Review: Darkness Before Dawn (Darkness Before Dawn Trilogy #1)

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Title: Darkness Before Dawn

Author: J.A. London

Series: Darkness Before Dawn Trilogy, #1

Age Group: young adult

Format: paperback

Pages: 342

Release Date: May 29, 2012

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: library

ONLY SUNLIGHT CAN SAVE US.
We built the wall to keep them out, to keep us safe. But it also makes us prisoners, trapped in what's left of our ravaged city, fearing nightfall.
After the death of my parents, it's up to me--as the newest delegate for humanity--to bargain with our vampire overlord. I thought I was ready. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the monsters. Then again, nothing could have prepared me for Lord Valentine...or his son. Maybe not all vampires are killers. Maybe it's safe to let one in.
Only one thing is certain: Even the wall is not enough. A war is coming and we cannot hide forever.

I remember reading some time ago that Darkness Before Dawn received criticisms for the cover being similar to Fallen by Lauren Kate. That is true, but I still love the whole gothic theme going on, so in the end, I love it!

I can't help but admit that this was a bland read. There wasn't anything new to read in Darkness Before Dawn. I found it very cliche, and boring, to be honest.

Through the story, I kept reading that Dawn was special, but yet I never found out why. Major disappointment. There was the classic love triangle. Michael, Dawn, and Victor. But if you keep reading, you'll immediately find out who the obvious choice is going to be.

I ended up struggling to finish this book. I would read a few chapters each day, and then put it down for a few more days, and then pick it up again.

In the end, there's not much to say. I just could not enjoy Darkness Before Dawn. If I had to say, Rachel would be my favorite character out of all. She was just a sweet young woman who took on the responsibility of taking care of Dawn. Rachel represented a great mixture of being a friend, and a motherly figure for Dawn.

That's about. I still have not decided if I want to start the sequel, but don't let this convince you to not read the book. Maybe it just was not for me. I hope you all have better luck. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

My Rating:

Darkness Before Dawn is part of the Catch Up Reading Challenge!

Review: Evernight (Evernight #1)

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Title: Evernight

Author: Claudia Gray

Series: Evernight, #1

Age Group: young adult

Format: hardback

Pages: 327

Release Date: May 1, 2008

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: library

Bianca wants to escape.
She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.
Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful--even when it comes to caring about him.
"I couldn't stand if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart...and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.

I wanted to like this book! Trust me, I really did. Almost always, I will pick up a book where the plot is set in a boarding school, especially if the school is dark and creepy and not quite right. Evernight was okay, to say the most. It's not a book that is going to stay with me. It's just average. This is the equivalent to a one-night stand, but with a book, of course.

Bianca, the main character, actually had some sense. She was smart and cared for her parents. Mostly, you don't see that in Young Adult novels, because the teen is mostly hating on his/her parents. Since I am really close to my parents, I found I could relate to Bianca. Plus, she actually cared about her studies and wasn't completely lost in her own world with Lucas, like most typical heroines tend to be nowadays.

Lucas was the tough, bad boy type, but you could tell there was something else. In face, Bianca herself described Lucas as being vulnerable at types. But don't be confused. Lucas could definitely keep up a fight...and win. As for handsome-wise, Lucas was tall, broad-shouldered with brown/bronze hair and green eyes.

The other characters that made an appearance were Balthazar, the other love interest who never had a chance, Patrice, who I thought was one of the nicer snobby people at Evernight, and Racquel(Bianca's friend) and Vic(Lucas's roomate). Of course, there were others, but those were the most memorable ones. That, and Bianca's parents, who were pretty awesome as far as parents go.


As for the two of them as a couple, I don't know. It was too fast for me. But isn't that how most YA novels tend to be? I was also somewhat annoyed at the fact that Bianca did not reveal important facts about herelf and her parents until the middle of the book. Anyways, like I said, Evernight wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. It was just in-between.

My Rating:

About the Author:

Claudia Gray is the pseudonym of New York-based writer Amy Vincent. She has worked as a lawyer, a journalist, a disc jokey, and an extremely poor waitress. Her lifelong interests in old houses, classic movies, vintage style, and history all play  a part in creating the world of Evernight.

Review: Every Other Day

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Title: Every Other Day

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Series: none

Age Group: young adult

Format: hardback

Pages: 329

Release Date: December 27, 2011

Publisher: Egmont USA

Source: Library

Every second day,
Kali D'Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to high school. She attends pep rallies (reluctantly). She's human.
And every other day...she's not.
Though she's not quite sure what she is on those days, Kali knows what she does--she hunts, traps, and kills demons, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures that threaten her world. On those days she is practically indestructible.
But when Kali notices a mark on a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these unworldly beings. And she knows she has only twenty-four hours to save her.
There's only on problem--it's the wrong twenty-four hours.

This book blew me away! I was expecting an easy read, the plot probably taking place over 24 hours, as Kali searched for a cure. Boy, was I wrong! Kali saving Bethany(the popular girl), was only about a third of the book. 

There are not enough words to describe Every Other Day. This book played with my emotions so much that by the end of the book, there were tears in my eyes. No book in a long time has made me feel this way. You're wondering why I cried, right? Well, the only thing I can say is this: I got attached to the wrong character.

The mystery of Kali could be figured out pretty easily. I won't say, because you don't actually find out until halfway through the book, and I most definitely do not want to ruin it. But, like I said, you should be able to figure out the kind of "creature" that Kali is.

As for the characters, I loved Kali! I couldn't help but fall for this kick-but heroine. She's strong, even though she has a messed up family, and has no idea what in the world she is. Kali always feels alone in the world, like she doesn't belong, but she doesn't go around moping. Instead, she slays all types of paranormal creatures. How could you not like her?

I could go on and on about Every Other Day, but I'll stop here. Let me just say this again. This book moved me to tears. No book should be able to do that, and not get five stars. This is one of my all time favorite books! I'll be checking out the other books that Miss Barnes has written. Since Every Other Day isn't in a series that I know of, I'll have to console myself with her other books. Take heed, this is not a light read!

My Rating:

Review: For the Love of a Vampire (Blood Like Poison #1)

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Title: For the Love of a Vampire

Author: M. Leighton

Series: Blood Like Poison, #1

Age Group: Young Adult

Format: Ebook

Pages: 268

Release Date: April 20, 2011

Publisher: Indie

Source: author for review(thank you!)

My Rating: * * * * (4 stars)

Ridley Heller thought that all her problems would be over if she could have Bo back;back from the dead. But what Ridley didn't know was that her wish would come at a price. Bo survived a condition that would have killed a lesser vampire, or any vampire for that matter. The only reason he didn't die is because of who he is, someone Ridley doesn't know at all. Someone Bo himself doesn't know at all. As Ridley gets closer to finding out Bo's true identity, she discovers that loving him could also come at a price, a price much higher than she ever could have imagined. The question is: is there any such thing as a price too high to pay for Bo? For his love, for his safety, for eternity in his arms?

The Cover:
Honestly, the cover does not particularly appeal to me. I don't hate it, but I don't love it. In a way, I guess I'm indifferent towards it. Cover Rating 3/5


Review:
Now, For the Love of a Vampire was an entirely different matter. At first, when I began, I couldn't help but compare it to Twilight. This made me put the books down and step away from it. But then I convinced myself to keep reading, and I am glad I did. After a few pages, everything changed. For the better.


Bo's name didn't appeal to me. When I think of the name Bo, I think of a country boy, honestly. But, I got used to his name and his sweet personality towards Ridley. In the end, they made a cute couple!


Ridley was a humdrum character for me. But, then she got better. I will admit though, I kind of liked her better when she was the one of the "mean girls". The only thing that bothered me about her was how quickly she left her normal life just to be with Bo. She abandoned her whole life for him.


The cliffhanger! Once I got to the last page, I was craving for more, and I got cut off. I going to have to get the second book soon.


What's my verdict, you're asking? Well, I definitely recommend this book. Just remember this warning. Don't stop after the first few chapters. Persevere and you'll like this book. The beginning can be a little monotonous, but afterwards, I promise it gets better.


The Author:

I was born and raised in the United States, and I’ve lived in several of the fabulous fifty. Though I currently live in the deep South, I spent much of my childhood up North and hope to return there one day. A few other things about me: I believe that sometimes you have to look really, REALLY hard to find the good in people, but it's there. I believe that I'm shrinking (I swear five years ago I was two inches taller). I believe my husband is quite possibly one of the most amazing men in the entire world (I can't be sure because I haven't met all of them). I believe coffee and chocolate, when combined, could be the basis for world peace. I believe that Jesus rocks and communism doesn’t. I believe that white makes me look fat and black collects lint. I believe summer's too hot, winter's too cold and fall was made for football. I like dogs better than cats and the first movie in a trilogy is invariably the best. But most of all, I believe that love conquers all.

Review: The Van Alen Legacy (Blue Bloods #4)

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Title: The Van Alen Legacy

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Series: Blue Bloods, #4

Age Group: Young Adult

Format: Hardback

Pages: 384

Release Date: October 5, 2009

Publisher: Hyperion

ISBN: 978-142310226-7

Source: Local Library

My Rating: * * * * * (5 stars)

With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamarous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry, love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Jack and Schuyler are over. Oliver's brokenhearted. And only fabulous Mimi seems to be happily engaged. Young, fanged, and fabulous, Melissa de la Cruz's vampires unite in this highly anticipated fourth installment of the Blue Bloods series.

The Cover:
If I'm correct, I think the girl on the cover of The Van Alen Legacy is Mim. The veil signifies her bonding dress. I like the cover, it looks beautiful, especially with the Eiffel Tower in the black part, signifying Schuyler's adventure(you'll see). Cover Rating 5/5


Review:
There is absolutely nothing wrong with The Van Alen Legacy! I was hooked from beginning to end! Although, part of my addition to this series is because Melisssa de la Cruz ends each chapter with a cliffhanger. 


I did get a little frustrated because it was told from three different points of view. At times I wanted to rip my hair out, because I almost only wanted to hear Schuyler's point of view. It almost came to the point where I threatened to skip Mimi's and Bliss's parts. But, those parts got really good, and I simply couldn't bring myself to skip around.


It's strange to see Lucifer in this book. I mean, he's THE Lucifer, like Lucifer-vs.-God Luficer. It felt...awkward to say the least. But, I admire Cruz for deciding to takes on this challenge to portray the most notorious villian ever from her point of view.


Oh, and we finally get some depth from Mimi. I was beginning to think she was just a rich, spoiled airhead. But, her and Kingsley were oddly sweet together. By the end, I actually felt pity for Mimi.


I already have my hands on the next book in the series, Misguided Angel. I can't wait to begin reading!


The Author:

Melissa de la Cruz is the author of many best-selling books for teens, including Blue Bloods, Masquerade, the Au Pairs series, the Ashleys series, and Angels on Sunset Boulevard. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter and is hard at work on the next book in the Blue Bloods saga. While Melissa is not a Blue Blood, she knows people who are.

Review: Revelations (Blue Bloods #3)

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Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Series: Blue Bloods, #3

Age Group: Young Adult

Format: Hardback

Pages: 264

Release Date: October 28, 2008

Publisher: Hyperion

Original Price(U.S.): $15.99

ISBN: 978-142310228-1

Source: Local Library

My Rating: * * * * * (5 stars)

SCHUYLER VAN ALEN'S blood legacy has just been called into question: is the young vampire in fact a Blue Blood, or is it the sinister Silver Blood that runs through her veins? As controversy swirls, Schuyler is left stranded in the Force household, trapped under the same roof as her cunning nemesis, Mimi Force, and her forbidden crush, Jack Force.
When an ancient place of power is threatened in Rio de Janeiro, however, the Blue Bloods need Schuyler on their side. The stakes are high, the battle is bloody; and through it all Schuyler is torn between duty and passion, love and freedom.
Romance, glamour, and vampire lore collide in the highly anticipated third book in best-selling author Melissa de la Cruz's Blue Blood series.

The Cover:

This time I am really satisfied with the cover. It portrays the exact theme that runs through the book. Maybe you're wondering who the girl on the cover is, but you'll have to wonder until the end, when it is finally revealed(hence the title Revelations). But, I'm not giving the cover five stars because I like exotic and unique covers, and this one lacked a little. Cover rating 4/5

Review:

One word to describe this book. Bittersweet. Another way would be to call it a love-hate book, at least for me. There wasn't one moment when I did not hate every single character. Then I loved theme. And the cycle continued, it was a complete roller coaster. And I loved it!

Schuyler and Jack's affair made me think of Schuyler as weak. If you know you can't have the guy, why keep trying in vain? Jack frustrated me so much. Pick a girl! Don't just play with Schuyler! First Jack is completely romantic and sweet with Schuyler(which I love), and then he's the same with Mimi(which I hate). And the end!

The weak point for Schuyler was definitely her affair. But at the end, I admired her strength and quick decisions. She did not show weakness at the end, which is the kind of heroine I like.

Overall, this was an amazing ride that I would recommend to all vampire fans. And watch Bliss, because you will find she is not what is expected(hint).

The Author:

Melissa de la Cruz is the author of many best-selling books for teens, including Blue Bloods, Masquerade, the Au Pairs series, the Ashleys series, and Angels on Sunset Boulevard. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter and is hard at work on the next book in the Blue Bloods saga. While Melissa is not a Blue Blood, she knows people who are.

Masquerade (Blue Bloods #2)

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Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Series: Blue Bloods, #2

Age Group: Young Adult

Format: Hardback

Pages: 304

Release Date: May 1, 2007

Publisher: Hyperion

Original Price: $15.99

ISBN: 978-0-7868-3893-6

My Rating: * * * * * (5 stars)

SCHUYLER VAN ALEN WANTS an explanation for the mysterious deaths of young vampires. With her best friend, Oliver, Schuyler travels to Italy in the hope of finding the one man who can help--her grandfather. Meanwhile, back in New York, preparations are feverishly under way for the Four Hundred Ball, an exclusive gala hosted by the city's wealthy, powerful, and unhuman--a true Blue Blood affair.
But it's at the after-party, a masquerade ball thrown by the cunning Mimi Force, that the real danger lurks. Hidden behind the masks is a revelation that will forever change the course of a young vampire's destiny.
Rich with glamour, attitude, and vampire lore, this second installment in the Blue Bloods saga will leave readers thirsting for more.

The Cover:
I'm actually disappointed in the cover. I know Schuyler bought a mask in Venice, but in the book in Venice, the mask sounded beautiful, with the gold lining and everything. It sounded vintage. Now, the mask on the cover looks like something you would buy a Walmart. I love the idea of the masquerade, but I think a lot more could have been done with the cover. Cover Rating 2/5


The Review:
Now, off of that negative note, the book itself was SUPERB. There was a cliffhanger that had you begging for more. It was just perfect! I love how Melissa de la Cruz wove Lucifer and angels and everything with vampires. It does not fail to amaze me. For this reason, I am probably going to rate every book five stars.


Now, here are some character I just want to kick in the butt(they pertain specifically to the Force family). Mimi Force. She is really frustrating me! I know that's the point of her being in the books, but really, I wish Schuyler wouldn't have done what she did at the end. Mimi deserved what was going to happen!


The other Force that frustrates me is Charles. In his whole life he has never been interested in Schuyler. Now he wants to adopt her?! What the heck! I wanted to punch him! Schuyler was so happy with her grandfather!


Lastly, I have one more thing that I want to rant about. And forgive me because this review was more of a rant. Jack vs. Oliver. Obviously I like Jack better. He's hotter, stronger, and just more likable. When I think of Oliver, I think of a forlorn puppy. Sad and moping. I just don't like him.


Read this book! Read the series! You won't regret it.


The Author:

Melissa de la Cruz is the author of many books for teens, including Blue Bloods, The Au Pair series, Angels  on Sunset Boulevard, and the upcoming The Ashley Files. Her books for adults include Cat's Meow and the anthology she credited with Tom Dolby, Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys. She began her career as a magazine and newspaper journalist, covering the New York City style and social scene, and now writes novels full-time. Melissa divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives with her husband and daughter. While Melissa is not a Blue Blood, she knows people who are...

Review: Blue Bloods (Blue Bloods #1)

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Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Series: Blue Bloods, #1

Age Group: Young Adult

Format: Paperback

Pages: 302

Release Date: April 25, 2006

Publisher: Hyperion Paperbacks

Original Price: $8.99

ISBN: 978-1-4231-0126-0

Source: Local Library

My Rating: * * * * * (5 stars)

Schuyler Van Alen has never fit in at Duchesne, her prestigious New York City private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes to the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates. But when she turns fifteen, Schuyler's life changes dramatically. The death of a popular schoolmate haunts her in unexpected ways. And strangest of all, Jack Force, the most popular boy in school, is showing a sudden interest in her.
Once an outcast, Schuyler is thrust into Manhattan's most exclusive social circle. Its members are the powerful, the wealthy, and--as Schuyler soon discovers--the unhuman. They are Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires, and for centuries they've been invincible. Now something is preying on the elite group, and Schuyler wants to find out the truth. But is she the most vulnerable of them all?

The Cover:
I like the simplicity of the cover. The bit marks on the side of Schuyer's neck(I'm assuming it's Schuyler on the cover) obviously show that this book will be about vampire. The only thing that seems out of place is the pearl necklace, which isn't something that Schuyler would normally wear.


The Review:
I will admit, this is my second time reading the book. The first time(about 2 years ago) I was rushing to finish it, first because I couldn't get enough, and second, I had borrow it from a friend and did not want to keep it too long.


This time, I found a few points that bothered me. There were too many references to brands. My problem with this is that in the future, when another person picks up this book, let's say in 2020(if we're still alive), most of them will not know about the brands. I want ALL young adult books to be known in the future too, and books with brands make it harder. If a book has just a few brands, then it's fine, but too many can be overwhelming.


My other problem was the whole drinking, making out, sex thing. I get it, it's a young adult book full of teenagers. But, there was WAY to much drinking in Blue Bloods.


So far I've only been saying negative things about this book. So, here's the big question, "Why did you rate it five stars?" Well, I did that because I normally try not to judge so much on literary terms and grammar. I judge on plot. And, the Blue Bloods plot is amazing! It kept me hooked for the most part, and it's my second time reading it! This is why I've rated it five stars. You should read this book(unless you don't like vampires, but that's another issue grouped with Bella and Edward)!


The Author:

Melissa de la Cruz is the author of Masquerade: A Blue Bloods Novel; the best-selling The Au Pair novels for teens; and coauthor of the popular adult title The Fashionista Files: Adventure in Four-Inch Heels and Faux Pas. Melissa has appeared as an expert on style, friends, and fame for Glamour, Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and The New York Times. She grew up in Manila, San Francisco, and New York, and now lives in Los Angeles with her husband. While Melissa is not a Blue Blood, she knows people who are.

Blood Song (Blood Singer #1)

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Author: Cat Adams
Series: Blood Singer, #1
Age Group: Adult
Challenge: None
Format: Paperback
Pages: 364
Published: June 8, 2010
Publisher: Tor Books
Source: Local Library
My Rating: * * * *

Bodyguard Celia Graves plies her trade in a world where vampires roam the alleys of Tinseltown and movie stars openly practice witchcraft, where streets corner psychics have real powers and cops use memory enhancement spells on witnesses. An ordinary human, Celia relies on street smarts and charmed weapons to protect the rich and famous from mortal and supernatural threats.


She's landed a plum job protecting the prince of a small but politically vital nation while he tours Los Angeles's least savory hot spots. But what should be a routine assignment goes badly wrong: Celia is attacked by a master vampire and knows she is about to die.


To her shock, Celia wakes on a cold metal table in a university lab. Celia Graves has become an Abomination, neither fully mortal nor fully vampire. Her "master" is hunting her, to destroy her or finish what his bite began. She's accused of murder, and the cops aren't sure whether she should locked up or staked. And then there's the demon she glimpsed during the vampire attack...


Struggling to cope with her new powers and trying not to terrify everyone she meets with a flash of fang, Celia reaches out for help from her once (and future?) lover, a powerful mage; his warrior-priest brother; a handsome werewolf who keeps his lupine nature concealed from the world; an elderly clairvoyant; and one trustworthy cop.


Celia Graves has three days to save the world, her sanity, and her soul.

Incredible! At first, when I began this book, it was just okay. Nothing extraordinary. But, by the time I reached the ending, it became the perfect cliffhanger. Just enough to leave me begging for more. Luckily, I have the sequel with me, which I have already begun.


Let's begin with Celia. First, I love her name and personality! Definitely kick-butt. Although some men looked down upon her, she didn't give a care. Celia was also able to be so strong, even with her tragic past. She was just an amazing character.


One thing I did complain about were the love interests. Bruno was alright, but I did not particularly like him. Now, Kevin I liked better, but who knows what is going to happen with him(I mean, he already has a girlfriend, Amy).


On the back description, it says "Celia has three days to save the world, her sanity, and her soul." I didn't really get that part. It wasn't really emphasized in Blood Song. Celia just kind of went with the flow.


Celia was turned into a "half-vampire" or "abomination" close to the beginning of the book. Fangs included. Oh, yeah, and blood lust, too. Her eyes were described pretty well. I liked how they turned a reddish or golden brown color(kind of reminded me a little bit about Twilight). Very interesting. At the end, Celia found out an interesting piece about her ancestry.


Overall, a satisfactory book. I can't give it 5 stars because there were some parts that seemed to lag, but I would still recommend Blood Song to any paranormal addict. I will definitely, be reading the sequel, and in fact I have already began it(Siren Song). By the way, I'm sorry everyone! I actually finished this book on Thursday, but I didn't write the review until today because I had a test on Friday that I really had to cram for. And yesterday I was just too lazy. Sorry!

Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1)

Author: Gail Carriger
Series: Parasol Protectorate, #1
Age Group: Adult
Challenge: None
Format: Ebook
Pages: 258
Published: October 1, 2009
Publisher: Orbit
Source: Digital Library
My Rating: * * * *

Without a morsel of exaggeration, its publisher describes this debut novel as "a comedy of manners set in Victorian London full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking." At the center of Soulless's "parasol protectorate" is Miss Alexia Tarabotti, a young woman who lacks not only a suitor but also a soul. And those are not her only problems: When she accidentally kills a vampire, it begins a series of events that she must set out to resolve without the help of any proper authorities. A charming mass market original.

Opinions & Thoughts
I finally finished this book! Don't get me wrong, it's not that I didn't like it, Soulless was hilarious and entertaining, but life just kept intervening. Recently, I found out that this book was Carringer's debut novel(as stated in the summary), but it was amazing, and you just could not tell. So...if you are into science fiction, comedy, and supernatural, then Soulless is the perfect book for you. It blends the three genres perfectly.


Let's move onto Alexia. She was my type of character. Headstrong, witty, stubborn. In Victorian times, a woman should be docile and easily bossed around. As you can probably see, which is why Alexia has remained a twenty-nine year old spinster(unmarried).


Lord Maccon was Alexia's love interest. Big, muscular,...and a werewolf. This, of course, clashes with Alexia's preternaturalness(her touch turns any supernatural being into a human, if she lets go, they return back to normal). Regardless, their odd love deepens. Hot, steamy, and lots of fights describe Lord Maccon and Alexia's amours.


Overall, this was a lovely read. It did have some moments where I was cringing, with the experiments and all. But anyways, I would definitely recommend this book.


About the Author
Ms. Carriger began writing in order to cope with being raised in obscurity by an expatriate Brit and an incurable curmudgeon. She escaped small-town life and inadvertently acquired several degrees in higher learning. Ms. Carriger then traveled the historic cities of Europe, subsisting entirely on biscuits secreted in her handbag. She now resides in the Colonies, surrounded by a harem of Armenian lovers, where she insists on tea imported directly from London and cats that pee into toilets. She is fond of teeny tiny hats and tropical fruit.
Click here to visit Gail Carriger's website.

Feast of Fools (Morganville Vampires, #4)

Author: Rachel Caine


Series: Morganville Vampires, #4


Pages: 242


Published: June 4, 2008


My Rating: * * * * *

In the college town of Morganville, vampires and humans have learned to live in relative peace. Still, students like Claire Danvers know that after dark, studying can take a back-seat to staying alive. But the tenuous good-neighbor policy is really turned on its head with the arrival of Mr. Bishop.


Bad to the bone, the ancient old-school vampire cares nothing about harmony. Staying at the top of the food chain is enough. What he wants from the town's living and dead is unthinkably sinister. It's only at a formal ball attended by vampires and their human dates that Claire realizes Bishop's plan--and the elaborately evil trap he's set for the warm-blooded souls of Morganville....

Opinions & Thoughts
Wow... Rachel Caine really blew me away this time. After beginning this book, everything was so fast-paced that I just couldn't put it down.  Luckily, it's not that big a book, or I would have been up all night.


First of all, Bishop's(what kind of a name is that?) arrival in Morganville upset the town. He was just like a hurricane. Surprisingly, even Amelie was tense. Every single moment, I was on the edge of my seat(actually, it was a bed), just waiting to see how things could become worse.


I still really like Shane, but he is beginning to feel like a shell. He is always worried about Claire, but he doesn't do anything(when he does do something, it's usually really stupid). Especially with the issue about Ysandre. But, since you can't do much in Morganville, with the vampires and all, I forgive him. At least he was really sweet when Claire was crying and having her jealous fit.


After all that has happened, Claire has really toughened up. I was clearly impressed, but ecstatic, when I saw her stand up to the bad vampires, and defend the good ones(semi-good actually, because vampires are never completely good). When I began the series, I was not expecting Claire to turn out like this. A nice surprise.


That's all I have to say for Feast of Fools. It was a change of pace, and so far, it's the best book of the series. Lucky for me, this is only the fourth book(I still have six to go, and I think Rachel Caine is still writing more), because I am not ready to leave this delightful, haunting story and the intriguing characters behind.


About the Author
In addition to the Morganville Vampire series, Rachel Caine is the author of the popular Weather Warden series which includes Ill Wind, Heat Stroke, Chill Factor, Windfall, Firestorm, and Thin Air.... Rachel and her husband, fantasy artist R. Cat Conrad, live in Texas with their iguanas, Popeye and Darwin; a mali uromastyx named (appropriately) O'Malley, and a leopard tortoise named Shelley(for the poet,of course).
Click here to visit Rachel Caine's website.
Click here to view her on myspace.

Midnight Alley (Morganville Vampires, #3)

Author: Rachel Caine


Series: Morganville Vampires, #3


Pages: 245


Published: October 2, 2007


My Rating: ****


Click here for Rachel Caine's website.




Click Feast of Fools for the review of Morganville, book #4.




Summary
MORGANVILLE IS SUCH A NICE PLACE TO LIVE...
When Claire Danvers learned that her college town was run by vampires, she did what any intelligent, self-preserving freshman would do: She applied for a transfer and stocked up on garlic.  The tranfer is no longer an option, but that garlic may come in handy.
...AND DIE, IF YOU DON'T MIND THAT SORT OF THING.
Now Claire has pledged herself to Amelie, the most powerful vampire in town.  The protection her contract secures does little to reassure those closest to Claire.  All of a sudden, people are turning up dead, a stalker resurfaces from her past, and an ancient bloodsucker extends a chilling invitation for private lessons in his secluded home.  To what end, Claire will soon discover--and it will give a terrifying new meaning to night school.
Opinions & Thoughts
The pills that Claire took were mysterious and had pretty cool effects.  I wish they exsisted in real life, since they would definitely help out with school(but does it count as a drug?). Oh well.
I do have to say, I loved Myrning in this book.  Whenever Claire returned to his lair, I was eagerly anticipating Myrnin's next act of insanity(that and his humor).  In his own vampire way, Myrnin really cared about Claire, and I really had to respect him for all he did for her.
I was confused on how Claire became all buddy buddy with Monica and her cronies.  I mean, wasn't Claire thrown down the stairs by these very same girls.  After all they did to her, Claire even goes and gives one of them a tutoring session(who cares if she fails her class, doesn't she deserve it).  Anyways, make up your mind Claire. Do you hate the Monikettes or like them?
Well, Shane kind of rubbed my nerves the wrong way in this book.  One minute, he is this chivalarous guy who doesn't want to go the "whole" way with Claire(because of a promise he made to her parents), and the next he is beating up people.  But, even after all this, I stil love Shane!(and no one had better take him from me, or I will have to stab you with a stake in your sleep)
As for the vampires, for some reason, I really like Oliver(even though he is a bad guy). He is pretty entertaining and I love his jokes.  Amelie is tolerable(I like how she "pampers" Claire).
In some parts, I became so frustrated because the characters couldn't do anything and were so helpless.  Are humans really this weak?  No matter, Rachel Caine has me hooked on the plot, and I will certainly be reading the next book, just to find out what happens to the Glass House members(especially Shane).  The ending was very cryptic.(and a total cliffhanger)

The Dead Girls' Dance (Morganville Vampires, #2)

Author: Rachel Caine


Series: Morganville Vampires, #2


Page Number: 248


Published: April 3, 2007


My Rating: * * *


"Neat, stylish, and very witty." ~SF Crownsnest


Click here to visit Rachel Caine's website.


Click Midnight Alley for review of Morganville Vampires, book #3.
Summary
Claire Danvers has her share of challenges-like being a genius in a school that favors beauty over brains, dealing with the homicidal girls in her dorm, and above all, finding out that her college town is overrun with vampires.  On the upside, she has a great roommate(who tends to disappear at sunup) and a new boyfriend named Shane...whose vampire-hunting dad has called in backup: cycle punks who like the idea of killing just about anything.
Now a fraternity is throwing its annual Dead Girls' Dance and-surprise!-Claire and her equally outcast best friend, Eve, have been invited.  When they find out why, all hell is going to break loose. Because this time both the living and the dead are coming out-and everybody's hungry for blood.(borrowed from the description on the back cover)
Opinions & Thoughts
Shane is still sweet(and hot) as ever! Although I hated what happened to him(I won't say), I enjoyed the pleasant beginning(before things went downhill).  Shane cares so deeply about Claire, and nowadays I doubt any guy would be so careful about the age difference(Shane-18, Claire-16). To me, he is just the perfect guy that doesn't exist in real life(I may be wrong).  Shane receives a five star rating.
Back to Claire.  Claire may be the main protagonist, but she is not winning me over.  She seemed even more whiny in this book.  Twice I heard her say how this wasn't fair, and why was this happening to them(blah, blah, blah). At least Amelie returned her back to earth by telling Claire the overused saying that life isn't fair. I did love the part where Michael and Eve were debating over who was going to go to Common Grounds and find Sam. Calmly, Claire went to the phone, dialed the coffee place, and asked for Sam. Maybe I'm the only one, but I found that section hilarious. In some parts, Claire wised up, but overall, she was not fitting into the role of smart-16-year-old-who-skipped-two-years-and-is-now-in-college.
I'm still not sure how I feel about Amelie. One minute she seems like someone I could learn to respect and like, and the next I despise her.  Finally, I came to the conclusion that she is bipolar.  But seriously, is she supposed to be like that?
As for the vampires, I don't really have much to say about them.  They are just jerks with fangs(excluding Sam, he is a sweetie).
Fitting right in with the vampires, Shane's dad is the same as them in his own way(well, except for the fangs).  I mean, he and his biker buddies are just big bullies(but with stakes and fire).  If I could, I would jump into the book and give him a piece of my mind for what he did to Shane. No one, and I mean no one, hurts my guy and gets away with it.  Hopefully, he and his biker dudes will receive their just desserts(or I just may have to actually jump into the book and give it to them).
Lastly, I'll discuss the writing style.  While reading, I saw a Paris Hilton and Johnny Depp reference.  I do not know why, but it always frustrates me when an author inserts either some famous clothes brand or artist's name.  Rachel Caine is no exception, but I forgave her, since it did not ruin the story.  What I had a harder time forgiving Caine for, was the foul language sprinkled throughout the book.  This immediately degrades a book for me.  For some reason, I was not able to warm up to the characters(with a few exceptions).  Although bad things happened to them, I did not feel that much sadness nor did I want to cry.  I wonder if this feeling will change later on in the other book, as Caine gains more experience with her characters?
In the end, I found The Dead Girls' Dance less entertaining than the first book, but I will keep reading the series, if not to find out what happens to Claire and Shane's budding romance.