy from Publisher (May 1st, 2011)

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Tonight was so much worse than anything before it. Tonight he didn't stop after the first slap.

At the beginning of senior year, Ann was a smiling, straight-A student and track star with friends and a future. Then she met a haunted young man named Connor. Only she can heal his emotional scars; only he could make her feel so loved — and needed. Ann can't recall the pivotal moment it all changed, when she surrendered everything to be with him, but by graduation, her life has become a dangerous high wire act. Just one mistake could trigger Connor's rage, a senseless storm of cruel words and violence damaging everything — and everyone — in its path.

This evocative slideshow of flashbacks reveals a heartbreaking story of love gone terribly wrong.

Amanda Grace created a tragic and terrifying story about a young girl that finds herself in her worst nightmare. Many young girls believe it inconceivable that a situation such as this could happen to them. This realistic and honest truth about how it is easy for a girls to find their selves in such a situation it grab many readers and drag them into this young woman’s nightmare. Interestingly, Grace created this story starting with the end and working her way to the beginning. I believe that this is a tremendously creative tactic; it delivers it story effectively by slapping you with the brutal truths then working in reverse. In giving the readers the ending and then building the character; we see the reality of who these characters are instead of an abuse monster and a weak victim. In the end it is easy to see how this young woman felt responsible and guilty for not being able to save Connor from himself, and how awful Connor’s past was and how it helped it is also he that was a victim in this story. No doubt this young man needs some serious help to overcome his problems, but this is story that will help readers to see that the abuser is not always the monster we would like to perceive. This ultimately is an illness, and it is not one that in this case Connor was able to overcome alone. But I Love Him is heart stopping novel that any reader will find themselves relating to the character. As a normal and intelligent girl it is terrible to such a realistic story that could happen to anyone. 

Cover Alert

Check out the new cover for Silence; Becca Fitzpatrick’s third book in the Hush, Hush Series.

BEAUTIFUL