Monday, November 29, 2010

Review: Unearthly ARC by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly
Title: Unearthly
Author: Cynthia Hand
Publishes: January 4, 2011
Hardcover: 448 pages
Reading Level: YA
My copy: Netgalley.com
My rating: 5 out of 5 wicked stars
Blurb (from Amazon.com):

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.


My quick wicked thoughts...Oh my...this was one book I could not put down, it was a refreshing new look at angels and I loved it!

Why I was tempted to read this...I thought the blurb sounded interesting but I had no idea how much I would be sucked in on this one.

Cover thoughts...It's pretty amazing

Romance meter...The romance is suspenseful, it kept me interested and wanting to know. The two love interests were somewhat a mystery...who to trust? who not to trust?

Characters and plot...I found it refreshing that that our main character, Clara, wasn't immediately loved by all the boys in the new school where they move to help her complete her purpose as an angel blood. This is more realistic in that she isn't perfect but she is such an engaging character that you just really get involved in her life.  As she see more and more of her visions about her purpose she realizes the guy involved is the hot untouchable popular guy, Christian, who really will not give her the time of day.  She befriends a girl the first day, Wendy, who becomes an ally...and who also has a hot brother...that for some reason has it in for Clara and is giving her a hard time constantly. The characters develop well and the book flows perfectly, I stayed up late to finish this one.  You dont know who to trust, who is telling the truth and how it will all end until...the end, and then everything changes.

The ending...You think everything is all wrapped up...until you read the very ending and you have some unanswered questions...one that obviously won't be answered until the next book.  It was a bit of cliffhanger and I was definitely left wanting more.  I have not seen a date for book #2 yet.

Review: The Iron Queen ARC by Julie Kagawa


Title: The Iron Queen
Author:  Julie Kagawa
Releases: February 1, 2011
Paperback: 368 pages
Reading Level: YA
My Copy: NetGalley.com
My rating: 4.5 out of 5 wicked stars





Blurb (from Netgalley.com):

In less than twenty-four hours I’ll be seventeen.

Although, technically, I won’t actually be turning seventeen. I’ve been in the Nevernever too long. When you’re in Faery, you don’t age. So while a year has passed in the real world, agewise I’m probably only a few days older than when I went in.

In real life, I’ve changed so much I don’t even recognize myself.
 
MY NAME IS MEGHAN CHASE.
I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who’s sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I’m not sure anyone can survive it.
THIS TIME,

THERE WILL BE NO TURNING BACK. 


My quick wicked thoughts...Another awesomely written and developed book by Julie Kagawa, it does not disappoint!

Why I was tempted to read this...I loved The Iron King and the Iron Daughter, so this was a given.

Cover thoughts...It is fabulous like all the Iron Fey covers

Romance meter...Awww...there is some major Ash and Meghan interaction in this one! I have always been Team Ash so I loved that and loved getting to know more about him and Meghan as their characters grew in this book.

Characters and plot...I thought the characters grew a lot in this book...you see Meghan growing and maturing...and taking on a LOT of responsibility. You see Ash's obvious love for her.  You get to see lots of Grim, how awesome is that?  Puck comes back into the story and I wondered how he would relate to the Ash/Meghan couple, but circumstances push the 3 of them together for quite a journey.  This book had it all...love, suspense, action, fighting, fey magic and an ending that will make you wish you had the next book in the series to pick up immediately!

The ending...The ending opened up for the next book perfectly...I can't wait to read it.  It seems so hopeless for everyone but I know the author will not leave us hanging...I hope!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Review: Steel ARC by Carrie Vaughn



Title: Steel
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Hardcover: 304 pages
Reading Level: YA
Published: March 15, 2011
My Copy: Around the World Tours
My rating: 3.5 out of 5 wicked stars



Blurb (from Around the World Tours):

Summary:  When Jill, a competitive high school fencer, goes with her family on vacation to the Bahamas, she is magically transported to an early eighteenth century pirate ship in the middle of the ocean.

My quick wicked thoughts...An adventerous story with lots of sword fighting but falling short on character depth and romance.

Why I was tempted to read this...I was so excited to read this when I read the blurb and the cover is great

Cover thoughts...I love it...very magical

Romance meter...Eh.  I was REALLY hoping for some more romance in this book, there was so much chance for it but it really disappoints in that area.

Characters and plot...The book had lots of adventure, sword fighting and drama.  I felt it lacked character development...I would like to get more into Jill's head but it seemed to be told from an observer point of view.  As I already mentioned, the was also lacking in the romance department so I was kinda bummed about that.  The action was enough to keep you interested and reading the book though.

The ending...was about what was expected, no huge surprises there.  It ends good, but I don't really see this as a series, more of a stand alone book. I didn't find anything on the author's website to confirm that.

 
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