Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins (Hex Hall #2)

*This book description has spoilers in it.*

Do not read any part of this review until you have read book one in the series, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins.

(And trust me, you WANT to read Hex Hall!!)

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will either destroy her powers for good--or kill her.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new housemates? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising demons in secret, with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?

Wow. Where to begin??? I love this book just as much, if not more, than Hex Hall. Actually, probably more.

Oh, Sophie. You rock. The more I learn about you, the more I love you.

Sophie is such a great character. She's so funny, and she's so real-- and the way the entire book is written, I was either laughing hysterically or crying my eyes out. I am just so attached to Sophie, and her whole experience in London is a roller coaster ride of extreme highs and depressing lows. All I can say is it's going to get even more intense in the next book... if that's even possible.

There is not a single character in this book that I don't love. Even the villians are well written. You better believe that even someone who is a "nobody" character has amazing character development. I was totally blown away by Demonglass. Period.

I am not going to say much about this book, since it's a sequel and I don't want to give anything away. I can tell you that I was hooked on the story from the start and it almost killed me to put it down when I was done. There were tons of jaw-dropping shockers in this one-- be prepared. With tissues. A box of them. 

If you haven't read Hex Hall yet, read  it--so you can read this!! You are missing out! And trust me, you don't want to miss this series.

Happy Reading!

Timeless by Alexandra Monir

When tragedy strikes Michele Windsor’s world, she is forced to uproot her life and move across the country to New York City, to live with the wealthy, aristocratic grandparents she’s never met. In their old Fifth Avenue mansion filled with a century’s worth of family secrets, Michele discovers a diary that hurtles her back in time to the year 1910. There, in the midst of the glamorous Gilded Age, Michele meets the young man with striking blue eyes who has haunted her dreams all her life – a man she always wished was real, but never imagined could actually exist. And she finds herself falling for him, into an otherworldly, time-crossed romance.

Michele is soon leading a double life, struggling to balance her contemporary high school world with her escapes into the past. But when she stumbles upon a terrible discovery, she is propelled on a race through history to save the boy she loves – a quest that will determine the fate of both of their lives.

 

  I have mixed feelings about this book. Most of me really wanted to love it, but a tiny part of me couldn't get past all the loose ends in the book.

The book description had me hooked-- obviously, since I bought the book. I have this thing for forbidden romances. I don't know why. But the thought of not just a forbidden romance, but a love separated by time? Count me in.

Timeless was slow from page one, so it took me quite a while to get into the story, but I liked it nonetheless. Michele and Philip (What is it with the one "l" spellings??) were believeable and real. I love characters like that. They both suffered tragic losses but survived them together. Their lives were interwoven long before they ever realized it.

The part that I am having such a difficult time with, like I said, is how many really loose ends there were. I'm not talking about cliffhanger loose, I'm talking about forgot-what-you-were-writing-about-and-where-the-story-is-going kind of loose. I realize that this is the first book in a series, but I am amazed that this made it through so many stages of being published without anyone picking up on some of the things I'm talking about.

That said, yes, I still liked this book. I loved the REAL cliffhanger at the end of the book. So much so, that I am dying to read the next book. This is definitely worth reading, and I plan on picking up the next book when it comes out to see if some things get clarified from this book. I can't wait to see where the story goes!

Happy Reading!

The Goddess Test by Aimée Carter

Release Date: April 26, 2011

EVERY GIRL who has taken the test has DIED.

Now it's KATE'S TURN.

It’s always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate’s going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won’t live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he’ll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he’s crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she’ll become Henry’s future bride, and a goddess.

If she fails...

You have to buy this book. No, seriously.

The Goddess Test is, without a doubt, the BEST book I've read this year. I know I just said that a few posts ago about Hex Hall, but I hadn't read this yet.

Can I just tell you how sick I am of werewolf/vampire books?? The Goddess Test was like a breath of fresh air! It's based on the story of Hades and Persephone in Greek mythology, but you finally get to hear it from Hades' point of view. The story as it is told (in a nutshell) is that Hades kidnapped Persephone and tricked her into eating a few pomegranate seeds, thus making her immortal and forcing her to stay in the Underworld for six months of every year. This is how the seasons were explained. Fall and Winter were the seasons Persephone spent with Hades. The other six months, Persephone stayed with her mother, Demeter (Hades' sister). Persephone ended up falling in love with a human man and when the man died, Hades' allowed Persephone to die with him, leaving Hades to rule the Underworld alone.

This book picks up after the Persephone drama, when Hades is searching for a new Queen to help him rule the dead. However, not just any girl will do. She must first pass seven tests. I have to say that from the book description, I thought it would talk about the tests more in depth while they were happening, but by the end of the story it all made sense to me and I was completely head over heels for this book.

I really felt for Kate. She missed out on all four years of high school while she voluntarily took care of her sick mother. She never went on dates, never hung out with friends, and even dropped out of high school her senior year to take care of her mom full-time. You might be thinking, What an irresponsible mother--letting her daughter drop out of school!?? I thought that at first, but I think it was am important part of Kate's character development.

I also loved Henry (Hades). Go figure, right? When I started reading this, all I could picture in my head was the Hades from Disney's Hercules, with the James Woods voice-over and blue flame hair. But as I read more, I fell in love with this sad, lonely, misunderstood character. It made me think that maybe all these years, Hades has just gotten a bad rap. Maybe he's really not as bad as everyone wants to make him out to be. Maybe he just needs someone to share his burden with. Really? Do you want to rule over a bunch of dead people?? No! But someone has to do it. So, thank you Hades for being the Waste Management of the gods-- the job no one else wanted.

I seriously loved, loved, loved this book. Can it be April NOW please, so I can go buy my copy??

Happy Reading!


**I received this egalley from the publisher for the purpose of review.

Shadow of the Moon by Rachel Hawthorne

Hayden was born a werewolf, a Dark Guardian. But her ability to sense the feelings of fellow werewolves has made her life unbearable. She runs away, only to be tracked by charming, mysterious Daniel, a newcomer to the pack and the one Shifter immune to her powers. As she reluctantly follows him home, Hayden finds herself falling dangerously in love. . . .

But even as her feelings for Daniel deepen, Hayden begins to wonder if he is who he claims to be. Where did he come from and why has no one ever seen him transform? When they stumble upon the body of a Shifter still in wolf form, her worries grow. Someone is killing her kind. Is her handsome tracker really a hunter? And is Hayden now his prey?

 

There have been three Dark Guardian novels before this one. I read all three of them last year. I have to say, in the nicest way possible--Rachel Hawthorne, I think you have beat this horse to death. It's time to move on.
 
I think each book has gotten more and more cheesy. Any more cheese, and you could feed a small country. Seriously. The villain in this book was so far-fetched. The romance felt lacking and the character development was just sad. I know these books aren't known for their depth, but c'mon. This wasn't even a puddle. It makes me wonder if Ms. Hawthorne is getting as tired of writing them as I am of reading them? Don't get me wrong, I liked the other three--obviously, or I wouldn't have read this one--but three was definitely the charm. She should have stopped there.
 
Alright then--I'm done with the cheesy (Get it?? haha I had to throw in more in for good measure) lines. It's all just fluff. Read if you want some REALLY light, you-could-read-it-if-you-were-braindead material.
 
Happy Reading!

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

On her 12th birthday, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Three bumpy years later, after a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, she's exiled to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Then when a mysterious predator begins attacking students, and Sophie's only friend is the number-one suspect, a horrifying plot begins to surface. Soon, Sophie is preparing for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

I loved Hex Hall. Period. The end. 

Sophie Mercer is very likely my favorite female main character I've read all year. She's funny and sassy and confident and independent. Not in an obnoxious way, but in a way that girls always wish they really were. Not only does Sophie hold her own though, but she's kind. She roots for the underdog. Really, she is the underdog in this book. One of them, anyway.

I have two words for you--Archer Cross. Not familiar with them? If you look up the word "yummy" in the Dictionary, the definition would be Archer Cross. He has to be in my top ten favorite male characters ever. (Honestly, I told you this book was amazing.) At first he's such a jerk, which, sadly, is still hot. But then he does little things to work his way into your heart. You really can't help but love him.

Hex Hall is such a well-written book that you'll feel right at home in it's pages, and it'll tug on every emotion you have before it ends. There were times when I wanted to do a happy dance, times when I wanted to throw something, times when I wanted to cry, and times when I wanted to climb into story and witness the happy and the sad alike. Trust me, there is plenty of both in this book.

This is a must read. If you haven't picked it up already, do so ASAP. Especially since the sequel, Demonglass, was released today!  (And don't go searching for book descriptions for Demonglass-- there are spoilers in the description and it'll ruin this book for you!!)

Experience Hex Hall. Right now! There has to be a 24-hour bookstore somewhere, right?? :D

Happy Reading!

The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows - no more. It's a personal choice...and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born; The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways...which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like...

I love the Beatles. I just thought I should throw that out there.

That said, any book centered around the Beatles is going to be good in my opinion.

I wasn't so impressed with the beginning of the book, but it's vital to the rest of the story. Without the chain of events set up at the beginning of the book, there would be no "Lonely Hearts Club". Let me paint a little picture for you-- Girl falls hard for guy, guy sweet talks girl into becoming some crazy, clingy, check-the-phone-every-thirty-seconds-in-case-he-calls, ditch-friends-for-boyfriend kind of traitor and then girl gets burned by guy or guys in succession. Girl gets fed up with it all, maybe has a mini public freak out, and swears off men completely. Puh-lease. I went to high school. I've SO been there.

Enter Penny Lane and the Lonely Hearts Club (L.H.C.). Enter girl power. You think I'm kidding. This book really was an example of women empowering each other and encouraging each other to live their dreams... for about 5 minutes. Then Penny turned into Dr. Jekell and Mr. Hyde. Poor thing. She just needed a man in her life. And I'm not talking about John, Paul, George, and Ringo. :)

(Okay, so maybe it was more than 5 minutes...)

I really did like this book. I thought it was hilarious that Penny's sisters were named after Beatles songs, too. Really, her parents were obsessed. I loved Penny's parents. Especially in a particular scene when they go meet with the principal who is having concerns about the effect of the L.H.C. on the student population. By the end of the scene, I couldn't quit smiling. I was so proud of Penny's parents. They were just what parents should be. Even if they were a little on the crazy-obsessive side.

Just read this. Even if you hate it, you'll get to have Beatles lyrics running through your mind for a few days! Can't go wrong there.

Happy Reading!

B.L.A.???

Do you think there is a such thing as Book Lover's Anonymous??

"Hello, my name is Megan, and I am addicted to reading." (All: Hello Megan.)

In the past 5 days, I have purchased 6 new books. Yes, 6. Holy Cow.

• Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
• Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright
• Timeless by Alexandra Monir

These were all purchased on Saturday. Then, two nights ago, I was talking to my husband because I lost a book that I bought for myself for Christmas (that he was supposed to wrap up and give to me) but I really don't recall ever opening that present, and it just occured to me that it hasn't made an appearance on my bookshelf. As I was searching everywhere for it, my husband said to me, "Maybe it's a sign that you have too many books."

Seriously??

Is there even such a thing?? Sacrilege is what I say to that.

Anyway, I've been so bummed about not being able to find that book, that today I caved and bought not just one, but THREE new books. (I should mention that none of them was a replacement to the book I lost-- I know, where's the sense in that?) So, now being sent to my doorstep are:

• Demonglass (Hex Hall, Bk. 2) by Rachel Hawkins-- Yes, Hex Hall is THAT good. And I'm not even completely through it yet!
• Stork by Wendy Delsol
• Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

Don't tell my husband. I'll never live it down. :) Now I have to find room for them all on my bookshelf...

Now I have to ask,

What books are you dying to read this year??

Happy Reading!!


***EDIT: Can I admit to something?? I just looked back at my past Amazon orders... I never ordered the book I thought I'd lost. I really thought I had, but now I see what I got instead, I remember... Oops. Now seriously don't tell my husband. hahaha ....I feel dumb now about searching for it forever. :)

Gentlemen by Michael Northrop

Micheal, Tommy, Mixer, and Bones aren't just from the wrong side of the tracks--they're from the wrong side of everything. Except for Mr. Haberman, their remedial English teacher, no one at their high school takes them seriously. Haberman calls them "gentlemen," but everyone else ignores them--or, in Bones's case, is dead afraid of them. When one of their close-knit group goes missing, the clues all seem to point in one direction: to Mr. Haberman.

Gritty, fast-paced, and brutally real, this debut takes an unflinching look at what binds friends together--and what can tear them apart.

I must be on some kind of streak. Seriously.

I have been wanting to read this book for ages. It sounded like a good, suspenseful book, and I finally was able to find it at my local library. (I'm a strict read-it-before-I-buy-it kind of girl.)

I was so disappointed. It wasn't at all what I was expecting--and not in a good way. It was twisted and a bit sinister. I've read some good reviews for it, but it just wasn't my style.

You be the judge on this one. I really don't have much to say about it.

Happy Reading!

Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook

Popularity is the best revenge.

In the final weeks of eighth grade, Lauren Wood made a choice. She betrayed her best friend, Helen, in a manner so publicly humiliating that Helen had to move to a new town just to save face. Ditching Helen was worth it, though, because Lauren started high school as one of the It Girls--and now, at the start of her senior year, she's the cheerleading captain, the quarterback's girlfriend, and the undisputed queen bee. Lauren has everything she's ever wanted, and she has forgotten all about her ex-best friend.

But Helen could never forget Lauren. After three years of obsessing, she's moving back to her old town. She has a new name and a new look, but she hasn't dropped her old grudges. She has a detailed plan to bring down her former BFF by taking away everything that's ever been important to Lauren—starting with her boyfriend.

Watch out, Lauren Wood. Things are about to get bitchy.

I swear to you all I am not plotting revenge on anyone. Though you may think it with all these "help karma out" books I've been reading lately. Funny enough, I don't think I've ever really tried to get hardcore revenge on anyone in my entire life. I just never was the type to hold a grudge. It is kind of fun to live vicariously through a fictional character though. And to get some awesome ideas in case I ever get a hankering for some juicy revenge...

I have to be honest-- I didn't love this book. Just coming off The Karma Club, this wasn't nearly as impressive. I did really like Helen/Claire though. Despite how hard she tried, I just don't think she had it in her to be a genuinely mean person like Lauren was. And I am glad for that, because Lauren was a BEAST. (The words I really need to use to describe her are words that I don't say, so use your imagination.) Helen/Claire was the type of girl you could hang out with. And she really was a great friend--unless you stabbed her in the back.

I also liked the moral of the story. I think it's so easy to get caught up in the "importance" of popularity. I know many girls stress about where they rank on the "food chain" that is high school. This book shows the importance of staying true to yourself, and being a good friend and a good person. That those things are infinitely more important. Lauren is the prime example that being popular doesn't necessarily equal being well-liked. I think it's so much more important to be well-liked. (And no, this is not coming from a high school loser who is saying that to try to make it true. It is true.)

The message is pretty clear-- be the bigger person. Forgive those who've wronged you and MOVE ON.

Although it isn't the best book I've ever read, I definitely think it's worth checking out for the message of the book. Get it from the library though. :)

Happy Reading!

The Karma Club by Jessica Brody

Madison Kasparkova always thought she understood how Karma works. Do good things and you'll be rewarded, do something bad and Karma will make sure you get what you deserve. But when Maddy’s boyfriend cheats on her, nothing bad comes his way. That’s why Maddy starts the Karma Club, to clean up the messes that the universe has left behind. Sometimes, though, it isn’t wise to meddle with the universe. It turns out Karma often has plans of its own.

I got this book a couple months ago and it's been keeping my bookshelf warm. It looked so sad sitting there, pouting at me because it wasn't getting any attention-- much like my three-year-old does when I'm taking care of my infant. So, I thought I'd better give it a read. At first, this was easier said than done.

It took me a few attempts to get into this book, but once the Karma Club was formed, I was hooked. I loved their "operations", and the hilarious names they gave to each mission. I thought the twists in the story were perfectly executed, and by the time I closed this book, I had a smile on my face and a warm, fuzzy feeling in my heart.

I loved the lessons the characters learned along the way, and I think the message in the book is one many can relate to and learn from, which is-- You don't mess with Karma, because it'll come for you. Like Cops with a camera crew, for the whole world to witness. And trust me, it won't be pretty.

This book is a must-read. I laughed out loud throughout most of it--which should be a testament in itself of this book. (That doesn't happen often!) The voice the story is told in was brilliant, I thought. It really seemed like a teenager telling the story. And not in a "like"/ "totally"/ "OMG" kind of way. This was one of the best light reads I've enjoyed in a while. Just... Read this.

Happy Reading!

The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

Release Date: March 7, 2011

It’s the summer of 1889, and seventeen-year-old Amelia van den Broek has been sent to Baltimore to stay with her stylish cousin, Zora, who will show her all the pleasures of city life and help her find a suitable man to marry. With diversions ranging from archery in the park to dazzling balls and hints of forbidden romance, Victorian Baltimore is more exciting than Amelia imagined. But her gaiety is interrupted by the disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset—visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies, and the young woman who was an outsider is suddenly quite in demand. However, her attraction to Nathaniel, an artist who is decidedly outside of Zora's circle, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own—still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him. And while she has no trouble seeing the futures of others, she cannot predict whether Nathaniel will stay in hers.

 

When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia’s world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she’s not the seer of dark portents, but the cause of them.

I admit, I've been mulling over this book since the weekend. Even after almost a week, I am undecided on whether I really loved it or really didn't love it. Maybe I've settled somewhere in the middle...

There were so many things I loved about this book. I loved Amelia. Even though times were different, Amelia was much the same as teenagers today. A sixteen year old girl struggling to find herself and maybe love along the way. Granted, she's looking for a husband at sixteen, while girls nowadays are looking for a boyfriend, at best. Oh, and Amelia has visions of the future. That's a bit uncommon today too, I suppose. Amelia was just naive enough to be endearing but daring enough to make you want to see her story through to the end.

I also loved Nathaniel. There were some things about him that I wanted so badly to understand, but for the life of me didn't. I'm a bit confused why some of the things he did were even in this book. However, as far as love stories go, this was one I enjoyed, mostly thanks to Nathaniel. Amelia was far "out of his league"--and they both knew it-- but I think that's why I loved the romance side of the story. What girl doesn't want to read about a forbidden romance??

This book had a little bit of everything-- romance, adventure, intrigue, and tragedy-- all with a little supernatural thrown in. Overall, I really did like this book. The reason I've been so undecided is that I didn't like the ending, which is, of course, what you walk away from a book remembering. If I don't like a book very much, but it has a spectacular ending, I'm more likely to be generous in my review of it. This book was the opposite for me. I liked the story, just not the ending. So, I'm a little torn. Maybe I'll just let you be the judge. I definitely think The Vespertine is worth reading, just don't say I didn't warn you if the ending leaves you a bit disappointed.

Happy Reading!

**I received this egalley from the publisher for the purpose of review.

Enough Already

I really feel the need to address a certain problem. So, here it is.

Megan's Soapbox in Ten Sentences or Less

Just about every book I have read in the past two months (with the exception of Harry Potter-- because J.K. Rowling is above lame descriptive terms) has had the main male character with one similar feature.

It's always "...with a perfect face except for a slightly crooked nose, like it's been broken and never healed quite right...but in a good way....".

Since when is "slightly crooked" or a nose that "never healed quite right" sexy? Then I wonder, is it even possible for it to be "in a good way"? I think not.

Case in point-- Owen Wilson. Definitely NOT hot.

Please quit using this description. It's getting old (and NOT in a good way). Give him a hunchback or something, since it's basically the same thing.

Thoughts??

Haven by Kristi Cook

Release Date: February 22, 2011
  One month into her junior year, sixteen-year-old Violet McKenna transfers to the Winterhaven School in New York’s Hudson Valley, inexplicably drawn to the boarding school with high hopes. Leaving Atlanta behind, she’s looking forward to a fresh start--a new school, and new classmates who will not know her deepest, darkest secret, the one she’s tried to hide all her life: strange, foreboding visions of the future.

But Winterhaven has secrets of its own, secrets that run far deeper than Violet’s. Everyone there--every student, every teacher--has psychic abilities, 'gifts and talents,' they like to call them. Once the initial shock of discovery wears off, Violet realizes that the school is a safe haven for people like her. Soon, Violet has a new circle of friends, a new life, and maybe even a boyfriend--Aidan Gray, perhaps the smartest, hottest guy at Winterhaven.

Only there’s more to Aidan than meets the eye--much, much more. And once she learns the horrible truth, there’s no turning back from her destiny. Their destiny. Together, Violet and Aidan must face a common enemy--if only they can do so without destroying each other first.

 

I loved this book. The end.

 

When I started reading, my first thought was that the story was so unoriginal. Really? Girl goes to a new school feeling awkward and alone, enter hot guy who keeps to himself who is suddenly totally in love with said girl. I mean, c'mon. Ringing any bells?? I bet you can think of at least 50 off the top of your head. Is this not the storyline in about half of all YA books out there right now?? So, I wasn't thrilled.

 

Then, however...

 

I kept reading.

 

Turns out, this is probably my favorite "retelling" of the same old story. There were twists that I didn't expect. There were concepts that I thought were brilliant that made it so much more intriguing to me than other versions. And really, I need to quit comparing it to anything else, because it was a book on it's own level.

 

This was such an easy, quick read, but I loved the story. Other than the obvious beginning, it was like nothing I've read in a long time. I am dying to tell you why and explain more, but I honestly can't without giving something away.

 

I'd put this on your "To Buy" list. It's definitely worth it.

 

Happy Reading!

***EDIT: I apologize. I forgot some very important information in this post. I was so caught up in my thoughts of the book that these other things just slipped my mind. Forgive me! As this is not published yet, I added the release date of this book at the top of the post. Also, I would like to acknowledge Simon & Schuster, who I received this egalley from for the purpose of review.

Elixir by Hilary Duff

Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent Washington DC politician, she has grown to be a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a career that allows her to travel to the most exotic parts of the world. But after Clea’s father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea’s photos begin to feature eerie, shadowy images of a strange and beautiful man—a man she has never seen before.

When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father’s disappearance, and they discover the centuries old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives—and their futures.



Are you thinking what I'm thinking??

Hilary Duff WROTE a book? Seriously?

I was a bit intrigued, I'll admit. The description actually sounded pretty good, so why not?

My immediate reaction as I began reading this book was that is wasn't relatable. Really-- how many seventeen year old girls do you know have an unlimited supply of cash to travel anywhere in the world on a whim with no parental supervision and not a care in the world? And what parent would allow it, even if their teenager had the means?

BUT...

As I started reading, I actually really liked the idea of the story. Most of it was pretty predictable, but it flowed well. My complaints are few, but you be the judge of how major they are-- First, I felt like it was slow in the beginning, and all the significant happenings were crammed into the last few chapters. There was a certain "turn of events" that felt forced and I was surprised it was even thrown in, to be honest. And then there was the ending....Oh, Hilary. You have so much to learn.

Now, I am not a writer by any stretch of the imagination, but I read more than I breathe, and I know what good writing is. I know what a set-up for a sequel looks like and how cliffhangers work but I am sad to report that Ms. Duff has been poorly informed on these points. The ending was an explosion of chaos that didn't make much sense, and by the last page, I was so lost. Nothing made sense, there was no real set-up for the next book (which I'm sure there will be--otherwise I'm going to have to revise my review and give Elixir a big, fat "thumbs down" for wasting my time), and I closed the book wondering what in the world had just happened??

THAT SAID, I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

I really did like the concept for the book. I just didn't care for the ending. I was mostly impressed by this first attempt at writing from Hilary Duff. I went in with low expectations, and they were exceeded by far. Read this-- and if you can make sense of the ending, let's talk. :)

Happy Reading!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Readers beware. The brilliant, breathtaking conclusion to J.K. Rowling's spellbinding series is not for the faint of heart--such revelations, battles, and betrayals await in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that no fan will make it to the end unscathed. Luckily, Rowling has prepped loyal readers for the end of her series by doling out increasingly dark and dangerous tales of magic and mystery, shot through with lessons about honor and contempt, love and loss, and right and wrong. Fear not, you will find no spoilers in our review--to tell the plot would ruin the journey, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is an odyssey the likes of which Rowling's fans have not yet seen, and are not likely to forget. But we would be remiss if we did not offer one small suggestion before you embark on your final adventure with Harry--bring plenty of tissues.

The heart of Book 7 is a hero's mission--not just in Harry's quest for the Horcruxes, but in his journey from boy to man--and Harry faces more danger than that found in all six books combined, from the direct threat of the Death Eaters and you-know-who, to the subtle perils of losing faith in himself. Attentive readers would do well to remember Dumbledore's warning about making the choice between "what is right and what is easy," and know that Rowling applies the same difficult principle to the conclusion of her series. While fans will find the answers to hotly speculated questions about Dumbledore, Snape, and you-know-who, it is a testament to Rowling's skill as a storyteller that even the most astute and careful reader will be taken by surprise.

A spectacular finish to a phenomenal series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a bittersweet read for fans. The journey is hard, filled with events both tragic and triumphant, the battlefield littered with the bodies of the dearest and despised, but the final chapter is as brilliant and blinding as a phoenix's flame, and fans and skeptics alike will emerge from the confines of the story with full but heavy hearts, giddy and grateful for the experience. --Daphne Durham

 

This is what is listed as the "book description" everywhere I looked for one. The book cover simply says, "We now present the seventh and final installment in the tale of Harry Potter." which I thought was brilliant. I am glad I got to dive into it without knowing where it would go. And I loved this "book description" (which is really a review, obviously)-- I don't know what else I can really add to it except this:

 

I loved Dumbledore's admonition to Harry about choosing between what was right versus what was easy. I thought about it often as I read this book, not only in reference Harry's journey, but also to the author's journey.

 

I have read so many series, and been disappointed so many times by the conclusion. It seems like many authors take the easy road and cheat so many fans by glossing over the conflict.

 

However, with Harry Potter, I was so impressed by J.K. Rowling's determination to tell such a gripping, honest, REALISTIC tale of people at war that she wasn't afraid to do "what was right" in terms of the storyline.

 

This book made me laugh...and cry... a lot. It truly is not conclusion for the "faint of heart", but it was by far the best conclusion I've read yet. With the final book finished, I think I can say that Harry Potter has made it into my very top list of favorite book series. It was a journey-- one I am sad to have ended, but also one I'm so glad I took. I don't want to give anything away, because it really is a journey you have to take on your own--and if you haven't yet, you need to take it! But, keeping tissues handy isn't a bad idea!

 

Happy Reading!

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Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

The war against Voldemort is not going well; even Muggle governments are noticing. Ron scans the obituary pages of the Daily Prophet, looking for familiar names. Dumbledore is absent from Hogwarts for long stretches of time, and the Order of the Phoenix has already suffered losses.

And yet...

As in all wars, life goes on. The Weasley twins expand their business. Sixth-year students learn to Apparate -- and lose a few eyebrows in the process. Teenagers flirt and fight and fall in love. Classes are never straightforward, though Harry receives some extraordinary help from the mysterious Half-Blood Prince.

So it's the home front that takes center stage in the multilayered sixth installment of the story of Harry Potter. Here at Hogwarts, Harry will search for the full and complex story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort -- and thereby find what may be his only vulnerability.

Ladies and Gentlemen-- I think I have a new favorite. With the exception of HP5, these books just keep getting better and better.

I think it's funny that shy, little Ginny Weasley is suddenly a hot commodity at Hogwarts. And she also suddenly has a fire to match her hair. I've always been a fan of her though. I am pleased at the turn of events in a particular relationship status of hers. I just want to say... FINALLY. Am I the only one who felt that way? (P.S. I'm pretty sure I just love the entire Weasley family.)

I thought this was the most complex book of the series so far. I enjoyed reading about Harry's lessons with Dumbledore and learning more about Tom Riddle (aka Lord Voldemort)'s history. There were so many important things in the book that they seemed to have simply left out of the movie.

I actually remember going to see The Half Blood Prince movie with my husband when it was in theaters. I kept leaning over to him and asking if he had any clue what was going on. :) Last night when we were talking about it, he even confessed that he didn't even remember going to the movie. The things I remembered thinking were this-- I don't get it. Is Snape good or bad then? Why is the Half Blood Prince called that? There were many more questions I had that I can't talk about without revealing too much. The book just seemed to make so much more sense to me than the movie and it answered all of my questions.

Again, I have the thought though, Why have I not read these before now??

On a different note, today is the final day of the Potter-Thon hosted by Lori at Pure Imagination. I can't believe I actually read 6 of the 7 books. I wanted to get through all of them, but once I dove into them and got sucked into the complex, thought-provoking story, I am surprised I read as many as I did! I know some of you are dying for a review of something other than Harry Potter, but I wanted to say thank you for sticking it out with me this month. I have tons of great books to review in the coming weeks, but don't be surprised to see the final Harry Potter review sooner, rather than later.

Happy Reading!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

There is a door at the end of a silent corridor. And it's haunting Harry Potter's dreams. Why else would he be waking in the middle of the night, screaming in terror?

Harry has a lot on his mind for this, his fifth year at Hogwarts: a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher with a personality like poisoned honey; a big surprise on the Gryffindor Quidditch team; and the looming terror of the Ordinary Wizarding Level exams. But all these things pale next to the growing threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named--a threat that neither the magical government nor the authorities at Hogwarts can stop.

As the grasp of darkness tightens, Harry must discover the true depth and strength of his friends, the importance of boundless loyalty, and the shocking price of unbearable sacrifice.

His fate depends on them all.

I'm not really sure what I want to say here. I'm wondering if, when these came out, there was such a tremendous HP fever that few noticed how incredibly boring this book was. I've been trying to get through it for over a week--which may be a record for me-- and I ended up reading two other books while I was reading this.

I don't think the problem is that I am burnt out on HP. I had a movie marathon and watched the six movies that are out on DVD this last weekend. I was certain that I had never seen the fifth movie.... until I started watching it. I remebered that I hated the movie too, and I must have blocked it out at some point. It honestly was even a struggle to watch the 2+ hour movie.

I hated the character of Professor Umbridge (which I think is the point, but still...) I was bummed that one of my very favorite people died. And because of certain things that took place in book 4, it seemed like Harry was angry at everyone for much of this book, which it explains in this long, drawn out story. What happened to sweet, little Harry Potter? Can he come back now?? I miss him.

The bright spots in the book were Dumbledore's Army and this conversation between Hermione, Ron, and Harry:

"Don't you understand how Cho's feeling at the moment? she asked.

"No," said Harry and Ron together.

Hermione sighed and laid down her quill.

"Well, obviously, she's feeling very sad, because of Cedric dying. Then I expect she's feeling confused because she liked Cedric and now she likes Harry, and she can't work out who she likes best. Then she'll be feeling guilty, thinking it's an insult to Cedric's memory to be kissing Harry at all, and she'll be worrying about what everyone else might say about her if she starts going out with Harry. And she probably can't work out what her feelings toward Harry are anyway, because he was the one who was with Cedric when Cedric died, so that's all mixed up and painful. Oh, and she's afraid she's going to be thrown off the Ravenclaw Quidditch team because she's been flying so badly."

A sightly stunned silence greeted the end of this speech, then Ron said, "One person can't feel all that at once, they'd explode."

I laughed and laughed. This was the silver lining for me. And the conversation took place about halfway through, so it was exactly what I needed to keep me reading. Something light in a doom and gloom sort of story.

It just goes to show you--Bigger is not always better. I'm glad to see the next book is about half the size of this monster. Perhaps the author ran out of steam??

(I never would have made it through this book either without the book on CD, so a big thank you to my mother-in-law for loaning it to me!)

Can't wait to read the next one! (I hear it's tied with the seventh for the best in the series!)

Happy Reading!

Under Construction

Hey all! I wanted to let you know that Reading for Refuge is going to be changing in the next few weeks. There may be some kinks along the way, but I am excited to update the look and feel of my blog. Remember, most change is good. But if you hate it or are having any problems navigating, let me know! I want it to appeal to my readers, so I'd love feedback on anything you'd like to see changed, or things you don't want to change.

Please be patient with me! I'm not very tech-savvy, so it may take a bit. I will still be posting reviews as changes are happening, so keep checking back! Thanks!

Happy Reading!

Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

Release Date: February 8, 2011

The small town of Cryer’s Cross is rocked by tragedy when an unassuming freshman disappears without a trace. Kendall Fletcher wasn’t that friendly with the missing girl, but the angst wreaks havoc on her OCD-addled brain.

When a second student goes missing—someone close to Kendall’s heart—the community is in an uproar. Caught in a downward spiral of fear and anxiety, Kendall’s not sure she can hold it together. When she starts hearing the voices of the missing, calling out to her and pleading for help, she fears she’s losing her grip on reality. But when she finds messages scratched in a desk at school—messages that could only be from the missing student who used to sit there—Kendall decides that crazy or not, she’d never forgive herself if she didn’t act on her suspicions.

Something’s not right in Cryer’s Cross—and Kendall’s about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried.

This book was creepy. Seriously creepy. Who thinks up these crazy stories??

I actually enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. But then, I always love a good, chilling story. This is a short one-only 240 pages-but I thought the storyline flowed well. I didn't particularly care for how the story was written and the short, stilted sentences that were often used. However, I liked Kendall and Jacian's characters. In my opinion, they more than made up for the awkward writing style.

I liked the solid buildup of the story. Kendall's best friend Nico disappears and over the weeks he's missing, she develops a friendship with the most unlikely person. But then, as she's trying to come to terms with Nico's disappearance, she begins to notice writing on the desk Nico sat at during school. Not only that, but when she touches the writing, she hears his voice asking for help. Begging her to save him.

But, at the most crucial point--the climax-- the story kind of fizzled out for me. I kept thinking, "Really? That's it?? That was like, one page." However, the story was redeemed with the explanation of what really happened. It was, well, creepy.

If you are a fan of scary books, this is one to check out. It wasn't so much scare-your-pants-off as it was disturbing. I know I'll have this one on my mind for a while.

Happy Reading!

**I received this egalley from the publisher.