Review of Enclave by Ann Aguirre

WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE In Deuce's world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed 'brat' has trained into one of three groups-Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear--to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She's worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing's going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce's troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn't like following orders. At first she thinks he's crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don't always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she's never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.


As Deuce's perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy... but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she's ever known.

What if all of your favorite post apocalyptic and dystopian books were able to marry and produce offspring? The outcome of such a phenomenal mash-up would have the potential to be the most uber fabulous, end all of end all stories. It would have action, adventure, struggle, zombies, sickness, corrupt leadership, strong protagonist, and amazing characters. In fact, it would be exactly like ENCLAVE.

This book has it all and then some!

At first I feared that there was too much going on in the book and fought the urge to compare it to other popular books in this genre. But, sooner rather than later, I forgot why I was so skeptical and surrendered all to the plot. IT WAS AMAZING!!!!

The story is really made of three different parts. The first (and longest storyline) focusing on the people who have been surviving the apocalypse underground for centuries--never setting their eyes on the sun and everything "top side". Underground they have developed a type of government and assign people jobs (this was very reminiscent of City of Ember). Some people are born to be breeders, some builders, and others hunters. The Hunters are the group of people that go through the tunnels and collect food and try to remove "The Freaks" which are zombie like creatures that live underground and one of the threats to the settlement. However, there is another threat to the long term survival of the enclave and that is their life spans. For an unknown reason, most likely from nutrition or lack of sunlight, the people born and living in the underground enclave's do not live long, in fact their Elder is 25 years old.

This first part of the book not only introduces us to the characters and their way of life underground, but also to the relationships that become very important through out the rest of the story. In particular that of Deuce, the huntress, and Fade the orphan boy who joined the enclave only years earlier. It is the bond between them that leads us to the second part of the storyline. Together they are exiled from the enclave and forced to try to make it "top side" where gangs of boys are the main threat (this part reminded me of The Hunger Games where Peeta and Katniss are in the arena).

The third part focuses on Deuce, Fade and a couple of new friends and their journey to find a safer place to take shelter. As they travel North we see how the stress and uncertainty of the journey effects their bonds and how they strive to persevere in a hostile world.

Though there are lots of things that on their own would and have already made interesting stories, joined together they made something really awesome. I was very sad when it ended because I wasn't ready to close the book. I was pleased to discover that there is another book in this series coming out in 2012...it just can't get here soon enough!

2011 is definitely proving to be full of amazing books and ENCLAVE is one of my favorites!!!

REVIEW: Invincible by Sherrilyn Kenyon

*This review was originally posted on Paperback Dolls

Nick Gautier’s day just keeps getting better and better. Yeah, he survived the zombie attacks, only to wake up and find himself enslaved to a world of shapeshifters and demons out to claim his soul.

His new principal thinks he’s even more of a hoodlum than the last one, his coach is trying to recruit him to things he can’t even mention and the girl he’s not seeing, but is, has secrets that terrify him.

But more than that, he’s being groomed by the darkest of powers and if he doesn’t learn how to raise the dead by the end of the week, he will become one of them...

INIVINCIBLE picks up right where INFINITY left off....and I mean immediately following the event of the first book. I loved that I was able to get right back into the story.

Nick is trying to deal with the fall out from the Zombie attacks in the first book and due to his new found abilities and his new supernatural "friends", Nick is juggling a lot of different things.

Once again, the relationship between Nick and his mother really shines through and is one of the things that makes me love Nick's character so much. With his mother unemployed all of a sudden, Nick's friend the Dark Hunter Kyrian, arranges for his mother to have a job at the bar Sanctuary. What Nick's mother is unaware of is that Sanctuary is run by a group of Were's and also happens to be a popular hang out for the supernatural, but there are more dangerous things than the crew at Sanctuary. Death himself has decided to pay Nick a visit and "help" him with his powers.

What is more...all of a sudden Nick is getting attention from the hot chicks at his school and despite the fact that he is wearing a cast on his arm, the new coach recruits him for the football team. In a blink of an eye Nick finds himself not so uncool anymore, but is his luck really changing or is there more evil hands working behind the scenes???

In INVINCIBLE, we really get to know some of the characters better. There is back story given on some of the side characters and it was very touching and emotional at certain parts. Especially with Bubba and Caleb. One of the greatest things that the author is able to do though is write really tear-jerker moments but rebound with a touch of humor. It made the book easy to read.

I really love this series. This book is just as good as the first in the series and I can not wait another year to read the this book in The Chronicles Of Nick series. Sherrilyn Kenyon knows how to write from a young male's perspective and she does it in a way that still keeps a girls interest. I fully admit I have a HUGE crush on Nick Gautier and love all the different characters.

Peace & Love


*This book was given to PBD for review courtesy of the publisher

Review- Bite Club by Rachel Caine - Mornganville Series

After discovering that vampires populate her town, college student Claire Danvers knows that the undead just want to live their lives. But someone else wants them to get ready to rumble.

There's a new extreme sport getting picked up on the Internet: bare- knuckle fights pitting captured vampires against each other-or humans. Tracking the remote signal leads Claire- accompanied by her friends and frenemies-to discover that what started as an online brawl will soon threaten everyone in Morganville...

I really don't know how Rachel Caine does it, but every single book in this series is awesome!

Bite Club is full of action and more emotional scenes between some key figures in Morganville.

One of the most interesting things in Bite Club is the fact that the author tells the story from alternating perspectives--Claire and Shane's that is.

Shane takes up a hobby at the Athletic Club and his moods began to shift to the dark side. He is more short fused (than usual) and at times mean to others...including Claire. This is tough shift in his character but given everything he has been through, possibly a necessary inner struggle that he will have to make in order to actually grow. As if that isn't enough, the drama in Morganville is beginning to bubble over once again, but this time it is due in part to the dead bodies popping up where they are least expected and some unusual videos on the Internet. How will Claire and company solve the mystery and stop the threat if their tight knit relationships are unraveling?

Eve also takes on a hobby and has an interesting instructor that just happens to be Morganville founder Amelie. Eve's character like Shane's is really growing but in very different ways. And, Eve and Michael have their own emotional moments and they are very important ones. Fans of the couple will be on the edge of their seats reading those scenes.

Myrnin as always provides some interesting moments especially with his new computer that is very different in personality than Ada (his previous real thinking computer) and *gasp* he may be becoming my favorite male character--even above Shane! It is becoming more apparent that Myrnin feels something more than hunger pangs for Claire and with Shane being so moody and broody one can't help but wonder "What if"...

Rachel Caine is such a SUPER STAR in my opinion. Her writing is able to communicate with both female AND male audiences and is consistently good reading. If you are still on the fence about the series I must ask--What the heck are you waiting for?

Be sure to check out these interviews & extras from Rachel on PBD!

*Rachel Caine April 2011 Interview

*Paperback Proust interview with Rachel Caine

*Mynin Character Interview

*This book was given to Paperback Dolls  for review courtesy of Publisher

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

Fans of the always classic "star crossed lovers" storyline will fall in love with Firelight.

I breezed through this book in one afternoon while laying out in the sun. I was so engrossed in the story I forgot to reapply sunscreen and got a little burned...nothing too bad;). I loved the entire mythology and premise of the book. While so many YA books that have paranormal elements are geared toward Vampires, Shifters, Demons, Fae, or Angels, Sophie Jordan has centered her characters in dragon lore and I'm hooked!

Not only is the whole Draki (dragon people) mythology really interesting to me but the fact that the author has created a modern day world and placed the existence of Draki tribes scattered across the world and a race of humans known as "The Hunters" right in the middle if it, is just so cool. Instead of reading a Sci-fiction story that takes place in another realm or time, Firelight was relatable and the present day setting made it seem real to me.

The characters are fun and entertaining. I felt as if I understood the heroine, Jacinda and was able to sympathize with everything her character goes through. The side characters are appealing too...especially the hunky hunter Will. *sigh* He is definitely swoon worthy and as the story unfolds we begin to see how layered his character is! The forbidden romance between Will and Jacinda is really the soul of this story and it makes this a perfect summer read for YA fiction lovers!

Firelight was a super fun read and I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series. The only bad thing I can say about it is that it is an unfinished series-which means we have to wait for the next books to be written. But, with all the world building and set up for future books, it's sure to be worth the wait!

~Peace & Love

Review of Betrayal by Lee Nichols

Emma Vaile is the most powerful ghostkeeper in centuries. Which is great when she's battling the wraith-master Neos, but terrible when she's flirting with fellow ghostkeeper (and soul mate) Bennett. When ghostkeepers fall in love, the weaker one loses all power, and that's not something Bennett can handle. Heartbroken and alone, Emma tries to lose herself in school with fellow ghostkeeper, Natalie. When a new team of ghostkeepers arrive-one a snarky teen boy, the other a British scholar-Emma finds solace in training for the battle against Neos. But as the team grows stronger, they are threatened by an unknown force. One they thought was good.

As chilling and page-turning as Deception, this sequel will grab readers and hold them to the last page. No one is safe from suspicion as Emma closes in on the traitor.

Ommigosh, this is such a fun book! I'm beginning to think 2011 is the year of AWESOME YA books, because I have yet to read a book that I didn't adore.

Lee Nichols is such a great story teller. She can communicate so many different emotions in fun and realistic ways. And, in Betrayal she really shows it off!

*Mildly spoilery for first book*
For instance, in the first chapter we see our heroine, Emma, dealing with the outcome of the events that came to pass in Deception (book 1). As Emma tries to cope with the human loss of a friend (and the fact that others blame her personally for that loss) we read her inner struggle and dialogue with herself and they are all very real reactions a teen would have and think to themselves in similar situations. But, then we see how quickly a teens thoughts can shift when the guy she is head over heels in love with enters the scene. Let me tell you where Bennett and Emma are concerned, Lee Nichols writes some swoon worthy moments that had me blushing one minute and grabbing for the Kleenex the next. Their storyline is set up to be potentially EPIC. I don't mind saying that as a "Bennett lover" I am a tad worried about his character.;)

The action and mystery in this book is really great. I was guessing till the very end on who the "betrayer" was...within one chapter I had pegged three different people as being the bad guy (or girl, or ghost;)).

I also really loved the character development of the supporting characters. We really got to know them better and see how important their roles are in Emma's life. And, considering everything that goes down in this book...they will be very important in future books so it's good to have more insight.

I enjoyed Betrayal even more than I did Deception. The Haunting Emma series is fun, thrilling, romantic, and sometimes creepy without taking itself too seriously. These books are everything a YA series should be and I look forward to the next addition.

The only downside is...that's like a year away!!!

Peace & Love

This book was originally reviewed for Paperback Dolls. 

Review: A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Everyone in town thinks Meg is volatile and dull-witted and that her younger brother Charles Wallace is dumb. People are also saying that their father has run off and left their brilliant scientist mother. Spurred on by these rumors, Meg and Charles Wallace, along with their new friend Calvin, embark on a perilous quest through space to find their father. In doing so they must travel behind the shadow of an evil power that is darkening the cosmos, one planet at a time.

Young people who have trouble finding their place in the world will connect with the "misfit" characters in this provocative story. This is no superhero tale, nor is it science fiction, although it shares elements of both. The travelers must rely on their individual and collective strengths, delving deep into their characters to find answers.

A classic since 1962, Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time is sophisticated in concept yet warm in tone, with mystery and love coursing through its pages. Meg's shattering yet ultimately freeing discovery that her father is not omnipotent provides a satisfying coming-of-age element. Readers will feel a sense of power as they travel with these three children, challenging concepts of time, space, and the power of good over evil.

I’ll admit I was a little let down. My mother was really excited when she saw I was reading this book for school, and my mom has great taste in books so I expected a lot, but the story never really lived up to my expectations. I couldn’t help but feel that it was a little disheveled in places. I loved that the protagonist is female, and ordinary with braces, brown hair, glasses (girl next door kind of thing)… even if she was kinda annoying at times (all teens can be annoying;)). Time travel is always cool, and the unfamiliar planets (especially Ixchel with its sightless, faceless creatures) were incredibly fun to imagine. The crazy Mrs. W’s were very interesting, and if their stories are continued in further books, I’d be all over that.

The story itself is great – the classic battle of good versus evil in a sci-fi / fantasy setting. The image of evil as a dark cloud reminded me of The Nothing from The NeverEnding Story (loosely). The themes of individuality, love, and acceptance carried strongly throughout; even though they were almost shoved in the reader’s face, I’m ok with that since it is a children’s story.

What I didn’t like, primarily, was the character of Charles Wallace. For some reason, he really creeped me out. I understand he is supposed to be “gifted,” but his words and actions seemed far too adult for a 5-year-old. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the religious references made in several places in the story. Too many mentions of “God” turn me off. However, I am willing to admit that it was quite daring of the author to mix religion with some pagan aspects, like witches and crystal balls.

Overall, I did enjoy the story and definitely appreciate the themes and values, I was just turned off a little by the character’s lack of resolution and ability to be so easily distracted. As someone who is easily distracted myself, it made it hard for me to really stick with the story and become completely engrossed in it’s pages.

Review- Wither by Lauren DeStefano

By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Geneticists are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children.

When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can’t bring herself to hate him as much as she’d like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband’s strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape--before her time runs out?

This is the most interesting book I have read in a while. Sure, I've read good books that I have loved, but this story was deeper and darker than others I've read lately. I'd say that WITHER impacted me in ways similar to Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins-not because they are remotely alike as far as storylines go-but because of the emotions both books conjured inside of me.

I read this book in one sitting-most likely biting my lip while letting the story penetrate my thoughts all the while my hands grasping the cover so tightly my palms were sweaty and knuckles white.;) It was so mentally intense for me. The subject matter is not a romantic one and the issues addressed in the story are hard to fathom yet, at the same time I believed the scenario full heartedly.

From the very beginning readers are witness to the actions that have become everyday occurrences in the world the author writes. The world's (future America's) vain attempts to play God and create a super human race has backfired and doomed the next generations to short lifespans. Very short. Some people are trying to fix the genetic glitch but in order to do so they need more test subjects. What this means is that wealthy families with money and sons turn to plural marriages. The boy weds multiple girls and has children with them providing scientist new blood to hopefully come up with a cure for all mankind. However, polygamy isn't even the biggest issue...the means that some of the families go to in order to get new wives for their sons are the real problem.

Pretty young girls are kidnapped and thrown into a truck with 20 or more girls and paraded in front of potential buyers then sold as wives. There is even more to this part of the story that is disturbing but I don't want to spoil it for you, all I will say is that it reflects on an issue that the real world deals with and that is human trafficking. I applaud the author for going there in a young adult novel. It is a very real problem that more young girls and boys for that matter should be educated on and because it is a real issue it adds to the believability.

As I read Rhine's struggle with her predicament I began to see that everything was not exactly as it seemed. The girls are treated relatively well, given first class lodging, great clothes and waited on hand and feet, it would be easy to almost forget that they were victims. In fact, I found myself sympathizing with one of the captures, Rhine's new husband, despite some of his questionable actions. I also saw how the girls that were taken and forced to become sister wives to Linden (the boy that bought them) grew to actually care for one another. The whole thing was very moving.

However, despite the touching moments between the girls and their new husband, the fact that they were kidnapped and taken from families remained in the back of my mind. Especially when Linden's father, a scientist, began to play a bigger, more villainous role in the story. It was quite the nail-biting, page turning story with really interesting characters. Prepare yourselves though-there is a bit of a cliffhanger.;)

I realize that this book will not be for everyone. It deals with issues that are difficult to think about, and though s-e-x isn't actually described in the book, the fact that it takes place (with young girls) is obvious to readers and some people might be uncomfortable reading those type of actions in a story-even if they are only alluded to. That being said, I think this book was amazing! It made me think long after I had finished it and though it isn't necessarily a "message" book, it inspired me to educate myself more on human trafficking, genetic engineering and other things that are subject in the book but factual issues in today's world. WITHER is beautifully written and possibly the best book I will read this year, it certainly has one of the most awesome covers I have ever seen...and it's the author's debut work! How amazing is that?

Lauren DeStefano is an author I think I will automatically buy books by in the future. I really can't wait for the next book in the series due for release 2012!

~Peace & Love

Visit Lauren DeStefano's

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This book was given to Paperback Dolls courtesy of Simon & Schuster

The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood. And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?

Ommigosh! This is the most original and interesting new book I have had the pleasure of reading. I finished it and immediately began to obsess about the next book in the series which is over a year from being published!

Why do I love it so much? Let me count the ways...

To start the heroine, Riley Blackthorne, is the type of girl you would want to be friends with. She isn't snobby. She marches to the beat of her own drum but she has the usual insecurities that teen girls have. She is easy to relate to, plus I love how she is described as being attractive but she doesn't have a big head. She also has this really cool job trapping demons. Oh and if that isn't enough she is smart, brave, humble and has a great relationship with her dad. Riley Blackthorne is incredibly strong in ways that are believable and inspiring.

Next reason to love this book is the setting of a future Atlanta where demonic creatures run around causing trouble and even killing people, the city and nation has become a place where school is held in old grocery stores for a couple hours in the evenings, and rich people hire necromancers to raise the dead just so they can have a servant. Sounds interesting huh?

Other than the world and the amazing heroine the other reason I think this book is the bomb is because of the supporting characters. Jana Oliver has written a book where every character is interesting and layered, even the ones you don't want to like you end up caring about. *Sigh* I personally have a soft spot for Denver Beck who is a sweet talking 22 year old good ol' boy with a tough exterior and heart of gold.

I seriously could go on and on and on and on...I loved it that much. I want more please, NOW!;)

If you are getting tired of reading about angels, vampires, or fairy's and are desiring a new type of Young Adult urban fantasy, do yourself a favor and read this book.

Peace & Love-

This book was given to PBD for review courtesy of St. Martins Press

The Demon Trapper's Daughter is available for preorder now and will be on shelves in the UK 1/7/11 under the title Forsaken and in the US 2/1/11. Also don't forget to download Jana Oliver's FREE short story, Retro Demonology, on Amazon that is a small prequel to the first book.

Teen review- Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

*this review was originally posted on Paperback Dolls

Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.

Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued.

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.

Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

*this review contains mild spoilers*

I couldn't put this book down. Right away the story grabbed my attention and I was along for the ride...

The story starts off with a young woman, 17 year old Ari visiting an insane asylum looking for information on her mother who was a resident/patient there until her death. What Ari discovers is that her mother apparently committed suicide and what's more is she left some bizarre clues behind for her daughter...including a warning to stay away from New Orleans--or what used to be New Orleans.

See, in Keaton's world New Orleans was pretty much wiped out due to the devastation of two MAJOR hurricanes that hit the southern city back to back. The government, wanting to wipe their hands of another expensive recovery opt to sell the city and surrounding area to the Novem, a separate organization made up of nine well to do families from New Orleans. The city is now referred to as New 2.

New 2 has become a safe haven for all things supernatural, paranormal, and the people who practice voodoo lifestyle. The Novem plan to restore the city to it's once "glorious splendor" but so far haven't gotten to every area. Because New 2 is separate from the US, they have their own way of doing things and it is very different than what Ari, and other normal people are used to...but Ari isn't exactly normal.

Ari has grown up in and out of foster homes and it hasn't been easy for her. She has finally found a foster family that loves her, though they aren't your average Joe family either...they are bondsman. Think-Dog the bounty hunter...yeah. Despite the less than traditional lifestyle of her foster parents, or maybe because of them Ari has found a reliable family unit that also trains her in the biz, so Ari is a pretty tough cookie.

Anyway, her foster parents have allowed Ari the opportunity to search for answers to her past, with one catch...if the clues lead to New 2, Ari is not to drive there and needs to ask one of them to go with her to find what she is looking for.

Then things get kind of creepy. A strange man, speaking a strange language shows up and tries to kill Ari outside her motel. After battling with the man she manages to slay him...but the body disappears.

Frantic to find answers and not totally thinking things through, Ari hitches a ride with a delivery truck headed back to New 2. The driver is young and seems to know a lot about things so Ari tags along with her and pays to stay in a room at the drivers house (which happens to be in Historic Garden District). Once there, Ari meets the rest of the gang living in the house, and they are all peculiar...at least to what Ari is used to, yet she strangely feels at home in the city and even more at home with people in the house. Especially the handsome young man Sebastian, who she is drawn to and a little annoyed with at first...though she does give him props for his mad-drumming skills. They kinda spark up a little romance that even though it was unrealistically rushed, I couldn't help but want them to hook up.

This is all just the tip of the iceberg folks...so much more happens it makes my head spin just thinking about it.

I do not want to spoil things for you so I will tell you this, I LOVED the authors world building. Considering home many supernatural concepts and mythology things she has going on in this book, Kelly Keaton did an amazing job of pacing everything and creating the atmosphere for readers to really feel like they were in the story. The places and characters just seemed to come alive!

The world itself kind of reminds me a of Sherilyn Kenyon's Chronicles of Nick series only from a girl's perspective, and this book has a darker tone to it than Kenyon's YA series. There are a couple places that describe some harsh situations including abuse and rape that might be tough for some people to read, and some of the language was more R rated than PG-13, but it went with the story so it didn't seem unnecessary.

I admit, I kinda cyber stalked the author's website and discovered how much research she actually did to create her world. Many of the places mentioned in the text are real places in New Orleans, including the streets, houses and cemeteries. It's pretty cool...here is what she said on her site:

* Most of the landmarks in New 2 do exist. Lafayette Cemetery, Cafe Du Monde, Cabildo Building, French Market… But please keep in mind that some of these landmarks have changed a bit to reflect the fictional world of New 2 and the decade + of neglect and abandonment in some areas. (Lafayette Cemetery, for instance, is in ruins, it’s walls compromised, and is now surrounded by an iron fence…). But these places all exist in real life, and are wonderful sights to visit if you get the chance!

Some local place names have been slightly changed as well to reflect the new city (though they’re recognizable to their counterparts).

* The Garden District Mansion (1331 First Street) exists as well. It’s known as the Morris-Israel House. (The house no. in the ARC appears incorrectly as 1239 — for some reason I was channeling Anne Rice, LOL. But it was corrected in copy edits and the correct no. is in the final copy of the book). ~Kelly Keaton

I was captivated by this book. I found it to be a fun and entertaining read. I finished the book wanting more and literally google-ing New Orleans and the places in the book. I even pondered dyeing my hair silver...probably not the best hair color for a natural red head, but I was a little obsessed (in a good way). Sure, there are some things that I didn't absolutely love and a couple of "what the heck?" moments but for the most part it was fantastic. With such an incredibly cool take on New Orleans and all the magical lore that is associated with the city...you can't really go wrong. Add to that the really fun supporting characters and it is a double win!

~Peace & Love

Kelly Keaton

Website - Facebook - Twitter

This book was given to Paperback Dolls for review courtesy of Simon & Schuster.

Matched by Ally Condie (my review)

*This review was originally posted on Paperback Dolls

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

I'd heard of this book sometime last year and had seen reviews for it on other blogs, but for some reason or another I hadn't pre-ordered it or picked it up on one of my trips to the bookstore. When winter break for me came along I had a long list of books that I wanted to read while on vacation from school and was already reading those when I started getting headaches and was unable to read as much as planned. But that didn't stop me, I had some credits saved on audible and got some audio books to entertain me and Matched was one of them.

I fell in love with this book instantly. I found myself sitting and just listening to this book even when my headache had gone away. I couldn't do anything else while in the midst of this story but listen to the narrator tell Cassia's story. Her voice was so sweet and clear, it was like I was listening to a friend (my age) tell me about her life and I was enchanted by every word.

At the heart of the story is a very real kind of love triangle and contrary to the way I normally despise these types of plots, this one I didn't mind. Both potential suitors are equally good, in very different ways. The way the author introduced Xander and Ky to readers we feel the same uncertainty and confusion that Cassia does. It was very interesting and full of mystery because we as readers aren't positive what is real and what is simply orchestrated by The Society (government officials that are in charge of practically everything). I found I was putting myself in the heroine's shoes and wondering what I would do and feel in her place.

By the end of the story I had fallen in love with the characters and anxious to find out what happens next. Matched is such a thought provoking read that has just enough feeling of "what if" and "it could happen" that makes everything so believable. It made me stop and think about things in ways I hadn't since reading Suzanne Collins Hunger Games trilogy, but in less violent and graphic ways. This book really showcases what a world *could* become if the government forced everyone to be more equal and stripped the individual ways we can express ourselves. Good stuff!

Peace & Love
~Desilula

The next book in the series is due out November 1, 2011.
Visit Ally Condie's WEBSITE to learn more about her works.

Ophelia by Lisa Klein - Review

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark...

but, it's not this book!

*This review was previously shared on paperbackdolls.com

He is Hamlet, Prince of Denmark; she is simply Ophelia. If you think you know their story, think again.

In this re-imagining of Shakespeare's famous tragedy, it is Ophelia who takes center stage. A rowdy, motherless girl, she grows up at Elsinore Castle to become the queen's most trusted lady-in-waiting. When she catches the attention of the captivating, dark-haired Prince Hamlet, their love blossoms in secret. But bloody deeds soon turn Denmark into a place of madness, and Ophelia's happiness is shattered. Ultimately she must choose between her love for Hamlet and her own life. In desperation, Ophelia devises a plan to escape from Elsinore forever...with one very dangerous secret.

So you think you know how the story of Hamlet goes huh? There are always two sides to a story and with this re-imagining of Shakespeare's classic tale we see a different perspective and an alternative ending. The inspiration for Klein's Ophelia is taken directly from the famous tragedy by William Shakespeare. The original play is filled with death and suicide, madness, incest, and the supernatural. Hamlet's father has been murdered, which inspires a whole series of events--bent on revenge and destined to bring destruction to all. Ophelia has all the same factors as Shakespeare's Hamlet just with a twist!

In Klein's version we see Ophelia as a strong and spirited girl who is motherless and allowed to roam the kingdom wildly, climbing trees, swimming and doing the sorts of things well-bred young ladies should not. Because her father is a slimy wanna-be that only cares about his status he places his beautiful daughter (which he cares little for) in the castle as one of Queen Gertrude's ladies. His plan is to use his daughter for information to gain the King's confidence, but Ophelia grows very fond of Gertrude and wishes not to betray her queen. The queen serves as a mother figure to Ophelia and introduces her to romantic books to help the young girl know what to expect from boys.

The whole time that Ophelia is bonding with Queen Gertrude, young Prince Hamlet is out in the world experiencing all it has to offer. When the prince returns Gertrude is overwhelmed with joy and spends more time with her son, selfish for all his attention. Hamlets visits his mother regularly and takes notice of the more grown up girl, Ophelia. One evening Prince Hamlet and Ophelia bump into one another in the garden and the attraction is immediate. They scheme of ways to meet in secret with the help of Prince Hamlet's trusted friend, Horatio, and fall madly in love. But, the madness is not contained to just the attraction between Hamlet and Ophelia...once it is discovered that Hamlet's father has been murdered we see just how mad Hamlet really is...

I so enjoyed reading this book. It inspired me to really pay more attention to Classic plays and stories and to think outside the box. The romantic nature of the story was probably what kept me turning the pages. It was enough like Shakespeare's Hamlet that I was already familiar with it, but different enough that it kept me on my toes. Of course, it helped that the author gave her Ophelia strength and moxie and made her a smart and quick witted heroine.

I totally recommend this book to anyone that loves romance and history. It is a beautiful story with a surprising ending...you think you know, but you have no idea. Read it.

Peace & Love

Visit Lisa Klein's Website.

This book was purchased by Desi.

Review Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy, Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The further Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim bloodline has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

*Very mild spoilery comments (I say mild because it's pretty much in the synopsis already)*


Crescendo begins with a glimpse into the past...about a year and a half prior to where Hush Hush began and readers meet Nora's father and it sets the entire pace for the rest of the book. Who exactly was Nora's father, and how did he come to be murdered? The search for truth and answers is developed in such a way that it isn't over powering the general premise of the story which, lets face it...it's Patch and Nora that keep us coming back for more.

But be careful what you pin your hopes on...part of what kept me rabidly turning the pages was the fact that there is trouble in "paradise". I couldn't believe the turn of events and how abruptly they seemed to take place, but such is young love-one minute your exchanging promise rings and the next you're fighting and not communicating with each other...wait that pretty much goes for any passionate relationship;). Needless to say, I wanted to strangle Nora for the silly communication breakdowns here and there (even though they were very realistic) and I pretty much hated Patch through most of the book...nope, I'm not gonna tell you why:).

There are some new characters that are introduced and though they are secondary characters Ms. Fitzpatrick did an awesome job of giving them depth and layers. I wanted to dislike them from the get go, but they grew on me with each turn of the page. Vee was back to her usual self and my heart really goes out to her in this book (you'll see why). Poor Vee, I just want to see her happy and satisfied with her life. On the flip side of Vee, is Marcie Millar (grrrrr Marcie). I literally wanted to pull Marcie's hair out of her head for all the trouble she continues to cause Nora, but by the end of the story I found myself understanding her a bit more and feeling sorry for her...and hoping that she gets some serious therapy! ;)

*no more spoilery comments*

Okay, so the other awesome stuff in this book is the whole Angel vs Nephilim thing. I am so fascinated by this world and the breakdown of power and the degrees of different angels. Just when I think I have everything figured out, in comes another twist and it keeps me on my toes. Who are the good guys? Who's side should I be on? Did that really just happen?...all questions I asked myself through out the book, and I am not sure I have any solid answers.

LAYERS...this book is full of layers, and I appreciate the fact that another author is using her talent to write such thought provoking story lines for Young Adults (though I will say that my mom read it too and enjoyed it just as much as I did). This story is deeper and has more Mystery than Hush Hush. With as much as I loved Hush Hush, I LOVED Crescendo even more because it pulled me into it's pages and I was captive from start to finish guessing all the while long!