Thursday, December 31, 2015

The Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter - Review


Title: The Queen of Zombie Hearts (White Rabbit Chronicles #3)
Author: Gena Showalter
Genre: Young Adult, Horror
Length: 464 Pages
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: September 30, 2014
Source: Self-Purchased
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

I thought I had nothing left to give. I thought wrong. They started the war. Now I will end it.

In the stunning conclusion to the wildly popular White Rabbit Chronicles, Alice "Ali" Bell thinks the worst is behind her... until Anima Industries, the agency controlling the zombies, launches a zneak attack, killing four of her friends. It's then she realises only the worst has only begun.

As the surviving slayers prepare for war, Ali discovers she, too, can control the zombies... and she isn't the girl she thought she was. She's connected to the woman responsible for killing — and turning — her boyfriend's mother. How can their relationship endure? As secrets come to light, and more slayers are taken or killed, Ali will fight harder than ever to bring down Anima — even sacrificing her own life for those she loves.


OMG!!! I love this series more and more with every book. Alice and the slayers are ready for war. This isn't just another battle - only one will come out on top and both side will suffer along the way. This is really a non-stop action packed story that never calms down until it's all over.

Zombies and Anima are back with a vengeance and some really imaginative tactics. Alice gets an unexpected blast from her past that really causes some problems - but may be the only way to solve the even bigger problems. Cole and Alice will have to face another landmine in their relationship that threatens to tear them apart.

The snarky comments and attitudes are still present and they may be even bigger than they were before as we introduce a whole new slayer crew to stir up the existing dynamics.

Warning: You just may cry - it's an emotional roller coaster that never stops. Also, this is a trilogy. Book three wraps up the story very well - but apparently others like myself just wanted more, so there is a fourth. But if you were looking forward to a good ending of the series - it does happen.


Monday, December 28, 2015

Unpredictable Webs by Darlene Quinn - Review


Title: Unpredictable Webs
Author: Darlene Quinn
Genre: Adult, Suspense
Length: 451 Pages
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press
Release Date: April, 16, 2013
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Betrayal, rebellion, jealousy, and a kidnapping gone awry are at the core of this fourth novel in Darlene Quinn's ensnaring series. Unpredictable Webs picks up the Webs series five years after Twisted Webs.

About to turn sixteen, Marnie Taylor is rebellious--fighting often with her mother, Ashleigh--and jealous of her more even-tempered and popular twin sister, Callie. Lonely, Marnie finds a compassionate listener in Brad, whom she meets online. Spinning a web of lies to throw her parents off, Marnie arranges an in-person meet-up with Brad. But she realizes too late that she has been targeted in a sinister scheme for ransom.

Quinn's vivid cast of characters returns in this high-tension, stand-alone sequel. Though their actions are plausible, none of them behaves as others might predict in this tale that discloses the darker behaviors people are capable of. Cougar Viviana De Mornay takes Chicago's fashion world and ''Italian Stallion'' Gino Cabello by storm. Tony Wainwright, who has paid his dues for a past crime and appears to have turned his life around, is catapulted to the top of the list of suspects. PI Ross Pocino is on the scene with his surprising insights into criminal behavior, and Paige Toddman's mother, Helen, seems to grow younger every day. While some mothers can unintentionally do unspeakable harm to their children, Ashleigh's steel-magnolia efforts to wrest her daughter from her captor redeem the sacredness of that role.



Ashleigh once again finds herself in the middle of a horrible situation. Having already survived through a kidnapping/attack and one of her twins being kidnapped, now the other one is. This may sound like a bit much at first, but Darlene Quinn writes in such a way that all you feel is grief and suspense as this new chapter in her life unfolds.

Once again all the players seem to overlap in strange and surprising ways. Ways that will be very important as things come together in the end and work themselves out. I really enjoy how the reader is allowed to see both sides of the story as it all unfolds. Instead of "giving away" too much and ruining the suspense element, it only adds to it. Seeing things from everyone's perspective really adds a nice touch and quite a bit of atmosphere to the story as well.

Another great addition to this tale of the retail giants, I'm glad that Darlene Quinn moved into a more personal look into their lives instead of focusing on the business aspects. While the business is interesting, seeing into their lives at a more personal level really brings the characters to life and I become fully invested in their stories and lives.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*


Previous Reviews for the Series:

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Thief of Lies by Brenda Drake - Excerpt


Title: Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers, #1)

Release date:  1/5/16
Author: Brenda Drake
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
  
Gia Kearns would rather fight with boys than kiss them. That is, until Arik, a leather clad hottie in the Boston Athenaeum, suddenly disappears. While examining the book of world libraries he abandoned, Gia unwittingly speaks the key that sucks her and her friends into a photograph and transports them into a Paris library, where Arik and his Sentinels—magical knights charged with protecting humans from the creatures traveling across the gateway books—rescue them from a demonic hound.

Jumping into some of the world's most beautiful libraries would be a dream come true for Gia, if she weren’t busy resisting her heart or dodging an exiled wizard seeking revenge on both the Mystik and human worlds. Add a French flirt obsessed with Arik and a fling with a young wizard, and Gia must choose between her heart and her head, between Arik's world and her own, before both are destroyed.


Excerpt:
I pressed the screen, and it went dark. “How do we know he’s not being forced to say this?”

                “The password, May Agnes guide you,” Lei replied. “She’s the patron saint of Asile.”

                Agnes? That was the silver woman’s name that formed from my globe. Did the saints have something to do with the Chiavi?

                I faced Ricardo. “How did you know I was here?”

                “The werehounds tracked your scent from a shirt Katy…excuse me, your nana…gave us.”

                “Can your pack help us save Couve?” Arik asked him.

                “They will, but Gia must go with me.” He noticed the protest forming on my lips. “Merlin said no exceptions. I’m to get you to the shelter.”

                From the corridor came yells, scuffles, and the continual wail of the warning siren.

                “I can’t go with you,” I said. “I have to fight with them.”

                “She can’t fight with us,” Lei said, glancing at the door. “She almost killed Kale.”

                I turned to Sinead. “You know what I can do.”

                Sinead gave me a pity smile. “Yes, but you have no control over it. Let Ricardo take you to your father and friends.”

                I thought of Kale lying motionless, near death, and I hated that she was right. As much as I wanted to stay, I might be more hindrance than help. I caved. “Okay,” I said, defeated. Lei flew out of the room with the Laniars on her heels.

                Sinead hugged me, then rushed after them. Arik moved over to me and cupped my face gently in his hands. His eyes held the intensity that always drew me to him.

                I swallowed my breath in anticipation. All the sounds around us went silent.

                He bent and lightly brushed my lips with a kiss. His lips were soft and oh, so tender. Butterflies swooped and curled inside me, and it felt like the ground disappeared from beneath my feet. He pulled back a little and said, “Regardless of the fact that you’re a royal pain in the arse, I fancy you. Listen to Ricardo and don’t do anything rash.”

                He gave me another kiss and rushed out the door. My heart twisted in my chest as he disappeared. I touched my mouth and exhaled. He liked me. It was against the laws, but he told me he fancied me. Maybe we had no future, but we had now.

                “What a sweet display,” Ricardo said, dragging me out of my haze. “I’m not one for rules or laws, but I’d be careful there. The punishment would be much worse for him than you.”

                “Why?” I stared at the door as if I’d see Arik there.

                “He’s a leader. He knows better.” Ricardo headed to the window. “Are you ready to fly?”
                “Did you say fly?”

About Brenda Drake: 
Brenda Drake, the youngest of three children, grew up an Air Force brat and the continual new kid at school. Her fondest memories growing up is of her eccentric, Irish grandmother’s animated tales, which gave her a strong love for storytelling. So it was only fitting that she would choose to write stories with a bend toward the fantastical. When Brenda’s not writing or doing the social media thing, she’s haunting libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops or reading someplace quiet and not at all exotic (much to her disappointment).

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Enchanted by Alethea Kontis - Review


Title: Enchanted (Woodcutter Sisters #1)
Author: Alethea Kontis
Genre: Young Adult, Fairy Tale
Length: 308 Pages
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Source: Self-Purchased
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

It isn't easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.

The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past—and hers?


Enchanted was quite the mix of fairy tale goodness. I saw Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, a hint of Rapunzel, The Little Old Lady Who Lives in a Shoe, The Swan Princess, The Princess and the Pea, The Frog Prince, and I'm sure there are many more that I'm just not thinking of at the moment, Sooo many that at times it got a little crazy.

I really loved the Woodcutter family - named after the days of the week - they all have their very own personality based on an old rhyme. The story really starts with Sunday falling in love with a frog - a talking one of course - and really takes off from there. We have fairy godmothers, princes, evil fairies, and even a changeling.

I really liked how we got to know so many different people in the Woodcutter family. All the sisters have a special role to play and each of them get to be the hero at some point in the story. I loved that they were the heroes and got to save the day several times.

Arilland is an amazing kingdom full of magic that I really enjoyed. But there were just too many fairy tales going on. While there were combined and meshed together quite well, my mind kept jumping around from one to another and sometimes lost track of where it was actually going in the story. I had a few "now what" moments. On the other hand, I'm totally invested in this family and I need to know what happens to the next sister.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

The Talismans of Shannara by Terry Brooks - Review


Title: The Talismans of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara #4)
Author: Terry Brooks
Genre: Adult, Fantasy
Length: 440 Pages
Publisher: Random House
Source: Self-Purchased
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Although some of the goals to keep Shannara safe had been met, the work of Walker Boh, Wren, and Par was not yet done. For The Shadowmen still swarmed over the Four Lands, poisoning all with their dark magic. Each Shannaran had a special death waiting for him- at the hands of The Shadowmen-unless Par could find a way to free them all with the Sword of Shannara.


Well, it seems like everything got wrapped up - but man did it happen in one big epic crazy scene - or two. The war between Shadowen and the heirs of Shannara is being fought on two (sort of three) fronts. Are you confused yet? There is a ton going on here - and I mean a ton!!! While very exciting and full of action - it might have been nice if it was a little more spread out. We jump from strategy and hiking across the land to super fast paced action battle scene.

While this is probably very realistic, it was quite exhausting to read at times. I was either wanting them to hurry up and get to the action, or slow the action down so I could follow it better. I think Walker and Wren's stories are still my favorites. Which may seem odd, because they had the most up and down again stories as far as pace - but they were gradual changes and some really great build up.

There was also a lot going on inside the heads of our characters. I love getting into their heads and seeing what makes them tic. Walker, especially, has a lot going on and a lot to try and figure out. Overall, this was a great wrap-up. I got to see everyone together again and how everyone's previous story tied into all the others' and really came together.


The Shannara Series


Friday, December 4, 2015

Webs of Fate by Darlene Quinn - Review


Title: Webs of Fate
Author: Darlene Quinn
Genre: Adult, Suspense
Length: 517 pages
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
Release Date: January 1, 2011
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

In the high-fashion world of the mid-'80s, Ashleigh McDowell falls victim to a painful betrayal by Danielle Norman, a naive and vulnerable young buyer who is fighting to save her plummeting career. How high a price will both women pay in their battle over a grave secret? Each step Ashleigh takes to uncover the truth about Danielle's actions--and her whereabouts--unwittingly exposes her to a criminal mastermind who feels events spinning out of his control. Unexpectedly, Ashleigh discovers an ally in her hunt for Danielle--the handsome Conrad Taylor. But is he the man who will steal her heart or break it?

In a race against both time and the emotions that haunt her, Ashleigh ultimately finds what fate holds for her.

From international award-winning author Darlene Quinn, Webs of Fate is a tension-filled work of fiction that creates the background for the personalities and motivations that drive the stories in Webs of Power and Twisted Webs.


This is the best so far in this series. Going back in time to visit Ashleigh and experience some of the events that are briefly mentioned and referenced in the first two books. There are three distinct crimes that happen in this book, and each has its own unique and special twist. They all revolve around a missing buyer from Bentleys Royale, Danielle. Ashleigh and Danielle have quite the history together, and she just knows that Danielle would never just disappear - she loved her job too much and would never risk doing anything to lose it.

There were a few slow spots in the book that kept it from getting a full 5 star rating. These spots delved more into the retail personnel that really didn't seem to play a part in the story - perhaps they have more to do in future stories.

The suspense was incredible. There were times I thought for sure that someone wasn't going to be saved, they weren't going to find the bad guys, and it would all just fall apart. But then something would happen or be discovered and the chase was on again. I loved it!

Getting to know Conrad, Ashleigh, Vivian, and Mitchell in a different light was very entertaining as well - especially since I had read the books and knew where they were all going to end up. I'm enjoying this series more and more with each book.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*


Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Never Never by Brianna R. Shrum - Review


Title: Never Never
Author: Brianna R. Shrum
Genre: Young Adult, Fairy Tale, Retelling
Length: 368 pages
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Release Date: September 22, 2015
Source: Amazon Vine
Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

James Hook is a child who only wants to grow up.

When he meets Peter Pan, a boy who loves to pretend and is intent on never becoming a man, James decides he could try being a child—at least briefly. James joins Peter Pan on a holiday to Neverland, a place of adventure created by children’s dreams, but Neverland is not for the faint of heart. Soon James finds himself longing for home, determined that he is destined to be a man. But Peter refuses to take him back, leaving James trapped in a world just beyond the one he loves. A world where children are to never grow up.

But grow up he does. 

And thus begins the epic adventure of a Lost Boy and a Pirate.

This story isn’t about Peter Pan; it’s about the boy whose life he stole. It’s about a man in a world that hates men. It’s about the feared Captain James Hook and his passionate quest to kill the Pan, an impossible feat in a magical land where everyone loves Peter Pan.

Except one.



Have you ever wondered why Captain Hook disliked Peter Pan so much? It was always just a given in the story that they were enemies. Come see where it all began - and how it all ended. Take a look at the beginning and meet James Hook before he was pirate. It will change how you see a lot of things.

A fascinating way to present the tale of Peter Pan from the viewpoint of Captain Hook. While he becomes the sympathic character, you still never completely believe he's the good guy. There's a dark element, a dangerous element, that is always lurking within him that keeps this from being a true turning of the table for this fairy tale.

James never wanted to be a boy forever, but he never imagined growing up in a place like Neverland. We get to see all our old familiar characters from a new perspective and in a new light. Tiger Lily, the Lost Boys, Wendy and the gang, even the crocodile take on a new meaning when you see them through the eyes of Captain Hook.

There are plenty of piratey adventures and Peter Pan pranks that help to lighten the story just a little and remind you of the original tale and its fun atmosphere. 

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*