The Evolution of Mara Dyer Review

The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #2)

By Michelle Hodkin 

Published October 23rd, 2012 by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

528 pages

5 stars - AMAZING SEQUEL!! 

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She can’t.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.
They aren’t.

She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.
She’s wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. 
What will become of Mara Dyer next?

Review:

Wow. I absolutely love Michelle Hodkin's writing. She has a way of pulling you in and not letting go. There was just so much suspense, mystery, and romance and it all worked so well. Usually sequels aren't my favorite but this book is definitely an exception. It didn't even feel like a sequel! 

This book pretty much picks up where the first one ended. Right from the start Hodkin has your heart racing and your paranoia setting in. It'll be difficult for you to figure what's real and what isn't, it was for me. Then there was the creepy factor in this book. Some things that happened were so creepy that I could only read the book during the day! (I have an overactive imagination, don't laugh!) The Evolution of Mara Dyer was just plain awesome and I can not wait for the last book even though I don't want to say goodbye to all the wonderful characters (mainly Noah). ;) 

Which brings us to said wonderful characters. Let's start with Mara. I just felt so bad for Mara and all that she's been through. Then no one will believe her when she's telling the truth. And what happens when her family won't believe her? They make her get help from some very creepy doctors and she also meets a very psycho patient. All in all, Mara has it pretty rough but she also has Noah Shaw at her side. Ahh Noah... We learn quite a bit more about Noah in this book and I absolutely loved it! Also, the chemistry between these two? Amazing. I just love the two of them together and they aren't perfect but they make it work. We see Mara's family again and I also love her brothers as well and the fact that they still help her even when they don't exactly believe her. Jamie makes an appearance but I can't say how and we learn more about him as well. Some new characters and some old ones are around also but I don't want to spoil anything. :)

There was so much that went on in this book and it all led up to a pretty big cliff hanger. Like, we find out some pretty important information. I don't know what else to say but I do know that you should read this book if you haven't yet! If you haven't read the first one then you should probably read that first! And read it now! The Evolution of Mara Dyer is amazing and I wish I had a better way of describing it but this is all I got. :) So what are you waiting for!? Go read it now! 

Vanessa

Cover Reveal - Mariposa: A Love Story by Kim Wells

Hey Everybody! I'm participating in the cover reveal for Mariposa: A Love Story by Kim Wells. The cover looks awesome and I love all the colors! Check out the synopsis and more below!! 

Mariposa: A Love Story

By Kim Wells

Genre:  Urban Fantasy/Paranormal, New Adult, Magic Realism, Light Horror, Ghost

Author website:  www.kimwells.net 

Synopsis:  

Murdered, then trapped between worlds as a ghost, Meg is surrounded by other lost souls, some seeking to make peace with their past, while others… others fear a killer in the netherworld, who feeds on what ghosts most treasure: memories. As the killer grows stronger, he begins to threaten both the dead and the living, including Meg’s grieving step daughter. 

Now a dead woman must fight the battle of her life, for the sake of her friends and family, and find out for herself if love can indeed be stronger than death.

Cover

Vanessa

Landline by Rainbow Rowell Review

Landline 

By Rainbow Rowell

Published July 8th, 2014 by St. Martin's Press

308 pages

4 stars - Enjoyable and Quick read!!

Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems besides the point now.

Maybe that was always besides the point.

Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts . . .

Is that what she’s supposed to do?

Review:

I won this book through a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. This is actually the first book that I have ever read by Rainbow Rowell. I have definitely heard of her and seen her books on the shelves of many stores but I had yet to actually read anything by her. I was actually getting ready to buy one of her other books when I found out that I won this one! Well after reading Landline I have to say that I am definitely a Rainbow Rowell fan. Landline was an enjoyable and quick adult read. It had everyday problems mixed in with a magic phone. It was awesome. I don't read too much from the adult genre because I mainly read Young Adult. I have found a few authors that make the experience enjoyable for me and Rowell can be added to that list now. I thought that the characters were pretty relate able and real. I enjoyed watching them interact and learn from their mistakes, especially Georgie. She definitely grew by the end of the book and really figured herself out. The scenes including the magic landline were enjoyable as well because Georgie and Neal were learning more about each other. The characters were definitely a reason that I enjoyed this book. We have Georgie's daughters and her best friend and her sister. I don't want to say too much but they all played a part in the story. I also really loved Rowell's writing. It felt like the characters and what they were going through was real. It actually even seemed like the book could be a movie, that is has well I was able to picture everything. All in all, Landline was an enjoyable, funny, touching and quick read. If your a Rainbow Rowell fan then I suggest you pick this up. If you aren't then you should still pick this up! :) Vanessa

Bentwhistle The Dragon in A Threat From The Past Review

Benthwhistle The Dragon in A Threat From The Past (#1)
By Paul Cude
Published October 19th, 2011 by Authors Online 
384 pages

3.5 to 4 stars - Interesting take on Dragons!!

*This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Bentwhistle the Dragon in A Threat from the Past is an adventure story children and adults alike will love, about the present day world in which dragons disguised as humans have infiltrated the human race at almost every level, to guide and protect them. Three young dragons in their human guises become caught up in an evil plot to steal a precious commodity, vital to the dragon community. How will the reluctant hero and his friends fare against an enemy of his race from far in the past?

Fascinating insights into the dragon world are interspersed throughout the book. Ever wondered how dragons travel below ground at almost the speed of sound? Or how they use magical mantras to transform their giant bodies into convincing human shapes?

In an action packed adventure that features both human and dragon team sports, you’ll get a dragon-like perspective on human social issues and insight into what to do if you meet a giant spider grinning at you when you’re wearing nothing but your smile! You’d be flamin’ mad to miss it.

Review:

Let me start off by saying that I'm pretty sure I've only read one book about dragons, so far. The fact that this book is about dragons is what drew me to it in the first place. Cude's take on dragons is definitely a unique one and the whole style of this book is different from what I have read in the past. I did have trouble with rating it though and that is because I had quite a few mixed feelings while reading this book. 

I started out intrigued and excited. The prologue is awesome and really sets the mood. It felt magical and made the reader interested in this world of dragons and magic. Then we start the book and meet our characters in the present day. We have the main character, Peter, and his friends Tank and Richie. They are all dragons who are able to take the form of humans. I was really interested in the whole concept of this book and the fact that Peter and his friends each played a different sport. I thought it was pretty interesting that sports was a big deal for the dragons and that it mixed pretty well with all the whole concept. I liked learning about the abilities of the dragons and the story behind them and their abilities. But there were parts of the book that were a little too slow for my liking. I would sometimes lose interest and get up and do something else. Then I would come back and read something entertaining. There wasn't too much action in the beginning but the end was awesome. It was filled with action! 

I did love the characters. And I really have a soft spot for the old and quirky dragon, Gee Tee. I liked the way the characters interacted and how Peter's friends stuck up for him. I also liked how Peter was able to grow throughout the story but mainly towards the end. 

All in all, I really do think this book is something that you should take a look at. I thought it was interesting for the most part and I think that there are quite a few people out there that will enjoy it. If you haven't check it out yet, then do it now! 

Vanessa

Find out more below!

Website: http://www.bentwhistlethedragon.co.uk/

Blog: http://www.thesoberhockeyplayer.co.uk/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Bentwhistlethedragon?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/paul_cude

Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.co.uk/Paul-Cude/e/B007339206/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Bentwhistle The Dragon in A Threat From The Past on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bentwhistle-Dragon-Threat-Past-Paul-ebook/dp/B006CQUIQC/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1393767637