Jaime's Review of The Last Princess by Galaxy Craze

The Last Princess

Galaxy Craze

Hardcover: 304 pages

Release Date: May 1,2012

Publisher: Poppy (Little Brown)

Source: Finished copy from the publisher for review.

Rating: Really Liked

From Goodreads. Happily ever after is a thing of the past. A series of natural disasters has decimated the earth. Cut off from the rest of the world, England is a dark place. The sun rarely shines, food is scarce, and groups of criminals roam the woods, searching for prey. The people are growing restless. When a ruthless revolutionary sets out to overthrow the crown, he makes the royal family his first target. Blood is shed in Buckingham Palace, and only sixteen-year-old Princess Eliza manages to escape. Determined to kill the man who destroyed her family, Eliza joins the enemy forces in disguise. She has nothing left to live for but revenge, until she meets someone who helps her remember how to hope—and to love—once more. Now she must risk everything to ensure that she not become... The Last Princess.

Ok first off what a cool name to have Galaxy Craze right and yep it’s her real name I checked lol.

This book was a quick read which was awesome after some of the longer books I’ve read. It was quick but trust me it didn’t lack story at all it was full of action. If I didn’t start it so late I could have read it in one sitting. I felt so bad for Eliza she had to go through so much in a short amount of time. Her family is the thing that matters most to her and it is completely destroyed. She ends up on a journey filled with danger and she is changed and scarred; it was sad and awful to see some of the things she had to go through. There was also a little bit of love story; that’s one part of the book which I would have liked to see more of. I really liked the love interest Wesley I’m hoping we get a lot more of him in the second book.

The world that Galaxy created wasn’t a new dystopian world, it was like many of the other dystopian stories out there but, the details that she put into the story were beautifully told. You could almost feel the heat from the fires and feel the pain inflicted on poor Eliza and taste the disgusting food she had to eat. Oh one of my absolute favorite parts of the book was Caligula, a war horse who I fell completely in love with she was so tough looking but so gentle and kind to Eliza. I also like some of the other characters in the book and hated others adamantly the bad guy Cornelius is awful but I think I hated Portia even more! The story ended very well but there was the teensiest bit of a cliffhanger. It’s not one that will make you scream OMG but it’s enough that you’ll be wanting the second book asap.

I chose a scene to share with you that has Wesley in it because it’s one of the happier scenes in the book.

My eyes met his, and this time I didn’t look away. Instead I let myself study him in the dim firelight. Something had shifted. The hard mask of the soldier had vanished, revealing a sad and lonely boy. I looked at the soft curls of his hair, shining like dark gold, his glittering eyes, his broad shoulders.

I must look so ugly to him, with my hair cropped close to my skull and the red welt on my cheek. I covered my face with my hands. “Just stop,” I said. “I don’t---“

“Eliza,” he interrupted. He took my hands in his, gently lowering them from my face, lifting my chin to gaze at me in the flickering light. “You are beautiful.”

Add The Last Princess to your Goodreads list.

Buy your copy now!

Waiting on Wednesday

Mirage

Kristi Cook

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Add it to Goodreads

Seventeen-year-old Violet McKenna is back for her senior year at Winterhaven, and thrilled to be with Aidan after a long summer apart. But when a violent and disturbing vision begins to haunt her, Violet suddenly feels unsure of everything: who to trust, if she is in danger, and—worst of all—whether she and Aidan are really meant to be together.

Ok we normally don’t participate in any of the weekly memes but for the next few weeks as a part of The Winterhaven Warriors we’ll be breaking our rule. If you don’t know what WOW is it’s a weekly meme started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine.

Pre-order your copy now!

Teaser Tuesday Mirage by Kristi Cook

Ok we normally don’t participate in any of the weekly memes but for the next few weeks as a part of The Winterhaven Warriors we’ll be sharing little teasers from Mirage the second book in the Winterhaven series. We can’t wait to read this one!!!

Mirage

Kristi Cook

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Add it to Goodreads

He leaned toward me, his voice a harsh whisper now. "For Christ's sakes, Violet, he's a vampire. How can you even..." He trailed off, shaking his head. "Just...never mind." What had he meant to say? Trust him? Touch him? Kiss him? (MIRAGE ARC, page 225)

Pre-order your copy now!

 

Jaime's Review of Timepiece by Myra McEntire

Timepiece

Myra Mc Entire

Hardcover: 336 pages

Release Date: June 12, 2012

Publisher: Egmont USA

ISBN: 1606841459

Source: ARC from a blogger friend

Rating: Loved

From Goodreads. A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking... Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong? Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results. Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough... The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts.

I really liked Hourglass and Em and Michael’s story, but my favorite part of the book was the charming tattooed swimmer with a quick wit, mild drinking problem, and who was an amazing cook! Who is that you ask? It’s Kaleb Ballard!!!!! He was hands down my favorite and,  I looked forward to his scenes in Hourglass. So when I found out Timepiece was told from Kaleb’s POV let’s just say I was chomping at the bit to read it! One thing I didn’t get though was the cover I mean it’s Kaleb’s book so why is Em on the cover but oh well lol.

Myra did an amazing job telling the story from Kaleb’s POV and I laughed at his smart ass pick up lines they made me fall even more for him! When we got a deeper look into his beautiful soul he broke me into pieces,  literally I bawled my eyes out!

Wait this is a book review right? Oops sorry I could go on about Kaleb for days ;) the book itself was awesome! I mean it was freaking brilliant!!!!!!  There’s the same crew of peeps in it and yes Michael fans there’s plenty of him too! There is a new group thrown into the mix Chronos and they suck to put it mildly; they give Jack a run for his money even though he’s still a complete douche. Oh also there’s a love interest for Kaleb who is actually a perfect match for him, she doesn’t put up with his crap and I actually like her lol. I will admit the ending is a cliffhanger and you’ll be screaming at Myra for book 3!! (I wonder who’s POV that will be from?)

I chose a passage from the beginning of the story this time because it made me LOL ;)

I stared openly at the girl standing in line next to me, who did everything she could to avoid looking in my direction. Her mouth was a masterpiece, the lower lip slightly fuller then the top. Or it could’ve been a pout. Either way, it was the kind of lip that begged to be between my teeth. I had no idea how she got that ridiculously curvy body into a skintight golden cat suit, but I was all for helping her get out of it.

I leaned toward her. “Meow.”

Best come-on line ever.

She assessed me through a slim, black mask. “If you ask to rub my belly or make any of the obvious body-part jokes, I’ll steal your sword and you’ll leave here needing a peg leg. Or worse. Got it, sailor?”

“Aye, aye, Captain.” I gave her an enthusiastic salute.

She turned her back to me and stood on her tiptoes, craning he neck to check the progress of the line. The rear view was so spectacular, I considered not saying anything else to her until we were inside so I could enjoy it in peace.

But she caught me looking.

“You’re dressed like a cat right? Or a tiger?” I said quickly, the words slurring a little. Everything in my line of vision shifted to the left. “Are you here for the masquerade?”

“No. I regularly walk the streets of Ivy Springs dressed like a jungle animal.”

“Rawr.” I pretended to swipe her with imaginary claws and hissed.

No response.

Hehehe ;)

Make sure you add Timepiece to your Goodreads shelves.

Pre-order your copy now!!!!

Jaime's Review of Arise By Tara Hudson

Arise (Hereafter #2)

Tara Hudson

Hardcover: 416 pages

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Publisher: Harper Teen

ISBN: 0062026798

Source: ARC from the San Francisco/Sacramento Book Review

Rating: Liked

From Goodreads. Amelia—still caught between life and death—must fight for every moment of her relationship with the human boy Joshua. They can hardly even kiss without Amelia accidentally dematerializing. Looking for answers, they go to visit some of Joshua’s Seer relatives in New Orleans. But even in a city so famously steeped in the supernatural, Amelia ends up with more questions than answers…and becomes increasingly convinced that she and Joshua can never have a future together. Wandering through the French Quarter, Amelia meets other in-between ghosts, and begins to seriously consider joining them. And then she meets Gabrielle. Somehow, against impossible odds, Gaby has found a way to live a sort of half-life...a half-life for which Amelia would pay any price. Torn between two worlds, Amelia must choose carefully, before the evil spirits of the netherworld choose for her.

I really liked Hereafter and was excited to read Arise. I wanted to see what would happen in Amelia and Joshua’s relationship. How it was going to work out between a human and a ghost was my biggest concern; because I mean really I just didn’t think it would be possible. I felt so bad for Amelia, she didn’t ask to be a ghost but some of the choices she made; I just didn’t get at all. I know she was trying to protect the people she loves but, when her choices turned out wrong she should have asked for help.

I love Tara’s writing and her storytelling is absolutely beautiful, if you’re looking for a lot of action you won’t get it here; there’s some but not much. I almost didn’t need it though because I was so invested in the characters. Also I wouldn’t say that this is one of those love stories that rips at your gut or tears your heart out, it is a sweet story with a lot of “awww” moments I just wanted to hug both Amelia and Joshua! There were new characters in the story but they were really sideline characters and I didn’t find myself caring too much about them, the only two I really liked were Gabi and Felix.

I chose a cute and funny passage between Amelia and Joshua.

“Huh” Joshua said, staring down at the chain and then at the small opening between the gates. “Looks like the Voodoo girl made good on her word.”

“Oh. Yay.”

Those two unenthusiastic syllables just slipped right out of my mouth.

Honestly, I didn’t know which was worse: being locked outside, scared that Joshua might get stabbed, or going in and finding out exactly what Gabrielle could—or couldn’t do.

Hearing my lukewarm response, Joshua grinned back at me.

“Come on Amelia Ashley,” he teased. “Where is your sense of adventure?”

(I’ve had more “adventures” in the last three days than I care to ever have again.)

That’s what I should have said out loud. Instead, I conceded.

“Okay, okay. Lead the way, Captain Adventure.”

Joshua laughed quietly and then opened the gates farther. After we both stepped through the opening, he bent down to pick up the chain. As he threaded it back through the bars, he explained, “This will keep anyone from getting suspicious that people are in here.”

I snorted softly. “Captain Adventure also happens to be the captain of covert operations?”

“Yup,” he whispered back. “I’m an expert in both fields.”

Make sure to add Arise to your Goodreads shelves.

And make sure to pre-order your copy!

Jaime's Review of For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

For Darkness Shows the Stars

Diana Peterfreund

Hardcover: 416 pages

Publish Date: June 12, 2012

Publisher: Balzer + Bray (Harper Collins)

ISBN:0062006142

Source: ARC from Publisher

Rating: Obsessed

From Goodreads. Generations ago, a genetic experiment gone wrong—the Reduction—decimated humanity, giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology. Eighteen-year-old Luddite Elliot North has always known her place in this caste system. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family’s estate over love. But now the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress and threatening Luddite control; Elliot’s estate is floundering; and she’s forced to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth—an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliott wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she abandoned him. But Elliot soon discovers her childhood friend carries a secret—-one that could change the society in which they live…or bring it to its knees. And again, she’s faced with a choice: cling to what she’s been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she’s ever loved, even if she has lost him forever. Inspired by Jane Austen’s PERSUASION, FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.

For Darkness Shows the Stars is one of those rare books that takes an old classic and makes it its own while keeping the beautiful story intact and adding a new modern twist to it. Many of you know I love Jane Austen’s books and that Persuasion is one of my favorites so when I read this synopsis I knew I had to read it. Diana wrote such a beautiful story that I found myself falling hard for a certain Captain Wentforth (Kai) even though I knew he would utterly break my heart. If you’ve read Persuasion or seen the movie you know how this story unfolds but Diana added a Dystopian/Sci-Fi aspect to the story that I adored!

Elliot was such a brave character and seeing her turn her true love away because of duty was heart-wrenching to watch. I know I wouldn’t be able to do it. Another thing I really liked was the letters between Elliot and Kai from when they were children we got to see their friendship grow into something more! The cast of characters in the book range from skeevy and horrid, to brilliant and caring, to dynamic and heroic they were perfect additions to the book. Oh and once more just because I loved Kai he was awful and hurtful but I knew all along his feelings so I could overlook them.

Instead of a passage I wanted to share a couple of the notes between Kai and Elliot because I thought they were awesome!

Dear Kai,

I can’t come to the barn tonight. Tatiana is becoming suspicious. Ever since she took over the household duties, she’s been acting like she can tell me what to do as well.

Yours,

Elliot

Dear Elliot,

Of course she does. She knows your mother isn’t here to protect you anymore. But you know what the solution is: stay out of her way.

Stay here.

Stay with me.

Yours,

Kai

Add For Darkness Shows the Stars to your Goodreads shelves.

Pre-Order it here!

Jaime's Review of The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

The Golden Lily

Richelle Mead

Hardcover: 418 pages

Release date: June 12, 2012

Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)

ISBN: 1595143181

Source: ARC received at the Romantic Times Book Convention.

Rating: Loved

From Goodreads.

From Goodreads. The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spinoff series Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students--children of the wealthy and powerful--carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought. Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead's breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.

I was so happy to see they had copies of this at RT! I didn’t myself get a copy but when I saw that one of my blogging buddies did I asked her if she would trade. I would have offered her my first born child for The Golden Lily! Thankfully she said yes (and all she wanted was a book lol) so the minute I got home I put off my other reading and dove in. Well without rambling or sounding incoherent nah not gonna work.  OMFG this book was sooooooo freaking unbelieveable, it was amazeballs, awesometastic, brilliant, wonderful, and marvelous!!!!! It was better than Bloodlines!

Ok so now trying to review without spoilers ummm I can’t, but what I will say is my love for Adrian grew exponentially and my admiration for Sydney grew as well. Never fear Dimka fans he’s still in it as well even though honestly I didn’t see the need (except to appease the Dimitri fans lol),  and there’s the same crew from Bloodlines as well as a few new additions one of those being a new boy whom I ended up kinda swooning over but he definitely didn’t take Adrian’s place in my heart. Oh and the story is so much better!  We get to meet new bad guys which was cool because after 7 books I was getting kind of sick of the strigoi. And there’s more magic use and not just the vampire kind!! Ok enough rambling I’ll share a quick passage with you now!

“Adrian?”

All reasonable thought vanished from my head. Adrian was lying on my car.

I ran over to Latte as fast as the dress would allow me. “What are you doing?” I demanded. “Get off of there!” I automatically checked for dents and scratches.

Adding insult to injury, Adrian was actually smoking as he lay on the hood and stared up at the sky. Clouds were moving in, but a half-moon could occasionally be seen. “Relax, Sage. I won’t leave a scratch. Really, this is surprisingly comfortable for a family car. I would’ve expected—“

He turned his head toward me and froze. I had never seen him so still—so quiet. His shock was so thorough and intense that he actually dropped his cigarette.

“Ahh,” I cried, springing forward, lest the burning cigarette damage the car. It landed harmlessly on the asphalt, and I quickly stamped it out. “For the last time, will you get off of there?”

Adrian slowly sat up, eyes wide. He slid off the hood and didn’t seem to leave any marks. 

Obviously, I’d have to check it later, “Sage,” he said “What are you wearing?”

I sighed and stared down at the dress. “I know. It’s red. Don’t start. I’m tired of hearing about it.”

“Funny,” he said. “I don’t think I could ever get tired of looking at it.”

Hope that was enough to get you by until June lol ;)

Add The Golden Lily to you Goodreads shelves.

Pre-order your copy today!!!!