Review: Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Cruel Beauty
Rosamund Hodge
Published: January 28, 2014
Balzer +  Bray
Hardcover, 342 pages

Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart.Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny. Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him. With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love. --GoodReads

3 Stars

Review:

OK, so I read this about a month ago, and I've been meaning to get to a review of this... jeez, it has been a while, hasn't it? So therefore, my review isn't going to be so much of a review, but rather some kind of rant thing.... I'm just going off the bits and pieces I remember, so bear with me, folks. 

Summary Rosie-style- From what I remember, a father makes a deal with a demon prince, and it all goes horribly wrong. With demons, you gotta remember to choose your words very carefully. At the time, his wife, pregnant, was very sick, and he wished that his twin girls would come out healthy and happy. However, he forgot to wish for his wife's health, and she ends up dying. There's a catch, though. The father sealed away the fate for one of his daughters, Nyx, who is fated to marry this demon prince, Ignifex. She's super bitter about this and tries not to hate her twin sister, who got the better part of the bargain. Her sister, on the other hand, receives all the love and attention from daddy, while Nix receives the "heroic" speech stuff. She gets the "Oh it's your duty to kill the demon prince and blah blah" and is reminded everyday of her terrible fate.

So she goes and marries the demon prince, right? Except he's not exactly what she expects. No matter how many times she [pathetically] tries to kill him, she never succeeds, and every time he brushes her off like a bug. He's very compliant and has quite a humorous approach to his situation. Apparently, being a supreme ruler with awesome powers becomes very boring, so much to the point of marrying a woman who YOU KNOW wants to kill you. The demon prince, master of all deals, makes Nyx a bargain. If she can guess his true identity, she will be set free, no questions asked. BUT, if she guesses wrong, he will turn her into stone, and she will forever reside in his haunted castle unable to do anything but be aware of her surroundings. So as a living result of a bargain gone wrong, she opts for the other route and explores his castle for ways to kill him and escape. 

So the whole book is about her relationship with her sister (Nyx struggles especially with her feelings about her sister. Her feelings of love and hatred battle throughout the book) , her father (who she yearns to receive approval from), her aunt (who shacks up with Nyx's father), and Ignifex (to whom she can't resist her carnal attraction!!! ooOOOoo ♥♥♥) Oh, and did I mention his Shadow? She falls in love with his Shadow, a mirror image of Ignifiex, a seemingly more human side of him, but possibly another trapped man?

Characters: Alright, now that the summary stuff is done, lemme tell you MY impressions of the characters. 

Nyx- So she lives there for a coupla years and cannot do jack****. She stinks as an assassin, and for a majority of the book (she narrates it, she's the POV) she just complains about her situation and ponders what she can do to possibly escape it. She worries over things she can't control, and she hates herself for being attracted to Ignifex. Also, she is so indecisive!!! Her feelings about her family change from chapter to chapter - I swear - and her love from Shadow to Ignifex changes every time one of them kisses her. Or maybe from page to page. At least it feels like that...you try to root for her, but she changes her mind way too much.

Ignifex- Ok, so he's super badass, and pretty funny when needs to be. He puts up with a failure of an assassin wife. He's a thumbs-up in my book.

Shadow- Um, is it just me, or is cheating on your demon husband with his shadow kinda WRONG??

Father- 5 Star jerk. Has sex with his dead wife's sister. Feels no remorse for what he's done, inadvertently killing his sick pregnant wife while selling the soul of his oldest daughter to the demon lord, all the while telling her its her duty to save the city, AND giving all his affection to his other clueless daughter. 

Astraia- Nyx's twin sister who gets the better part of the deal. Nyx says some pretty crappy things to her before going off to marry the prince...It's not really Astraia's fault - in fact, it's her father's fault for it all happening, yet Nyx despises her sister for a good part of the novel. But then loves her sister. But then hates her. She actually is pretty badass though...

Plot- Sooo, the city they all live in is taken over by some sort of dark force/demons, and is plucked away from the normal world. Um. The demon prince controls the demons, which everybody fears because once you see a demon, you're pretty much down for the count, aka DEAD. They live in a world where it's similar to Earth, but no really. They have a fake sun and such... it's like they're all living inside the pages of a book. Or at least that's how I imagined it. It really gets quite confusing how everything is explained.

The author tries to make a mish-mash between Beauty and the Beast and Greek Mythology, but it's just kind of a warble between the two. I can see how some aspects of Beauty and the Beast play into it - the living house - and how Greek Mythology plays into it, since Nyx's family worships Greek Gods... but that's pretty much it. Hodge kind of just goes on her own path and creates a story that hits you from out of nowhere. This book will not be what you will expect....but in a semi-good way I guess?

BTW - the pace is kind of slow, but it really doesn't feel that way. Unless you hate reading about indecisive POVs - now that could go really slowly. Not to spoil it, but it does end kind of weirdly. It takes a turn that you really don't expect... deus ex machina?

Overall- OK..... uh. If you like mish-mashing of stories you already know and don't mind indecisive MCs, then this is the book for you! One thing I really liked was the emotional progression of the relationship between Ignifex and Nyx. It wasn't supahfast like some YA novels, but was instead very realistic. The way the background info explained was a little shakey and a bit confusing. SO DON'T SKIM.

Happy Reading, folks!

Review: Killer Frost by Jennifer Estep

Killer Frost (Mythos Academy #6)

By Jennifer Estep

Published: February 25, 2014

Publisher: Kensington Teen

ebook, 384 pages

Source: Online Library 

I’ve battled the Reapers of Chaos before–and survived. But this time I have a Bad, Bad Feeling it’s going to be a fight to the death … most likely mine.

Yeah, I’ve got my psychometry magic, my talking sword, Vic–and even the most dangerous Spartan on campus at my side, in Logan freaking Quinn, but I’m no match for Loki, the evil Norse god of chaos. I may be Nike’s Champion, but at heart, I’m still just Gwen Frost, that weird Gypsy girl everyone at school loves to gossip about.

Then someone I love is put in more danger than ever before, and something inside me snaps. This time, Loki and his Reapers are going down for good … or I am. --Goodreads

Purchase Killer Frost here: Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | The Book Depository 

 

 4 Stars

Review

All wonderful things must sadly come to an end, including the fantastic Mythos Academy series. Despite my initial disappointments, Gwen and her gang have easily become part of my book-loving heart. Facing high expectations as the final book, Killer Frost defies these expectations and delivers an epic climatic finale.

After facing the Reapers in five books, it's wonderful to finally see the good guys fighting back at the Reapers, rather than just responding to their catcalls. This time, we see Gwen and the rest working to ultimately bring an end to Loki and his nefarious gang, instead of just holding off the next Reaper plan. Then again, we should feel pity for Loki. He's a poor god whose face is half burned off and just can't get the plastic surgery to fix his face. Loki just can never catch a break, can he?

Plot twists have become a staple in the book industry. Jennifer Estep is a master at surprising her readers. Continually, time and time again the Mythos Academy series has shocked me with its unpredictable, yet believable stories. Killer Frost has continued this legacy with its impressive intricacy of the plot. The realistic unexpected is always a plus in a world soaked with  "been there, done that".

Although Killer Frost does have a reasonably decent conclusion for the major characters (Gwen, Logan, Vic, Daphne, etc.), there should have been more closure to some other minor characters. The happily ever afters are sweet, but I wish there was more time spent developing Rory and her aunt. Rory and her aunt were both pivotal figures in the previous book, Midnight Frost. If there are characters introduced later in the series, these characters should be given more important roles to justify their late introduction. Besides, Rory is a kickbutt heroine, who really should have a spin-off series based on her. *crossing my fingers*

Overall, the Mythos Academy series has blossomed into a magnificent series. Even though it is bitter to say goodbye to Gwen and the gang, concluding the fight against Loki is definitely helping my heart. If you haven't picked up this series yet, this series is totally recommended!

Oracle of the Delphi Blog Tour: Prophecy of Solstice's End by Diantha Jones

Prophecy of the Solstice's End (Oracle of the Delphi #3)

By Diantha Jones

Release Date: July 15, 2013

Summer Solstice is here. Let the games begin.

Nothing but lies (some of them her own) and deceit have brought Chloe to Olympus for the Solstice Olympic Games. As the Oracle and the special guest of the King of Myth, Chloe becomes immersed in a life of unfathomable luxury, taunting history, and overwhelming excitement. Though scheming and untrustworthy, the gods remain on their best behavior as the tension and anticipation builds around the outcome of the Quest of the Twelve Labors, the deadliest competition of the Games. All seems well on the celestial front...until athletes start turning up dead and a philosopher missing for months returns with a most terrifying story...

But that’s not all.

As Strafford confronts his troubled past and more is learned about the Great Unknown Prophecy, Chloe grows close to another, setting off a chain of events that will bring her face-to-face with a truth that will rock both of her worlds to their core.

And it’ll all happen before Solstice’s end... --Goodreads

Purchase Prophecy of the Solstice's End here: Amazon (Kindle) | Barnes & Nobles (Nook) 

4.5 Stars

Review:

Wow... This was a seriously epic roller coaster...

Let's just say a ton of stuff happens in this book. It's massive! Everything is ginormous and ridiculously insane, but this book rocks. So many secrets are revealed and so many more clues are given for future secrets. Clearly, Diantha knows what to give her readers, but unfortunately rations her servings. There was so much that I wanted and received, but just felt needed more by the end. It has been some time since a book has consumed my soul like this. I NEED MORE!!!

We begin with Chloe attending the Solstice's Olympic Games with many of the gods and demigods in attendance. With parades, parties, chariot races, and bonanzas, the Solstice's Olympic Games is an event that is rivaled by no other. However, underneath all of the fanfare that comes with this event, there are secrets lurking awaiting discovery. Each god has a hidden agenda just ready to send the world into oblivion. Cheery, isn't it? 

Plot-wise and action-wise, this book rocks the world. There are so many conflicts and plot twists that occur that make Prophecy of the Solstice's End like no other. Chloe is constantly tested by the gods, who are the most irritating and beautiful people to ever exist. Constantly, the gods come in as the pretty and the soap opera characters. It's quite humorous, but also quite irritating. We get it, they have sex appeal. No need to keep repeating how magnificent they are. My new goal is to find one ugly thing in Olympus.

But really, the best aspect of this book would have to be the character relationships. Constantly, so many characters, whom we have deemed as the best buds that could never be torn apart, are forced to question their bonds with one another. Ace, who is extremely close to Strafford and Swindle, starts to question them when they start hiding secrets from him. Additionally, Chloe finds herself becoming best buds with Strafford's sworn enemy, further testing the bonds between Strafford and her. It's crazy, but so emotionally investing as a reader.

This book would probably have to be my favorite book yet of the Oracle of the Delphi series. Although this book received a lower rating than Prophecy of the Setting Sunrise, Prophecy of the Solstice's End was a fantastic book that is so unbelievably exciting and enjoyable to read. There definitely could have been less pretty descriptions, but thankfully they did not take away from the primary focus of the book: the impending doom of the world.... Dun dun dun...

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Review: Midnight Frost by Jennifer Estep

Midnight Frost (Mythos Academy #5)

By Jennifer Estep

Release Date: July 30, 2013

Publisher: Kensington Teen

Paperback, 400 pages
Source: Netgalley

Here we go again …

Just when it seems life at Mythos Academy can’t get any more dangerous, the Reapers of Chaos manage to prove me wrong. It was just a typical night at the Library of Antiquities — until a Reaper tried to poison me. The good news is I’m still alive and kicking. The bad news is the Reaper poisoned someone else instead.

As Nike’s Champion, everyone expects me to lead the charge against the Reapers, even though I’m still hurting over what happened with Spartan warrior Logan Quinn. I’ve got to get my hands on the antidote fast — otherwise, an innocent person will die. But the only known cure is hidden in some creepy ruins — and the Reapers are sure to be waiting for me there … --Goodreads

Pre-order Midnight Frost here: Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | The Book Depository

3.5 Stars

Review:

If there was one song that Midnight Frost could be compared to, it have to be that classic marching band song "Pomp and Circumstance". It's a fantastic arrangement that is enjoyable to hear, but is overplayed and used too often at graduations. Similarly, Midnight Frost is an exciting continuation of the Mythos Academy series, but is also disappointment with its surprisingly clichéd plot and pathetic caricatures of once spectacular characters.

We begin the fifth installment of the Mythos Academy series with Gwen and the academy affected by the betrayal of several characters and the attack from the Reapers. Gwen is still suffering from her fight against Logan and Logan's inner battle against Loki. When Nickamedes is poisoned by the Reapers who intended to poison Gwen, Gwen and the gang race against time to find the antidote. Despite knowing that it is a Reaper trap, Gwen can't back down and takes on this daunting task that comes with even more secrets revealed.

Honestly, Midnight Frost is a solid read. The action moments are great, the emotional moments are bittersweet, and the story isn't terrible. However, there is nothing that really sets the story apart from any other fantasy or paranormal book out there. Every possible stereotype out there is being used in this installment, such as the New Moon Edward-less plot device and the helping animals for help in the future plot device. This caused the book to be less melodramatic and heart-pumping. This series is amazing for having some plot twists that I never saw coming, but Midnight Frost was so predictable and bland.

When compared to the rest of the series, this book also had some pitfalls when it came to continuing to flesh out the characters. Gwen is all mopey over Logan's departure from Mythos Academy, which is completely understandable but still kind of annoying. We don't see the real Gwen appear until the book is almost over. 

Although it does make more sense according to the conventional rules of book writing to have a noble idiot character (character who abandons lover for some dumb reason) come back in the end. It is much easier to sort things out that way. If you haven't figured out, it's because Logan doesn't come around until the end. Annoyingly, his reappearance is supposedly all dramatic, but it's really lame. Haven't we already seen this kind of stuff before?

Other than the disappointing plot and characters, Mythos Academy is a decent sequel to Crimson Frost. It was enjoyable and I flipped through the pages (or tapped my Kindle really quickly) extremely fast. Still, there was that voice in my head going "BEEN THERE, DONE THAT!" throughout the book. Hopefully the next book in the series will be able to surpass Midnight Frost and the rest of Mythos Academy series. 

Review: Spartan Frost by Jennifer Estep

Spartan Frost (Mythos Academy #4.5)

By Jennifer Estep

Release Date: June 25, 2013

Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation

Source: NetGalley

eBook, 60 pages

Professor Metis and Nickamedes say that I'm fine, that Loki and the Reapers don't have a hold on me anymore, but I can't risk it. I can't risk hurting Gwen again. So I'm leaving Mythos and going somewhere far, far away.

I know Gwen wonders what's happening to me, whether I'm safe. I can't tell her, but this is my story. . .

Pre-order Spartan Frost here: Amazon (Kindle) | B&N (Nook)

5 Stars

Contains Spoilers from Previous Books in the Series!!!

Review:

After the giant cliffhanger at the end of Crimson Frost, I was ready to blow up the entire world. HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN?!?!?!?!? *beep beep beep beep* pause *beep beep beep beep beep* I was spazzing out because the most kickbutt couple in the entire world was going through noble idiocy. Noble idiocy, if you don't know, is the chronic syndrome that couples go through where one person decides to leave the other for some pathetic reason. Refer to Edward from New Moon. 

At first, I felt betrayed by Jennifer Estep. How could she subject the most clichéd plotline in the world onto such an epic series? But then Ms. Estep released this novella which makes things so much better. Rather than abandoning Logan freaking Quinn for several months, she decided to give us an even better view of Logan freaking Quinn. Usually novellas are pointless stories that the author writes for some money, but Spartan Frost was totally worth the read and the money.

Spartan Frost begins with Loki possessing Logan, forcing him to attack Gwen. This event was already recapped by Gwen in Crimson Frost, but it was so much more heartbreaking to see this event from Logan's point of view. Seeing Logan so furious and hateful of himself for attacking Gwen, even though it totally was not his fault, is so heartbreaking. Before reading this, I understood that Loki needed to be destroyed forever. But after this, I want Loki to be tortured for eternity because he just gave Logan freaking Quinn a meltdown! This transgression is unforgivable because Logan is such a great protagonist. He has all of the bad boy swag, but he actually has emotions, which sets him apart from the rest of those dumb male YA characters.

Poor Logan is so traumatized that he runs away from Gwen for her safety, which is NOBLE IDIOCY, as mentioned before!!! This stuff usually ruins books, stories, and plots. However, in this case, the noble idiocy made so much more sense. The reason is because we got to see what Logan felt during his meltdown. It also may have helped that he wasn't a soulless robot throughout this ordeal: He still kicked the Reapers' butts in this novella, which is definitely a plus. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised that Spartan Frost effortlessly connected emotionally with its readers, despite its rather short length.

Honestly, if you have not started this series, you really should start now. The first book, Touch of Frost, is not as good as the rest of the series. Furthermore, there isn't anything really original in the setting or storyline of this series. In spite of these faults, Mythos Academy really has grown to be a favorite YA fantasy series though because all of the characters really connect to the readers. I admit, part of the reason why there is a connection is because Gwen has the power to sense the past when touching an object or a person. Still, there is something special in this series that everyone should discover.

Review: My Ex from Hell by Tellulah Darling

My Ex from Hell (The Blooming Goddess Trilogy #1) 

By Tellulah Darling 

Released: April 1, 2013 

Publisher: Te Da Publishing 

Paperback, 272 pages 

Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she’d been taught the following:

a) Bad boy’s presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl’s brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.)

b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.

Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, bitchy yoga girls, and being on probation at her boarding school for mouthy behaviour. Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world.

Literally.

This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie’s true identity: Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She’s key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed.

Plus there’s also the little issue that Sophie’s last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.

Big picture: master her powers, get her memories back, defeat Persephone’s would be assassin, and save the world. Also, sneak into the Underworld to retrieve stolen property, battle the minions of Hades and Zeus, outwit psycho nymphs, slay a dragon, rescue a classmate, keep from getting her butt expelled from the one place designed to keep her safe …

… and stop kissing Kai, Prince of the Underworld.

My Ex From Hell is a romantic comedy/Greek mythology smackdown. Romeo and Juliet had it easy. --Goodreads

3.5 Stars

Review:

When a book is hilarious and a total riot, it's hard to not want to give it a five star review. Initially, I was so excited and flipped out after I finished My Ex from Hell that I reread it at least three times. That was how much I adored this book. It's a pretty new thing for me.

Then as I tried to explain the funny moments in this review, I realized that I couldn't describe the basic plot line of this book. The reason why? There is no definite plot for My Ex from Hell; instead this is more of a humorous introduction the screwed up world Sophie, the reincarnation of Persephone, will have to face in the later books. So because of the hard to describe plot, I decided that although the enjoyment level of this book is a frikkin' 100000000000000000000000/5, this book depressingly deserves the rating above.

First off, I would like to state the fact that Sophie doesn't kiss Kai many times in this book. Whatever this hilarious blurb above hints is completely inaccurate and deserves to be sued for its lies. This book isn't focusing on the whole Persephone is the key to save the world blah blah blah because of Zeus and Hades' little monopoly game. There is an entirely different mystery out there in the works that is the priority of My Ex from Hell. Sorry, but whoever wrote this blurb seriously needs to focus on its contents rather than the humor (it's humorous, but...).

One of the major concerns that comes when reading this book is the plot, as mentioned before. Not only does the plot not follow the epic blurb above, but it mindlessly meanders for a giant chunk of the novel. It goes from 'Persephone, so what?' to 'You kissed whom?' to 'Persephone fighting robots' to 'Persephone's memories' to yada yada yada. It is nice that everything isn't laid out easily for the readers to discover, except it has the events of the book shoddily pieced together. Things are quite disjointed and puzzling, so it's probably best to take a step back and relax while reading.

Despite its somewhat shifty and unsettling plot, My Ex from Hell is a spellbinding book that will rock your socks off. Sophie is a one of a kind narrator who is a bit superficial, but that is what makes her endearing. She begins as an awkward, yet confident girl who blossoms as Persephone incarnate. Sophie's moments of vanity are ridiculous and could be considered atrocious. Somehow, Sophie manages to pull it off because she never tries to be someone she isn't. It is really strange how a vain character can be so likable because usually I get put off by a character who boasts that she isn't pretty, even though she is blonde, blue-eyed, heart-shaped face, and all of this other crap. If you don't think that you're attractive, then stop talking about your appearance is the advice I'm giving all protagonists. At the beginning, Sophie doesn't believe that she is pretty, but it's twisted humorously, making it all the more adorable when she gloats over her new-found beauty.

Honestly, I was bit confused about the romance that was supposed to be here. Once again the misleading blurb strikes again. There isn't really too much development between Sophie and Kai, making it somewhat awkward when those moments happen. Because of this, it is hard to root for this couple that we are supposed to root for. Even though there are the cute bickering moments that are the new "cool" for YA novels, there isn't really much going for this pairing. When Kai tells Sophie that he will be willing to love her because she looks more like Persephone, my heart burst with pride when Sophie rejected his advances. It's so repulsive when a guy sucks at flirting and still attempts to. Sorry Kai, but you could do way better than that if you're that dream-worthy.

Although there are a few flaws within My Ex from Hell, they could not offset the blast I had while reading it. All of the characters possess a flicker of humor that crackles on each page. As so many reviewers have said, they probably haven't laughed this hard in a long time while reading a book. The same goes for me here because Tellulah Darling has every character popping a witty or dumb line that emphasizes their their personality. It seems impossible that a dumb line could be that great, but when a vain antagonist spouts some crap, there is nothing better when the protagonists fry their dumb brains with something even cheesier. Corny, it is, but the chuckles will come guaranteed.

So you, the reader, are confused over whether or not to give this a try... Telling you now, READ THIS! My 3.5 review does not reflect how much I LOVED THIS BOOK! Its flaws are insignificant compared to the euphoria that this book will give the reader. The shaky plot and convoluted romance is no match to the epic characters and their one-liners that will one day rule the world of Hades and beyond. Besides even if you're not one for paranormal, suck it up. When you all begin sobbing because of refusing to give My Ex from Hell a try, you'll know that all of us lovers of this book will be partying when My Date from Hell comes out this August.

Purchase My Ex from Hell here: Amazon/ B&N/ The Book Depository

Review: The Emerald Tablet by Joshua Silverman

The Emerald Tablet 

By Joshua Silverman 

Published: September 15, 2012 

Publisher: Enchanted Forest Press 

Paperback, 408 pages 

Leoros doesn't have many friends. The son of a scientist and archaeologist, he is constantly on the move. But when his parents make a startling discovery in Egypt, his world is turned upside down.

Do you wish you could have the power of a god? Would you use it for good or for evil?

When an archaeologist discovers the mythic Emerald Tablet buried beneath Egypt’s desert, her son decodes the ancient text leading him to a distant world.

On that world, a slave girl begins a journey towards a destiny she cannot imagine. But when an ancient foe rises from the ashes, they will be brought together by forces neither understands.

Leoros, who dreams of being like the heroes in the comic books, must fight to unlock the secrets of the universe to save a people he never knew existed. Atlantia, whose bloody visions wake her in the night, senses the darkness coming.

Together they will face an enemy with the power of dark energy, lose a mentor to the assassin’s blade, and be betrayed by someone they trust. Their fight for the future is just beginning, and before it is over, a final sacrifice must be made. When the darkness comes, will they stand and fight or will they join it?

There is darkness in everyone. --Goodreads

4 Stars

Review

I was asked to read this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Usually when a novel that sounds so all gung-ho on having some boy who still hasn't reached puberty to be the savior of the world, I'm prepared for a cliched, yet realistic middle grade that has the kid being the star of some bleh prophecy. Yes, that is exactly what happened with this book, yet the differences outweigh the similarities on many accounts. Mixing Egyptian and Greek mythology is the selling point that it totally kicks butt in.

The intriguing storytelling that The Emerald Tablet uses is one that consists of multiple points of the views that serve to cover all of the multiple adventures going on at once. A majority of the time, the multiple points of views becomes hectic and extremely irritating, but this time around, each situation was told from a third person view that incorporated all of the present characters. That is also extremely confusing at times when it switches from a guy thinking about conquering the world, and switches to his lover mooning over him. Trust me, it happens quite often. There is nothing necessarily wrong with it, it just took some time to get used to. However, once one overcomes the awkward third-person narration, the story flows beautifully. In fact, the novel probably could not be told in any other way besides the flip-flopping third-person method that it utilizes. 

While reading The Emerald Tablet because so many characters are having their thoughts be revealed, it seems as if one would could easily relate to most of the characters. That is not how it exactly went. Most characters were only given a pitiful few pages of having the situation be interpreted by them, so it they felt a bit empty. Despite the empty feelings I felt toward a majority of the incredibly large cast of characters, the main characters were charismatic and quite enjoyable to follow. Still, it's not like I could easily understand their thought patterns or understand the choices they made. So many decisions made by characters like Leoros and his parents were out of place for a normal person in that certain situation. What kind of kid accidentally teleports into another world and does not even bother to try to warn his parents before running off to train his superpowers? Then again, what sort of parents decide to hook up again to go Bonnie and Clyde to save their son? Even so, the characters brought a light to complex story that did make up for the lack of complexity.

What surprised me most was how easily the story glided together. With so many separate journeys being told at once, it is ridiculously hard to keep the readers following along to the three or four separate settings that the characters are in. Somehow, Joshua Silverman executes the story with finesse and a skill that is undeniably smart and sensible. Dragging things out or overextending the boundaries of a plot are the norm for middle grades with a similar story line, yet The Emerald Tablet excelled in keeping control of the adventures. 

Overall, The Emerald Tablet provided a new, fresh take on the world of a thirteen year old saving the world with older people doing most of the work. This time around, Leoros believably holds his ground and presents himself as a likable protagonist. The romance between Leoros and Atlantia was a little odd considering their ages, but maybe love knows no bounds? Anyway, despite all its eccentricities and an extremely abrupt ending, The Emerald Tablet is an enjoyable, fun read for many to experience. 

Purchase The Emerald Tablet here: Amazon/ B&N

Review: Solar, Defeated by Diantha Jones

Solar, Defeated (Oracle of Delphi #2.5, Mythos #1) 

By Diantha Jones 

Published: Feburary 27, 2013 

Mythos: Stories from Olympus, Book One

From the moment Strafford Law saw Chloe Clever, he knew he was destined to love her forever. But a dishonorable past and a bleak future threaten to destroy him before he gets the chance.

Looking back, he recalls his life before it came crashing down around him...a time when the one he now loathes most of all was the one he adored more than anything.

SPOILER ALERT: Read as Oracle of Delphi #2.5! YOU'VE BEEN WARNED.--Goodreads

4 Stars

Review

For the people how have fallen in love with the Oracle of Delphi series, Solar, Defeated is a must read. Who can deny the amazing allure of Strafford Law and all of the bothersome secrets cause a guy that amazing to be ostracized on a daily basis? Story of my life right here.

Initially, the novella began with Strafford reminiscing his past with melancholy and regret strewn everywhere throughout the pages, setting the bar of the novella relatively low. However, immediately the reader is sent on a flashback journey that introduces the Strafford that everyone once loved and his family that was once closely bonded. Diantha has done a splendid job of revealing the pain within Strafford that has been hidden from readers previously. The flashbacks are not pathetically depressing, but are in fact extremely cute and fun to read.

Despite all of the adorable flashbacks that were so enjoyable, they also left me tearing once I finished. After seeing a happy Strafford with his joyful family, it was shocking and tragic to see the family all broken up after the death of Isolde, Strafford's twin sister. It was unimaginable that her death, even though it was already known, could destroy the familial bond between Strafford, his siblings, and his parents. 

If I could describe this book it would have to be like an Annie or Les Miserables mash-up. Yes, both of these are musicals, but since Strafford and his siblings are the children of Apollo, it's not like they're avoiding music. In fact at one point, one of the cutest scenes was when the family formed a band. In other words, the desolate beginning soon branches into a fluffy, cheerful middle, and ends with a somewhat deflated climax. Although there are so many questions answered in Solar, Defeated, there are also so many more questions that came up as well, especially with the vague, open ending.

For the most part, it is hard for me to decide whether this novella was a read I loved or a so-so read. There was so much that had me smiling and eagerly rereading, but the inevitable depressing parts of the novella were quite burdensome. There were points that felt a bit disjointed because of the vacillation between the bright and the dark. It is definitely not Diantha's fault or the novella's problem; it's my own personal tastes that playing a factor in it. This is definitely a novella that all Oracle of the Delphis series lovers will enjoy, so go and give this series a try because it is so worth it.

Purchase Solar, Defeated here: Amazon (Kindle)/ B&N (Nook)

Cover Reveal and Excerpt: Prophecy of Solstice's End by Diantha Jones

Prophecy of the Solstice's End (Oracle of Delphi #3)

By Diantha Jones

Expected Publication: July 2013

Summer Solstice is here. Let the games begin.

Nothing but lies (some of them her own) and deceit have brought Chloe to Olympus for the Solstice Olympic Games. As the Oracle and the special guest of the King of Myth, Chloe becomes immersed in a life of unfathomable luxury, taunting history, and overwhelming excitement. Though scheming and untrustworthy, the gods remain on their best behavior as the tension and anticipation builds around the outcome of the Quest of the Twelve Labors, the deadliest competition of the Games. All seems well on the celestial front...until athletes start turning up dead and a philosopher missing for months returns with a most terrifying story...

But that’s not all.

As Strafford confronts his troubled past and more is learned about the Great Unknown Prophecy, Chloe grows close to another, setting off a chain of events that will bring her face-to-face with a truth that will rock both of her worlds to their core.

And it’ll all happen before Solstice’s end... --Goodreads

Excerpt:

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I was jus’ thinkin, wan, tha’ I’ve been really good to you.”

She rolled her eyes. “Conceited, much?”

“I don’t mean in my duties. Tha’s a given. I mean with my behavior. I’ve been really good.” Strafford's expression darkened, but not in the way that foretold he was about to kill something. In the way that made her entire body flush with nervous, excited heat.

“So what are you saying?” she breathed, resisting the urge to fan herself.

“I’m sayin, Red, tha’ I don’t think I want to be a good boy anymore.”

Oh my... “You’ve never really been a good boy, you know.”

He scoffed. “I’ve been a bloody role model of propriety.” And he didn’t look particularly proud of that.

“You grabbed my butt once in Spritewood. I tried to walk away from you, and you pulled me back and just...grabbed it.”

“Aye, and I don’t regret it for a moment.” The smile he wore made that perfectly clear. “But tha’s been the extent of my naughty boy behavior, wan.”

She realized, besides the mind-blowing kisses and sexy looks, he hadn’t really tried to take things any further. From the look in his smokey gray eyes, he planned to cross that line. Soon.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Thoughts: This series is such a delicious, fun gem that I consistently am dying to steal from Diantha's hands. Unfortunately, authors need to take their time to write the spellbinding books that blow our minds. As I remind Diantha repeatedly, I need her to write faster! She's probably becoming extremely annoyed with my impatient methods of forcing Oracle of Delphi #3 to come out, but hey! Anything to make me happy (yes, I'm selfish, deal with it).

OK, the covers of this series are getting better. Should I bother to mention that the hair (which is the most important aspect of these covers) is steadily improving. By the end of this series *tear*, they should totally kick the butts of all other redheads out there (sorry, redheads, it's the truth). Now, we must wait for July to come sooner.,, ARE YOU FRIKKIN' KIDDING ME??????

Review: Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test #2)

By Aimée Carter

Published: March 27, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin TEEN

Paperback, 297 pages

Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry's first wife, Persephone. --Goodreads

2 Stars

Review

With all of the hype this series is receiving, you'd totally expect something extraordinarily original or dramatic, but unfortunately Goddess Interrupted doesn't stand out in that retrospect. Instead, this book is an overly dramatic, but fun read.

After all the trials Kate has gone through to get to the stage of being hitched to Henry, trouble strikes. I know! You totally didn't expect something abnormal to happen! Yes, Calliope (Hera) is insane, releasing the very daddy who ate her when she was a newborn for no reason besides what? She wants to avenge her misery with her useless husband by hooking up with Henry and killing of Kate. Of course, things never turn out as one expects when half of the cast is insane.

As you've probably figured out by now, Goddess Interrupted is the continuation of The Goddess Test (genius, yes I know). With the words of continuation, this also means a continuation of the hilarious soap operatic moments that can only happen with a straight man (girl in this case), and the insane almighty gods. With Henry kidnapped, we've lost the "Beast" of Beauty and the Beast. Now it's "Beauty" running off to find her hubby's first wife who everyone hates. Then what was already making no sense just spirals downward to become one of the most awkward and sexist books in YA history.

Basically, the author retells a Greek myth in modern times, but unfortunately decides to add tons of sexist and nonsensical situations. For example, Persephone has never loved Henry, not to mention was forced to marry him. Then when she decides that she cannot live this loveless life anymore, and falls in love with Adonis, all of the gods consider her a slut? It is understandable that this situation has happened in the past, and many people have thought the same things hundreds of years ago. But seriously! This is the 21st century, this book takes place in the 21st century, so shouldn't at least the one character born in this century (hello Kate) act like she can understand Persephone's decision. It just floored me out sexist this series could get. 

Then there's the ending. What kind of book ends with such an awkward ending that has the antagonist flash her playing cards in front of the protagonist before her plan is even in the final stages? For goodness sakes! After the sudden revealed plan, there's a frikkin' time skip that feels so out of place. One reason is because it's from Henry's point of view, and we've never had a single moment in this entire series with another narrator besides Kate, so it feels disjointed. Let's just say that there could have been a better way to end this book.

I won't deny that I enjoyed reading Goddess Interrupted. It was like watching Breaking Dawn: Part I, funny because it couldn't be taken seriously. The OMG moments were laughable, and the plot moved too rapidly to be seriously reprehensible. Still, this is definitely one of the biggest slumps of a series that I've read, but I love the cheesiness of this series so much, so I'm definitely putting The Goddess Inheritance on my to-read list.

Purchase this book: Amazon/ B&N/ TBD

Review: Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep

Crimson Frost (Mythos Academy #4) 

By Jennifer Estep 

Expected Publication: December 24, 2012 

Publisher: Kensington 

Paperback, 384 pages 

For a moment, a face flashed before my eyes—the most hideous face I’d ever seen. No matter how hard I tried to forget what had happened, I saw him everywhere I went. It was Loki—the evil god that I’d helped set free against my will.

I should have known that my first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. If we’d gotten into a swordfight, or been ambushed by Reapers, I’d have been more prepared. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? I didn’t see that one coming.

I’ve been accused of purposely helping the Reapers free Loki from his prison—and the person leading the charge against me is Linus Quinn, Logan’s dad. The worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks I’m guilty. If I’m going to get out of this mess alive, I’ll have to do it myself… --Goodreads

4.5 Stars

Review

Jennifer Estep has continuously impressed me with her break-out into the YA genre. Her Mythos Academy series is now one of my top YA paranormal series. What began first as a mediocre, clichéd Touch of Frost soon blossomed into this epic of massive proportions that cannot be contained. Time after time, I am repeatedly surprised by Jennifer's growth in writing for a YA audience. Before, I found Gwen a dull, stereotypical Bella kind of character. At this point, Gwen is one of the fiercest YA protagonists ever to exist.

Crimson Frost begins immediately after the horrifying events of Dark Frost. As with most books and movies, the worst news comes at the best time, as in Logan's daddy in charge of prosecuting poor Gwen for freeing Loki. Poor Gwen seems to be back at square -1000 with everyone at the Academy wanting to kill her, and her now incredibly awkward relationship with Logan. Sometimes, I just want to throw Jennifer Estep around to give Gwen her happy ending already. Throughout the entire series, Gwen has to face so many threats without thanks, and almost dies constantly. Enough, is enough! However, her pain is the reader's gain, so I can totally understand why Gwen should continue suffering.

What makes me really love the Mythos Academy series is the character growth that is constantly shown throughout the series. Characters that were first shown as shallow and dependent gradually mature into likable, strong supporting characters. Unlike many series that just focus mainly on the main protagonists, Mythos Academy always includes other characters in the main events, and they aren't just back-up singers, they're all part of the action as well. Although Crimson Frost didn't focus as much on the supporting characters as the previous books did because a majority of the focus was on Gwen's problems and turmoil, there was still some new revelations for some of the sideline characters that made the book all the more exciting to read.

After finishing Crimson Frost, I was at a sort of loss. The book was nearly perfect in my eyes. The characters were vivid and relatable, the plot was imaginative and innovative, everything seemed perfect. Then I realized my problem: I already figured out everything that was going on before it actually happened. This did not make my enjoyment of this book any less, but I feel like that if a book is predictable, it shouldn't receive a rating greater than the enjoyment rating. If I was grading this solely on my enjoyment, then it would've received a 5 star rating. Unfortunately, the predictability factor just lowers the rating by a mere half star.

Despite its predictability, Crimson Frost by no means is one of those over-the-top books. The fast-pace of the story keeps the reader from finding this a dull, tedious read. All of the characters have some spark in them that electrifies the pages with their dialogue and interactions alone. The pivotal relationship between Gwen and Logan is tested throughout this book especially, and it's so heartbreaking to see two people who belong with each other having to face such terrible trials. Jennifer Estep has penned the best book of the Mythos Academy series yet, and I can't wait to read the next book to defy my expectations.

E-ARC courtesy of Kensington via NetGalley. Thank you Kensington and NetGalley! 

Pre-order Crimson Frost at: Amazon/ B&N/ TBD

Oracle of the Delphi Blog Tour: Prophecy of the Setting Sunrise by Diantha Jones Review

Prophecy of the Setting Sunrise (Oracle of Delphi #2)

By Diantha Jones (Website/ Twitter/ Facebook/ Goodreads)

Published: November 12, 2012

eBook, 357 pages

It’s official. Myth is doomed.

And it’s all Chloe Clever’s fault.

Still as whacked out as ever, Chloe is now faced with an even uglier truth: Not only is she the Pythia of the Great Unknown, but she is more powerful than she ever imagined and only the manifestations of her prophetic mind can save them all now.

With her Prince boyfriend, Strafford, and the Quad Fraternity always armed and ready to annihilate the opposition, she will embark on a mission to stop a great power that could consume every god in Myth...and everyone else she’s come to love.

But the worst is still to come.

Dark, painful secrets are revealed, threatening to tear Strafford from her arms, and just when she thinks the future could not look more grim, she is betrayed in the worst way.

With the heavens crumbling down around her, she must hurry to find a way to set things right. But will she be in time to save the one she loves most in the world from a fate that may be more dangerous than her own? --Goodreads

4.5 Stars

Review

This is one of the few books that I've really enjoyed in such a long time. I mean, there are some that I've been extremely excited about, but kind of fell flat, but this is one of the few books that I've been dying to read and has met my expectations. Bravo Diantha! Prophecy of the Setting Sunrise has wowed me beyond belief. There's just so much packed into the pages that allows one to devour this book with such a satisfying feeling.

We begin with Chloe and the gang instantly stuck in between a rock and a hard place. Basically, the human police are kind of holding them up when I'm dying to get to the juicy stuff. Definite problem there! Darn you police!! Despite the odd beginning, which is begins rather awkwardly, the book soon rushes and flies at an ever-increasing rate, keeping the readers on the edges of their seats. So many mysteries are solved and revealed in this book; there's simply so much packed into this book, as if it's bursting at the seams with everything a reader can appreciate. 

As the truths are unveiled one after another, we begin to see that this series, Oracle of the Delphi series, takes place in such a large, complex world ready to double-cross the readers and disappoint. New characters are introduced, some good, some screwed up and some with other motives in mind. I wish that these characters had more screen time than they were given, but I can't deny that I love the main characters too much to allow them to be overshadowed by some powerful enemies. My only complaint would be that I wish that there were more chapters with alternating point of views from different characters, instead of seeing events pass by from Chloe's viewpoint for 90% of the book.

Prophecy of the Setting Sunrise is one of those reads that can be read without a dull moment. The action, fast-pace, wittiness and OMG! moments are what make this book stand out among other YA novels. While others usually fall flat when it comes to pacing and plot, Diantha knows how to keep a book on the right path, and not go off on tangents. Although at times I found the romance between Chloe and Stafford a little awkward at certain pivotal moments in the plot , seeing their relationship reach new heights and being tested throughout the plot, made this book stand out above all others, in my opinion. Usually, the main couple in the second book are faced with the largest dilemma that prevent them from hooking up, but it is obvious that this is just the beginning to the long, treacherous road that our heroes will have to face.

I can't stop singing praises on how much this book amazed me. My expectations were exceeded in this book in terms of pacing, writing and execution. There were some points that I wished that certain events or people would have had a larger role in the Prophecy of the Setting Sunrise, but I can understand why their parts were minimal. The second book of the Oracle of Delphi series is the start of a ridiculously dark road that our heroes are just starting to face. Not to mention, the ending was perfect, causing me to need to hyperventilate, waiting for the next installment of these amazing Greek mythology retellings.

Don't forget to check out the Blog Tour's Giveaway! Right here!