The Taking

Oh my goodness … where do I start!  How about … I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!  I didn’t know what to think when I first picked it up.  It’s not my “usual” read.  However, I was pleasantly surprised.  I was surprised by the characters.  I was surprised by the plot.  I was surprised by how entertainingly brilliant the book was.  It kept me locked in my room, reading … only coming up for air to eat.  The Taking was everything I hoped for and more.

Kyra was the heroine.  She was your typical teenager, trying to figure out what path her life was going to take.  One night, everything changed.  After getting in a fight with her dad, she disappeared.  To Kyra, it seemed like she was only gone for the night.  However, five years had gone by and EVERYTHING had changed.  Life had gone on without her and now she was trying to figure out how she fit in with all the changes.  I don’t want to say too much because part of what I loved most about the book was not knowing what was around the corner.  I liked discovering things as Kyra was discovering them and trying to figure out the puzzle that The Taking revealed so amazingly.

There was a swoon-worthy love interest in the novel.  Kimberly Derting wrote it brilliantly.  Just the right amount of “crushing” to go along with a sixteen year old brain.  It was a sweet relationship that flowed easily and worked perfectly.

The plot was fast moving and kept me hooked throughout the entire book.  There were tons of thrills and secrets that kept me in the roll as “novel-detective” … trying to figure out what was going to happen next.  This was definitely a “can’t-put-down” book!  (This book has already cycled through two others in my family ... Dad/Husband included.  PS - He LOVED it!)

The Taking was an incredible YA paranormal romance.  I absolutely loved it!  And the ending … oh my goodness!  Just read it.  See what I’m talking about.  I’m sure you will love it too!

Here’s a little bit more about what The Taking is all about:

Splintered

It’s national “Mad Hatter Day”!  This is the perfect day for me!!!  Why?  I guess the best way to explain it is to show you what is on my computer screen every time I log on …

That’s my life in a quote … a little crazy!  But that’s the way I like it.  J

In honor of this amazing day, I want to introduce one of my favorite books to you … SPLINTERED!

This stunning debut novel delves into the mad, magical, delicious, much-loved world of Wonderland.  When I first heard about this book, I was instantly taken by the idea of this story.  It has wonderful connections to the Alice Story we’ve known for years … taking us into the life of Alice’s very own great-great-great granddaughter – Alyssa.  However, I must admit, I almost passed this novel by.  I was attending the Vegas Valley Book Festival when A.G. Howard was there.  I picked up Splintered a few times thinking, “This is a book I would LOVE to read!”  The problem was … I had already spent TONS of money and this was one I decided to cut.  My daughter saw me contemplating the purchase and after seeing me put the book back down, secretly bought it for me, had the author sign it, and gave it to me for Christmas.  I am sooooo happy she did!

One of the things I loved about this book was A.G, Howard’s incredible talent for “world-building”. 

She takes the original Alice story and twists and turns it inside out.  This is NOT Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland.  This is a Wonderland that is darker, more seductive and more terrifying … but gorgeous and magical at the same time.  Everything Alyssa thought she knew was wrong or false.  I loved how we got a completely new “this-is-what-really-happened” story.  It’s brilliant!

If you were to ask me which character I liked best, I couldn’t tell you.  Each one was a “stand-out” on its own.

Alyssa - here's how I pictured her:

Alyssa at first appears … ummm … different.  She can hear the whispers of insects and flowers and is afraid of becoming what every women in her family has become … cursed with madness.  However, as you get to know her better, you warm up to her.  She’s independent, she’s sympathetic, she’s delightful, and above all – she’s brave.

Then there’s Jeb:

Jeb is the "best-friend" who is not the stereotypical boy-next-door.  He is definitely swoon worthy.  He is protective, a loyal friend, sensitive, and honest.  He is ruled by his emotions and sometimes that wasn’t a good thing.  Overall, “Team Jeb” has tons to brag about.

But we can’t forget about Team Morpheus!  When I read about Morpheus, this is the picture that came to my mind.

Morpheus is a Wonderland native who (we see hints) is madly in love with Alyssa and trying to win her over.  He is seduction and mystery, expertly wrapped into a dark, enticing package.  He’s all black wings, cockney accent, and a fetish for well-made hats.  In my opinion, Morpheus is sly, sexy, mischievous, and has his own way of caring.  He’s the guy we’re not supposed to like … so naturally … we like him more. 

All the other characters and creatures we meet along the way are based on the original Alice books but are definitely more twisted.

Splintered is a "can’t-put-down" book!  I found myself cheering for Alyssa as she went through her “tests” on her road to self-discovery.  I gasped along with her as family secrets were revealed.  I found myself walking beside her as I was sucked into the world of Wonderland, wanting to jump in and help her at times.  But what I especially appreciated was that Alyssa went through everything she went through out of love for her mother and father, and in the process, learned who she really was. 

The bottom line: you won’t regret reading this Splintered.  Its pages are full of heart-pounding adventure, and an unforgettable romance … not to mention a story you'll be thinking about for a long, long time.

Stay “mad” everyone!  After all … we’re all a little like that!

Here’s a closer look at what Splintered is all about:

Another Great Book ... Doon

"Doon"

If you had the chance to travel to a magical, fairy-tale-type kingdom with swoon-worthy princes in kilts … 

would you go?  What if there was a chance you may never be able to return home again … would that change things for you?  That’s the dilemma that two best friends found themselves in, as they set off on an adventure of a lifetime.

Veronica and MacKenna planned to spend the summer in Scotland after MacKenna inherited her late Aunt’s cottage.  Before departing on the trip, Veronica sees glimpses of a handsome guy in a kilt that seems to be calling for her to follow him.  Does this guy really exist or is she going crazy?

Doon was the perfect book for me to read.  I am a big fan of fairy tale retellings – this you may already know.  What you may not know is that I also love musicals!  So you can imagine my excitement when I found a book that was not only a fairy tale retelling but one that was also based loosely around the legend of Brigadoon (yes, the Gene Kelly musical).

Still want other reasons to love Doon … OK … here they are:

#1 – The girls themselves.  MacKenna and Veronica are so well written.  They feel like real girls.  We get glimpses of their insecurities but we also are shown their strengths … and their friendship to each other is a huge strength!  Too many YA novels show teen girls more as frenemies than loyal, best friends who are each other’s biggest fans.  Together, MacKenna and Veronica are strong.

#2 - The setting.  Scotland is the land of fairy tales!  You just look at pictures and the magic just jumps off the photo at you.  There couldn't have been a more perfect environment set, to spin the tale of Doon.

#3 – I love the hidden messages throughout.  Like … true fairy tales take work!  And … there may not always be a happy ending.  Or … don’t be a damsel-in-distress.  Find your own courage – you don’t need a Prince to save you!

And … #4 - Heart pounding romance!  May I remind you about the hot Princes in kilts?  Need I say more?

Doon was a fun read and any fairy tale and musical lover will find it as enticing as I did.  When reading Doon, I felt like I stepped into another world.  If only I could really travel there and spend a day exploring this exciting kingdom!  Instead I will just have to imagine what it’s like as I read the second book, “Destined for Doon” which came out this week!!!  The wait is over!

Here's a closer look at what Doon is all about:

Surprise Saturday Book Review

"City of Heavenly Fire"

I had to do a post to review this book. I know I'm behind but I just finished this little gem this morning. Let me tell you, I hate to admit when I make a mistake (my husband will agree) but I was WRONG ... but wrong in a good way. There are a few series I have read in the past that at the beginning I LOVED.  Then they keep writing more and more when the series could have ended 5 books back. (cough...House Of Night...cough) I was afraid that this was where this series was heading. After I finished The Infernal Devices series I was a little "shadowhuntered" out. That's why it took me so long to read this book.  However, I was WRONG ... DEAD WRONG! This was the perfect ending to this series. Cassandra Clare took us on a whirlwind adventure as the Shadowhunters fought to save the world from Sebastian aka Jonathan. The book kept me on my toes and although I was sure they would pull through, made me constantly ask, "How are they going to get through this one?"

Now for the best news ... there is another spin off coming in 2015!! The story will begin 5 years after the Dark War and will be based on the Blackthorns and Emma Carstairs, whom we met in Heavenly Fire. I absolutely love Emma Carstairs and am excited to read on about her adventure and quest for revenge. 

One thing I wish is that we could have seen the seelie queen at the end of Heavenly Fire, I don't want to spoil more then I have but I learned to hate her and I would have loved to see her in the end (but I have a feeling she will play a big roll in the next series).

To Read what Heavenly Fire is all about, keep reading...

"Ruby Red"

O.k ... it's Monday, so you know what that means?!?!   That's right.  Another review of another great book for you to read!  

I recently got "Ruby Red" by Kerstin Gier but didn't have high hopes for it because one of my friends started to read it and never finished.  Well ... I was pleasantly surprised!  At first I didn't know what to think.  It didn't grab my attention right off the bat.  I felt the beginning moved a bit slow; however, once I got a few chapters in, I couldn't put it down.  There was a girl whose life turned upside down when she found out she could time travel. This same girl could also see ghosts.  That alone makes for a good read but then you add the "cherry-on-top" ... a hot boy she couldn't get out of her mind!  I would recommend this novel.  The mystery of the book caught my attention and I HAD to get the next book and the one after that so I could find out how everything ended.  If you love a good mystery with romance and a good time travel - this is the book for you.  

Here is what the book is about:  

"Tiger's Curse"

This book is my newest obsession!!!  Ok … before I begin, I need to go back in history a bit.  A few years ago, I was on a “get-away-and-relax trip” and one of girls that was with us was reading this book.  She told me about it … I listened … and didn’t think too much more about it.  I guess the premise just didn’t grab a hold of me.  Then recently a different friend recommended it again.  This time I thought, “Let’s give it a try.  I have nothing else to read.”  Oh my gosh!  This book, this breathtaking, thrilling, romantic, and an utterly perfect book.  It swept me away in blissful awe.

I found myself completely trapped by the story, the setting, and the characters!  What could be better than a combination of India, mythical stories, an enchanted curse, and incredibly perfect young princes?  And the romance … I better not say too much except to say … it was gush worthy, butterflies in the stomach inducing, and breathtaking!  Everything was in place for the perfect read.

"Wings"

I really shouldn’t have read this book.  Firstly, I had just finished a series that I LOVED.  Secondly, I had passed by this book many times wondering if it would be something I liked.  I guess I should have gone with my gut instinct.

I think what kept pulling me back to it, was that Stephenie Meyer strongly endorsed it and put it on one of her “Must Read” lists.  I’m not saying I’m a Stephenie Meyer nut … I’m just thinking that an author who has been so successful tuning into the masses, might know what she is talking about.  So, against my better judgment, I decided to give it a try.  Wrong decision.

"The Star-Crossed"

Oh my gosh!  How do I start.  First off … I decided to clump all four books in the “Star-Crossed” series together because … well … I read them all in four days!  I think that alone sums up my thoughts on these books.  : )  All I can say is these books were incredible!

I’m a romance nut.  I love the sweet stories of love and adventure, but it’s so hard to find this genre of book not filled with inappropriate garbage.  Rachel Higginson does an amazing job creating a storyline where your heart tugs for the relationships penned, as well as, keeping some decorum in the descriptions.

"Witch & Wizard"

I hate making these kind of reviews, but with that said … here it goes.  I think my main problem I had with this novel, was that I was expecting a lot from this book when I first picked it up.  It wasn't bad.  It just wasn't up to the expectations I had.

The premise was good.  The story itself was okay.  It just seemed a bit slow.  Nothing much really happened.  I could probably summarize the book in a few sentences.  Don’t get me wrong … the story wasn’t terrible … it actually kept me curiously interested and I kept reading until the end, just to find out how it would finish.

"Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children"

You know the old saying … “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover”?  This old adage definitely applies to “Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children”.  When I first saw this book, I didn’t know what to expect.  I was pleasantly surprised to find, within it’s pages, and tale of adventure, mystery, monsters, and “peculiar” children.

From the beginning I was trapped.  The book moved along smoothly and I found myself wanting to read more.  The characters were well developed and I loved all the different personalities and traits they all displayed.

However, there were a few things that I struggled with.  I am reluctant to include them in my review because I would rather you read the book and form your own opinion.  I do strongly recommend this novel.  It’s thrilling, suspenseful, and when you reach the end … you are left wanting more.  (And more is definitely on the way.)

Here’s a quick look at what  “Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children” is all about:

"The Hourglass Door"

I thought "The Hourglass Door" was really good.  It has all the stuff an amazing story should have.  Adventure, a bit of mystery, and love story mixed in.  ; )  I would recommend everyone, to read this.  It is an easy read but kept me entertained through the whole thing; a magical story.  Thanks Mom and Sis for telling me to read it!  I love the characters and am so excited to start the next one to find out what happens on a HUGE cliffhanger.  Lisa Mangum did a great job telling the concept of time so we all loved and understood it!  Two thumbs up!  Check out the above video and the summary below!

"Dark Secrets"

Looking for a mystery ... but one that still has a little romance on the side?  Then I recommend reading "Dark Secrets".  This novel contains two books put in one.  The two books are called "Legacy of Lies" and "Don’t Tell".  Both books are unrelated to each other as far as cast of characters or story line goes.  However, they both equally caught my attention and kept me wanting to read more.  Some parts, I was not crazy about.  Like ... sitting up by myself late at night reading and jumping to creaks and night time noises of the house.  Needless to say, I am not the best when it comes to scray parts of a story.  But overall, it was a good book.  I loved that I found myself trying to figure out the mystery before the stories ended.  I also love (and I know I sound like a broken record) the romance that was thrown in as the icing on the cake.  I am a girl who loves a little romance!  I usually don’t read mysteries but I actually enjoyed this book a lot.

Check out what "Dark Secrets" is about:

"Dark Mirror"

This book was ... fine. It took awhile to get moving. It wasn't until I was over half way through the book that I started being drawn to the story. I wish there would have been more interaction with the romance side of the story. That might have left me feeling more invested in the characters. I did enjoy the historical facts in the story ... fact mixed with fiction is always a good combination.

It is still a book I would recommend ... it's just not a recommendation that would come with fanfare and fireworks.

Here's some more details on "Dark Mirror":

"Timeless"

Ok ... so I'm off and running ...

The first book I'm posting is "Timeless" by Alexandra Monir.  My Mom read this book first and suggested that I give it a whirl.  At first it took me a couple of chapters to get into this novel, but after those few chapters, I could not put the book down!  As I recall, unlike many books today, "Timeless" is a clean book so it is perfect for any age.  (Especially those who love thrilling romances like me.)  I was happy to find that in the pages I was reading ... there were many surprises that kept me constantly wondering what was going to happen next.  This book found me crying at times, laughing at times, and at the end ... it left me wanting more.  I am definitely keeping my eyes out for the sequel!

Here is a little rundown on what Timeless is about: