Review: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Spark (Elemental #2) 
by Brigid Kemmerer
Published August 28th 2012
Publisher: Kensington
Paperback, 345 pages

Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally.

Sometimes he can even control it.

And sometimes he can't.

Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he's not doing it. And no one seems to believe him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. 

Because Layne has a few secrets of her own...--Goodreads

5 Stars!

Review: (Warning: Will have comparisons to first novel!)

Click HERE to check out my review of Chris' story from Storm.

In comparison to Storm, Spark did not have a confusing beginning. Since I read the first Elemental novel, I was familiar with the Elemental world, so if you are thinking of reading Spark, read Storm first!

The build up in Storm was a bit slow and boring, but the buildup in Spark was much more interesting. Maybe it's because Gabriel is a much more interesting person than Chris? (Hey just my opinion, we can agree to disagree :) Gabriel is a complete A-hole, but it's because he believes he killed his parents when he lost control of his fire element. The only person that knows Gabriel's secret is his brother Nick, who's novella I can't wait to read! The only friend Gabriel has is his (twin) brother, Nick. I found it really sad that Gabriel alienates people, but hey that's what's making this novel. I did not understand why Nick and Gabriel stopped talking in the first place. The conflict that broke them up was so small in comparison to other things that could've happened. If they are best friends and brothers, I felt that they should've/could've gotten past that conflict much quicker and easier than they did.

Layne's story was sadder than I expected. At first I didn't like her, but I didn't hate her either. I was annoyed with her though. I seem to be annoyed with characters that just want to blend in and because they have such low self-esteem, they are taken advantage of all the time. I just wanted to scream at Layne, sometimes. I mean come on! Stand up for yourself! I really did liked the kindness Layne showed her deaf brother, Simon. Gabriel was also nice to Simon! It was so sweet that Gabriel stood up to Simon's bullies for him! (Note: Guys can be really mean!)

The plot in this novel was wonderful! For some reason, I really like the idea of having an elemental power. (like in Avatar: The Last Airbender lol:)

Spirit (Hunter's novel comes out in May!) Can't wait for May! If you don't know who Hunter is, read the novels!!!

Purchase this novel at: Amazon / B&N / TBD

Review: The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton

The Forever Girl:Sophia's Journey (Forever Girl #1)
By Rebecca Hamilton
Published: January 26th 2012
Publisher: Immortal Ink Publishing

Sophia's family has skeletons, but they aren't in their graves.

At twenty-two, practicing Wiccan Sophia Parsons is scratching out a living waiting tables in her Rocky Mountain hometown, a pariah after a string of unsolved murders with only one thing in common: her.

Sophia can imagine lots of ways to improve her life, but she'd settle for just getting rid of the buzzing noise in her head. When the spell she casts goes wrong, the static turns into voices. Her personal demons get company, and the newcomers are dangerous.

One of them is a man named Charles, who Sophia falls for despite her better judgment. He has connections that might help her unveil the mystery surrounding her ancestor's hanging, but she gets more than she bargains for when she finally decides to trust him.

Survival in his world, she learns, means not asking questions and staying out of the immortal council's way. It's a line she crossed long ago. If Sophia wants to survive the council and save the people she loves, she must accept who she is, perform dark magic, and fight to the death for her freedom.


The Forever Girl is a full-length Paranormal Fantasy novel that will appeal to lovers of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, witches, vampires, ghosts, paranormal mystery, and paranormal horror. -Goodreads

Review

This book could of had a better rating , but the reason why this book has 4 stars is because of its complexity of paranormal beings. There are just too many that are mentioned, so I don't know which is which, and if I want to understand it better (which I do) then I have to flip through the book to find the spot (or spots) where the different paranormal beings are mentioned, and that can get quite annoying. The other reason why I rated this a 4 star was because of the romance, not that I didn't love Charles, but the romance in general. It was just so typical, and their kind of relationship has definitely been done before. I give credit to Hamilton that it is hard to come up with new love scenarios, but it is pretty much the same old thing.
Saying that, I did love the moments between Charles and Sophia. There was just so much romantic tension, and if you like that kind of stuff (the passion builds from moment to moment), then this book is for you. I also love Charles, who is extremely good looking and funny, making me laugh out loud with some of the comments he makes. Sophia is likable, being her small town's outcast and source of most of the gossip. Not only that, but she has to deal with this crazy woman trying to make her leave town and the voices inside her head. You just have to feel bad for her. The insecurities she feels, and the inability to completely trust someone (from past experiences) is very real.


The book's pacing is alright the first two thirds of the book, but after that it really picks up. That is when Sophia discovers many new revelations about herself and her ancestor's history. The last third of the book was, in my opinion, the most enjoyable. This was where The Forever Girl: Sophia's Journey, really differs itself from other paranormal books and makes itself unique. The writing was quite spectacular. It flows smoothly, and the best part of it is her descriptions of things. You will understand this once you finish the book, but The Forever Girl: Sophia's Journey is a suitable name for the book. I recommend this to anyone who likes paranormal romance, but make sure to keep track of which creature is what.

Purchase this book at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Review: Iron Fey Series

SUMMARY OF IRON KING

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home. When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change. But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart. 

--GoodReads

4.5 Stars of Awesomeness

Iron Fey Series (Books #1-3)

Iron King, Iron Daughter, Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Published from February 2010- January 2011 by Harlequin Teen

Alrighty then, I think it's safe to say that this is the first series review Ya Novelties has ever accomplished!!! Whoot whoot! Yes, yes, for those of you that are already familiar (and in love) with this, you might know that there is, in fact, a fourth novel of the Iron Fey series. *Gasp!* Yup. It's called the Iron Knight, and it is also (quite expectedly) written by the amazing author Julie Kagawa. Aaaand why didn't I include it in my fabulous review? Well, ma chère, it's because I haven't read it yet. *boos and hisses* Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'll get to it. *Looks off into a faraway land* Yes.... s o m e d a y.

How can she hold that smile for so long? It's magic! Magic I tell you!

Onto the review. This will obviously be an overall review, so that will mean spoilers. Don't worry, I'll warn ahead of time for those who do not enjoy spoilers. I'll try to keep clean of any secrets.

Now, let's start off with the characters.

CHARACTERS - OK, even I have to admit--this series may be a bit cheesy, but I tell you, it's good!

OK. I've read the summary of Iron King. The first thing that comes to mind is LOVE TRIANGLE. Yup, there is one heck of a love triangle in this story. It's the usual cast of characters - the one clumsy girl that'll save the day, the cold-hearted-cool-but-so-hot-in-an-attractive-sense-prince boy, and the cute-funny-I-don't-want-him-to-get-hurt-in-that-love-polygon-gosh-darn-it best friend.

Key to the Stereotypical Charcters:

Clumsy Heroine = Meghan Chase

Cold Prince Dude = Prince Ash

BFFL of Heroine/Funny Guy = Puck

Although the characters may be (really) stereotypical and cliché, you WILL fall in love with the characters. Their personalities are quirky and funny, and really quite human (well, if you ignore the fae part). I truly enjoyed reading about Meghan. I loved reading and watching how she matures and grows mentally and physically in this story. My favorite book in this series would be the second part of Iron Queen. That is the part of the series where you can truly see how much Meghan has grown as a person and fae.

As for the classy love interests, I have to say, I was sooo on Team Puck. Well, actually.... now that I think about it...I think that I liked both Ash and Push so much, that I decided to be on Team Meghan...oh, I don't know! All I can say is that I definitely wasn't disappointed in Meghan's choice. Poor Meghan. If I had to choose between Ash or Push, I would be so lost! I wouldn't know who to pick!

STYLE -

I really love Julie Kagawa's writing. Kagawa is one of the few YA authors that can write a book that I won't ever want to put down. Usually, Kagaway writes through the character's eyes, which my favorite style. I love how Kagawa can capture what a character is feeling, thinking, and perceiving the world around them in a way that seems to be so effortless.  Her writing flows and is easily understandable that it's like Kagawa plops you right into her own fantasy universe. Not to mention, Kagawa always plans the perfect joke at the right time!

The whole series is written as though through Meghan's eyes, except for the last book, Iron Knight. That book is the adventure of Prince Ash, and is narrated through him. (Unfortunately, that's all I can tell ya without giving away key info....) Honestly, with the Iron Fey series, you can really stop reading after Iron Queen. (Hey, that's what I did, and I'm here giving you a review of what I thought of the "whole" series.) 

PLOT - 

As I said earlier, the Iron Fey really isn't to be enjoyed for its originality or uniqueness, because you WILL find that there are many cliché/stereotypical/predicted things in this series. I mainly enjoyed this series because it was a mix of everything I liked. Fantasy, action, well-timed humor, love triangles, awesome kick-ass heroine, and 2 loveable guys that weren't total jerks/creepers to the heroine *cough**cough* Edward.

OVERALL - 

Overall, if you hadn't guessed, I really enjoyed reading this series. Personally, I don't think it's necessary to read the fourth book, which was really, it seems to me, written for the hard-core fans out there. I was perfectly happy to stop after reading #3. 

I gave this series a 4.5 because I felt some should be taken off for its lack of originality in some parts. Other than that, this series was perfect.

I loved the characters, their personalities, the cute plot, the great and forever amazing Puck and Ash, and of course, Kagawa's amazing writing prowess. The Iron Fey series is definitely one of my all time favorites and it could be yours, too, if you gave it a chance. So as they say.... 

PEACE OUT!!!

 See ya next week! Happy readings to all.

Purchase the Iron Fey Series (Box Set) at: Amazon/ Barnes&Noble/ The Book Depository

Purchase The Iron King at: Amazon/ Barnes&Noble/ The Book Depository

Purchase The Iron Daughter at: Amazon/ Barnes&Noble/ The Book Depository

Purchase The Iron Queen at: Amazon/ Barnes&Noble/ The Book Depository

Purchase The Iron Knight at: Amazon/ Barnes&Noble/ The Book Depository



Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1)

By Leigh Bardugo

Published: June 5th, 2012

Publisher:  Henry Holt and Co.

Alina Starkov doesn’t expect much from life. Orphaned by the Border Wars, the one thing she could rely on was her best friend and fellow refugee, Mal. And lately not even that seems certain. Drafted into the army of their war-torn homeland, they’re sent on a dangerous mission into the Fold, a swath of unnatural darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh.

When their convoy is attacked, all seems lost until Alina reveals a dormant power that not even she knew existed. Ripped from everything she knows, she is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. He believes she is the answer the people have been waiting for: the one person with the power to destroy the Fold.

Swept up in a world of luxury and illusion, envied as the Darkling’s favorite, Alina struggles to fit into her new life without Mal by her side. But as the threat to the kingdom mounts, Alina uncovers a secret that sets her on a collision course with the most powerful forces in the kingdom. Now only her past can save her . . . and only she can save the future. -- Goodreads

Review

This book is pretty much the perfect epitome of what a lot of YA books should be like. It brings together known elements that are reworked, and though it may not be the most creative or innovative book, it doesn't need to be because the writing is just that good. The premises are not very original, but Leigh Bardugo makes it into something fresh and new.

I absolutely love the world that is created. I picture a map of Ravka, and I see that terrible slash of darkness that is the Shadow Fold (Unsea). There is also the backgrounds, from the royal palace to the deepest part of the wilderness. The social and political setting is also set, how the Grisha are feared, how the king is laughed at behind his back, and how the nation is like in a time of desperation and war. Everything is so detailed and lush, it is really brought to life. 

Alina is someone who I can definitely relate to. She is intelligent and strong, and grows throughout the book. That is one of my favorite parts, Alina's growth as a person. Letting go of the past is hard, but Alina is able to do it and move on, finally able to come into her true powers. She is the poster girl for girl power, powerful, yet humble, ingenious and reliable.

The love interests, Mal and the Darkling. The Darkling is dangerous and mysterious, someone intriguing and totally swoon worthy (at least at first . . .). Mal is the nice best friend who Alina falls in love with, but he isn't some flat boring character, he is really human. He makes mistakes and can be mean and hurtful, but underneath all that is someone who really cares about Alina. It seems like Mal is everything that is comforting and familiar, while the Darkling is new and exciting. 

This book is a must read. You will get swept up in the story and fall in love with it. The pacing is just right (not too fast, but not too slow), and the climax is timed perfectly. The romance, action, and fantasy is also blended impeccably, and I could not put this book down. Major thumbs up for this book.

Purchase this book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

Review: Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

 

Struck (Struck #1)

By Jennifer Bosworth

Published: May 8th, 20112

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux BYR

Hardcover, 373 pages

Mia Price is a lightning addict. She’s survived countless strikes, but her craving to connect to the energy in storms endangers her life and the lives of those around her.

Los Angeles, where lightning rarely strikes, is one of the few places Mia feels safe from her addiction. But when an earthquake devastates the city, her haven is transformed into a minefield of chaos and danger. The beaches become massive tent cities. Downtown is a crumbling wasteland, where a traveling party moves to a different empty building each night, the revelers drawn to the destruction by a force they cannot deny. Two warring cults rise to power, and both see Mia as the key to their opposing doomsday prophecies. They believe she has a connection to the freak electrical storm that caused the quake, and to the far more devastating storm that is yet to come.

Mia wants to trust the enigmatic and alluring Jeremy when he promises to protect her, but she fears he isn’t who he claims to be. In the end, the passion and power that brought them together could be their downfall. When the final disaster strikes, Mia must risk unleashing the full horror of her strength to save the people she loves, or lose everything. - Goodreads

3 stars

 Review 

When I fist stumbled across this book, I was very excited. It seemed like an original book that was different from anything else I've read, however, it didn't live up to my expectations.

It was that first statement that really grabbed me, "Mia Price is a lightning addict". That was what I was most interested in, Mia being a lightning addict and her special abilities connected to it. I thought that this was a great new idea, and I wanted to know more. Unfortunately, it was not explored nearly enough, and I was very disappointed. Instead, the story is all about how Mia falls in love with this beautiful and mysterious guy that won't tell her anything, how she unthinkingly runs into danger to save her family, and her being stupid again and again. From the summary I thought that it was an original story, but after looking under the surface it proved to be like most YA books.

One of the things that annoyed me the most was Mia, she is a nice girl who genuinely tries to help out, but she undermines herself. Almost all of of Mia's problems could have been avoided if she just sat down and talked it out. It bothered me that she didn't even think of talking to her brother, and then runs around trying to keep him out of trouble.

Some thing that did make me glad was that there wasn't a love triangle, I find love triangles a bit over done. Although, it was insta-love between Mia and Jeremy and there wasn't much development in their relationship. Jeremy is cool and mysterious, but not the brightest. He insists on not telling Mia the truth when the truth would have been much more convincing and effective. Besides that, I pretty much liked Jeremy, especially the shock that he provides towards the end.

I also liked how Mia's special abilities tie into the plot, and how it connects everything. Surprisingly enough, I didn't mind all of the religion in it, and I think that is because it made sense for the story. The rest of the book, including the writing, was ok, but it would have been so much better if it stuck to the originality of the beginning and continued with it instead of using so many cliches.

Purchase this book: Amazon/ Barnes&Nobles/ The Book Depository

Review: Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

Storm (Elementals #1)

By Brigid Kemmerer

Published: April 24, 2012

Publisher: Kensington

Paperback, 353 Pages

Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys - all the ones she doesn't want. Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They're powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life's at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who's hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming. --Goodreads

4 Stars

Review

The beginning of Storm was really confusing for me and I admit, at first, I was not immediately sucked into the book. It wasn't until about the 50th page that I really got into the book, but once I got into the story, I was hooked! The beginning starts off with Chris getting beat up and Becca helping Chris get away from the bullies. Things got a bit confusing to me when I read the conversations that we going on between the Merrick family, everything was super secretive and they were a bit rude to Becca. But we later find out why they acted so secretive. 

Lately in YA novels, it's always the best friend of the protagonist that I don't like and thus he/she kind of kills the story a little for me. Quinn is the best friend of Becca. At first I didn't have an opinion of Quinn; she was just another character, nothing too special, but then she really got on my nerves. She came off to me as selfish and self-centered. Quinn seems to care about Becca, but not as much as she cares about herself, which just really bugged me. Why can't YA novels have a good, nice best friend? Quinn did redeem herself though, but that was towards the end of the novel and by that point my impression of her kind of stuck. 

The mystery aspects(and there were a lot) in Storm was one of the things that bugged me, yet intrigued me. It bugged me because I really really wanted to find out what the heck is going on. It intrigued me because it made the book that much more enjoyable. Nothing in Storm was predictable and I liked that about a novel because come on, who wants to read a book that they already know what will happen? One of the things that really got me was who the Guide was. I thought for sure that the Guide was this one person, but it was someone else entirely. 

Our protagonist was also very likable. Becca Chandler has a good head on her shoulders, but sometimes her wanting to help overpowers that, like jumping in the middle of a fight or being in a shooting fire. 

The plot was pure awesomeness! I really like that everyone (well not everyone, but the main characters) had some kind of element power, whether it be Earth, Wind, Fire, or Water. There was also a fifth element that I found really interesting, Spirit. 

Something else that some people may not like about this book is the amount of swear words that this book has. This did not really bugged me because lately it seems like a lot of YA novels have a lot of cursing, plus a lot of teens these days curse more and more.

Purchase this book: Amazon / Barnes&Noble / The Book Depository