Sacrifice Of Love (Grey Wolves Series #7) - Quinn Loftis Review

Series: Grey Wolves Series
Book: Sacrifice of Love
Author: Quinn Loftis
Genre: YA, Romance, Fantasy

Book synopsis: As one evil falls, another rises in its place. The powerful witch, Desdemona, has finally been killed by an alliance of wolf, elf, and fae. But Reyaz, brother to Cypher the warlock king, has vowed retribution for a life that was taken from him. Now Cypher must decide not only how to protect his newfound mate and his people, but also how to destroy the only family he has left.
Meanwhile, Jen’s pregnancy progresses and the fateful due date draws ever nearer. The thought of losing Decebel’s child constantly threatens to overwhelm her. With each passing day, Decebel grows more distant, causing Jen to wonder what toll the impending loss of their child is taking on him. Unbeknownst to Jen, in an act of desperation to protect his unborn child and mate, Decebel strikes a deadly bargain with the Great Luna—his life in place of his child’s. There is only one way for that to happen; the bond between he and Jen must be broken.
As Jen as Decebel struggle through their darkness, another kind of darkness is infiltrating Fane’s heart. Doubts and questions linger as he tries to cope with the emotions brought on in the aftermath of Desdemona’s curse. He knows what happened wasn’t real, but still he can’t rid himself of the terrible images seared into his memory. Jacque is his light, the one who keeps the darkness at bay, yet he won’t let her inside to do just that.
Sally continues to learn what it means to be a gypsy healer and Costin struggles to protect her as she runs full speed ahead to help her wolves, heedless of her own safety. She sees her best friends struggling, each enduring their own trials. She’s desperate to help them, but can she keep them safe?
With all of these things hanging heavy over the heads of the Serbia and Romania packs, their attention is divided. The wolves do not even realize a threat has slowly infiltrated their midst. Will they recognize the threat in time to save the lives that precariously hang in the balance?
Against this backdrop of darkness, choices will be made, fears will confronted, and the ultimate sacrifice will be made. Will the wolves stand together to defeat the threats arrayed against them, both from within and without? Will love conquer all? Or will the beleaguered wolves finally succumb to their demons?

Book Review: 

I don't know where to begin, I don't even have a word or a phrase to start with for this review. I'm at such a loss for what this book, what this series has put me through, but I don't regret a second of it.
Quinn has once again proven why she is one of my all time favorite authors, with this last installment in the series. I felt joy, pain, I cried for literally an hour (Freaked my mom out A LOT but I digress). All our favorite furry, and non possible throw rug pelt, bearing characters are back in a story that will probably make you feel more destroyed than you have in some time, if at all. 
Jen is still sassy, even more so now that her butts gotten big along with that belly, Jacque is still the in between of the trio, and Sally is still Sally with her inner Jen letting loose every now and then.
In this story, Quinn not only tests everything in her characters, but in her readers as well as we embarked on the final moments of our time with them. I threw down my kindle onto my couch a very large amount today, and just pointed in frustration. Twists and turns at every corner kept me on my toes, as Quinn always does to me, and I felt the need to pull my hair out. 
It seems like things have spiraled down worse than ever seen before for our characters, and with every turn of the page it seems all is lost. If you have stuck through the series as I have, you will cry your eyes out. You will feel frustration, anger, hurt, and the need to punch things. But, you will also revel in the feelings of joy, laughter, and love brought out in the story with characters who could only bring such things forth even in the bleakest and darkest of times. With an ending that threw me off my couch (literally) you will be left breathless as you turn those final pages of the tale.
It saddens me to know this is what we will know as the end of our favorite characters tales, but its also calming to know that hopefully her worst had passed and no more evil shall be passed unto them. Quinn, has driven me crazy with the laughter and tears in not just this book but series, and once again and I do not and never will regret grabbing the first book out of curiosity. We had a great run, and for all things considered this series will forever be one of my all time favorites for the rest of my life. 
Great job Quinn. Keep it up. We believe in you and everything you do.

Favorite Quotes:

"Something inside me has changed, grown darker, and colder. My wolf rages inside, constantly fighting me for control. I know I musn't give in. For if I do, chaos will come crashing down around us, along with lifeless bodies"


"'No, I'm not giving up on you, but I just might kill you.' She was coming to him; he could feel her getting closer.
'If dying by your hand means I can feel your touch, then you can kill me a thousand times.'"


"'How did I ever deserve to have you as a mate, Mina?' he asked her gently.
He felt her hand brush the back of his neck and her lips against his own.
'When I figure it out, I'll let you know,' she teased."


"'A tonic for what?'
'Overbearing, jealous, obnoxious, yet hot, werewolves.'
Costin let out a laugh that filled the room and flooded Sally's heart with joy.
'Will it affect my good looks,' he asked her playfully.
'Oh yes perfect' she muttered to herself ignoring his question.
'What's perfect?' he asked as he leaned over her shoulder to see what she was doing.
'You just reminded me that I forgot to add something to shrink your ego.'"

"'We aim to please, Peri fairy.
Peri snorted. 'Judging from the look of your expanding belly, I would say you must be succeeding.'
Jacque spewed the water she had been drinking out of her mouth as laughter bubbled up.
Jen patted her rounding stomach and grinned over at her mate. 'What do you think B? How's my aim.'
'Jen,' Jacque was still laughing as she tried to talk, 'your aim is not the one you should be worried about.'
Jen paused as she thought about Jacque's words and then a wicked, wicked grin spread across her face. 'Good call, Jacque. Alright, I'll revise my question,' she looked back over to Decebel. 'B, how's your aim?'"


"Couldn't we just have some pixies hell bent on stealing all the lime Popsicle in the world?"


"You know that isn't true. We can't see in the dark. There is nothing to light the way, so we stumble. We grope around hoping to find out way safe and sound. But there is nothing to grasp onto, and in the dark we can't see those who could help us."

*Note* Not all my favorite quotes I just don't have all the time to type them ALL *Note*

All In All: 

This book as well as the whole series was absolutely amazing! I recommend it to anyone who loves werewolves as much as I do (where are my werewolf loves show me some love!). Remember the first book is free! What are you waiting for? Go! Go! Go!

Remembrance (Transcend Time #1) – Michelle Madow Review

Series: Transcend Time

Book: Remembrance

Author: Michelle Madow

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Science Fiction,

Book Synopsis:

Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.
Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's high school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she get him out of her mind?
Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, fighting fate isn't going to be easy

Book Review:

I myself am a large fan of the Victorian time, and I do love books where past lives are uncovered, I find that to be one of the most interesting topics to throw into a novel, and this book just happens to encompass both of these things. Madow has most definitely earned my respect as an author with this work. She has created characters who you will feel a connection with. I shared in their pain and their joy, my heart quickened as they are thrust into certain scenarios, and I found it very difficult to put the work down.

This book has several plot twists, and in all honesty, I saw none of them coming which just heightened my excitement to plow through the rest of the book. There are times where you are sure you know something before the other characters, and sometimes you do and sometimes you don’t, but the excitement of finishing this book actually took a few days to wear off of me. Madow has crafted a story of love, past loss, possible future loss, risk taking, past lives, and present pain. Just a little bit of everything that fits just so well together.

Favorite Quotes:

“It was like trying to recall a forgotten dream – each time I felt close to remembering where we’d met, the memories slipped away.”

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

“Soccer had to be the most boring, slowest game ever. It would be much more interesting if every so often, the ball spontaneously exploded.”

“But it was time to realize that I wasn’t Cinderella, and no matter how hard I wished it were true, life wasn’t a fairy tale where everyone lives happily ever after.”

“Music is powerful; it transforms emotions and experiences into something tangible. Every time you hear a familiar song, the feelings from it bubble to the surface, bringing back memories you might have otherwise forgotten.”

All In All:

This book is a great first installment in what is sure to quite an amazing series. I would recommend that you grab a copy and see for yourself what I am talking about.

Contact Michelle Madow:

Website: www.michellemadow.com

Kiss of Fire (Imdalind Series #1) – Rebecca Ethington Review

Series: Imdalind

Book: Kiss of Fire

Author: Rebecca Ethington

Genre: YA, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy

Book Synopsis:

Joclyn Despain has been marred by a brand on her skin. She doesn't know why the mark appeared on her neck, but she doesn't want anyone to see it, including her best friend Ryland, who knows everything else about her. The scar is the reason she hides herself behind baggy clothes, and won't let the idea of kissing Ryland enter her mind, no matter how much she wants to.
The scar is the reason she is being hunted.
If only she knew that she was.
If only she had known that the cursed stone her estranged father sent for her 16th birthday would trigger a change in her. Now, she is being stalked by a tall blonde man, and is miraculously throwing her high school bully ten feet in the air.
Joclyn attempts to find some answers and the courage to follow her heart. When Ryland finds her scar; only he knows what it means, and who will kill her because of it.

Book Review:

I don’t know where I should start with this book, so I shall start with this. Oh my gosh. This book did something to me, I don’t know what it was or even if I like what I did but it something to me. Ethington has definitely created something amazing with this first installment in what I am sure will be a series of awesomeness (this is the only word I can think of that will sum this whole thing up).

Let’s start with the characters, who were so lovable. Joclyn is very self-conscious of herself, with a past she just can’t seem to let go (and for good reason but I digress from telling you why), making her a female protagonists I am sure many of the female readers can connect with. Ryland, is just about the hottest things this side of the train tracks. He’s rich, with a nice hot body and face (I will not drool), and just about the kindest heart you will ever see. The love between the two of them is so sweet and yet you want to pull your hair out at the same time (I may have yanked out a few strands). As more characters are added to the throng, I came to love some and pretty much despise others (despise is the nicest word I could muster up believe me when I tell you).

For the first half of the book, it seems just like any normal story about two teenagers who obviously love another and are just denying it. Then, BAM! That’s what it seems happened on my end, just BAM, and then everything seemed to spiral out in different directions and I didn’t even know what to do. I actually started laughing like a crazy person around this part, my mother thought something was very wrong with me, and I closed the book refusing to read it for the rest of the night. Not sure if this was all because everything seemed to hit me out of nowhere, or if I was somehow expecting something like that to happen, and when it finally did, I just completely flew off my rocker.

Anyway, when I finally did get backon said rocker, and reopened the book (the next day), I was completely engrossed in the words that flowed on the page. I don’t want to say anymore in fear of giving too much away, but everything is thrown out of whack, but things will begin to fall into place in a satisfyingly upsetting way. What I mean by that is you will be so happy to finally begin to learn things but what you will learn will infuriate you very much so. Decisions have to be made that you will find painful as much as the characters, you will rage and cry with them, and in the end you will be feeling spent and broken (or I was feeling that anyway to each his own).

Favorite Quotes:

“They looked at me like I was poor (which I was), a menace (which I wasn’t), and like there was something wrong with me (which I wasn’t even sure of).”

“‘Well I think she’s done it! She has melded into the sweatshirt and become one with it.’

‘That will make it easier to wash her, that will.’”

“She lives. She lives. Praise the Lord! I thought for a second we would have to call a priest to exorcise her from the sweater.”

“‘At least she can get up there and keep her clothes on,’ she said ‘or is that too much of a challenge for you?’”

“Especially then. I think it makes you a better person. At least then you know what it feels like to love instead of living without ever knowing. I love a lot of people that I know will never love me back, but I am happier because of it.”

“‘Sorry. I was just thinking, I guess.’

‘Something good and not involving rippling muscles, I hope.’”

“‘Do you think if we wrote ‘Cynthia McFadden’ wears boy’s underwear’ on the side of the castle, she would get offended?’

‘I doubt it, but all the boys might get in a fight trying to figure out whose underwear she’s sporting.’”

“‘Well, see, someone has been avoiding me all week, and I have to hide from my father somewhere, which means that your mother and I have become best of friends. And, I know where the cups are kept in the kitchen now.’

‘No!’ I shrieked, my hand flying to my chest. Wyn stuffed her hand to her mouth in an attempt to stifle a laugh.

‘Yes, it’s true, I can now tell you where cups and plated are to be found in my own kitchen. I know it’s a shock, but soon I may even be able to locate a bowl.’ Ryland spoke seriously, like he was announcing a death, his voice causing Wyn;s laugh to come unplugged.

‘It’s a scandal.”

“His affection for his car was a fine debatable line between uncomfortable obsession and a deep love.”

“But just remember that I love you; I will always love you. And locked inside of me somewhere, I will always be waiting for you.”

All In All:

This is just a fantastic book! And I realized how long this review was since at this moment I am at 917 words (this is without the book synopsis and some other things at this point)! It is a very good book though, and I do not regret my purchase of it, and I very much hope to be able to purchase the next ones in the series in a very timely manner. I felt so many emotions reading this book, it was an emotional rollercoaster but I would not change a thing about this book. It is fabulous and I truly recommend anyone to read this, because I like to believe it has a little bit of something everyone will enjoy.

Contact Rebecca Ethington:

Blog: www.rebeccaethington.com

Twitter: @RebEthington

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rebeccaethington.author

Fable (An Unfortunate Fairy Tale) – Chanda Hahn Review

Series: An Unfortunate Fairy Tale

Book: Fable

Author: Chanda Hahn

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance,

Book Synopsis:

All that glitters is not gold.
When something precious is stolen from sixteen-year-old Mina Grime, she will do anything in her power to get it back, even if it means traveling to the dangerous Fae plane and battling one of the strongest fairy-tale villains yet.
However, nothing can prepare Mina for the dangerous obstacles she will face in the Fae world, or the choices she must make when love and life are on the line.

Book Review:

      It is in this next installment in the Unfortunate Fairy Tale series that Chanda seems to throw even more of herself into creating an amazing book. All of our favorite characters are back, and things are definitely all over the place. Mina is just as confused and stubborn as always, but that’s okay it’s what we love about her. Jared is just as Jaredy (yes that shall now be a word), as well all our other favorite characters like Nan and Brody.

As you proceed more into the plot, you will be thrown many twists and turns, but that’s what I love about these books. They always keep you on your feet with some new development, never boring. Some characters are thrown into a new light in a way I never would have expected. Every turn of the page I am holding my breath, waiting for something to happen, and I am not disappointed.

Favorite Quotes:

“She stood her ground and looked Teague right in the eye. ‘A thousand sweet words can never disguise the rattle of a viper about to strike. I will not drop my guard ever again. And I will end this curse… by doing whatever… or killing whoever… I have to.’”

“Eh, nice big house you got, Terry. What ex-husband did you get this from? Maybe you can give him my number?”

“‘If you need a quick escape, I’ll just dump my pop on myself, and we’ll have to go home early. How’s that?’

Nan’s blue eyes widened in disbelief. ‘You would do that for me?’

‘Well, it’s a fifty-fifty shot it’s going to happen anyway tonight, so yeah, I would do that for you.’”

“Because some things are best left undiscovered… like Spam. Nast stuff – that should have remained a mystery.”

“‘I was completely bored out of my mind at home this whole week. I can’t tell you all the things I concocted to keep myself busy. I had a Glee marathon, a Hello Kitty party for one, and I even attempted a Project Runway dress out of things in our kitchen.’ Nan switched to a Tim Gunn impression. ‘I looked fabulous… and believe it or not, I made it work.’”

“His piercing green eyes were filled with determination as he grasped her hand and muttered, ‘I don’t dear death – death should fear me.’”

“Jared’s gray eyes bored into her. His face filled with emotion, and his own eyes looked to be just as tear filled. ‘Do you really not know the reason why I came? I came back for you. I’ll always come back for you.’”

All In All:

I do greatly recommend you read the third installment in such a great series. Just remember to read the first two before. Hahn has outdone herself, even though I didn’t think it was possible, with this book.

Contact Chanda Hahn:

Website I Twitter I Smashwords

D.J Starling Interview

I was able to snag an interview with an amazing author by the name of D.J Starling! If you aren't aware she is author of Deja Vu and Fantasyland. They are both very amazing books and I will post the links to the goodreads pages for the books as well as the links to the reviews  have posted of the work. So without any further a due, here is D.J Starling!

INTRODUCTION:

D.J. STARLING is a penname derived through a combination of a dream, an apparition, and fate. Instinct told Donna Joyce to embrace the moniker, and an author was born. Wisdom led her to recruit Marsha Fischer after they got acquainted in a writers’ workshop in Fort Lauderdale, and a productive partnership began.  Relying on each other’s unique strengths as well as distinctive personalities, they’ve blended their literary voices to bring engaging characters to life in compelling stories that will have readers weighing the differences between coincidence and fate when considering the people who fill their lives.

For this interview, we’ve chosen to answer the questions as ourselves, and as D.J., who has developed her own personality and unique style, including the habit of speaking in song lyrics.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:

1)      What made you decide to become an author? 

Donna:  I’ve loved writing for as long as I can remember. I was only ten-years-old when I tried writing my first novel, and while the desire never left me, it took years to develop the confidence to make a truly concerted effort to fulfill my dream.

Marsha:  I have a fascination with the written word.  I love the nuanced phrase and how just one word can change the meaning.  I can’t draw worth a damn, but with words I can paint pictures that come alive in my reader’s mind. 

D.J.:  Born to be a paperback writer.

2)      What books do you think might have influenced you when it came to becoming an author?

Donna:  For me, it wasn’t a book, it was my fourth grade teacher, the first person who told me I had the potential to be a great writer because of the innate ability she recognized in me and the vivid imagination she noticed in my work.  Since then, I’ve always been much more interested in writing a good story, rather than reading one.  When I do read, I prefer mostly love stories and biographies.

Marsha:  Gone with the Wind and Exodus both influenced me to become an author.  I love the stories, the characters and the settings.  They made me want to create stories that transport people to other times in history.

D.J.:   The book of love.

3)      How did you get the inspiration for both Déjà vu and Fantasyland?

Donna:  My inspiration for FANTASYLAND came shortly after the tragic death of my most favorite teen idol, Dino Martin, Jr.  Only 35 and a Captain in the California Air National Guard, Dino was killed when the jet he was piloting crashed during a routine training flight.   I was a married mother of two then, but when I heard the news, long-forgotten memories of my many childhood fantasies came rushing back.   Soon, the very personal recollections sparked a desire to create my own tribute to Dino, and that ignited my determination to finally make the effort to fulfill my dream of writing a very special love story.  As for DÉJÀ VU, both Marsha and I were fascinated by the hypnotic theory of past-life regression and wanted to utilize the practice in a story.  That idea matched up well with another storyline we were contemplating meant to show how the Holocaust affected an average, law-abiding, Jewish family in Eastern Europe.

Marsha:   I wanted to tell a Holocaust story, but I wanted to show the difficult decisions people faced as the Nazis slowly ratcheted up the pressure on the Jews. Looking back at history, it is easy to claim what you might or might not have done in a particular situation.  I wanted to show the choices European Jews faced as the horror took place.  In addition, too many people don’t know that there were pockets of resistance and that the Jews did not go meekly into the gas chambers.  Presenting it in connection with a modern day love story helps reach an audience who might not ordinarily read about this topic.

4)      Is there a message in either of the works that you want your readers to take from it?

Donna, Marsha, & D.J.:   In the simplest terms, love is all around.  DÉJÀ VU illustrates how fate more than coincidence guides people into our lives, and everlasting love is a real possibility.  We’d like to think readers will also gain a greater appreciation for all the positive things in their lives, and the people who mean the most to them.  The theme in FANTASYLAND is that dreams that you dare to dream really do come true—if you work hard to achieve your goals and believe in yourself and the possibilities ahead.  For us, those words are proven by the simple fact that FANTASYLAND by D.J. Starling is now a published novel garnering very favorable reviews, as is DÉJÀ VU.  

5)      Do you feel as though you have lived in a past life? If so, what do you think it was like?

Donna:   Despite a failed attempt to be regressed, I believe I have had past lives, and from what I’ve learned through extensive research, I also have to believe that my deep love of music and animals, and even writing, is connected to past experiences.  My passions are that strong. 

Marsha:   I was regressed twice and saw different lives in medieval Europe. Both times I saw reasons behind issues I have dealt with in this life.  The regression felt very real and people who heard me speak said that my voice changed as I recounted events of the past life.

6)      Which of your works do you like better, Déjà Vu or Fantasyland?

Donna:  In my most honest opinion, DÉJÀ VU is a more interesting story overall, but I get more enjoyment when I let myself get lost in the story of FANTASYLAND.  I’ve long believed there’s magic in the pages, and readers seem to be feeling it, too.

Marsha:   I like Déjà Vu better. I love the past life connections and how Rivka and David try to take action and make a life for themselves in the most horrific situation.

D.J:   Each one is a sweet child of mine and I love them all the same.

7)      Do you think that Fantasyland would be the same if you didn't have all the song references?

Donna:  The story remains the same without the colorful dialogue, but the song references add a distinctive flair to the story, the characters, and their relationships, while the lyrics help to create vivid imagery and greater appreciation for the beautiful music of our lives.   

Marsha:   The musical references help the characters show their personalities and put the sparkle in the story. The bones of the story are strong, but the musical references make the characters special. It still would be a great story without the musical references, but it wouldn’t be Fantasyland.

D.J.:  The magic is in the music and the music’s in me.  A good example:  I knew the lyrics from Mac Davis’ song Baby Don’t Get Hooked On Me were perfect for a scene, but I wasn’t sure if it had been released yet at the time in the book I wanted to use it.  Because all of the chapters in my books take place on a specified date, I have to be precise with such info. Imagine my great and wonderful surprise when I learned that not only had the song been released, but was actually the #1 song in the country on the very date I wanted it to be heard, which had been dictated by the heroine’s fall semester schedule at college.

8)      What do you think the most challenging part of being an author is?

Donna:   Finding the new idea that will make my next book stand out from all others, then plotting it out so the storyline makes sense, flows easily, and holds the reader’s interest. 

Marsha:   The most challenging part of being an author is selling your work. Crafting the story is the most fun. Nothing is better than the feeling of satisfaction you get when you come up with just the right words to describe an especially emotional scene.

9)      When you’re writing do you feel as though you are the character?

Donna:    No, I’m not the character, but I do delve deep into their psyches, sometimes feeling I know them better than I know myself.   

Marsha:   I definitely feel like I am the main female protagonist when I am writing. It is fun molding the other characters into the people I would like to have in my life.

10)   Are you working on anything right now that your readers should start getting excited about?

Donna, Marsha, & D.J.:   Next book, TILL THERE WAS YOU, is currently being written.  This novel will tell Michael’s love story, with a new group of characters joining friends and family from DÉJÀ VU and FANTASYLAND.

11)   Do you have advice for other authors?

Donna:  Work hard.  Believe in yourself.  Know your characters inside and out.  Accept criticism with grace and learn from it.  Don’t give up.

Marsha:   Fall in love with your characters and don't be afraid to rewrite, rewrite, rewrite.

D.J.:   Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative

12)   3 random facts about yourself?

Donna:   1)  I grew up in Philadelphia, PA but have lived in South Florida since I began college. 2)  I’m a sports fan (especially baseball & football).  3)  I have 2 daughters, Lori & Lindsay.

Marsha:   1)  I was born and raised in the Bronx (please note it is THE Bronx), 2)  I have one son, Jonathan.  3)  Most of the artwork in my home is needlework I created or drawings my son created.  

D.J.:   1)  I believe in magic, 2)  I dance to the music, and 3)  I keep a song in my heart.

Thank you so much for the interview! I know I definitely cannot wait to read the upcoming work you have in store for us. I hope you all enjoyed this interview as much as I did. Be sure to be on the lookout for more author interviews I have lined up for all of you.

        

      My Reviews:

      DeJa Vu

      Fantasyland

6 Books I Think Everyone Should Read - September

Everyone has their all-time favorite books, ones they will read all the time for the rest of their lives. Those books that you just can’t go for too long without reading, even though you’ve read it so many times and the ending never changes. Well, I know what you’re talking about, and these are the ones that have made my list so far (it’s never too late to add a favorite). These are not in any particular order, just the ones I place on the list as the come to mind. These are solo books. A series post will be on the way!
*Click the photo to link you to goodreads page*

Book: Fantasyland  by - D.J Starling

Deja Vu by - D.J Starling

Book: What I Didn't Say by- Keary Taylor

BookL Capitol Hell by- Jayne Jones and Alicia Long

Book: A Family Affair by- Jennifer Wenn

Book: Shine Not Burn by- Elle Casey

5 Books Being Made Into Movies

Now, I know we all get excited when we hear the news of our favorite books being made into movies. We also have that unbearable sense of fear that Hollywood will ruin the amazing work we love so much. That doesn't tamper down on the excitement though. Take a look a these books that will be heading to the big screen soon, you know the ones I really can't wait for!

Movie Year: 2014

Title: The Fault In Our Stars

Author: John Green

Genre: YA, Romance, Realistic Fiction

Book Synopsis: Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Movie Year: 2014

Book: The Maze Runner

Author: James Dashner

Genre: YA, Dystopia 

Book Synopsis: When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every thirty days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.

Movie Year: 2014

Book: Vampire Academy

Author: Rechelle Mead

Book Synopsis: St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger...

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

*Note* Year of release not yet known*

Book: Uglies

Author: Scott Westerfeld

Synopsis: Tally Youngblood is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait for the operation that turns everyone from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to party. But new friend Shay would rather hoverboard to "the Smoke" and be free. Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world and it isn't very pretty. The "Special Circumstances" authority Dr Cable offers Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.

*Note* Year for this movie release has not been set yet *Note*

Book: Before I Fall

Author: Lauren Oliver

Book Synopsis: 

What if you only had one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it turns out to be her last.

The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. Living the last day of her life seven times during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

Covers Are Important!

The Cover
     Words from one of my favorite authors, Elle Casey, "The cover draws them in but the story makes them stay". This is absolutely true to me. The cover is pretty much the first thing you will see (unless you get the book from a garage sale and the cover is just non existant so you have to google image it or something but that is way beside the point). Images, have always been used to create feelings inside of us, ideas and so forth, and in the case of the cover of a book there is no exception. The cover does not even need to be something extremely elaborate, with things popping here and there (honestly too much stuff is a major distraction for me), but something simple can be just as eye catching. Covers like those shown below range from simple to stunning in art, but all drew me in with just the cover before I even discovered the name of the work.

      

August Review Flashback

Hello everyone! Sam here yet again. It's September now, school is back in session for me (boo) so I won't be reviewing as much as I would like. Lets take a look back at the reviews from last month though, as another month flies by. Check them out if you have not already. Remember, keep on Rockin' & Reviewing!

Rise from the Ashes: Lena's Story Review

Beasthood Review

The Secret Dreams of Sarah-Jane Quinn Review

Back To Life Review

Vengeance - Kelly Carrero Review

Deja Vu - D.J Starling Review

What I Didn't Say - Keary Taylor - Review

Waking Up married- Mira Kelly- Review

The MacKinnon Curse: The Beginning- JA Templeton- Review

Series: MacKinnon Curse

Book: The MacKinnon Curse

Author: JA Templeton

Genre: Fantasy; Young Adult; Romance

Book Synopsis:

Novella written in Ian's POV.

Ian MacKinnon returns to Scotland after two years abroad and discovers the town of Braemar is no longer the safe haven he remembers. As strange events begin to unfold in the forest beyond the castle where he lives, Ian grows more concerned about those he cares about the most…and with good reason.

Book review:

This book is in correlation to the MacKinnon Curse series following the first one, so it's best if you read the first book in the series to really understand. Well, at least in my view anyway.

This book was very insightful in terms of the history behind so much in The Deepest Cut (first book in the series). Templeton does a fantastic job of creating a believable back story, or misplaced love, jealously, and evil. The characters were great, their back stories enhancing prior knowledge to the series. It made me feel like I really knew them. I felt emotions with them, their anxiety, love. It's a short, for those who have read at least the first novel in the series. It may be really great for someone who has not, giving them a sense of whether they will enjoy the series or not. 

All in all, it's a great back story, better than what I could have imagined for Ian, being well written and captivating.