Jess N

Let me tell you, I was sincerely impressed with Snow Day. There is a hook at the beginning that draws you in and then, before you know it, you're flipping the last page with shaking fingers. To say that Dan Maurer's book is a thriller is a bit of an understatement. I'd equate it more to one of those horror movies that you just can't look away from. Sure the overall story is a thriller, but at its heart this connects to the reader on a visceral level.

What really struck me was how such a simple concept was turned into such a shiver inducing story. Billy Stone lives in the idyllic world of the 70's. His family believes that the small, suburban neighborhood they live in will protect him from anything that might mean him harm. As long as he stays on his block, life is good. Or is it? Dan Maurer explores the darkness that always lurks beneath the surface of any “perfect” place and he does it with expertise.

The one thing that left a little wanting for me was how quickly the book moved. I know this is a novella, and a very well written one at that. However I can happily admit that I wouldn't have a single problem following Billy's story through a full fledged novel. I love getting to know the characters I'm rooting for, and in this case I barely skimmed their surfaces. Still, I can't deny I loved every minute of it.

If you're a fan of stories that will make your pulse pound and your fingers fly across the pages, Snow Day is a novella you definitely need to add to your TBR. Part thriller, part horror novel, I devoured every minute of it. I know that you will too.

The Ripple in Space-Time The Ripple in Space-Time is set well into the future, in a time when the outer reaches of space have been colonized. The human race lives spread throughout the galaxy, and I can't deny that I was drawn in by the possibility of such a vast world of people. Through a mix of news reports and narrative, S.F. Chapman shares with readers a world where anything is possible. This is definitely what I enjoyed most about this book. Although I would have liked the opportunity to explore this universe a little more, it was very immersive in its own right.
 
The world is populated with some great characters. The problem is that there are so many that it is tough at times to keep them straight. This is helped with the addition of an appendix. However I felt like I really didn't get to know some of the characters as well as I would have liked. Ryo would definitely have to be my favorite though. The way he handles situations really makes him shine.
 
What really hampered my total enjoyment of this book though was the writing style. The Ripple in Space-Time is extremely heavy handed in the science department, which is to be expected I suppose. I was okay with it for the most part. It was the overuse of adjectives and adverbs that really drove me crazy while reading. A sentence that could be written in 5 or 6 words would end up as a paragraph. It was maddening, and made it difficult for me to fully appreciate the story line. I see a lot of readers being turned off by this fact. Still, I can promise that the story itself is well worth your time.
 
Overall I felt good upon finishing The Ripple in Space Time. It did remind me of why I don't read a lot of Science Fiction anymore. You really have to be invested in the science behind the world that is being built to fully understand the whole story line. While there were definitely things that could have been done better, I enjoyed the story as a whole. Pick this up if you're a fan of Science Fiction.

As I dive more and more into the Romance genre, I'm still learning what is out there. The Goddess by Robyn Grady is definitely more of your classic romance fare compared to what I've read so far. We have the perfect setting in a secluded island, a gorgeous and vibrant woman as our female lead, and a rather yummy prince as our male lead. If you're thinking this all leads to a whirlwind romance, you'd be right.

I have to say that I really liked Helene's character right from the beginning. She's witty, slightly clumsy, and just the right amount of “everyday person” that helps the reader melt into the book. Helene's view of the world is so exciting. To her, it is all one big adventure that needs to be lived. The scene when she first meets the prince made me giggle out loud! I really couldn't have asked for a better female protagonist to follow.

My feelings for the prince, however, were hot and cold. Darius Vasily is a typical royal. Used to getting what he wants, and not always mindful of the way he comes across, it took me a while to warm up to him. I think this is why I was so happy Helene was the yin to his yang. Together, they balanced one another out. Separately, I likely wouldn't have wanted to follow Darius anywhere. I'm sure plenty of readers will fall for his princely charms. I just wasn't swayed very easily.

Towards the middle of the book is where things really started to slow down for me. The story went from a whirlwind romance, to more of a soap opera plot. Again, I am still new to the genre. I'm certain that lovers of classical romances will adore the twists and turns that Helene and Darius go through in their quest to be together. So, I'm really of two minds when it comes to The Goddess. I can honestly say that for my first romp into Robyn Grady's books, I liked it. I'll likely seek out more from her. If you are a fan of romances that take place in exotic settings, with royal undertones, definitely pick up a copy of The Goddess.

The Magic Circle It's difficult for me to pinpoint exactly how I feel about The Magic Circle, but I can absolutely tell you that this is a very different kind of read. Meshing together history and gaming with the concept of human nature, I was definitely not expecting what I found between these pages. This might sound like your normal mystery or thriller book. I can assure you, however, that it is not.
 
The Magic Circle starts out very deliberately by explaining to readers, through dialogue mostly, what it means to “game” and how this will affect the characters in the writing to come. It was a little tough for me to push through the first fifty pages or so. Jenny Davidson does a nice job of introducing the main players in this story, but it is almost buried under the amount on information that is offered up at the same time. I didn't really feel that I was able to meet Ruth, Lucy and Anna until much later.
 
Which brings me to my biggest issue with these women, actually. I understood that they were graduate students. I understood that they were intellectuals. However the dialogue and the way that they interact all seemed so stilted to me. I'm a well read person. I enjoy deep and thought provoking reads. Yet I had no idea that there would be such a dense amount of vocabulary in their conversations. It was almost as if their copious drinking was thrown in just to show they were college students.
 
Once the book does take off, essentially once Anders enters the scene, it becomes much easier to follow along with Davidson's characters. The mystery aspect is there, mixed in with the concept of showing dark desires we all possess. By the time I was at the end, I was much more invested in the book. I raged when I realized that the book was nearing its end, and I likely wouldn't have all of my questions answered.
 
The Magic Circle was a bit of a roller coaster ride for this reader. There were parts I pushed through, others I devoured, and at the end I couldn't quite decide how I felt. I honestly still can't. What I can say is that this is a different read, and worth a read if for no other reason than that. Go into this with an open mind and you might just find a new read to love.

Land Of The Awoken I think it's important to mention straight out that I'm a huge lover of Fantasy novels. There is nothing I love more than being swept away in an epic adventure. Meeting dragons, elves, and anything else that might come my way is my favorite way to spend a book! So I was very excited to settle in and devour Land of the Awoken.
 
What first struck me was how vivid the world Callum finds himself in was, honestly from the very first page. Ben Fielder's writing flows beautifully across the page and is perfectly descriptive. I was able to see what Callum saw, and to visualize myself right alongside him. Isn't that what being swept up in a book is all about?This story is filled with adventure, mystery and quite a few epic battles. Exactly what I wanted.
 
Admittedly, what I had the hardest time with was the point of view that Callum's story is told from. One of the beautiful things about a Fantasy novel, at least in my mind, is that it feels like a bed time story. Something that happened in the past, and that you wish you could go back and see. Land of the Awoken is written in third person present, which was tough for me to get into. It felt a bit more like a screenplay than a novel, and I really missed feeling fully immersed in the story. Keep in mind this is purely my own personal opinion. Others might love the “here and now” point of view.
 
Other than a few minor grammar issues, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I believe that with a little more polish, Land of the Awoken has serious potential! The characters were amazing, the writing was beautiful, it is just about the whole package. I can definitely tell you that I'll be keeping an eye on Ben Fielder's writing. I can't wait to see what he writes next!

Isn't this cover gorgeous?

Truly, I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened Prayer for the Dead. The prospect of getting a glimpse into the afterlife was enough to catch my attention. The fact that Olivia and I seemed to be kindred spirits and the addition of a hot, brooding guy were just icing on the cake. What I didn't expect was to be so lost in Olivia's story that I was unable to tear my eyes from the page. What a perfectly wonderful surprise.

Olivia stole my heart from the moment I met her. Her razor sharp wit, her easygoing manner, and the slight tinge of pain that lurked beneath her surface all meshed into something I could relate to. Olivia is strong, even if she has to fake it at times. I adored how layered her character was. Every choice she made, every hurt she endured, I was right there with her.

Meeting the other characters only further cemented my love for this book. Each of them had their own distinct personality; their own quirks that made them shine. Tore, Drake, Devon, Portia and Zane each had a piece of my heart by the end of the book. They weren't simply supporting characters. Nicki Scalise pours emotion and depth into every one of them and, I must admit, it'd be futile to try to pick a favorite.

I'm sure my character gushing has you wondering about the story surrounding them. Olivia's story is filled with dark pasts, secrets, and just the perfect amount of romance. The world built around her is solid and extremely interesting. I thought this story was balanced almost the entire way through. It was only the ending, which does set up another book beautifully, that felt a bit rushed for me. I'm willing to overlook it. I'm too eager for the next book.

The point remains that Prayer for the Dead needs to be on your reading list. If you're a fan of Paranormal Romance, of strong characters with vivid pasts, this is your book.

Escape Theory My first thought upon finishing Escape Theory? Whoa. This book is like a runaway train and a wonderful soap opera mixed together. Friendship, secrets, scandal, it's all here and Margaux Froley has written a book that is hard to put down once you start. Be warned my friends, this is a book you'll read straight through in one sitting.
 
Devon has always been an observer. The one who watches rather than participates. The one who listens rather than speaks. After the death of Hutch she decides to put it to good use by becoming a counselor. I really liked this aspect of the story. It allowed Devon to dive deeper into the people who surrounded Hutch while he was alive, and therefore allowed me to slowly unravel the mystery. Oh, and what a gorgeously written mystery it was. You won't see the ending coming at all.
 
I'm getting ahead of myself though. Really, what kept me reading more than anything was the relationship between Devon and Hutch. This isn't a story of a girl who is utterly distraught over the death of her boyfriend. Instead, the relationship between these two is more complicated and yet infinitely more interesting. Devon is strong, but you can still see the cracks in her facade. It makes her more human and, in my opinion, more likable. The stakes are high for Devon as she tries to figure out what really happened the night Hutch died. I felt myself really connecting with her, and it made me love this book so much more.
 
When I said this book is like a soap opera, I meant it. It can feel a little over the top at times, but the characters are bright and vivid, the scenery perfect for a mystery of this magnitude. This is a story that you'll eat up from start to finish and, more than likely, your mouth will be hanging open at the ending. I adored Margeaux Froley's Escape Theory and I honestly can't wait for more.

Untold Damage Mark Mallen is a man on his way back up. Once an undercover cop, his life hit a downward spiral after he became addicted to heroin. I appreciated how realistic Mallen's character was. There is a truth to the way that he functions as a recovering junkie. In fact, it is the struggle that he goes through, both mentally and physically, that makes him so easy to connect with. You don't have to have experience with withdrawals to know what Mark is going through. He shows you.
 
In the same respect, the underground world of drugs and violence isn't sugar coated. Living in the “Loin” is portrayed as a daily battle. Robert K. Lewis shows the reader how dark things can get in the parts of town other people avoid. However it isn't all darkness. For every person who holds him back, there is one who builds Mallen back up. I rather liked that he had a few guardian angels here and there.
 
My biggest issue with this read was really just that the majority of it is dialogue. As a less frequent reader of crime thrillers like this, I'm not sure if this is the norm. However I would have liked to see more action, more suspense, and maybe a little bit more of the dark world Mallen had fallen into. I feel like I would have been more immersed.
 
The ending did surprise me, and I'll admit that upon finishing I was rather intrigued at what is coming next. It seems this is being written as a series! If that's the case, I'd be willing to follow Robert K. Lewis further in. If you are a fan of books that mesh crime thrillers and mysteries, Untold Damage is definitely a book to check out.

I'm rather in love with Craven Place. Although it took the story a little bit to pull me in, it wasn't long before I was caught up in Richard Wright's web. This book isn't as straightforward as you might think it would be. The twists come out of nowhere and that, more than anything, is what kept me reading on. I remember Richard Wright telling me that he believed this to be a very “British” sort of book, and I'm inclined to agree.

The setting, a crumbling cottage in a desolate clearing, really sets the atmosphere. I felt the evil brewing within the walls of the house from page one. What's interesting is that I wasn't certain what timeline Wright's story takes place in. Tanith and Nicholas have a very old world feel to them, while the other characters feel like they fit more in current times. It makes for a story that feels broad, and allows you to sink into it. You might not believe the ghost story, but you'll still want to know what happens next.

More than anything what I want to share is how this isn't your normal ghost story. Part horror, part thriller and part mystery, it's almost in a genre all it's own. I don't want to spoil anything, trust me. Part of the joy of Craven Place is letting it unfold and lead you where it may. I have a feeling some readers might not like the change in pace throughout, but I for one thought it made for an intriguing read. To me, ghost stories don't always have logical endings. This is no exception.

If you're a lover of cozy mysteries, or ghostly tales, it's likely you'll enjoy Craven Place. As I said, it takes a bit for things to pick up. Once they do, it's hard not to keep reading on. I was a fan of Richard Wright's first novel, which was completely different than this. I'm a fan of this one too. Any author that can take their writing across genres and still shine is a winner in my book. More please.

Tristis Manor (The Never Chronicles) Last year I dove into J.R. Wagner's Exiled, and fell in love with the fantasy world he had built. When I found out that Tristis Manor was an Exiled novella, I was excited. I was looking forward to the opportunity to get to know one of the characters better.
 
At roughly 170 pages, this is a quick look into Margaret's past. A fair warning to readers, her story is not an easy one to read. We meet a girl whose mother mistreats her, who uses pain to escape her reality and who, most of all, has a deep dark secret she can't let go of. I saw none of the magic from the Exiled world, just the quiet inner battle of a young girl.
 
My first thoughts upon finishing Tristis Manor were very jumbled. It's been quite a while since I last read Exiled, and so I couldn't quite remember how Margaret fit in until after I'd read a bit. I was also torn because this story is so sad, yet poignant at the same time. At the end of the day I am glad I took a chance on this novella. I'm now even more eager for the next official installment in the Exiled series.

Beside Your Heart Beside Your Heart was a book that stole my heart from the very first page. Maybe it was the fact that Nicki shows her true emotions right off the bat, but watching her pine to reconnect with her past made me smile. As the story flashes back to where Nicki first meets Adam, I fell even more in love! I assumed this was about adult Nicki and Adam, but the twist was wonderful. Watching these two meet, flirt, and become important to one another was adorable!
 
Nicki is very transparent about her feelings. After loosing her sister to a car accident, she isn't afraid to be honest about how it's eating her up inside. I thought that they way she dealt with things was fairly spot on. Hiding from people who might want to fake console her, trying to stay strong for her mother, and wanting most of all for everything to go back to normal. It isn't until she meets Adam, who doesn't attempt to do anything but make her laugh, that she starts living again. There's no doubt that these two have a very strong connection.
 
Best of all, the characters in Beside Your Heart act like normal teens. They aren't perfect. They make mistakes, argue, and sometimes even push one another away. The fact that Mary Whitney shows them in such depth makes it much easier to connect with them. It was amazing to see how they fought, and yet always managed to find their way back to one another. Maybe it's my romantic soul, but I couldn't get enough of their relationship.
 
The ending kind of broke my heart, but I won't deny that I liked it. This ends up as a story not about a lifetime of love, but about finding love and learning that sometimes it's okay to let it go. That it makes you stronger no matter what. My heart wanted to see more resolution, a happy ending if you will, but again I honestly believe that it was fitting for this story. Beside Your Heart is a sweet and heartbreaking story. Definitely worth a read!

I reviewed the first book in this trilogy, Stitch, last year and was fairly impressed with it. Samantha Durante brings something fresh, and new to the table in her series. I knew I'd be back for more. That being said, I'll share that Shudder blew its predecessor out of the water! This book had everything I loved from the before, and everything I was missing as well. Kudos Ms. Durante, you hooked me from page one.

Shudder picks up right where we last saw Alessa, as her and Isaac flee Paragon. There is a nice portion of backstory laid into the first few chapters, so you won't be lost. Despite having escaped, Alessa and Isaac soon find that there are worse things than Paragon. Drastic weather conditions, strange creatures, and the fear of disease cause them to constantly be on edge. Not to mention the fact that odd things are happening inside Alessa's head. Things she can't quit explain. Where the first book started a little slowly, this one takes off like lightning and maintains a great pace the entire way through.

New characters are introduced this time around. Nikhil and Pheonix really added some spark to story, and I enjoyed getting to see events from their points of view. Although I'm not usually a fan of multiple points of view in a book, Samantha Durante handled it expertly. There were only two times I had to go back and see whose point of view I was reading from. What made it worth it was that I was able to get to know each character so much more in depth. I bonded with Alessa this time, and it made for a much more enjoyable read.

The only qualm I had, and it is a small one, is that some of the necessary information was squished into awkward dialogue. There is one scene in particular, where Alessa and Isaac discuss the disease, that felt a little stilted to me. I completely understood that the information was necessary to make the story flow. I just wished it would have been more evenly distributed throughout the book. It wasn't anything that made me stop reading, just something I noticed.

So again I state, kudos to Samantha Durante! Shudder was a brilliant followup to Stitch and I truly can't wait to see what comes next! With the improvement I saw between the first two books, I can only assume that the next installment is going to blow my mind. I'll be here, and I'll be ready.

My favorite way to read Middle Grade fiction is to go into as if I was a young reader. I love to take the story at face value, get lost in it, look at it as both a young and an older reader. To me, the best kind of MG fiction is that which can peak the interest of any reader, no matter what the age! All of that being said, I thought that The Grotto Under the Tree had a lot of potential. Charming and fun, this is an easy romp in a new world.

It did take me a bit to get fully immersed in this story. Being a shorter read, things move very quickly for our young heroes. I found Sara and Sebastian to be very brave and fun to follow. Each a bit impulsive, and yet courageous, watching them navigate this magical land was intriguing. I loved how they played off one another. When one was scared, the other compensated. They were great at coming up with ideas to get out of sticky situations and, when it counted, they were always there for one another. I see a lot young readers will love in these two.

The thing that took me a while to get used to was how juvenile the dialogue between these two was. I don't mean this as a jab. What I mean is that the children come at problems exactly how a young reader might. Their solutions are simple, the fights are minimal, and things move effortlessly from one event to the next. As an older reader, I missed some of the action. I missed having even that minimal amount of tension that keeps me turning pages. Still, to the age group that this is aimed at, I'm sure it will be more than enough.

Overall, The Grotto Under the Tree was a quick and fantasy filled read. Young readers who love mermaids, talking animals, and any number of other fantasy elements, will likely fall in step with Sara and Sebastian very easily. If you have a reader at home who is looking for their next read, give The Grotto Under the Tree a shot.

Imagine if you will, a world that is on the brink. God has turned his back on the people he created, leaving them to fend for themselves. Every soul on Earth is at the mercy of a Heavenly War. One side is set on creating the Apocalypse, the other side on preventing it. Callahan and LaLaurie have just stumbled into one of the biggest and longest standing battles in the history of the world, and as a reader you're along for the ride. Sound intriguing? I guarantee you, it is.

Meet our fearless team. Sebastian “Batty” LaLaurie is a bibliophile, theologian, and John Milton fanatic who also happens to have a drinking problem. His past is dark, and littered with secrets. Then there's Bernadette Callahan. Section agent, massive cynic and all around bad-ass woman. She might be nearing a collapse, but she'll be damned if she's going down without a fight. These two characters drive the story forward as they take off, across the globe, gathering clues. Murders, sacred relics, and musty archives are just some of what you'll find as you join their journey! It's tough not to be immersed.

What I loved most about The Paradise Prophecy is that it isn't a light read. Yes, I'm serious. The psychological aspect of this book is beautifully done, and really makes the reader think as they are reading. I devoured page after page as I hunted for clues and tried to tie things together. Browne crafts the plot carefully, allowing the reader to keep an eye on the big picture while still paying attention to little details. I never felt like I was drowning in too much information at one time, or being given a watered down version of Milton's epic. Quite the opposite actually. To me, it felt like a balanced read. Giving me just enough to keep me reading on, but not so much that I felt like I was being spoon fed the plot.

Perfectly done Robert Browne, perfectly done.

It's not often that a book has the ability to render me speechless. However as I turned the last page of The Paradise Prophecy that's exactly what occurred. I was utterly blow away by the complex plot that Browne had crafted. He weaves a tale that pulls you in deep, and doesn't let you go until the last moment. Pages just flew by. That doesn't generally happen in a 400 page book, but before I knew it I was finished and gasping for air. I read this entirely through in one sitting.

If you're looking at the cover of Robert Browne's book and thinking of similar titles, let me set you straight right now. Despite his name being similar to another writer, and despite this being a book along the same vein, this is infinitely better! At least such is the opinion of this humble reader. The Paradise Prophecy is a gripping, thrilling, and gorgeously written novel! It's everything I love about the thriller genre.

Highly recommended!

Earth-Sim A huge thank you to Jade Kerrion for reminding me of why I love the genre of Science Fiction so much! I loved Earth-Sim from the very first page, mainly because of the intelligent and immersing way that it was written. Suspend disbelief for a minute and imagine that our world is actually controlled by beings much like us. In fact, those beings are growing our world as a school competition. One well placed sneeze, one accidental bump, and our world falls into chaos. This is what Jade Kerrion builds in Earth-Sim.
 
I need to profess my adoration for both Jem and Kir as characters. They start out as two very different people with varying opinions on what their project really means. However as the book goes on, as they see the impact they have on their world (our world) they grow, compromise, and learn to work together. The layers of character building also deserve applause. Jem is more than what she seems and, although they'll be no spoilers here, it's interesting to discover the underlying motivations behind her decisions. I was a little saddened by the lack of romance, but then again that really wasn't what the story was focused on.
 
What the story was focused on was written gorgeously. Kerrion uses each chapter to slowly unravel the history of the world, and find wonderfully inventive ways to explain how we ended up where we are now. The emotions in this book are palpable, and I felt for Jem and Kir as they tried to navigate their way through being the parents of a whole planet. It was fascinating to watch history take place as they toyed with the various settings. One could almost believe that there is truth behind this story.
 
Now a note to the reader, this is actually a very accessible Science Fiction novel. I've read stories so full of jargon that I was lost despite my love of this genre. Earth-Sim is the perfect mix of contemporary story and Sci Fi elements. Kudos to Jade Kerrion for mastering this very tricky balance. I highly recommend you give this book a spot on your reading list. As the synopsis says, you might finally find someone to blame for the shape our world is in.

Resilient was, admittedly, kind of a slow burn for me. When I first read the premise I knew that this would be something I'd want to read. Liv and Adam's story sounded intriguing. Two people with unexplainable powers meeting for the first time? Yes please! It may have taken awhile for me to really feel invested but, once I was, I couldn't put this down.

Livia doesn't feel like she fits in anywhere. I was a little wary about how sorry she felt for herself, but I soon realized that Livia is actually a very strong character. Despite not understanding her powers, or where they come from, she works hard to have a handle on them. I felt for her, and wanted her to gain that semblance of normal she was seeking. Unfortunately Adam comes into the picture and all that falls away.

Oh, Adam. Here's a character that I just wasn't really sure about. The thing about Adam is that he uses his wit and sarcasm to push people away. It's true that he doesit to keep his powers a secret. However it was tough to instantly fall in love with him. The banter between Adam and Livia at the beginning felt a little stitled honestly. Still, once they started to uncover their similarties, I felt more confident in their relationship.

In terms of plot, Patricia Vanasse does a great job of slowly letting the reader uncover what really makes Livia and Adam so special. When things started to fall into place, I couldn't stop reading. The ending is a cliffhanger, so maybe we can expect more? All I know is that Resilient ended up being a book I really did enjoy. If there is more, I'll be eager to get my hands on the rest of Livia and Adam's story.

When I first saw the blurb for First Born, I knew that it was something I'd definitely read. Lily Moore sounded like exactly my type of character. A woman who is put into a crazy situation, and deals with it like the strong female she is. I eagerly broke into this book and waited to be blown away.
 
What I noticed first off was that the beginning was a little choppy. I'll fully admit that it may have been that I was reading an ARC, but it took me around 30 pages to fully figure out what was going on with Lily. From the synopsis I surmised that she was a shapeshifter, but it is what she shifts into that was so confusing. Once I had a handle on what was happening, I had a little better time following along. I'm glad I kept reading, because things really picked up after that.
 
In fact, I actually liked Lily the further I read. She starts out a little bit lost, and definitely not a confident character. I sympathized with her and the craziness of the situation she was put into. Still, I really wanted to see the girl who mastered her fear. I wanted to see some butt-kicking! I did eventually get my wish. However, as I mentioned above, it does take a while to get to this point. There is a lot that Lily needs to learn about her past, and we learn it right along with her.
 
While First Born wasn't everything I was hoping for, it was a pretty solid read. I definitely see potential in Lily Moore's storyline, and I'd love to learn more about her. In the next book I hope the beginning is a little more fleshed out. As I said though, give this one more than just the first few pages and you'll likely enjoy it in the end! I'm looking forward to more from Tricia Zoeller.

Opening up The Exemeus was quite the experience. From page one, this story takes off at a manic pace. There is so much to absorb, so much to catch up on, that it all but left me breathless. This isn't like anything else that I've read lately, so it swept me up and made me want to figure things out. I'm just giving you a warning that this book doesn't stop to wait for you. It moves, and it moves quick.

The story follows Dephon as he slowly discovers who he is, and what he is meant to to do. As the heir to the one power that can save his society, Dephon is wanted man. We watch as his story ties up into Hyalee's over the course of the book, showing that these two are inexorably linked. The narration comes from both characters, but not quite the way you'd think. Dephon is our narrator, and he reads about Hyalee through a journal that is passed down to him. It's a very interesting perspective and done quite well. This story is all about cause and effect. If you change something, does it change the future?

In terms of plot, this book is fairly solid. There is a lot to learn about the people in Dephon's world and about the powers that they possess. The biggest problem comes in that you don't start to learn the majority of it until well into the book. I was fairly confused for a good five chapters or so. The saving grace was that I really liked Dephon, and I was willing to follow him wherever things might take him. He's brave, kind, and everything that a hero should be. While I never really felt he quite hit his full potential, I know there are more books coming around the corner.

Overall, I ended up enjoying this story. The Exemeus is a book that utilizes the “slow burn”. You'll be scrambling to catch up but, once things start happening, the story sucks you in. Dephon and Hyalee's stories are intriguing. Especially in the way they link to one another. If you're looking for a different kind of read, and are willing to step outside the box, give this one a a shot.

Where do I start with this review? I suppose I should let you know that I adored Ivy Grace, our protagonist in this story. I couldn't have asked for a more upbeat, likeable protagonist to follow. Ivy is a witch, but her life isn't filled with doom and gloom. She has a healthy relationship with her family, a witty personality, and the same improper thoughts I'd have while she's around her rather hunky agent. Ivy carries herself with a perfect mixture of grace and humor that's hard not to love.

Which, in fact, was why I was more than willing to follow Ivy into whatever situation she might find herself in. A delightful mystery is woven through these pages. T.A. chase expertly weaves Ivy's “witchy powers” in with a story that will keep you guessing. I was a little lost at some points. Ivy's thoughts flow a mile a minute so sometimes important tiny bits of information are easy to skip over. Still, I can't deny I enjoyed the mystery aspect of her story.

The one thing I couldn't quite get behind were Jack and Finn. Maybe it's because there isn't a lot of story behind these two. I only knew that Jack was the object of Ivy's adoration, and her editor, and that Finn was her ex, and a detective. It's clear that both of them care about Ivy. Even when Jack finds out that he's gotten himself into a huge mess, he still sticks up for her. There isn't a full blown romance here. Just enough to add an extra element to everything else going on. I'm hoping maybe there will be more to come?

In the end, Time Spell was a fun read. I think that fans of paranormal stories and mystery stories will both find things to love in T.A. Chase's book. I also have no doubt that Ivy Grace will easily steal the heart of everyone. Will Jack fall for Ivy? Will she be able to set the course of history back on track? I just don't know, but I do know that I definitely want to find out.

Where to begin with this book? It's true that Mia Grace has found a combination that I've never seen before. The first half of Correlation reads like contemporary fiction, while the second half brings in the time travel aspect. I have to admit that it was the first half that was slow going for me. While I understood that it was setting up what was to come, there really wasn't much going on. I was treated to a look at Hailey's family, her friends, and the way her link to the woman who would soon become so important to the story. I pushed forward, hoping for the action.

There's time travel here, but it skips straight over the why and goes directly into the when. I'm used to most books that have a time travel being a little heavier in the science fiction department. There's generally an explanation, some reason as to why the travel is a possibility. In Hailey's case, you just have to take it at face value. It happens, and then the story takes off at a crazy pace. I didn't mind so much once I caught up. The twist added a nice element to the story. However I definitely would have appreciated a tiny bit of an explanation.

On a happy note, I loved Hailey and her family. To me, she felt like a “real” teen. Someone who has the problems and mentality that you'd associate with her age, but the strength that you know would be there too. Her love for her brother was real, and I appreciated that. I do wish I would have had a little more time to get used to her life before the time travel twist was thrown in though. No spoilers here, but once it happens things change drastically.

The ending left me wondering if there might be more books coming. Hailey's story has closure, but it is definitely left at a point where more might be possible. In all honesty, I'd welcome it! I'd love to see where she ends up and, most of all, what happens to the other characters in the story. In truth, I think to enjoy Correlation you really just need to take it at face value. It reads much more like contemporary fiction than anything else, but the time travel twist does add something interesting to the mix.

The concept of City: Mind in the Machine is one that's been done before, but still continues to fascinate me. When can we say that technology has gone to far? Where do we draw the line between advancement and privacy? This graphic novel toes that line, and it did a pretty fair job of it. The idea of using terrorism as an excuse for spying on the general public? Well, let's just say that hits a bit close to home.

Starting with illustrations, they reminded me slightly of an anime. Just without the overly large eyes and over the top facial expressions. It made for a read that pulled me along, from brightly colored panel to brightly colored panel. I think my favorite part of the illustrations was seeing through the eyes of our main character. Once he became a part of the machine, looking through his eyes was like seeing through a computer screen. Random facts, the ability to zoom in, it was absolutely fascinating.

Story wise, I hovered between loving this and just following along. On the one hand, the idea of creating a surveillance system linked to a human mind is amazing. It takes into account the fact that humans have a natural ability to reason and prioritize. It also explores what happens when one person is given too much power. On the other hand, this first part of the story just didn't quite capture me as much as I was hoping for. I felt like there should have been more forward movement, more action. The ending made me hopeful though, so I'll keep reading on.

Overall? I'd say City: Mind in the Machine starts off this series strongly enough. Although I wasn't completely sold, it intrigued me enough to keep me wanting to read more.

I'm still torn on whether this story is aimed at an MG, or a YA audience. It's true that The Obsidian Pebble features an 11-year old protagonist. However these characters don't act, think, or even talk like most 11-year-olds that I know. On the one hand, I loved that. I adore when authors don't think they need to talk down to their audience. On the other hand, this may be a difficult read for younger readers to get into at first. Just something to think about before you put it in your reader's hands.

Yes, The Obsidian Pebble does take a little while to get up and moving. It makes sense though. Rhys A. Jones uses the first few chapters to introduce the reader to Oz's town, his amazing home, and give the reader some back story on how he came to live there. I was enchanted by the idea of Penwurt. This massive home, big enough to house boarders even, came to life in my mind. What better place to have an adventure? What better place to uncover a dark mystery? Penwurt became a character in its own right, and I ate it up.

Oz and his friends were also great characters. They were funny, bantered like best friends should, and were extremely smart. I couldn't get over how quickly they managed to sort out any problems that came their way. My only gripe is that I didn't get to know them as much as I would have liked. The author does a great job of quickly introducing each one, and showing how they work as team. I just wasn't as invested in them as I thought I should be. In the story, yes. In them, not so much. The mystery really pulls the story forward.

I honestly ended up enjoying The Obsidian Pebble in the end. It did take me a little while to become immersed in the story, but once things picked up in the mystery department I was hooked. Again I say, just keep reading on. The story does pick up! By the ending, I was ready for more. I think this would be a great read to share between a parent and a child.

I've been waiting to write this review until I had some time to mull over exactly how I felt about Where I Want to Be. I won't deny that the setting of sunny Napa Valley, and Olivia's love of wine drew me to read this book. I was intrigued by the idea of uprooting yourself for something new. Of Olivia's quest to shake things up in her life. From the humdrum world of finance, to the lush vineyards of Napa Valley. What could be better?

In fact, this turned out to be the perfect setting for this book. I was charmed with descriptions of delicious wines, decadent food, and a pleasantly laid back atmosphere. It's clear that Courtney Roudenbush has a soft spot in her heart for this place. It comes alive through her writing. I could see, taste, touch and smell everything around me just as Olivia was. This was my favorite part of the book. It was just the escape I was looking for.

Sadly, I couldn't relate to Olivia. Although she did grow a bit during the story, she never felt like a real person to me. Olivia has a lot of issues, not the least of which is her inability to see how beautiful and confident she has every right to be. That wouldn't have been so bad, if it wasn't for the fact that it never ended. Her friends constantly needed to be her source of self-confidence, and it was tough for me to get behind. I didn't need Olivia to be perfectly self-sufficient, I just needed her to cut herself a break.

In terms of the story line, it was sweet enough. Following along as Olivia broke into the dating scene was okay. I wasn't a huge fan of the men, who were all predictably bad matches for her, but it was nice to see her trying. As I said, I just couldn't get behind Olivia as a character. I wanted more from her.

I now know that this is the first in a series, and that each of the remaining books will focus on one of Olivia's other friends. This excites me! I loved Courtney Roudenbush's writing, just not this character, so I'm hopeful that I'll find more to love in this series.

I've mulled this book over in my head for a few days and I've come to a conclusion. Buying In just wasn't a book for me. It's well-written. The characters are extremely realistic. Unfortunately it's that extreme realism that made it a tough read for me. Buying In almost seems to read more like non-fiction than fiction at times, and that's something I wasn't expecting.

I can honestly say I did learn a lot while reading Sophie's story though. I'm sure we all have a basic idea of how tough it is to be a woman in a male-driven industry. We all understand that it takes a lot of sacrifice. Laura Hemphill creates a character who is living this first hand. Sophie has given up her social life, her love life, and even her family for this career. She constantly has to make difficult choices between the career she wants, and the life she already has. Sophie's life felt real to me, and I felt for her because of it.

What was tough for me is how much of this book is actually industry based. There were quite a few times where I just felt like I was reading a handbook on finance. Discussions of projections, mergers, and plenty of other field related jargon made it so that I had a tough time getting through some portions of this book. I liked Sophie's story. I even felt for her coworkers. Still, I couldn't get past the fact that I had no interest in what they did for a living.

I know that there's definitely a reading group that this book will target. Laura Hemphill knows the industry like the back of her hand, and it shows in her writing. Readers who enjoy learning about the high-stakes world of finance will be drawn in by the cutthroat nature of Sophie's world. As I said, this is a really well-written book. Sadly, it just wasn't my cup of tea.

I'm torn on this one. I honestly didn't realize that this was based on a series that flopped, until I read a few other reviews. I know that this wasn't specifically my cup of tea, but I'll explain what I did and did not like as best I can.

The illustrations are detailed, and there is a nice use of light vs. dark to depict the overall tone of each page. In terms of setting, I'd relate it most closely to an Amish homestead. I believe John K. Snyder III is the illustrator, if I'm correct. He does a great job of showing the simplicity in which these people live. As the story progresses and things take a turn for the odd, the panels are more and more detailed and lovely. I really enjoyed Phoenix Without Ashes in this respect.

It was the story where things fell short for me. Devon's character wasn't really fleshed out very well at all, and a lot of the story was rushed through so quickly I felt confused. I really didn't get to know Devon at all. Except of course that he was a heretic and in love with a woman he shouldn't want. I know this is a graphic novel and that means there isn't as much room for story, supposedly. Really though, there is. I've read many a graphic novel where the sparse words and beautiful illustrations marry together to form a cohesive and wonderful experience. This one just didn't do that for me.

Final verdict? It was a good read, but not something I'll pursue further into the series. I would still recommend it to those of you who have an interest in Fantasy/Science Fiction graphic novels. It might be more your cup of tea than mine!