Review: Terminal by Kathy Reichs & Brendan Reichs

Terminal (Virals #5)
by Kathy Reichs & Brendan Reichs

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Suspense, Young Adult
Publication: Published March 26th, 2015 by Arrow (Young)
Format: Paperback, 400 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

The Virals are back—but they’re not the only pack in town anymore. Terminal finds Tory Brennan—grandniece of the famous forensic anthropologist (star of the hit show Bones)—and the rest of the Morris Island gang tracking a pack of rogue Virals who call themselves the Trinity. The new pack was infected by a strain of supervirus created by Tory’s nemesis and sometimes-crush, Chance Clayborne, who accidentally infected himself, too.

These red-eyed Virals have openly challenged Tory’s pack for domination of Charleston, bringing on the attention of a shadowy government organization intent on learning the secret to their powers. Surviving it all is going to test the limits of the gang’s abilities.

Terminal is amazing! I can't say how much I love the Virals. At the end of the previous book, the Virals learned that Chance Claybourne was infected with the virus and there was a new pack in town. A pack called Trinity. Tory and the gang, along with Chance Claybourne have to find out about the new pack before they attract the attention of a government organization who were after their power.

Like every other Virals book, Terminal was packed with action and suspense. The Virals have to deal with the new pack and the secret organization. I am amazed with the friendship between the Virals and absolutely in love with the bits of romance between Tory/Ben/Chance. But, of course, Tory's choice was obvious from the beginning. 

Kathy Reichs & Brendan Reichs were very good authors. The storyline was amazing. The characters were great. I love how Tory and the Virals investigate things, with their curious nature. I just can't stop reading once I have this book in my hand. I wanted to know what will happen to the Virals and how will they escape from each danger they faced. I was heartbroken with the story towards the end, but, the authors got me excited again with the ending. Thankfully, there's a novella after this book. Hopefully, the writers will explain to us what happened to Tory and the Virals. I just need the novella in my hand, then, I can relax. Hopefully.

Virals will always be one of my favorite series of all time. It was sad to know that this is the final book for the Virals series, especially with how the story ends. I'm definitely going to miss the pack so much. 

If you haven't read the book and the series, I recommend that you will start now. It was amazing. If you like a kick-ass heroine who faced a lot of dangerous situations because of her curiosity nature, you will definitely enjoy this book.

Review: Spy Glass by Maria V. Snyder

Spy Glass (Glass #3)
by Maria V. Snyder 

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: September 2010 by Harlequin Teen
Format: Paperback, 424 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Blog| Facebook

Opal Cowan had been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to save her friends and rid the world of blood magic. Though she survives, she is forever changed…

Opal Cowan has lost her powers. More than that, she is now immune to magic. Opal is an outsider looking in, spying through the glass on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference to the world and were her whole world…

Until spying through the glass becomes her new power. Suddenly, the beautiful pieces she makes flash in the presence of magic. And then she discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood and that finding it might let her regain her powers. Or learn if she’s lost them forever…

I love the Glass series. I mean... Opal Cowan may not be the perfect heroine. She can be stubborn, reckless (most of the time) and she drove me crazy with her decision in almost everything she did. But Maria V. Snyder's writing is very good. I just can't stop once I started the book, The book was exciting (especially since I got to see Valek again). And I need to know what will happen to Opal after she lost her magic and what happen with the blood magic.

Spy Glass definitely didn't disappoint me. The plot was exciting, thanks to Opal recklessness. I love how Opal has gotten stronger since the first time she appeared in the Study series. And I'm glad that a few familiar characters in the Study's series were making their appearance. 

I was quite shocked to see who Opal ended up with. I wouldn't say that I like her choice, but well... it wasn't so bad. Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend this series to fantasy fans.

Review: Fire (Graceling Realm #2) by Kristin Cashore

Fire (Graceling Realm #2)
by Kristin Cashore

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: January 25th 2011 by Firebird
Format: Paperback, 528 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Twitter

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she had the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City, The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she weren't afraid of becoming the monster her father was.

I love Graceling and was excited to read Fire. The book was set up earlier than Graceling in a world where monsters and humans mixed with Fire as the last human monster who had the power to control minds. Although Fire was a prequel to Graceling, it can easily be read as a stand alone.

I love Fire. She was strong, a bit stubborn and insecure about her power. It was good to see her character development. I enjoyed the story, although, the story did confuse me a bit at the beginning. The author did a really great job with writing world of monsters. There were a few twists that I didn't expect to see and shocking secrets between the characters. What I didn't really like about the book was the casual sex between the characters. In my opinion, there were just too much. Kinda makes me wonder why the book was targeted for young adults. 

But still, Fire was a great companion to Graceling. I have to admit that I love Graceling more than Fire, but they're both great stories with great heroine.

Review: Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder

Sea Glass (Glass #2)
by Maria V. Snyder

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: July 1st, 2010, by Harlequin Teen
Format: Paperback, 379 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Blog | Facebook

From one-trick wonder to wielder of terrifying powers.

Not bad for a student.

Glass magician Opal Cowan’s newfound ability to steal a magician’s powers has made her too powerful in the eyes of the council… Despite being under house arrest, Opal travels to the Moon Clan’s lands in search of Ulrick, the man she thinks she loves. Thinks because she is sure another man, now her prisoner, has switched souls with Ulrick.

In hostile territory, without proof or allies, Opal isn’t sure whom to trust. She can’t forget Kade, the handsome Stormdancer who doesn’t want to let her get close. And now everyone is after Opal’s special powers for their own deadly gain…

I was really excited to read this one. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, Storm Glass. But I wanted to read the Study Series first before I continue with the Glass Series. I can't wait to see what was going to happen to Opal with her new magic power. 

Wow! Maria V. Snyder never failed to amaze me with her writing. I was fascinated with the magic within her books. It was hard to put down the book once I picked it up, even though the beginning was a bit slow. But the story was great. Although, I wish to see a little bit more about the sea glass.

Sea Glass was definitely a great read. There were lots of suspense, action and romance as compared to the first book. It was exciting to see some of the characters from the Study Series in the book. And the ending! It was a bit shocking to see how the book ended, but I liked it. I can't wait to see what's going to happen to Opal next.

Review: The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg

The Paper Magician (The Paper Magician Trilogy #1)
by Charlie N. Holmberg

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: September 1st, 2014 by 47North
Format: kindle
Source: NetGalley
Connect: Website | Twitter

Ceony Twill arrives at the cottage of Magician Emery Thane with a broken heart. Having graduated at the top of her class from the Tagis Praff School for the Magically Inclined, Ceony is assigned an apprenticeship in paper magic despite her dreams of bespelling metal. And once she’s bonded to paper, that will be her only magic… forever.

Yet the spells Ceony learns under the strange yet kind Thane turn out to be more marvelous than she could have ever imagined — animating paper creatures, bringing stories to life via ghostly images, even reading fortunes. But as she discovers these wonders, Ceony also learns of the extraordinary dangers of forbidden magic.

An Excisioner — a practitioner of dark, flesh magic — invades the cottage and rips Thane’s heart from his chest. To save her teacher’s life, Ceony must face the evil magician and embark on an unbelievable adventure that will take her into the chambers of Thane’s still-beating heart—and reveal the very soul of the man.

I absolutely adore the cover of this book. It's absolutely gorgeous! And the blurbs sounds really good. Which is why I wanted to read The Paper Magician in the first place.

Ceony had wanted to be a smelter, but was assigned an apprenticeship in paper magic under Magician Thane. Who would know that paper magic could be more wonderful? Creating an animated paper creatures, bringing stories to life... Ceony lived a quiet life until a woman showed up, and Ceony discovered the forbidden magic of an excisioner.

I like Ceony right from the start. She's a wonderful character. Charlie N. Holmberg writing is magical. I love the learning process—the paper magic study Ceony had with Thane. Kinda made me feel like learning Origami now. And Fennel, the paper dog sounds amazing.

Some parts of the story were kind of slow, but I really enjoyed this book and Ceony's adventure to save Magician Thane. The Paper Magician is a wonderful, magical reads with a tiny hint of romance. I admit that I didn't have a high expectation of this book. I was scared that the book will be a disappointment. But whew! This book was a great book and I'm glad that I read it. Now I just can't wait to read the second book.

Thank you Netgalley and 47North for an advanced copy of this ARC.

Review: When by Victoria Laurie

When
by Victoria Laurie

Genre: Crime, Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal, Young Adult
Publication: Jan 13 2015, Disney-Hyperion
Format: ebook
Source: Netgalley
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Maddie Fynn is a shy high school junior, cursed with an eerie intuitive ability: she sees a series of unique digits hovering above the foreheads of each person she encounters. Her earliest memories are marked by these numbers, but it takes her father’s premature death for Maddie and her family to realize that these mysterious digits are actually death dates, and just like birthdays, everyone has one.

Forced by her alcoholic mother to use her ability to make extra money, Maddie identifies the quickly approaching death date of one client's young son, but because her ability only allows her to see the when and not the how, she’s unable to offer any more insight. When the boy goes missing on that exact date, law enforcement turns to Maddie.

Soon, Maddie is entangled in a homicide investigation, and more young people disappear and are later found murdered. A suspect for the investigation, a target for the murderer, and attracting the attentions of a mysterious young admirer who may be connected to it all, Maddie's whole existence is about to be turned upside down. Can she right things before it's too late?

I wanted to read this book when I saw the author (I have previously read Victoria Laurie's book from the The Psychic Eye Mysteries and liked it) and saw the synopsis. I was intrigued by the idea of how Maddie can see the death day.

Maddie's father died earlier in the story, and Maddie blamed herself, knowing that she could save her father's life with her gift. When she saw the death date of her client's son, she wanted to save him, because part of her felt guilty that she was not able to save her father. But when the boy went missing on the date, Maddie was suddenly a suspect. 

I really like Maddie. She's kind, loyal and brave enough to go through things to prove that she and her friend is innocent. The other supporting characters made the book much more interesting. I really enjoyed the interaction between Maddie and Uncle Donny. I like how he was always looking after Maddie and her mom. And Detective Faraday! He wasn't really my favorite in the beginning, but he wasn't so bad after a while. 

This book pulled me right from the start. Once I start, it was very hard to put down. The pace was perfect and the plot was really great. There were a few twists that I wasn't expecting, but in the end, the book was written up nicely with a cute surprise. It would be awesome if the book could be made into a movie. When, or Death Date by Victoria Laurie is an enjoyable read filled with YA mystery. This is definitely one of the 2015 books you should look forward to. I would definitely recommend When to mystery/paranormal fan.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Perception by Kim Harrington

Perception (Clarity #2)
by Kim Harrington

Genre: Crime, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: March 1st, 2013 by Scholastic
Format: Paperback, 324 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook

When you can see things others can't, what do you do when someone's watching you?

Everybody knows about Clarity "Clare" Fern. She's the psychic girl in school, the one who can place her hands on something and see hidden visions from the past.

Only Clare would rather not be a celebrity. She prefers hanging back, observing. Her gift is not a game to her.

But then someone starts playing with her head... and heart. Messages and gifts from a secret admirer crop up everywhere Clare turns. Could they be from Gabriel, the gorgeous boy who gets Clare's pulse racing? Or from Justin, Clare's hopeful ex-boyfriend who'd do anything to win her back?

One thing is certain. Clare needs to solve this mystery, and soon. Because the messages are becoming sinister, and a girl in town has suddenly disappeared. Clare needs to see her way to the truth — before it's much too late.

In the previous book, Clarity, Clare solved a murder mystery with her psychometric ability. After that, Clare’s social life turned upside down. She began to receive attention from the people around her. But then, she started to receive notes and gifts from a secret admirer. Clare suspected that the gifts might be from Gabriel, the good-looking boy who she likes, or Justin, her ex-boyfriend who wanted to win her back. But then, the messages started to become disturbing. Clare needed to find out the truth about her secret admirer, especially after a girl in town had suddenly disappeared.

I enjoyed this book. Although, not as much as Clarity. Clare was a fun character. She’s smart, curious, kind and sassy. I enjoyed Clare’s adventure in this book to uncover the truth of her secret admirer, while poking around the mystery of a disappeared girl. The writing style made this an easy and entertaining read. I read this within one sitting. I just can’t put down the book and I need to find out the truth behind the mysteries. 

Perception was definitely an enjoyable and mystery read. If you enjoy light mystery, you’re going to love this book.

Review: Rain by Amanda Sun

Rain (Paper Gods #2)
by Amanda Sun

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: June 24th, 2014
Format: Paperback, 304 pages
Source: Own
Author:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

American Katie Green has decided to stay in Japan. She's started to build a life in the city of Shizuoka, and she can't imagine leaving behind her friends, her aunt and especially Tomohiro, the guy she's fallen in love with. But her return is not as simple as she thought. She's flunking out of Japanese school and committing cultural faux pas wherever she goes. Tomohiro is also struggling—as a Kami, his connection to the ancient gods of Japan and his power to bring drawings to life have begun to spiral out of control.

When Tomo decides to stop drawing, the ink finds other ways to seep into his life—blackouts, threatening messages and the appearance of unexplained sketches. Unsure how to help Tomo, Katie turns to an unexpected source for help—Jun, her former friend and a Kami with an agenda of his own. But is Jun really the ally he claims to be? In order to save themselves, Katie and Tomohiro must unravel the truth about Tomo's dark ancestry, as well as Katie's, and confront one of the darkest gods in Japanese legend.

I love, love, love the cover! It's beautiful! 

Rain is the second book from Paper Gods series. I love the first book, Ink. It was a fun read featuring Japanese culture and mythology. I love the relationship between Katie and Tomo, which sounded a bit like the romance in shoujo manga. 

I think Rain was a bit different than Ink, but it was still as interesting. I love how Katie and Tomo’s relationship grew in Ink. But learning about more mythology, the gods and the power in Rain interest me more. Amanda Sun made the Ink world sound fascinating, yet, very dangerous. I enjoyed watching how Tomo learned to control the ink and how Katie finally discovered her connection with the ink.

What I like about the book was the balance between the Ink world, the romance and Katie’s life in Japan. I love that the writer wrote how Katie struggled to keep up with her study, and learning kanji. At least I know that Katie wasn’t miraculously smart in school. The supporting characters in the book made the book more interesting. I love Katie’s aunt, and Katie’s friend, Yuki and Tanaka. I wish there were more of them.

I just cannot wait to see what will happen to Katie and Tomo on the next book. If you enjoyed Japanese culture and mythology, you will love this book.

Review: Code by Kathy Reichs

Code (Virals #3)
by Kathy Reichs

Genre: Crime & Thriller, Fantasy, Paranormal, Sci-fi, Young Adult
Publication: January 2013
Format: Paperback, 416 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Tory Brennan, great niece of Dr Temperance Brennan, and the Virals return for their most terrifying adventure yet.

Life appears peaceful on Loggerhead Island - rescued from financial disaster, the research institute is flourishing once more. But the tranquility is quickly shattered when Tory Brennan and her technophile gang discover a mysterious box buried in the ground.

A seemingly innocent treasure hunt soon turns into a nightmarish game of puzzles, as it becomes clear that one false move will lead to terrible, explosive consequences.

The clock is ticking. Can Tory and the Virals crack the code in time to save the city - and their own lives?

I enjoyed the first two books of the Virals series. But I can’t bring myself quickly enough to read the third book, probably because of the cover. The third book didn’t match the first two books. This wouldn’t be good for my collection.

In the third book, Tory and her friends return with their next adventure when they discovered a mysterious box on their treasure hunt. But this treasure hunt turned badly when their lives, the people around them were at stake. Now, Tory and the Virals have to crack the puzzle in time before somebody dies.

It was exciting to see the Virals back. I can’t wait to see what kind of adventure the Virals will face next. I have to say that I weren’t as interested in the puzzle that the Virals found at first. I thought that the book was a bit slow paced at the beginning. But Kathy Reichs was really good with the story building. I found myself wanting to know what it is about the game and who is it that wanted to kill the Virals. I wanted to know more about the Virals’ power. I was so excited when Chance made his appearance. I'm curious about what he knew about the Virals and how he will fit in the story.

Virals was definitely as exciting as the other books, although, probably slow paced as compared to the two. I enjoyed reading this one and I can’t wait to read the next book, Exposure!

Review: Elixir by Hilary Duff

Elixir (Elixir #1)
by Hilary Duff

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: June 2011
Format: Paperback, 327 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Twitter

Seventeen-year-old Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent politician, she has become a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a world that allows her to travel to many exotic places. But after Clea's father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea begins to notice eerie, shadowy images in her photos of a strange and beautiful young man- a man she has never seen before.

When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father's disappearance, and they discover the centuries-old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives- and their futures.

I was curious when I found out that Hillary Duff wrote a paranormal, fantasy, YA book. So, like anyone else, I decided to check it out despite those negative reviews out there. I thought that, it couldn’t be that bad...

Clea Raymond, the daughter of a well known surgeon and a prominent politician became a photojournalist. It was after her father disappeared on a humanitarian mission, that Clea noticed the images of a young man in her photos. She began to have dreams about this man. When Clea and this man, Sage, were finally together, Clea found out that the man might have a connection to her father’s disappearance. She discovered the truth about Sage, the story behind her dreams, and probably their past.

The beginning of the book wasn’t so bad. I can tolerate the writing style, and Clea wasn’t a bad character. She’s boring, but she wasn’t that bad. I thought that this was going to be an okay read—until Clea met Sage, the mysterious man who appeared in her photos. She then turns into this brainless character thanks to him (and her best friend, Rayna). It turns out that Elixir isn’t different from the other romance, YA out there. It was the same love triangle story and the same tragedy.The romance between Clea and Sage was too fast. There wasn’t much sparks between them, even though they were supposed to be Soulmates.

*sighs*

I don’t think I’m going to be reading the sequel to this book.

Review: Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder

Storm Glass (Glass #1)
by Maria V. Snyder 

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: 2009
Format: Paperback, 488 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Blog

UNSTRAINED. UNTESTED. UNLEASHED

As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowen understands trial by fire. Now it's time to test her mettle. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers - particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade - require Opal's unique talents to prevent it from happening again.

But when the mission goes wrong, Opal must tap into a new kind of power as stunningly potent as it is frightening. And the deeper she delves into the mystery, the more distorted things appear.

With lives hanging in the balance Opal and Kade must learn to control unknown powers... powers that could lead disaster beyond anything they've ever seen.

This is one of the books that made me wonder, why haven’t I read this book sooner? The kind of book that I wouldn't mind re-reading it for the second or the third time. 

In Storm Glass, Opal and her mentor, Zitora were sent on a mission to investigate the truth behind the Stormdancer clan’s glass orbs. Now, that was only the beginning of the story. Storm Glass is much more than that. The book may be a bit slow at the beginning. But once I got closer towards the end of the story, I was surprised at how everything was somehow connected to each other. There were a few twists here and there that makes the book much more interesting. 

I have to admit that I was reading Storm Glass without reading the Study Trilogy first. Which is why I was a bit lost whenever they mentioned Opal’s past and Yelena. But still, Storm Glass is an enjoyable read full with mystery, surprise, adventure, lots of magic, some action, and a bit of romance. Oh well, this book wasn’t focusing towards the romance part. But that’s good!

I love Opal. She is a flawed character. She had low self-confidence, and she had some issues on her own. But she’s also a kicked-ass heroine. She can be brave and strong. Now that Opal has learned what she can do with her power, I wonder what she will happen to her next? I can’t wait to read the next book. But I’m going to be patient and start reading the Study Trilogy first before I move on to the next book of the series.

Book Excerpt: Son of Dragons by Andrea R Cooper

Andrea R Cooper is now on tour with Irresistible Reads Book Tours with her book, Son of Dragons. Please visit her tour page for more blog stop.

Son of Dragons (Legends of Oblivion #2)
by Andrea R Cooper

Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Publication: April 28th, 2014
Connect: Website

In a time of false peace, the dead rise as soldiers for the Warloc’s scheme. For thousands of years he has stood ready for the final battle. Though the witch and her cursed Elvin have destroyed his physical body, now with his protégé, he has honed a new way to wage war.

Shunned by her own people and weary-hearted from centuries of lost loves, Elvin warrior Mirhana scours the land to silence the undead. Her heart has turned as cold as the sword she wields, until a prince seeks her aid. Never has Prince Landon met a woman like Mirhana. Both beautiful and deadly, she haunts his dreams. The battle at hand becomes more enchanting than fighting to remain true to his unseen betrothed.

When a traitor emerges, new alliances are tested and the only remaining hope is to follow the prophecy and find the ... Son of Dragons.

Excerpt from Son of Dragons

Mirhana followed Brock inside. In one of the corners, Jeslyn, Landon, and Gillespie guzzled mead as if they had been lost in the desert for days. Each slammed the flask down and laughed for another. Jeslyn sat on Landon’s lap with an arm around his neck. She leaned in when she saw them enter and whispered in his ear.

When Mirhana slipped around from behind Brock, Landon’s laughter died and his face colored. She couldn’t keep her hands from clenching. What was the matter with her? Who cared if these humans shacked up together? She had sworn off relationships—especially with men. “

The tavern maid cleans our chambers.” His voice cracked. “The girls’ room is ready now, but Jeslyn wasn’t tired.” He sounded as though he apologized.

Mirhana did not care about him, or that they were drunk. She told herself that beyond protecting humans from the undead, she had no further interest in their affairs.

“Where is Celeste?” Brock asked.

“Asleep, when I left her.” Jeslyn’s voice had no hint of alcohol.

Instead of responding, Mirhana spun on her heel and headed upstairs.

With mumbling excuses, Gillespie and Landon left the table and headed after her. Gillespie ducked inside his and Landon’s room, but Landon grasped her arm.

“What’s the matter?”

She jerked her arm away. “Nothing.”

“It didn’t seem like nothing. A moment ago, you looked like you took a bite of a bitter apple. I only wanted to thank you for your help earlier with the Troblin.”

“The Warloc and his protégé are not sitting idly back guzzling ale. They have attacked each of us.”

“One night of rest and forgetting our responsibilities won’t harm anything.” His smile made his chocolate eyes twinkle.

“I do not have the luxury as you do. It is not only humans that I strive to protect, but my own people and everyone else as well.”

“Right.” He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest. “And who knows what will happen if you have a drink with one of us and lower your standards.”

Instead of answering, she flung open the door to her room, dashed inside, and slammed it closed. How dare he speak with her that way? Tomorrow, she would tell Gillespie to take him back where he found him. They didn’t need a jester in this battle.

About the Author:

Andrea R. Cooper writes fantasy, paranormal and historical romance. Her favorite childhood memories revolved around creating vibrant characters for her friends, and then acting out their adventures. Inside her fantasy worlds of darkened forests, dragon-filled glades, and iced islands, nothing was banned. From the ethereal Elvin to the most maligned Vampires, all were welcome in her fictional realities, a stark contrast to her home, where the magical and mythical was forbidden.

Divorced and disillusioned of love and believing all the love songs and books exaggerated, she put aside her creativity for life. Many years past before characters, from the familiar to the freshly conceived, came to her again, but this time teasing at a new passion, the written word.

Gradually, her real life hero brought love and magic back into existence. During the time when her characters were getting reacquainted, the love of her life was showing her that true love never gives up and rekindles no matter how many times others attempt to extinguish it. Today, she is happily married with three children. Andrea believes in the power of change and delighting in each moment. But most fervently, she believes in the magic of love and imagination again.

Review: If I Should Die by Amy Plum

If I Should Die (Revenants #3)
by Amy Plum

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: May 2013
Format: Paperback, 408 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Twitter | Goodreads

I will not lose another person I love. I will not let history repeat itself.

Vincent waited lifetimes to find me, but in an instant our future together was shattered. He was betrayed by someone we both called a friend, and I lost him. Now our enemy is determined to rule over France s immortals, and willing to wage a war to get what they want.

It shouldn t be possible, none of it should be, but this is my reality. I know Vincent is somewhere out there, I know he s not completely gone, and I will do anything to save him.

After what we ve already fought to achieve, a life without Vincent is unimaginable. He once swore to avoid dying - to go against his nature and forsake sacrificing himself for others - so that we could be together. How can I not risk everything to bring my love back to me?

I’m not sure why I didn’t read the final book of the Revenant series sooner, especially after that cliffhanger in Until I Die. In this book, the love story between Kate and Vincent continues. I love watching the two of them together, although there are times when I thought that Vincent sounds surreal. He’s too sweet and too gentleman and I started to wonder if a man like him does exist. 

But still… the plot was great. My favorite part was the final battle and watching the Bardia come together to help the champion. I have to say that I kind of have guessed what will happen at the end of the story; but it was still full of surprise to read how my prediction was going to come true especially with a few twists here and there, making the story much more interesting. 

If I Should Die is a great finish to the Revenant series. And Amy Plum did an absolutely amazing job in writing this series. Those who love paranormal romance (especially with Paris setting) will definitely enjoy this series.

Review: Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Dorothy Must Die (Dorothy Must Die #1)
by Danielle Paige

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal,  Young Adult
Publication: April 1st 2014 by HarperCollins
Format: ebook
Source: Own
Connect: Twitter | Goodreads

I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.

But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still the yellow brick road, though—but even that's crumbling. What happened?

Dorothy. They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm—and I'm the other girl from Kansas.

I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.

I've been trained to fight.

And I have a mission:

Remove the Tin Woodman's heart.

Steal the Scarecrow's brain.

Take the Lion's courage.

Then and only then—Dorothy must die!

I knew that I have to read Dorothy Must Die the moment I saw the book in some 2014 YA lists. The cover was simple and pretty. And after reading the blurbs, I purchased the book, put aside any other books on my ‘next-to-read’ list, and start to read this one. I need to know what happen to Oz, and how Dorothy will die.

I did not regret my decision. Dorothy Must Die was a really great book. It has almost everything—action, fantasy, magic and a bit of romance. I immediately fell in love with Amy Gumm. She was the other girl from Kansas who had some issues at home and at school. Amy was having an argument with her mother just before the tornado brought her to Oz. Amy took the Yellow Road to the Emerald City and found out that Oz was different than the one she read in her books. Apparently, Dorothy now ruled Oz with an iron fist. How does Oz turn to be like this? Can Amy return home?

I love Danielle Paige’s new version of Oz, even though it may be a bit dark. There were some parts in the middle, which was draggy, especially during Amy’s training with the wicked. The ending was a bit too sudden. I thought that there were too many things happening at once towards the end. Other than that, Dorothy Must Die was a really enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend Dorothy Must Die to fans of Oz and fairy-tale retelling.