Awakened by Ednah Walters

Most teens turn sixteen and get the license to drive, Lil Falcon gets the license to kill demons, but no one told her she is not supposed to fall in love with one.
Orphaned as a child and raised by an eccentric grandfather, Lil is concerned with surviving high school and is unaware she's a Guardian—a being with super powers charged with killing demons and protecting humanity. But when she meets Bran, a mysterious boy with amazing abilities, his psi energy unlocks her latent powers.

But Bran has a secret that can destroy their growing relationship. He's part demon. But in her heart, Lil knows Bran is not evil. So when her grandfather is kidnapped by a powerful nature-bender and Bran is the only one who knows where he's being kept, Lil convinces the other Guardians to trust him, not knowing her grandfather is just the bait. And the truth that she discovers in the demonic enclave may just destroy everything she believes in, unless she makes the right choice—love and sacrifice.

From Goodreads.com

 

          I don’t even know where to begin. Well, I guess I can begin by saying that I won this book from Ednah herself (and a bit of swag). I love discovering new authors, so when I received the book in the mail, I couldn’t wait to read it. I was also privileged enough to receive an ARC; even better.

            Obviously, I had no idea what to expect. I just finished Crescendo, so I was in my paranormal zone. I started reading, and couldn’t put it down! It was not a wise choice to start this book late at night. Sleep is a bit important.

            Right away you are pulled in to the life and mind of Lil. A teenager, who is still trying to figure out who she is, comes into her powers with a twist. New home, new school, new friends, supernatural powers? What? That’s exactly what Lil is feeling, and Ednah portrays that so well. Lil is a character that every teenage girl, or those who’ve been through their teenage years, can relate to. She’s discovering herself for the first time; who she is, what her purpose in life is. I’m sure guys can relate to that as well, and if not, there’s enough “manly” action to keep their attention. Fast moving, with just enough background to keep you guessing till the last chapter, this story comes right off the pages.

            The characters are exciting and refreshing. I loved the idea of a strong female lead, with just enough problems to make it personal. But even before you dive into the story, you meet Bran. *Swoons* Yes, Bran. Tall, mysterious, and gorgeous. Come on ladies, you know the type. The one that flutters your heart whenever he’s in sight. I wont reveal any details, but I need to mention the fact that he’s a darling. *Wink wink*

            Actually, I enjoyed every character in this book (that doesn’t happen very often). Serious kuddos to Ednah for taking this story to a very interesting level, with very interesting people. She does not over do it with descriptions, but lets the simple words and actions speak for themselves, which I find refreshing :)

            I recommend this book to anyone! Whether or not you enjoy YA fiction, you can find something in this book that makes it worth reading. It is now available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. I would love to hear what you think, and so would Ednah! Happy reading!

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described 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 farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line 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? From Goodreads.com

            To be honest, I was late coming to the party. Hush, Hush has been out for months before someone recommended it to me. I wasn’t reading much of YA then, but decided to give it a go. I was not disappointed. The story pulls you in and won’t let you go. The moment I finished Hush, Hush I searched to see when Crescendo would be out. The two and half months seemed too long for me. Then, I got my hands on an ARC and was blown away all over again.

            In this story, Nora is taken on a deeper journey to find out who she is and where she comes from. Every page is a story turner that makes you wonder if anything you think is ever true. The beloved characters are all present, while their relationships are taken to a whole new level.

            To be honest, I had one bother with this story; where was Patch? Now, if you haven’t read the story, don’t panic, he’s present and a huge part of the story like Hush, Hush was. However, I wanted more of him! I understand the need for this particular storyline, and loved every second of it, but missed Patch when he was absent for five or more pages at a time. I loved Patch and all of his cockiness, and wanted a bit more interaction with him in this book. Wow, calm down! It’ll be okay! You’ll understand when you read the book. Oops, look what I started! I bet you can’t wait to get your hands on this particular book October 19^th, now don’t you? Mission accomplished.

            I recommend this book to anyone who read Hush, Hush or just read about Hush, Hush. Honestly, this book stands on its own, with its twists and turns, gripping relationships, and personalities that are easy to relate to. Becca’s use of descriptions, emotions, and everyday situations make this story come right out of the pages and into real life. You won’t be able to put this book down. Becca is an brilliant writer, who uses every day struggles and takes them to a supernatural level. I can’t wait to read more books from her. As for Crescendo, thank you Becca for keeping me up at nights!

            Crescendo hits stores October 19^th, 2010.

PS I would love to hear what you have to say about this book! :) Leave me a comment!

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: Jem, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa.

As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all. 

From Goodreads.com

        

             I admit I am a fan of Cassandra and her writing. I picked up her Mortal Instruments series by accident and fell in love. When I received the opportunity to get a hold of Clockwork Angel I took it.

            Cassandra, in my opinion, is the queen of research. Her YA books are filled with so much information, you get lost in it sometimes. She takes these stories to a whole different level. The background information in Clockwork Angel makes you feel as if you are actually living in that day and age. It is amazing what a setting can do to a story.

            On the other hand, Cassie creates characters that pull you in. From her strong female heroine, to her dashing gentlemen, you find yourself relating to each individual on a different level. I won’t give any spoilers away to those of you who haven’t read it yet, but you definitely find yourself falling in love with each and every character, not just the main ones. Cassie’s use of language, emotions, and customs of that time period bring you closer than before to a time filled with Shadowhunters, Downworlders, and a battle between good and evil.

            Cassie is an excellent writer, and Clockwork Angel is a wonderful book one of a series. I cannot wait till the next installment! I recommend this book to anyone who loves history, good old fashioned good vs. evil, romance and the choices we face everyday to become the people we ought to be. 

If you read this book, let me know what you think! :)
 

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Venus Cove. But everything changes when three angels are sent from heaven to protect the town against the gathering forces of darkness: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. They work hard to conceal their true identity and, most of all, their wings. But the mission is threatened when the youngest angel, Bethany, is sent to high school and falls in love with the handsome school captain, Xavier Woods. Will she defy the laws of Heaven by loving him? Things come to a head when the angels realize they are not the only supernatural power in Venus Cove. There′s a new kid in town and he′s charming, seductive and deadly. Worst of all, he′s after Beth.

From Goodreads.com




     

            As I was looking through my bookshelf, I was contemplating on which book to review first. I have read some many wonderful books lately; I had a pretty hard time choosing. It’s a good problem to have! After quite a lot of debating I decided on Halo. Ally has become a friend, and in honor of her US tour (which is going on right now) I decided to share this story with you.

            When I received my copy, I didn’t know what to expect. Sure, I’ve heard a few people mention the book, and Alexandra herself, but she was a completely new author to me. From page one Alexandra pulls you in with a story that is so well written, it takes your breath away. What shocked me the most is that the book is written in first person. Never before have I felt so close to a seventeen year old angel. I could feel her emotions, relate to her challenges. The use of words, descriptions, and senses make for a book that is hard to put down.

            Your love for the characters is established right off the bat. Once you’re engrossed in the story, Xander is introduced. When Xander walked unto that page, I was squealing like a teenage girl. Every female, young or old, can relate to the idea of this character; the boy who loves you for who you are, with no reservations. I would fight Bethany for him. (I think guys should read this book to pick up a few pointers). Alexandra allows you to meet each character, get to know them at good steady pace, and find common ground with each one.

            This story is not just about angels. It is about love, life, and the choices each of us must make in order to live our lives to the fullness. Halo is book One in a Three-book series, and I cannot wait for the next chapter. I have already handed over my book to someone else to read. Alexandra is a wonderful writer, and I highly recommend this book to anyone.

Much love,

Valia

P.S. If you have read this book, I would love to hear what you think! Leave me a comment!

I love books!!!

Being a writer and all, I obviously love books! Recently, I have been given the privilege of reading a few very interesting stories. I've had the opportunity to meet some amazing people as well. So I decided to create a blog dedicated to book reviews. I would love to hear back from my readers, so if you have a book you'd like to recommend, or an ARC you'd like me to review, I will be more than willing to do so. Please spread the word, and check back soon as I will be posting my first review!!!


The greatest part of a writer’s time is spent in reading, in order to write; a man will turn over half a library to make one book – Samuel Johnson

Happy reading everyone!!!


Much love,
Valia