EPIC GIVEAWAY from Tim O’Rourke-Author of the Kiera Hudson Series, the Black Hill Farm Series, and the Doorways Series–CLOSED

Tim O’Rouke has just recently published his latest novel, Kiera Hudson: Dead Flesh, and to celebrate, he’s giving away two eBooks, an iPod Touch skin, and an iPhone skin!!!!  Kiera Hudson: Dead Flesh is his newest series, following his Kiera Hudson Series in a continuation of the beloved novels!  Vampire Shift, one of the eBooks up for grabs, is the first novel in the Kiera Hudson series–if you haven’t read it, then I suggest you start there; this series is AMAZING!!!!  If you’ve read the Kiera Hudson Series, then you definitley want to enter to win O’Rourke’s newest book, Kiera Hudson: Dead Flesh!  But, if you’ve got an iPod Touch, or an iPhone, then you should enter to win the awesome skins O’Rourke designed!!!  Decisions, decisions!!!  

FOUR winners will be chosen, ONE for each item O’Rourke is giving away!!!

This giveaway is now CLOSED.

{Review} Deadly.com by Cindy McDonald

From Goodreads: The novel is the first in a series about the West family, proprietors of Westwood Thoroughbred Farm, and their friends and associates in the world of horse racing. Socially awkward George gives everyone at the racetrack a creepy feeling and is avoided by all. But he uses an online portal to create a very different alternate identity to romance a multitude of attractive women including Kate West and her brother’s ex-wife, Ava. When Mike West is forced to fire George, frustration and jealousy combine to make the voices in the jockey agent’s head unbearable. Soon people start turning up dead and the path of destruction leads right to the West family home.

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This very interesting novel touches upon the dangers of the internet.  I just had a class about how dangerous the internet can actually be, how people can easily fake their identity, steal yours, or infiltrate your entire life online, and it’s really scary.  Add to it a psycho freak that is stalking to you, and it’s game over.  While this book deals mainly with a man who knows his victims, he is able to garner so much about them, especially Kate West, based on what she tells him on an online dating site.  I knew there was a reason I never wanted to try dating online… and George and Kate’s story just solidified it.  Now, while the internet is a part of this story, there is so much more to it—about recognizing warning signs and steering clear of people who don’t act quite right, about being nice, but not too nice, and about not bullying people—anyone—because you just might be messing with a person who will eventually strike back, in the worst way.

George is an absolutely horrible person.  I hated him from the get go and, as I read, hungrily awaited his demise—he is the epitome of evil.  I don’t care if he is a little bit psycho, or if his mother made him this way—EVIL.  Every time he was mentioned in the book, my skin crawled; I hate him!  Of course, he’s a key part of the novel and he’s constantly at the forefront of the story, so I spent a lot of time really angry while I read.  It amazes me that McDonald was able to evoke such strong, passionate feelings of abhorrence from me over a fictional character, but it is a testament of McDonald’s writing ability! 

I liked the pacing of the story, especially as the action picks up almost as soon as the story begins.  George begins his attacks and I kept checking my progress on the eReader because I was thinking it was almost over—and it wasn’t even close.  McDonald sets up her story so that the novel climaxes twice, with George beginning his killing spree, only to be found out and removed as a threat.  However, there are cracks in every system, and he’s soon back, unbeknownst to his potential victims, and it begins all over again.  I liked this because it’s very fast paced and, knowing what we do, the second time around is even more harrowing than the first.  It was very well done.

I was a little annoyed with the cops and the system throughout this novel, though; it almost seemed like the cops and security people had no idea what they were doing.  There were many times that I yelled out at them as I read because their mistakes were too often and too obvious, but even so, their errors help fuel help fuel the story.  Three stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via Netgalley.

{Review} Bloody Little Secrets by Karly Kirkpatrick

From Goodreads: 17-year-old Vicky Hernandez has a big problem. She’s dead. Or not quite. After discovering she’s been turned into a vampire, she tries to settle into a quiet suburb of Chicago and return to a normal life.

If only she could stop wanting to bite her boyfriend. Not to mention she is dying to find out who turned her, and why. She doesn’t have to wait long before they come to her.

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Bloody Little Secrets is a different type of vampire novel.  No sparkles, no vegetarians… real life vampires that can’t go about in the daylight, that use their glamour more often than not, and that yearn for blood.  But Vicky is a little different.  She doesn’t know who made her.  She doesn’t know why she can walk in the daylight.  She doesn’t mean to kill people.  All she knows is that the vampires hunting her are not the type of people she wants to get to know better, sending her on a journey to stay hidden and safe, while also finding her niche and fitting in with society.   But her creator will stop at nothing to get ahold of her blood and walk in the light, as she does.

I really enjoyed this novel.  Kirkpatrick is a phenomenal writer, and he characters are divine.  I absolutely adored Drake; he’s a very dreamy guy, and his treatment of Vicky, both before and after he knew what she was, makes him a keeper.  The whole novel was  very captivating and not sugar coated.  Vicky craves blood; she kills people—but not in the vicious man eating type of way that “evil” vampires like to kill people—it’s a necessity and an accident, but it’s more believable than a vampire who only eats animals, if you catch my drift.  Overall, this is a great read with a fast-paced story line and I highly recommend it to all.  Four stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

{Review} Better off Without Him by Dee Ernst

From Goodreads: Mona Berman is an expert at Happily Ever After – after all, she’s a best-selling Romance writer and happy endings are what she does best. So when her husband of twenty years leaves her for somebody 15 years younger, 30 pounds lighter, and French, she’s got a lot of adjusting to do, both personally and professionally. Lucky for her she’s got three savvy teen daughters, a few good friends, and Ben, the world’s sexiest plumber, to help her along the way. First she decides that her next book will be the anti-romance – her heroine finds the best part of her life AFTER getting dumped. Next her daughters tell her she needs to start practice dating, and summer at the Jersey shore is the perfect place for that. She’s also juggling her soon-to-be-ex, a loony aunt, and a match-making neighbor, while Ben is sending her romance-driven imagination into overdrive. Can Mona’s life imitate art? Can she write her own happy ending?

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This is a really cute, witty tale about Mona Berman finding life after being cast aside by her husband of twenty years.  I enjoy a strong female lead, and Ernst does not disappoint in her character, Mona, whose quirky ways and strong sense of self worth make her triumph over her disastrous break up.  I loved that Mona didn’t stop living, but instead began, dating, writing a new type of novel, and ultimately finding herself throughout the course of the story, and I highly enjoyed it.

I absolutely adored that Mona was a writer.  I’m always interested in books where the main character writes, I think mainly because the author is describing their own job, and it just intrigues me.  Ernst is a writer writing a writer, as it were, and I really get a kick out of authors that do this, especially when they do it well, as Ernst does. 

I loved the writing style as well.  It reads very smoothly, almost like a conversation with a friend instead of a novel.  Ernst doesn’t just tell a story, but she connects with her readers and shows the story as well, making it an overall great read that I highly recommend.  Funny and engaging, Ernst has produced a gem of a story.  Four stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

{Review AND Giveaway} Bad Radio by Michael Langlois

From Goodreads: Sixty years ago, Abe Griffin saved the world and gained eternal youth.

Or so he thought.

Now, a man that Abe thought long dead is killing the surviving members of Abe’s old squad in order to reclaim the relics that they have kept hidden for decades.

The relics form an ancient beacon that must never be used, in a ritual that must never be completed. But the end of the world requires more than just activating the beacon.

It requires Abe.

With help from the granddaughter of his oldest friend, Abe must learn the truth about his immortal body, while at the same time trying to stop a horrifying series of supernatural opponents from sweeping away everything that he cares about.

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I really enjoyed this novel; from start to finish, Langlois takes the reader on a breathtaking roller coaster ride, battling evil in its most heinous form as it attempts to take over the world, one town at a time.  Abe Griffin is an amazing character, and I really enjoyed his depth and perception as he attempts to restore peace to the world, save his squad and, once again, all of humanity. 

This story begins with Abe, an elderly man trapped in that of a 30 year olds body, never aging, contemplating suicide after the death of his wife.  Having severed all ties, he’s ready to take the next step toward eternal rest, but the world has other plans for Abe, and when the granddaughter of one of Abe’s surviving comrades comes calling, he is quickly sucked back into a world he gave up on long ago.

This fast-paced read is extremely gripping and hard to put down once started.  There is a feel of constant danger all around as the main characters, Abe and Anne, settle themselves to fight against the “bait bags,” relatively normal looking humans filled with worms, given superhuman strength, and evil to the core.  While the descriptions of these enemies are indeed disgusting, they are the perfect enemy, and as Abe and Anne put two and two together, figuring out the source of these grotesque enemies intent on destroying them and all mankind, the story comes sharply into focus.  I really enjoyed this novel and was especially intrigued by the story behind Abe’s immortality and lack of aging, though on occasion I found myself a little confused.  However, that is no fault of the author at all, but rather because I was reading so fast and I missed important information.  I was so wrapped up in the story that I had to literally force myself to slow down and reread for clarity in order to understand it all; it’s that engaging, and I highly recommend this thrilling novel to all.  Four stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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And now for the giveaway!!! Michael Langlois is giving away a signed copy AND an eBook copy of his novel!

All you have to do is enter your name and email to win, but there are extra entries options if you’re interested!

To enter you must:

-Be 13 years or older (or have parent/guardian permission)
-Fill in the form with your name and email (extra entries optional)

Click this ENTRY FORM to enter!

This contest is open INTERNATIONALL and will end at 11:59pm EST on May 7th. Please only enter once. The winner will be announced on May 8th, and will receive email notification! Please read my giveaway policy and leave me a comment!

 

{Review} The Prophet by Amanda Stevens

From Goodreads: My name is Amelia Gray.

I am the Graveyard Queen, a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. My father passed down four rules to keep me safe and I’ve broken every last one. A door has opened and evil wants me back.

In order to protect myself, I’ve vowed to return to those rules. But the ghost of a murdered cop needs my help to find his killer. The clues lead me to the dark side of Charleston—where witchcraft, root doctors and black magic still flourish—and back to John Devlin, a haunted police detective I should only love from afar. Now I’m faced with a terrible choice: follow the rules or follow my heart.

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Amelia Gray is back in this third installment of Steven’s Graveyard Queen Series, more prolific and intuitive than ever as she continues to break all the rules, engaging in contact with the dead.  Once again in Charleston, Amelia is thrust back into the company of Devlin, and like Steven’s previous novel, The Restorer, the ghosts of Devlin’s daughter and wife begin to haunt Amelia, more forcefully this time, as she attempts to piece together the murder of one of Devlin’s coworkers from the police force. 

Full of hauntings and mysterious, ghostly activity, The Prophet is an engaging read that will keep readers glued to the pages from start to finish.  Having read only the first book in this series, The Restorer, I still found that I was able to easily follow the novel—little prior knowledge is needed to piece everything together, and I’m not sure if The Kingdom, book two, relates to the events from book one and three at all.  Regardless, The Restorer and The Prophet fit together seamlessly, granting the reader a more in-depth look at the life of Devlin, his past, and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of his wife and only child, Shani.  Full of mystery and intrigue, this novel will have readers question everything they know, sleeping with the lights on, and wondering just how deceptive the characters in this novel really are.  Four stars.  

Harlequin has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read a copy of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its recent release.

{Review} Lust, Money and Murder by Mike Wells

From Goodreads: This book begins with a young and naive Elaine Brogan as she initially pursues her dream of a career as a photo model. After becoming entangled with a sleazy modeling agency, she decides to become a Secret Service agent, struggling through the arduous training academy. After her first disastrous assignment, she is transferred to Bulgaria. There, she meets Nick LaGrange, the love of her life.

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This is another series book, which ends in medias res, leaving the reader yearning for more, and yet, it’s such a good read, long enough to give the feel of a full length novel, that it didn’t bother me too much when it abruptly ended.  While I would much rather prefer a full-length novel to multiple shorts, Wells has actually put all three together for purchase on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, for only $4.99, and in my opinion, that’s a steal, especially as the storyline and writing is so well done.  But, if you want to check out the first portion of the series before committing to buy, it’s currently free on Amazon and Barnes and Nobel right now, which is where I obtained my copy for review.

The main portion of the story follows Elaine Brogan as she naively finds herself and her father the victim of a counterfeiting scandal, leaving her destitute and alone.  Resolved to join the Secret Service and take down the man who destroyed her life, Elaine throws herself into her studies and works diligently in hopes of revenge.  The story moves very swiftly, and Elaine soon finds herself working for Nick LaGrange in Bulgaria as he attempts to shut down the counterfeit ring taking Europe by storm.  Of course, things aren’t always what they seem, and while Elaine is indeed amazing at her job, she soon finds herself in a difficult situation, having to choose carefully between love and ethics.

I really enjoyed this story, save that it ended right in the middle of a climax within the story.  Wells is a very good writer and his story kept me captivated from start to finish.  While there were more references to sex than I would have liked there to have been, they weren’t overly erotic, which is good, although I really don’t see the point of adding detailed sex into the mix of a really good story anyway.  But, that aside, the characterization and story were very well done, and I am eager to read the rest of the series, which, like I stated before, is available, complete, on Amazon and Barnes and Nobel and, in my opinion, is worth it.  Four stars.

I obtained my copy of this novella for free from Amazon.

Whisper “Fact or Fiction” Blog Tour

Niagara Falls – Fact. My parents took me when I was two or three. I have pictures but was too young to remember anything. When I was fifteen, we took a family road trip across the northeastern portion of the US. Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Maine – and Niagara Falls. It was breathtaking. There are not many words to aptly describe that kind of view. Majestic maybe. definitely lasting memory.

 

I think, even as a kid, the epicness (yes, that’s a word) of that view would’ve stayed with Whisper. She would still recall it later, and use it to describe how she felt when she looked at a certain someone. *wink* #Can’tSpoilItForYou

~Heather Hildenbrand

 

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Whisper synopsis:

The Cherokee believe when a person dies, their soul is reborn. Life is repeated. An endless cycle of lessons to be learned, love to be found, destiny to be fulfilled. For the past six months, in every flower, every bird, I’ve imagined my parents, relieved of their human forms.

Now, after five months at the Skye View Wellness Center, it was summer. A time for parties and friends, but that’s the last thing I want to do. So when my best friend Erin convinces me to attend a bonfire at Eagle Point, I can’t handle the crowd full of sympathetic stares or drunken class clowns who would use my tragedy as a way into my heart – or my pants. The solitude of the woods offers an escape, until I stumble upon a boy, unconscious and bleeding, his pockets stuffed not with identification but with poetry illustrating the beauty of dying. I’ve seen enough death. I will not leave this boy’s side.

Even after he wakes, when the only thing he can remember are visions of events that haven’t happened yet…

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Quotes:

I stood on the porch, trying not to look at the police cruisers parked in the driveway. And when I did look at them, I tried not to let the memories come. But that was like trying to stop water with your hands. Enough of it got through that you were going to get wet.

*

“How would you know I was there?”

His gaze locked on mine and I stilled, barely able to breathe. All trace of laughter disappeared from his expression. His stare was heavy to the point of paralyzing.

“My soul would recognize you and wake me.” His voice was gravelly and low, barely above a whisper, but it filled my ears and raced straight to my heart. I felt a keen familiarity with this moment and with Dylan himself. It was more than déjà vu. It was something inside me recognizing something inside him.

*

“I want to,” I answered, breathless and aching. 

“Are you sure?”

I didn’t even have to think about his question. Our past was heartbreaking and our future  uncertain. All we had was this moment. “Yes.”

*

I told myself it was nothing; fancy fabric couldn’t manifest a destiny any more than a person could fight it. But, although the sun still blazed with late afternoon heat, the day felt ominous. Or maybe it was me.

To read my review of this epic novel, click HERE. 

{ARC Review} Girl In The Park by Mariah Fredericks

From Goodreads: When Wendy Geller’s body is found in Central Park after the night of a rager, newspaper headlines scream, “Death in the Park: Party Girl Found Strangled.” But shy Rain, once Wendy’s best friend, knows there was more to Wendy than just “party girl.” As she struggles to separate the friend she knew from the tangle of gossip and headlines, Rain becomes determined to discover the truth about the murder. Written in a voice at once immediate, riveting, and utterly convincing, Mariah Frederick’s mystery brilliantly exposes the cracks in this exclusive New York City world and the teenagers that move within it.

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This was a really interesting novel with an ending that I never expected.  Rain is a shy young woman, her cleft palate leaving her less than thrilled to speak aloud, causing her to spend much of her time in silence while observing the world around her.  Wendy Geller, Rain’s former best friend, is just the opposite, loud and outgoing, looking for love and acceptance in all the wrong places, and the circumstances surrounding her death leave her upscale preparatory school with mixed feelings.  While some believe Wendy got what she deserved, others, like Rain, knew the real Wendy and want her image cleared—it’s Rain’s last testament to Wendy, and through the enlightening flashbacks, the reader is given insight into both Rain and Wendy’s friendship, giving them a background and personality that sets them both apart from the narrow minded people around them. This proves to be an intriguing murder mystery and Rain sets off to unravel the truth, and though all evidence points in one direction, nothing is as it seems. 

I enjoyed this novel for the most part; Rain’s inner monologue was interesting, especially as she thinks back on all the good times she had with Wendy.  The mix of past and present in novels is one of my favorite elements for developing a story, and Fredericks did a great job bringing this story to life.  While I was expecting a little more of a thrill from this book—more intensity and excitement—it was still a good read, and the ending completely through me off balance.  Fredericks has created a very interesting novel that was highly enjoyable.  Three and a half stars.

Random House Children’s Books has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read a copy of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on April 24, 2012.

 

{Review} Wild Child by Mike Wells

From Goodreads: Briana Fox is the wildest girl in school. She and Kyle have been close for a long time…almost lovers. Kyle is afraid that if he pushes her, he’ll have his heart broken and lose his best friend. When Briana discovers a mysterious “power drug” in a cave, two government agents are desperate to find the source and turn Briana into a human experiment. Will Kyle risk everything to protect his love?

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I can’t say that I’m a fan of novellas that leave the reader hanging right in the middle of the action, forcing them to buy the next installment in order to get the whole series.  I’d much rather have a complete novel and pay one price for it, but even so, I did enjoy this novella.  Wells has written a very intriguing story about a water substance that repairs all ills, and Briana Fox needs it to survive after being run over by a speedboat.  But, without the water, all Briana’s wounds open again, pushing her closer to the death that should have come that fateful day in the water.  It’s a very intriguing idea, very well written, and Wells captured my attention in this short read—though as it isn’t a complete story, I was left hanging and have yet to pick up the next installment.  It’s definitely worth the read, though, and Wells is giving away this novella on his website for free right now: http://www.thegreenwater.com/, so I suggest picking it up and reading it for yourself. Four stars.

I obtained a free copy of this novel from Amazon.

{ARC Review} Whisper by Alyson Noel (Riley Bloom #4)

From Goodreads: This time, Riley might really have bitten off more than she’s ready for. After practically begging the Council for a more challenging Soul Catch, she is assigned an actual Roman gladiator—Theocoles, the Pillar of Doom. How is Riley, a skinny twelve-year-old, supposed to get through to him? Then she meets the beautiful Messalina, who convinces her that her only chance is to become part of this world. To accomplish this, Messalina helps Riley through a dramatic, mystical makeover, transforming her into the beautiful and mature teen she’s always wanted to be. Finally, Riley can experience her first boyfriend and her first kiss. With a dream this enchanting, will she ever want to leave?

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I liked this novel, especially as Riley actually learns from her mistakes this time.  Riley tends to have a chip on her shoulder and an extremely low self-esteem, but refuses to listen to anyone around her when they try to help.  This time, she learns to trust others and actually listen to them, and I liked that she grew up a little—her bratty attitude is toned down a lot in the novel, which was a major plus, making me enjoy her character a whole lot more than in previous novels.

I really enjoyed the history Noel incorporated into her novel as well.  I haven’t read any YA novels that deal with Roman gladiators before now, and it was a really fascinating topic.  Though Riley must navigate the perils of the ghost realm and convince Theocoles to leave behind his earthly domain, the story has a very romantic feel to it, delving deep into Roman culture, and Riley even gets to participate in it.  I was happy that Riley also got to experience her teenage years, no matter how brief or under what circumstances.  Even though the world around Riley is fake, and she’s unable to remember her purpose, I really loved getting to see her as a teenager, and so did she.  Three stars. 

MacMillian Children’s Publishing Group has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on April 24th.

{ARC Review} The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

From Goodreads: In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity. Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad. Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn’t easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

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This was a very long book, but Kagawa is able to keep readers’ attention as she develops her characters, weaving an intricate plot line full of love and betrayal. Now, while I wouldn’t say this is a romantic love story, Allie’s relationships with those around her constitute love in every sense of the word, in one way or another, and yet, betrayal is just as prominent throughout the pages. I highly enjoyed this mixture, especially as it set me on edge, unsure of who to trust or what would happen next.

While I originally found the story to be a bit slow in the beginning, Kagawa does a phenomenal job setting the background for her novel, introducing the characters, their plights, and explaining how Allie becomes a vampire, torn between her retreating humanity and her vicious desires. I really liked seeing the before and after Allie; though, truth be told, the after Allie was much more exciting than the before one, and I found that the story really picked up once Allie left the “safety” of her city and began wandering the forest on her own.

I was surprised on many counts as I read, and livid on others, as the plot unfolds and Allie works diligently to hide her true nature and protect those around her from the real threats of rabids, ravenous vampires, and a band of travelers set on capturing them all. Their travels became extremely harrowing as the story continued, and I truly felt for all the characters, though I think Allie is my favorite, mainly because she’s the one the novel really fleshes out and focuses on. While Zeke was a great foil for Allie, and he ultimately changes for the better, some of his actions rubbed me the wrong way, even though I do understand where he is coming from. Overall, though, I really enjoyed all the characters, and am excited that Kagawa has set up her novel for a sequel, especially as this is one of those books that makes you feel like you’ve been on a long journey alongside the characters, and I really enjoyed this experience. Four stars.

Harlequin Teen has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read and ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on April 24, 2012.

{ARC Review} Whisper by Heather Hildenbrand

From Goodreads: The Cherokee believe when a person dies, their soul is reborn. Life is repeated. An endless cycle of lessons to be learned, love to be found, destiny to be fulfilled. For the past six months, in every flower, every bird, I’ve imagined my parents, relieved of their human forms.

Now, after five months at the Skye View Wellness Center, it was summer. A time for parties and friends, but that’s the last thing I want to do. So when my best friend Erin convinces me to attend a bonfire at Eagle Point, I can’t handle the crowd full of sympathetic stares or drunken class clowns who would use my tragedy as a way into my heart – or my pants. The solitude of the woods offers an escape, until I stumble upon a boy, unconscious and bleeding, his pockets stuffed not with identification but with poetry illustrating the beauty of dying. I’ve seen enough death. I will not leave this boy’s side.

Even after he wakes, when the only thing he can remember are visions of events that haven’t happened yet…

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I was very impressed by this story.  It’s not like any of Hildenbrand’s prior novels, and yet it’s still a captivating read, tackling the very real issue of grief, while still putting a supernatural spin on it.  But before going into this novel, readers need to be aware that it deals with tough topics, those of death and redemption.  And, truth be told, not all readers are going to understand Whisper’s feelings or struggle to move on with her life if they haven’t experienced such debilitating grief in their own lives, so it may seem very slow to some readers; it’s not an action novel (not until near the end, that is).  Yet, while it does start out slow, that’s the nature of this story; it’s not meant to be a fast-paced gripping novel, but rather one of love and grief.  Those feelings wouldn’t be portrayed correctly if it moved any faster than it does, and I, personally, enjoyed this slower paced novel, allowing me to connect with the characters in a more real, vivid way than action packed novels tend to do. 

While I’ll admit I was a little confused in the beginning as to where the novel was going, once Dylan showed up, everything fell into place and I loved that Whisper finally began to feel like she was getting stronger.  Her demeanor, up until his showing, made her out to be a very depressing character.  Now, while many readers will understand where she is coming from, some might not and may dislike the novel due to a lack of action in the beginning, but again, this is the whole point of the novel, to show how Whisper comes full swing, learns to continue living without forgetting, and finding joy again.

I think Hildenbrand did a phenomenal job fleshing out her characters as well, especially Whisper, making the reader really feel for them, whether good or bad.  For instance, I really understood Whispers grief, and her character drudged up some long buried feelings I had concerning my own grief.  Likewise, Taregan caused me to feel immense hatred, and yet, Hildenbrand was able to make me still feel sorry for him in the end; the fact that she actually made me feel for the one character I couldn’t stand is a testament to Hildenbrand’s sheer writing capabilities, and I really enjoyed this story, especially the Cherokee folklore, magic, and overall presence of the novel. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read before.  Four stars. 

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Announcing the Winner of the Savage Series by Tamara Rose Blodgett

The Savage series giveaway has just concluded, and I’m excited to say that the winner has been chosen using Random.org.

And the winner is…

 

Vivien P

 

 

 

A tweet has been sent out to the winner, with an email to follow shortly. If I don’t hear from her within 48 hours, I will select a new winner using Random.org. Thanks to everyone who participated, and congratulations to the winner… but don’t despair if you didn’t win this round!

 

 

 

Enter to win my other great giveaways:

 

Win a book of your choice:

{Review} Replication by Jill Williamson

From Goodreads: When Your Life Is Not Your Own…

Martyr—otherwise known as Jason 3:3—is one of hundreds of clones kept in a remote facility called Jason Farms. Told that he has been created to save humanity, Martyr has just one wish before he is scheduled to ‘expire’ in less than a month. To see the sky.

Abby Goyer may have just moved to Alaska, but she has a feeling something strange is going on at the farm where her father works. But even this smart, confident girl could never have imagined what lies beneath a simple barn. Or what would happen when a mysterious boy shows up at her door, asking about the stars. As the reality of the Jason Experiment comes to light, Martyr is caught between two futures—the one for which he was produced and the one Abby believes God created him to have. Time is running out, and Martyr must decide if a life with Abby is worth leaving everything he’s ever known.

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This is Christian fiction, so those strongly opposed to religious novels may want to stay clear of this story.  However, it’s a really interesting premise with some great morals and, even though I really hate preachy novels, I thought this was a good read overall.   While it’s true that the religious aspect does come on quite strong in some parts, including the quoting and deciphering of scripture, in retrospect, it flows rather nicely with the story as Martyr, a clone set to expire, has never thought of a Creator at all.  In every society, there is some type of higher being that is worshipped, and if not worshipped, the people of the society at least have heard of a higher being, but Martyr has never thought about it, nor has anyone ever brought it up to him.  Thus, watching Martyr’s reaction to Abby’s assertion that Martyr does indeed have a higher purpose in life and that God loves him was actually really interesting.  Of course, like a toddler, Martyr latches on to anything new—he’s never had a chance to see or experience anything outside the farm, and so it’s debatable as to whether or not Martyr really believes or is just in awe of this newfound Being, but that’s a debate for another time.  Regardless, this novel tackles some very interesting topics that YA doesn’t usually pursue, making it entirely unique in its own right. 

Religion aside, though, Williamson does a great job fleshing out her characters and her storyline.  I loved that Abby is a very strong female lead, a Christian, and yet a flawed individual.  Williamson does not make her out to be “holier than thou,” and Abby succumbs to the same temptations, thoughts, and actions that the rest of us do, which, ultimately, makes her human as a very likable character.  Martyr, of course, is very interesting in his own right, taking care of others and ultimately becoming a leader for his brethren, all who look like him and were cloned of the same doctor in order to find cures for diseases, including the doctor’s own disease, Lupus.  J.D. was not my favorite, but he was incredibly real.  As a teacher of high school, I see students like him all the time, and the fact that all these characters emulate real behaviors made them all the more real to me.  Overall, I really enjoyed this story and recommend it to those not opposed to a little overbearing religious talk here and there.  Four stars.

Zondervan has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read this novel, via Netgalley.