Countdown to Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick.

Countdown to Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick.

Unravel Me Review

Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2)

By Tahereh Mafi

Published February 5th, 2013 by HarperCollins

461 pages

5 stars - AMAZING!!!

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it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

Review:

Wow. I can't tell you how much I love Mafi's writing. Unravel Me was amazing, thrilling and spectacular. I couldn't put this book down and am dying right now because I have to wait to read the next book! In my opinion, Unravel Me is a book that you don't want to miss.

It took me awhile to be able to get my hands on this book, but after a few pages I was able to get back into it. Again, Mafi's way with words is awesome. The style this series is written in is one of the things that keeps me wanting more. I also love the characters. Juliette has definitely had a difficult life, and I've said it before, but I feel for her character. Some readers might feel that Juliette spends most of this book feeling sorry for herself, but I wouldn't totally agree. Sure, Juliette feels guilty and upset throughout most of the book, but who wouldn't with what she's been through. After awhile she is able to grow and put aside her feelings. She is able to realize that she has friends who want to help her, and that there people that need her help as well. Things are definitely not easy for Juliette in this book and you'll see what I mean when you read it. Adam is present but kind of secretive. He has some big news throughout the book, about himself and Juliette. Then we have Warner. Warner gets a lot more page time in this book and I loved learning more about him. There are more levels to him than just the evil and anger that we see. Readers should also get ready for more page time of Juliette's relationship with both guys. Along with our main characters, we learn more about a few other characters, including Kenji, Warner's father, and more.

The characters were amazing and the story was amazing as well. There was suspense, action and definitely romance. We learn more about The Reestablishment and Omega Point. We meet quite a few new characters and learn a ton more about our lead characters. New relationships are formed and current ones are left hanging by a thread. This book had me hooked and unable to stop reading. I can not wait for the next book and to be able to find out the fate of all these wonderful characters. The Shatter Me series has definitely made it to my favorites list and I couldn't be happier. I recommend you read this book now if you haven't yet! 

Cinder Review

Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1)

By Marissa Meyer

Published January 3rd, 2012 by Feiwel and Friends

387 pages

4.5 stars - AMAZING!!

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.


Review:

I know that I haven't posted a review in about two weeks, and that was because my TBR pile was empty. Very upsetting to tell you the truth. But I was finally able to get around to reading this book last week when I found it in my library! I don't know what took me so long but I have finally joined the club. I can not wait to get the next book and read more about Cinder and everyone else!

Although Cinder has some similarities to the classic Cinderella, it isn't really a retelling. Cinder is it's own story and it's full of awesomeness! The book is set in the future which will explain why so many things are different. Cinder is actually the main character in this book and she is a cyborg who is great with machines. I loved her. She is smart and strong and she was even able to grow throughout the story. She lives with her stepmother and stepsisters in New Beijing and life with them isn't easy. Peony, the youngest stepsister, is actually quite kind and I enjoyed her personality. She is the only one that is kind to Cinder in her family. Cinder's closet friend is an android known as Iko, and she has a personality chip in her that makes her lovable and supportive. Another person I enjoyed reading about was Prince Kai. We don't get a ton about him but we are able to read through his perspective at times. He was definitely charming and really kind to Cinder. I loved the scenes between the two and hope to be able to see more! Then we have Queen Levana who was dreadful and frightening at the same time. She comes from Luna and has quite a few plans for planet Earth.

I really felt for Cinder throughout the whole book. She has had to live a life where she is different from so many people and, yet, she was incredibly strong throughout the whole book. This book was definitely full of awesome characters and a great plot. The story was interesting and had me reading through the night. I didn't want to put it down! I wish I had read this sooner but I'm excited to read the rest of the series. This book had suspense, action and a little romance. And you'll be cheering for Cinder throughout the book and near the end! The ending is awesome and I can't wait to read the next book, Scarlet. Cinder is a mix of everything I love, some fantasy and some science fiction! If you haven't read Cinder yet, then you need to read it now!

Vanessa

The Angelites Book Tour!

Hello Everyone! I'm hosting The Angelites Book Tour today! Check below for my review and an excerpt!!

The Angelites

By Richard Moran

Self Published

Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy           

195 pages

4 stars - Intriguing!!

NYPD Detective, Gina Vasquez, who's life went completely off track after making one near-fatal mistake. After serving prison time, she relocates to New Mexico to start her life over as a county sheriff. After arresting vandals who stole from an artifacts shop, Gina is suddenly thrown into a battle of good vs evil – angels vs demons, where the fate of humanity and all ways of life hangs in the balance. Now Gina must decide whether to stay exiled or lead a new band of warrior angels known as The Angelites.

Review:

The Angelites is definitely a different kind of book than what I've read before. It's a good different too. This book gives you angels, demons, detectives and so much suspense. You'll be hooked from the beginning and dying to read more!

The story line was intriguing and entertaining. You start off learning about Gina's past and her near fatal mistake. Shortly afterwards we are in the present and learning about supernatural beings. Gina was a great female character. She was insanely strong, not only physically but also mentally, and she really knew how to kick some bad guy butt. She had a great heart and was a fantastic detective to read about. Gina wasn't the only strong female character. You read about Alex, Gina's sister, Veronica, Gina's best friend and Natalie a private investigator. All three have something to do with the justice system and all were amazing to watch in action. There were evil and bothersome characters, like John Hart and there were characters working for the good side, like Matthew Goode. The characters were awesome but there is much more to this book!

The whole idea about Angelites was neat. We read about some of the history and about the oncoming waves but I know there has to be more information about them. I'm sure we'll see more in the following books! The angels and demons idea has been done before but Moran's take on the idea was a unique one. There was a ton of action, suspense and some humor as well! Some scenes were kind of violent but I guess that depends on you. :) I have to say that I also loved the culture presented in the book. Gina and her family, along with a few other characters, are Mexican American/Hispanic and I love how a few Spanish words were put into the mix. I'm Mexican American myself and seeing those words on the pages made me feel at home. :) Anyways, this isn't a book that you'll want to miss, so I recommend that you check it out now! Not convinced? Read the excerpt below and get ready to be hooked!

Vanessa

About the Author:

I was the born in the Bronx, N.Y; the youngest of two children. I have a loving and supportive wife who has given me two precious boys. I’m a firm believer of God and prayer and devote my life to him. My biggest joys, besides watching movies and TV dramas, are drawing, making music and writing. I have a wild imagination and it’s helped me come up with some creative works over the years. I started writing about ten years ago and The Angelites was the first story I started. But, so many things had gone in my life that I had to put it back on the shelf several times. Now I finally had momentum on my side and completed the first of two introductory stories to this series. I hope you enjoy it, because if you don’t, then I have plenty of other stories coming your way that I know you’ll fall in love with at least one of them. I’ll just be happy with that.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @RMoranTheAuthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Richard-Moran-The-Author/138532112973641

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7012509.Richard_Moran

Book Blogs: http://bookblogs.ning.com/profile/RichardMoran

Excerpt:

Gina was standing barefoot in the middle of what seemed to be nowhere, wearing black silk pajamas. Fog covered the darkness like a huge wool blanket. Towering above her were the tallest of buildings and 6-foot billboards. She fanned away the fog in an attempt to see what was on the other side.

What she saw was a total contrast to the usual New York City nightlife. The streets were deserted. Electricity was sucked out from every structure like there was a citywide blackout. Human activity was nonexistent. She was alone.

What the hell is going on here, she thought. Resting in her hand was a badge, shining bright in the dense darkness, pure platinum gold with a custom-made design of wings behind a cross. Gazing at it, Gina thought it should be on display in a museum.

Suddenly, glowing pulses surrounded the shield and a warm sensation slipped into her fingertips, expanding throughout her hand. She felt less of the ground under her feet, as if her veins had been pumped with helium. Her body began to glow as bright as the badge, and she felt a strong power pump in her heart. In fear she threw the badge to the floor and the glow had diminished.

This can’t be real, she thought. I must be dreaming. But the feeling was so real that she truly couldn’t tell. She looked around the urban wasteland, wondering if she even alive. 

Gina picked up the badge and put it in her pajama pocket. Her mind returned to where she was and how was she getting home; if there was a home to get back to.

After passing a few dismal blocks, she heard spine-rattling echoes shriek through her eardrums. Horrid shapes were emerging from the fog bank, and they rapidly drew closer. Her heart jumped into her throat when she noticed what they were. Demonic-looking zombies exploded onto the street with an appetite to kill.

Their blood-colored eyes widened on their disfigured faces. Volumes of yellow venom bubbled on the sides of their mouths. Slabs of molten matter decorated their physiques and they were clothed in ripped-up police uniforms.

Frantically, Gina ran through the dark streets, not knowing which direction was safe. An abandoned building was coming up. She thought it might be a good place to hide, but it was also perfect for an ambush, as more zombies rushed out. She ran as fast as she could, but not enough to lose them. Buildings were locked and manhole covers were sealed tight. No place was safe.

Gina ran around a corner and spotted a church down the middle of the block. Beams of light were shining from the ceiling windows, and the front doors were wide open. She ran toward the holy fortress, hoping to find someone there who could enlighten her as to what was happening.

            With the zombies quickly approaching, she leaped up the stairs like a frog on a hotplate, and then barricaded the front doors with pews. The loud pounding against the wood crept under her skin.

            Strands of her auburn hair were stuck to the sides of her sweaty face. Uneasy and exhausted, Gina looked around, astonished at the size of the church. It was like an ancient Greek cathedral, with stained-glass windows and enormous statues that stood against the walls.

She collapsed on a bench and took a few deep breaths, trying to get a hold of herself. Where did those things come from? Why were they after her? Was she in purgatory?

“This must be a dream,” she said. “Please, let this be a dream.”

Then she heard panting nearby, as if someone else was in the church with her. “Who’s there?” she shouted, but nobody answered. She realized then that someone had to have let her in, the church had been practically begging her to come in with its welcoming bright lights.

The panting grew louder, and she looked out a window and saw a woman standing under a spotlight, holding a large wooden staff. There wasn’t a drop of rain in the sky, but her long brown hair and navy blue sleep shirt were soaked. She was swinging the staff wildly around her, with full force.

            “Hey!” yelled Gina. “Over here! Come inside! Do you hear me?”

Gina pounded on the glass to get her attention, but she couldn’t hear anything except terrifying snarls, which must have been coming from the zombies. The woman hopelessly looked up at the sky, and as she did Gina recognized the face under the thin-rimmed glasses.

            “Alex!” Gina yelled, banging on the glass. “Get the hell out of there! It’s me, Gina! Do you hear me?”

            Desperately, Gina looked around the church for something to break the window. On the altar she found large candleholders, and she lifted one onto her shoulder like a javelin and swung it into the glass. But the window was undamaged. Repeatedly, she swung the rod with the same result. From the other windows came more cries for help from behind the colored glass. Some were scared to death and running for their lives, some were hiding in cocoons of despair. Was she looking into the future?

            “I can’t save them!” Gina said helplessly.

            The pounding against the doors grew louder and heavier. Pieces of wood were starting to shatter, bloodcurdling screams from the hungry zombies sneaking through the cracks. Gina felt fear swell through her body like heat. Her mind was breaking down; she was running out of ideas.

            Splinters and woodchips rained inside of the church, and as the doors shredded away into nothing, the howls became clearer. Zombies ransacked one another to get inside. Gina’s heart pounded faster, drowning in a flood of emotions. Stress raced in her veins like a bad drug.

She found herself staring at dozens of glowing red eyes. Their hideous faces were coming closer. She was reaching the breaking point. From inside her pocket, the badge started to throb. Not knowing what else to do, feeling like all hope was lost, she released everything in her with the loudest scream she could muster. The volume of her voice multiplied through the church, sounding like the cry of a wailing banshee.

As the sound waves rumbled through the deserted metropolis like an earthquake, the zombies began to shatter. Bones exploded and crumbled into piles of dust. Buildings came crashing down like a demolition project. Clouds of debris blanketed the city. Updrafts had shot out from beneath Gina’s feet with enough strength to make the church walls shake. Stained glass showered down like candy from a piñata. Dead remains were violently blown through the air, winds gushing through the roof like a geyser and out into the twilight. Gina looked up and saw the moon shimmering like a giant searchlight. The regurgitated screams faded away as the last of the clerestory fell down around her.

Gray ashes flew through like leaves in the fall. She couldn’t believe what she had done. This church, once so beautiful, was now in ruins. Tears flowed down from her brown eyes, and as she was relieved that the chaos had ceased, she whispered, “Thank you.”

The victory was short-lived, however, as vociferous thunder roared from the heavens. The black sky morphed into a firmament of flaming red with lightning striking across. Hideous flying creatures, with wings of a vulture and red fur covering their scaly skin, swarmed over the wrecked church. They could smell the terror pouring from her flesh. Black nails stuck out of their tree-twig fingers.

Gina was ready to make a run for it when sandy hands arose from the dusty remains and clutched onto her ankles. The harder she tried to break free, the more hands latched onto her. She looked up and saw the razor-tipped nails coming moments away from shredding into her face. Before she tasted their pain, she woke to a fight with her blankets, screaming in absolute terror.

Her nerves took some time to settle before she realized she was in the confines of her bedroom. The alarm clock on the night table read 1:11 a.m. It was pin-drop quiet outside in the suburban streets of Eagle Nest, New Mexico, where she’d been living for the past four years.

            She sat on the edge of the bed and flicked on the nightlight, wiping sweat from her hairline as clips of the terrible dream played in her head like a horror movie. She pulled out her wallet and examined her Silver Star badge. Eagle Nest Town Sheriff was engraved in the middle. It looked nothing like the one she had in her dream.

What just happened? she thought. What made her have such a horrible dream all of a sudden? She took a few hours and a bottle of vodka trying to figure it out.

            It was now 7:25 a.m. and peeking sunrays pulled open Gina’s reluctant eyelids. She had thirty-five minutes to get to work. Luckily, the station wasn’t too long of a drive. Deputy Silverblaze had left three messages on her cell phone, which was set to silent.

Rolling out of her bed and knocking over the empty bottle, Gina wasn’t sure who she was anymore. Looking in the mirror, she saw what she’d seen every day for years since being released from jail: guilt. Every day she wished that night had never happened. Leaving New York made it easier to deal with the past, but it hadn’t made her forget.

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BTFDS04/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BTFDS04&linkCode=as2&tag=yagoreth-20

Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1-richard-moran/1114830603?ean=2940016211091

iTunes:

Books> Sci-Fi & Fantasy> Fantasy> Paranormal> Richard Moran