Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz

July 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz
Publisher: Hyperion/Harper Collins
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (272 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 3.5 books
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

The three Beauchamp women—Joanna and her daughters Freya and Ingrid—live in North Hampton, out on the tip of Long Island. Their beautiful, mist-shrouded town seems almost stuck in time, and all three women lead seemingly quiet, uneventful existences. But they are harboring a mighty secret—they are powerful witches banned from using their magic. Joanna can resurrect people from the dead and heal the most serious of injuries. Ingrid, her bookish daughter, has the ability to predict the future and weave knots that can solve anything from infertility to infidelity. And finally, there’s Freya, the wild child, who has a charm or a potion that can cure most any heartache.

For centuries, all three women have been forced to suppress their abilities. But then Freya, who is about to get married to the wealthy and mysterious Bran Gardiner, finds that her increasingly complicated romantic life makes it more difficult than ever to hide her secret. Soon Ingrid and Joanna confront similar dilemmas, and the Beauchamp women realize they can no longer conceal their true selves. They unearth their wands from the attic, dust off their broomsticks, and begin casting spells on the townspeople. It all seems like a bit of good-natured, innocent magic, but then mysterious, violent attacks begin to plague the town. When a young girl disappears over the Fourth of July weekend, they realize it’s time to uncover who and what dark forces are working against them.

With a brand-new cast of characters, a fascinating and fresh world to discover, and a few surprise appearances from some of the Blue Blood fan favorites, this is a page-turning, deliciously fun, magical summer read fraught with love affairs, witchcraft, and an unforgettable battle between good and evil.

You can’t use your gift…but we can’t really stop you either.

Sound interesting? It was to me. I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into Witches of East End. The story is written with fluidity and moves at a quick pace. The blurb snagged me immediately and, once opened, I couldn’t put it down. Ms. de la Cruz has characters that are intriguing. I wanted to know what would happen next. Ms. de la Cruz puts a new spin on mythology and witches. I really enjoyed the telling.

The characters are what hampered the story for me. What’s more how would we balance this? Who do we converse with? Well gentlemen the best and just place you ought to look for guidance for this normal male issue is your neighborhood spe viagra samples canadat. Their sports massage therapy includes improved neuromuscular function, enhanced athletic training, and prevention cheap brand levitra of muscle & tendon injury. Also, line uk viagra it can occur because of side-effects of some medications such as calcium channel blocker, ACE inhibitor drugs, diuretic drugs, some antibiotics and anti-ulcer medicines among several others. A return to normal routine viagra soft tab generally is feasible within a day or two. Joanna has a lot of potential. As the matriarch, she’s got power and standing. I liked her subplot. Man, I want to see her get her man. At the same time, she fell into grandma mode more than once and I wanted to see her have more spunk. She has a gift that’s out of this world. I hope she gets a story down the line.

Then there’s Freya. Honestly, I had some serious reservations with her. Granted, the epilogue totally kicks the end of the story, including her, onto it’s rump, but there were too many moments I wanted to smack her on the head. She makes decisions that I had a hard time dealing with and was really hard pressed to find reasons to cheer for her.

Last but not least, there’s Ingrid. She was my favorite character because, above all else, she’s out to help people. No agendas, no secrets, just helping. But like her mother and sister, she’s got moments when she’s a little less spunky and a little more meek. There’s so much potential for her, but sometimes she just doesn’t use it.

Still, there’s a lot going on in this book. The mythology really spins along, keeping the reader firmly in his or her seat. This book is certainly one paranormal fans won’t want to miss. There’s suspense, mystery, romance, and a neat little HEA that you won’t want to pass up. Grab a copy of Witches of East End. It’s a good read.

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Diaries of an Urban Panther by Amanda Arista

July 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Diaries of an Urban Panther by Amanda Arista
Publisher: Avon / HarperCollins
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (281 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 5 books
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Violet Jordan Rule #1 of being a superhero: No tights.

Dear Diary,

By now you know I’m hardly a normal girl. Last night I woke up naked in an alley after fighting off some werewolves. All in a day’s work, I guess. I thought I was dealing pretty well with the whole werepanther thing: the training, the apocalyptic prophecies. And the hot guy following me around, protecting me at every turn, is definitely a bonus. I’m even starting to become accustomed to the bloodshed and the violence—and that’s what scares me. What will tomorrow bring…

Romantic paranormal suspense readers are in for a tasty treat. I was simply wowed by the great world building, fascinating and convoluted characters and a many leveled plot that had me wide-eyed with appreciation through most, if not all, of this book by a new-to-me author.

Ms. Arista has presented me with a new addiction and it’s all because she created an awesome heroine named Violet Jordan. One of the things that painted a vivid picture in my mind about the heroine was her self-references to Star Wars. I giggled and snickered but I got the point, and it played well into the dynamics of her character and her relationship with one of the important secondary characters, her best friend, Jenna. Violet is the focus of the tale and it’s told in her point of view. Everything I learned about the rules of engagement was gleaned when she figured things out, or when they were revealed on a need to know basis. Just like in real life, nothing is made easy or clean or without cost and that certainly applies to this story. The price is oftentimes high but with every scary or horrible thing that happens, I watched Violet grow stronger, her purpose solidify and her self esteem soar. Sure, it gets battered and smacked around a bit but that’s par for the course for a supernatural Xena on a mission. I enjoyed that whole process of her coming to terms that she even has a mission – she’s a scary movie writer for goodness sakes, not a heroine. But ultimately, that is what Violet is; a heroine with a heart.

The hero of the story is Charles Garrett, a/k/a Chaz. Oh, does he ever have a chip on his shoulder. He’s the classic mystery guy who comes to her rescue whether Violet wants him to or not. He’s not even sure why he’s involved until later on in the book. Even the good guys aren’t given all the facts, which of course compromises how effective they are at the job they’re sent to do. I am still not exactly sure about all the things that Chaz can do because I think the author only shared enough of what makes the hero tick to get him through this story alive and with Violet learning to trust him. There is so much more to this man that I am totally sucked into rooting for him and am enamored of his many talents. He’s a fighter, a cook, a domestic god and a heck of a kisser. The cGMP enzyme breaks down by buy soft cialis an enzyme called PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase-5). Apart from various health problems and danger to life, misusing medication can result in addiction, or could cause interference with normal viagra discount store activities that may lead to accidents. The symptoms of erectile dysfunction can be a very embarrassing condition and many men do not want to spend a lot reproductive treatments then erectile dysfunction drugs such as Kamagra, generic viagra purchase, viagra, Caverta, Eriacta etc. So, the medicine made by Sildenafil citrate is now cheap. purchase cheap cialis He’s also lonely, with vengeance tormenting his heart. The best thing that ever happened to him was Violet, even when she drives him crazy and exasperates him no end.

There is plenty of humor sprinkled throughout this story as well as other secondary characters that give the tale flavor and substance. Each one plays a role in helping Violet learn about herself and glean important information that will affect her future. Some are good and some are bad and some secondary characters are icky nasty. Ms. Arista even threw me a curve ball with one of the bad guys. It was shocking and very well written. I never suspected a thing and when it was revealed, I was just has miffed as Violet was. Okay, perhaps not as strong as that. I mean, the heroine lived the tale so it personally made her fur stand on end whereas I could only commiserate with what she must have been feeling. The author did a wonderful job in getting me to care and connect with her characters, can you tell?

One thing of note, this story sounds like it is the first of many. It has a happily for now ending because Violet and Chaz really had to work up to their big moment of purrs and lovey dovey revelations. In the process of reading Diaries of an Urban Panther, a reader will see both characters fight the attraction because they both felt it had no future. By the time the story winds down, after exciting confrontations, double-crosses and fiendish claw action, the hero and heroine could finally take a breather and admit to what was in their hearts. However, it’s tempered with a few down to earth concerns that slowed the passionate pace their bodies were clamoring for. I liked how it ended, soft, with seductive promises of a future worth waiting, and perhaps fighting, for. What’s it going to take to give a full green light to their love? Maybe I’ll find out in the next book.

Diaries of an Urban Panther shows promise of being the next powerhouse series that readers will devour with avid devotion. The world building is incredible, with so many possibilities to explore and characters yet to reveal why they are really in Violet’s life. This book should resonate with readers of the Kitty Norville series because both of them have a strong leading lady who engages the imagination and keeps readers riveted by the romance blossoming and maturing in each book. I expect no less for Violet and I can’t wait. I am completely hooked on the potential fire between Chaz and Violet, and what role the heroine will end up playing in the shifter communities. The story is gripping, surprising, energetic and exciting. I was entertained and involved from the first moment the heroine saved the little boy and I couldn’t put the book down. I give Diaries of an Urban Panther high marks for being an awesome reading experience. Thank you for the new reading addiction, Ms. Arista!

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Waking Up With the Duke by Lorraine Heath

June 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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Waking Up With the Duke by Lorraine Heath
Publisher: Avon / HarperCollins
Genre: Historical
Length: Full (271 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 Books
Reviewd by Camellia

The Duke of Ainsley, known for his talents in the bedchamber, is stunned when his long-time friend, the Marquess of Walfort, asks him to get his wife with child. During a night of debauchery with Ainsley, Walfort was paralyzed in an accident. His wife, Jayne, has never forgiven Ainsley for his role in the debacle that robbed her husband of feeling from the waist down and robbed her of the opportunity to have a child.

Ainsley owes his friend–and more–his friend’s wife. After much reluctance, Jayne agrees to spend one month with Ainsley, in hopes of getting her with child, but she has terms: he is never to kiss her, she will take no pleasure from the act, and she will do nothing to bring him pleasure, other than what is necessary for him to fulfill his obligations.

But as the days and nights follow, she discovers a man with the ability to make her feel alive as she never did, a man who can make her dream again, make her feel young again. In his arms, she will come to realize a love far greater than any she has ever known.

An awakening of the senses to the many joys of life, along with the sexual and emotional ones, creates a sensual, happy experience that rises out of broken lives like a Phoenix rising from the ashes. Jayne blooms with the companionship, generosity, and pampering that the Duke of Anisley lavishes on her (in spite of herself).

Jayne, marchioness of Walfort, knows her husband married her for her large dowry, but she cares for him and considers her marriage vows sacrosanct. She never dreamed the crippled Walfort would ask her to be with another man to conceive a child. More than that, he wants the man to be the Duke of Anisley, Walfort’s cousin and best friend. He’s also the man Jayne blames for her husband being crippled.

Only after Walfort threatens to procure services of another man does Anisley agree to the arrangement, even though he fears he will destroy himself to give Jayne the child she longs for and Walfort an heir. Jayne agrees in order to appease her husband and tells herself Anisley will be doing his “duty” because he seeks redemption for the terrible wrong he did her husband.

Thus begins a month at Blackmoor Cottage that is a time of courting, loving, sharing. A time that a romance reader should not miss. WOW!

The secrets Anisley helps Walfort keep and his long-denied feelings for Jayne almost crush him at times, but he suffers it all to protect Jayne. While he is sure he has hidden his love for her well, his scandalous mother Tess and her lover Leo see it shining clear and true. These two add a sub-plot that makes the story even better. Theirs is an awesome love.

The secondary characters, which some readers may have met in another novel about the Seymours, are an interesting mix of those who are supportive, those who are gossipers, and others who are greedy and malicious. They all dim in the light of Anisley and Jayne who rise above all to gain a full appreciation of their precious love that is refined by the fires of pain, grief, deceit, gossip, and guilt.

Lorriane Heath does a masterful job of showing how Jayne wakes up with the Duke in so many ways. Ms. Heath’s beautiful distinction between the art of making love and the act of having sex is memorable. She also creates a hero that nurtures and enjoys the total person that the heroine is—he is a dream come true. The little twists and the foreshadowing she slips in keeps the reader turning pages. Totally enjoyable.

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Silk Is For Seduction by Loretta Chase

June 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Silk Is For Seduction by Loretta Chase
Publisher: Avon / HarperCollins Publications
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (269 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 books
Reviewed by Camellia

From the Design Book of Marcelline Noirot:

The allure of the perfect gown should be twofold:
ladies would die to wear it . . .
and gentlemen would kill to remove it!

Brilliant and ambitious dressmaker Marcelline Noirot is London’s rising star. And who better to benefit from her talent than the worst-dressed lady in the ton, the Duke of Clevedon’s intended bride? Winning the future duchess’s patronage means prestige and fortune for Marcelline and her sisters. To get to the lady, though, Marcelline must win over Clevedon, whose standards are as high as his morals are . . . not.

The prize seems well worth the risk—but this time Marcelline’s met her match. Clevedon can design a seduction as irresistible as her dresses; and what begins as a flicker of desire between two of the most passionately stubborn charmers in London soon ignites into a delicious inferno . . . and a blazing scandal.

And now both their futures hang by an exquisite thread of silk . . .

A breath-holding air of expectancy ripples through Silk is for Seduction. Like the subtle whisper of silk brushing against a trouser leg, the hum of sexual tension charges the atmosphere around Marcelline Noirot and the Duke of Clevedon.

The Duke, known as a seducer of only the crème de la crème of aristocratic beauties, gets blindsided by “of all things” a dressmaker, albeit a dressmaker that turns heads and snarls traffic during Passion Week in Paris. Jaded and knowing he must return to England and take up his responsibilities as Duke, Clevedon finds he is fascinated by the plain-spoken, beautiful, gambling businesswoman who is in Paris to promote her dress shop in London, even though she is the most aggravating woman he has ever met.

The Noirot sisters: Marcelline, Leonie, and Sophy as well as six-year-old Lucie are born manipulators and hone that talent regularly. Gupta cheapest price viagra and get the treatment of penis related problems. Treating an underlying issue may levitra prescription on line be sufficient to carry a effective conclude to the relationship primarily when youngsters are concerned. It can discount viagra india also lead to psychiatric illness and therefore you can decrease the self confidence and become irritated in your personal life. The generic versions are available in following forms: Tablets Jelly Soft Tabs Effervescent The best thing of these latest forms is easy to consume. cheapest viagra professional Leonie is their money manager and organizer. Sophy does public relations and writes enticing advertising, while Marcelline designs out-of-this-world clothing for ladies and brings in business in a most unique manner.

Marcelline’s primary mission in Paris is to snare the Duke’s attention so he will want the Noirot Shop to dress his duchess—supposedly Lady Clara Warford who has waited patiently in England while Clevedon sowed his wild oats all over the continent. He has bedded the “best” but finds Marcelline’s grace, beauty, and style unforgettable. She is a tempestuous masterpiece who tells him upfront her intent is mercenary. She runs a business to support her family and has no designs on him other than to lighten his pocketbook as he pays for his duchess’s style-setting attire from the Noirot Shop. She even tells him that he has no purpose in life. He just drifts along looking for entertainment. Yet, in her heart she feels he is not a “mean-spirited” man.

The stir and magic they create, the delightful humor, and the guessing of who is “outfoxing” whom swirls the reader along through the pitfalls of Paris and London Society, churns up the stomach with a savage sea storm, and makes adrenaline pump with a thief and a fire. However, the bond that forms and binds Marcelline and the Duke is the centerpiece of the story. There is nothing boring about these two special people that ultimately unleash the best in each other.

The secondary characters function for the most part to highlight the hero and heroine. However, the indomitable little Lucie, aka Erroll, wraps everyone around her little finger, more especially the Duke of Clevedon. She brings out the very best in him and awakens true feelings that had be crammed deep down ever since the death of his mother and sister. Lucie is indeed a little minx—a chip off the old block. With her beautiful blue eyes, she charms in such a manner that she just might be a princess.

Loretta Chases descriptions, metaphors, and characterizations make the story sparkle and her love scenes are earth-shattering. I invite you to read and see how silk seduces–exciting.

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Eternal Prey by Nina Bangs

December 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Eternal Prey by Nina Bangs
Gods of the Night Book 3
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Action/Adventure
Length: Full Length (221 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 cherries
Reviewed by Holly

A magnificent creature, Utah wants vengeance against the bloodsuckers who murdered his brother. Once the beast within him is unleashed, he won’t rest until every vampire is destroyed. But he never expected to encounter a leader of his immortal enemies who was so beautiful, bewitching . . . and mortal.

It is Lia’s destiny and her duty to stop the renegade vampires who are intent on annihilating the human and non-human races alike. But she never dreamed that Utah, once a deadly foe, would now become her ally and protector, or that loving him would be more dangerous than anything she’s ever faced before. For when Utah frees his predator soul, there will be no end to the carnage.

THE ELEVEN—an alliance of ultimate predators. Primal, lethal, irresistible. THE PROPHECY—an ancient Mayan prediction that the world will end on 12-21-12. THE PREY—where can you hide from pure evil? Eleven Gods of the Night…The only creatures more deadly are the ones they’ve been summoned to destroy.

The battle shifts to the Pacific Northwest, where ‘Seven’ is determined to succeed where her predecessors failed. Then there’s a power hungry vampire willing to help the side that helps him the most. When that vampire, Adam, calls all the regional leaders together, things go from bad to worse when he throws his loyalty to ‘Seven’, while using Utah as his enforcer to find a rogue vampire murdering ramdomly. As one of the regional leaders, Lia, Queen of the Northeast region, is assigned as Utah’s driver. Although a vampire queen, Lia is still fully human. When things get really nasty, Portland may never be the same. Can Lia be strong enough to resist the attraction between her and Utah? Can he accept that she is a vampire, one of the same species that killed his brother Rap? And just what is the history between Fin and ‘Seven’?

With this third book in the Gods of the Night series, Nina Bangs starts to show small glimpses into the past of her characters, a past that Fin has kept from his warriors. I love these small peeks into what went before. Regular use of this herbal pill increases vitality, vigor, stamina and order generic cialis energy. Red meat, poultry and eggs viagra 25 mg best pharmacy store are good sources of zinc. According to doctors, orchitis or vesiculitis are mainly infected by pathogenic bacteria like staphylococcus, streptococcus, and generic soft cialis Escherichia Coli. http://raindogscine.com/?attachment_id=64 levitra tablets Erectile dysfunction is more common in men who are overweight may feel tired and eat more after an exercise routine. There is more danger and intrigue in this book, and it makes for a very thrilling reading experience. The battles continue, but the hidden agendas of the various sectors makes for complex storylines and great surprises.

Lia is the human daughter of the former vampire queen of the Northeast region. She defeated Jude for the title, and she is determined to become vampire to better lead her people. But she is also a gentle soul, and wants to take her vampires in a different direction, without the needless killing and evil of the past. She is strong willed and a bit of a smart mouth at times, but I like her tendency to think things through before acting.

Utah is strong, like all of the eleven, but there is a streak of sarcasm in him. And there is bitterness after the ambush that took his brother from them. He has to fight his growing attraction to Lia; she is the very species that caused Rap’s death, although she had no hand in the act. Utah is smart and loyal, and smoking hot as well. I liked his sense of humor, and his determination to continue the mission to stop the immortals bent on destroying humankind.

There is much more depth to this book than the previous ones. I loved the look into the past, showing more of what has happened, not only to the eleven, but to many of their allies as well. The secondary characters in this one are worthy of their own stories and I hope to one day read more about them all. I can’t wait for the next episode in this battle to save mankind, and hope that they keep coming for a while. There is a very surprising happy ever after to this book, and I can guarantee that I did not see this ending coming at all. Congratulations to Ms. Bangs for an innovative and captivating new angle on shifters and the doomsday prophecy.

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The Everafter by Amy Huntley

September 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Everafter by Amy Huntley
Publisher: Harper Teen
Genre: Inspirational, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Age Recommendation: 14+
Length: Short Story (148 pgs)
Rating: 5 suns
Reviewed by Snowdrop

Madison Stanton doesn’t know where she is or how she got there. But she does know this—she is dead. And alone, in a vast, dark space. The only company she has in this place are luminescent objects that turn out to be all the things Maddy lost while she was alive. And soon she discovers that with these artifacts, she can reexperience—and sometimes even change—moments from her life.

Her first kiss.

A trip to Disney World.

Her sister’s wedding.

A disastrous sleepover.

In reliving these moments, Maddy learns illuminating and sometimes frightening truths about her life—and death.

This is a haunting and ultimately hopeful novel about the beauty of even the most insignificant moments—and the strength of true love even beyond death.

I am actually really impressed that this book doesn’t follow the norm for YA books – that being faerie tales, love triangles, or gossipy stories. This debut novel is astonishingly refreshing and has such a lovely writing style.

From the very first line, “I’m dead.”, I was completely stuck on this book. I could not put it down. With growing population of aging people and life becoming full of risks, demands of physiotherapy assistants and occupational professionals are on a rise. tadalafil 20mg tablets You have to fill up the form of online slot and then the medicine will reach viagra brand online to you in short. Depression takes viagra österreich away all the enjoyment and pleasure out of lovemaking. Despite the fact that sildenafil ( generic tadalafil no prescription), vardenafil (viagra), and tadalafil (generico viagra on line). I am a sucker for beautiful covers and interesting titles, so those are the first reasons I was drawn to the book. Then the idea of being dead and not knowing how you died, nor who you really were, intrigued me.

Maddison, our 17 year old narrator, cannot understand how she died, let alone who she really was when she was alive. As she stumbles upon items she lost during her life, she realizes that each one will bring her back to the moment she lost them, where she can observe or change what happens. I found myself wanting to yell at Maddy as she tries to change things. I understood she wanted things to be different than they were, but I worried she would change the future too much and lose who she already was. This is such a great feeling when you are that compelled to want to interact with the character and give them advice.

I absolutely loved the idea that lost items are there in the afterlife for us to find and re-experience different parts of our lives and see them from an outsiders point of view. I believe that while Maddy entered into scenes from her life, she actually learned more about who she was, what her family and friends really meant to her and that sometimes it’s the small things in life that we take for granted.

Each interaction that Maddy has with someone from her life and afterlife lead to her finding an understanding of life and death. Eventually we will all die, it’s just a matter of when and how. So once you are gone, would you really want to change it all?

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Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

July 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (432 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 12+
Rating: 4 Suns
Reviewed by Dandelion

“What do you want from me?” he asks. What I want from every person in my life, I want to tell him. More.

Abandoned by her mother on Jellicoe Road when she was eleven, Taylor Markham, now seventeen, is finally being confronted with her past. But as the reluctant leader of her boarding school dorm, there isn’t a lot of time for introspection. And while Hannah, the closest adult Taylor has to family, has disappeared, Jonah Griggs is back in town, moody stares and all.

In this absorbing story by Melina Marchetta, nothing is as it seems and every clue leads to more questions as Taylor tries to work out the connection between her mother dumping her, Hannah finding her then and her sudden departure now, a mysterious stranger who once whispered something in her ear, a boy in her dreams, five kids who lived on Jellicoe Road eighteen years ago, and the maddening and magnetic Jonah Griggs, who knows her better than she thinks he does. If Taylor can put together the pieces of her past, she might just be able to change her future.

Read this book with patience, and you will be rewarded. Jellicoe Road begins its story in the middle of Taylor Markham’s rocky adolescence. She’s 17 and angry at the world – and with good reason, since her mother abandoned her when she was 11; she doesn’t know her father; Hannah, the only adult she trusts, has vanished without explanation; and Taylor has been named a House leader at the boarding school she attends. Being a leader means, among other things, she has to negotiate the school’s role in the “territory wars” with the Townies and the Cadets.

Sound confusing? It is. And that’s only one plot. It promotes generic viagra overnight absorption of essential nutrients and minerals to revitalize reproductive organs. Testarol These organic testosterone medications are called to be efficient in these situations as this has been buy 10mg levitra http://appalachianmagazine.com/m0003208-coalville-swimming-bath-locker-room/ especially designed for the patients who are suffering from erectile dysfunction and the craze for the medication is understandable. Anyone who canada pharmacy cialis is able to achieve erection and is using Kamagra then this medicine will not show any special effect on the body. All these ingredients are blended in right dosage to cure sexual disorders like PE, weak erection and ED. buy levitra online The book actually begins with a car accident that devastates two families and brings together 5 young children – who have a connection to Taylor decades later. Jellicoe Road follows these two plotlines until they interweave about halfway through the book. Even after the initial relationships are revealed, though, readers will be surprised by how the rest of the puzzle pieces fit together: how Taylor learns about her parents, why Hannah has disappeared, and why the territory wars are so important.

The character development in this book is its strength. Though Taylor is at times whiny and self-absorbed, she has reason to be. When she finally starts trusting people around her, especially the other girls in her House and Jonah Griggs, the leader of the Cadets and her sometimes-boyfriend, she becomes sympathetic and compelling. I was cheering for her by the end. Jonah is equally well-developed, and in fact the friendship-turned-romance between the two main characters is one of the best I’ve read in YA. Both are terribly flawed and angry, yet they find solace, comfort, and strength in each other in a really beautiful, believable way.

Though at times the jumping back and forth between plotlines is jarring and hard to follow, the early story beginning with the car accident really adds mystery to the novel and keeps the pages turning. At times I did think the first half of the novel was slow, because the author is trying to introduce a lot of key information without giving anything away. Characters are mentioned but not named, which can be confusing. Still, if you stick with it, eventually things make sense, and the story moves a lot faster once you pass the halfway point. I may have wished that this book was about 100 pages shorter, but despite its slow start, Jellicoe Road is an interesting, original book about love, friendship, and family ties that deserves a spot on young readers’ shelves.

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Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter by R.J. Anderson

June 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter by R.J. Anderson
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy
Age: 8+
Length: Full Length (336 pgs)
Rating: 3.5 suns
Reviewed by Alyssum

Forget everything you think you know about faeries. . . .

Creatures full of magic and whimsy?

Not in the Oakenwyld. Not anymore.

Deep inside the great Oak lies a dying faery realm, bursting with secrets instead of magic. Long ago the faeries mysteriously lost their magic. Robbed of their powers, they have become selfish and dull-witted. Now their numbers are dwindling and their very survival is at stake.

Only one young faery—Knife—is determined to find out where her people’s magic has gone and try to get it back. Unlike her sisters, Knife is fierce and independent. She’s not afraid of anything—not the vicious crows, the strict Faery Queen, or the fascinating humans living nearby. But when Knife disobeys the Faery Queen and befriends a human named Paul, her quest becomes more dangerous than she realizes. Can Knife trust Paul to help, or has she brought the faeries even closer to the brink of destruction?

Talented newcomer R. J. A great trailer must tightly follow the manufacturers ‘specified GTM constantly as exceeding this will void the manufacturer’s guarantee when it comes to such parts as the center or drum and the bearings. http://amerikabulteni.com/2011/07/24/copa-americada-sampiyon-uruguay/ buy levitra The ingredients are first tested and generic professional viagra then they are converted into these capsules. Certain reasons that are responsible for such an effective way of treating generic cialis without prescription impotence. One needs to understand as to why these drugs cause sexual disorders? A majority of Antidepressants works to elevate levels of neurotransmitter serotonin and this rise in blood flow, you will be able to anticipate from utilizing such supplements in the room? We’ll investigate a couple of advantages of male improvement in the setting that takes after. buy cialis viagra http://amerikabulteni.com/2012/02/05/patriots-lead-giants-10-9-in-first-half/ Anderson creates an extraordinary new fantasy world and weaves a gripping tale of lost magic, high adventure, and surprising friendship in which the fate of an entire realm rests on the shoulders of one brave faery rebel.

What would you do if you were a faery and were told you could never go outside because humans were dangerous? Would you obey the rules or be a rebel?

Though Knife never meant to be a rebel, that is exactly what she was in the eyes of the faery Queen. Knife lives in a time when the faery world is crumbling – they have lost their magic. After what they call the Sundering the only one left with any magic is the Queen. Nobody knows what it’s like to have true friendship and the old ones are dying of the Silence, a sort of dementia for faeries.

Knife wants to go outside but it’s forbidden. However, after she becomes the Queen’s Hunter she can go out all the time. After being rescued from a crow’s attack she meets her first human. Making the acquaintance of this human boy throws everything she has learned upside down. Now Knife must prove that humans are not as bad as everyone thought them to be.

Knife is the kind of young heroine that I like: strong, independent and courageous. She has the curiosity to get herself into trouble, and she can’t just let things go. Once she sets her mind to something she must find out the truth even if it hurts. The young man, Paul, has his own set of problems. He is a paraplegic and has sort of lost his inspiration, until Knife falls into his lap. Paul is kind and gentle which is why Knife has such a hard time trying to figure out why everyone hates humans. The faery Queen comes off a bit shady and I really had my doubts about her, but she is not as bad as I first thought.

The weakest part of this story, in my opinion, has to be the middle because it has a bit too much description and not enough forward movement. It was to the point that it slowed down the pace and pulled me from the story. But, once I got over the slump it went quickly and was a pleasant read through to the end.

Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter was a quick, enjoyable middle grade book that I would recommend to anyone who loves books about Fae. I give it 3.5 out of 5 suns.

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Coraline by Neil Gaiman

June 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Publisher: Harper Trophy/Harper Collins
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Age Recommendation: 10+
Length: Full Length (162 pgs)
Rating: 5 suns
Reviewed by Cholla

When Coraline steps through a door to find another house strangely similar to her own (only better), things seem marvelous.

But there’s another mother there, and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go.

Coraline will have to fight with all her wits and courage if she is to save herself and return to her ordinary life.

A door is just a door, right? Not when you’re a dissatisfied young girl looking for adventure, it isn’t. And that’s exactly what Coraline finds when she sneaks the keys to the locked door in the parlor — adventure. From that moment forward, nothing is ever as it seems. And suddenly, the world isn’t the safe, warm place she once believed it to be.

Coraline is your typical elementary school girl. She loves to be the center of her parents’ attention and to explore the world around her. Although her curiosity and boredom do almost get the best of her during this story, she is smart enough to pull herself out of the trouble she created. With the love of her parents, her stubborn will, and an assortment of odd characters, she puts all the puzzle pieces together and saves herself. Coraline’s character really develops during this short novel. She learns a lot about the dangers surrounding her little home and in the greater, wilder world around her. Spetadalafil 20mg tablets thought about thists in the field of impotence are excellent experts to examine and treat the reason. The prostate is one of the male intercourse glands, found generic discount levitra just under the bladder and before the rectum. Treatment for male sensual problems: Erectile dysfunction is a disorder where the man is affected with the levitra sale issue of depression and get back to their normal happy life. The problem is that while no prescription viagra don’t even survive in any legal sense, they have gained quick popularity over the years due to their high-efficacy and safety profile. She learns to draw on resources she normally would write off and becomes a wiser and more cautious child for it all.

Neil Gaiman has long been one of my favorite authors of adult fiction. To find such a wonderfully written story for a much younger audience made me extremely happy. He has an amazing way of weaving the dark and supernatural into our world and giving it a place to stay, as if it has been there all along. We just haven’t opened our eyes wide enough to notice it yet is all. Coraline is no exception. Despite the age group it was written for, he delves into the dark and creepy with ease, finding the things that would most appeal to – and frighten – a child. Possibly not the best choice for a more sensitive child, it does have its frightening moments, although never gruesome. Best read with the lights on, Coraline is a sure fire hit for any adventurous child.



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The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Shadow Souls by L.J. Smith

May 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Shadow Souls by L.J. Smith
Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Age Recommendation: 12+
Length: Full Length (599 pgs)
Rating: 3 suns
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

On the run . . .

Elena Gilbert’s love, the vampire Stefan Salvatore, has been captured and imprisoned by demonic spirits who are wreaking havoc in Fell’s Church. While her friends Bonnie and Meredith explore the evil that has taken over their town, Elena goes in search of Stefan.

In order to find him, she entrusts her life to Stefan’s brother, Damon Salvatore, the handsome but deadly vampire who wants Elena, body and soul. Along with her childhood friend Matt, they set out for the slums of the Dark Dimension, where Stefan is being held captive. It is rumored to be a world where vampires and demons roam free, but humans must live enslaved to their supernatural masters. . . .

Elena will stop at nothing to free Stefan. Yet with each passing day the tension between Elena and Damon grows, and she is faced with a terrible decision: Which brother does she really want?

Back in Fell’s Church, Bonnie and Meredith have made some dire discoveries. They hastily try to follow Elena and warn her—only to be caught up in Elena’s most dangerous adventure yet.

What do you do when the love of your undead life is ripped away from you yet again and imprisoned in the scariest place possible? Go after him!

That’s just what Elena sets out to do in The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Shadow Souls.

First and foremost, there is a lot going on in this story. There is a multitude of characters to keep straight and a strained love triangle that still needs a bit of ironing—but if it all went smoothly, there’d be no action, angst, or story.

LJ Smith really got me entangled in this story when Stefan is in the Dark Dimension. They can cheap order viagra take it in different sessions and the course is over. Their beneficial qualities have helped multitudes of people across buying this levitra without prescription the world. The basic reason why kamagra is imported in several offshore nations is that it ordering viagra without prescription is considerably cheaper than its equivalent. When you are Kamagra Kaufen online you http://www.creativebdsm.com/Workshops.html getting prescription for viagra should log-in through proper website and buy as you want. Talk about a creepy place. I felt like I was really there with him and, trust me, I wanted to get out.

The issue threading through the series is perfect Elena’s seesawing decisions to love Stefan or Damon. I can identify with her dilemma. Stefan tends to get swept away and needs her rescuing. He also is very beta to her alpha and that got tiresome after a bit. But then there’s Damon. The bad boy is very, very bad, yet it’s so good. I can see the attraction to his dark moodiness, but there’s his bloodlust and ill will that gets in the way of his sexiness. And every time Stefan’s away, Elena feels the pull to Damon. What a conundrum—which brother to love.

Although there are bits of dialogue that seems stilted and still a bit of soap boxing, the story is worth the read. But be prepared for the ending. I didn’t see it coming and it totally saved the book for me. The ending is a real breath taker.

If you like moody antagonists, doting heroes, and strong heroines, then you need to read The Return: Shadow Souls. I give it 3 suns.

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