Book Review: Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Hard Back: Demonglass
Author: Rachel Hawkins

Pages: 368
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH

Release Date: March 1, 2011
Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal Romance
Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch. 

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth. 

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers. 

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she? {Goodreads}

Oh Rachel Hawkins you sure know how to keep my heart racing. How could you just end this book in the manner that you did? You are starting down the path of another fave YA author of mine with your cliff hangers, ahem, Cassandra Clare. You are breaking my heart. Lol. Okay, let’s get to it.

FANCYTASTIC… Oh man. First off, one complaint. Not enough Archer. Other than that, no real complaints. We pick up in Demonglass with a nice little focus on the lovely and mysterious warlock, Cal. Yum. I really enjoy that Rachel just doesn’t hold back and you are thrown a few curve balls in the early chapters of the book.  We know that Sophie is determined to get over to London to go through the removal process, that should probably be capitalized. Oh well. Jenna is allowed to spend the summer with her, including … yep you guessed  correctly, the studly Cal is present on this trip as well. When the four arrive at their destination Sophie realizes there is some major shiz going down. She is introduced to two other demon children. My first instinct was Addams Family, Wednesday Addams more appropriately. To make matters worth, Archer is supposedly is being cited in London and did I mention we have one super charged love triangle. Is anyone else torn between Cal and Archer? I know I am. To sum up this book it was action packed and I just can’t get enough of Sophie’s sense of humor. Spell Bound is sure to be a HUGE success. I cannot wait to see where this story is going to go. Thank you Rachel for writing this one of a kind series.

♥♥♥♥♥

Review: Hex Hall By Rachel Hawkins

Paperback: Hex Hall (Book 1)

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Pages: 352

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH

Release Date: February 1, 2011

Genre Young Adult/ Paranormal Romance

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

      Hex Hall was nothing short of one fantastic summer read. From page one we witness Sophie’s unfortunate attempt to “fix” a fellow classmates dilemma by creating a super charged love spell on the hottest boy in school. Now don’t doubt Sophie’s ability here, the spell worked. It just worked a little too well. Let’s just say the unfortunate boy may have driven his vehicle into the schools gymnasium and may have punched a teacher in the face in his struggle to reach his one “true love.”  After said failed love spell attempt words like “witch” were cast out against Sophie and as punishment she is charged with attending the remainder of her high schools days at Hecate Hall. In short Hecate Hall or as the students say, Hex Hall is a boarding school for the delinquent witch, warlock, faire and shifter.

     Sophie’s first day at Hex Hall is somewhat comparable to Harry Potter’s first day attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Sophie like Harry has never really known any other magical person so she naturally is dazed and overwhelmed by other gifted students before she even gets past the front door. Sophie’s first run in with a shifter is Justin. He is not happy and when he catches Sophie looking over his way he snarls and transforms into a real fircken werewolf. Werewolf. Great. The only thing Sophie can think to do or say is, “bad dog”, as he comes leaping her way with pure fury. Cue, resident bad boy and warlock, Archer Cross.  In one swift moment, Archer has dealt with the “bad dog” and Sophie is reluctantly put off by his manner and attitude (even though the whole package is something to drool over) Mind you, Sophie hasn’t even made it through the front door and she is already set on going home. Sophie is roomed with Jenna. A young, wait for it…. Vampire. Yep. She is the only vampire student among Hecate Hall and a scholarship student at that. So you can only imagine how much the rest of the school detests her and she is considered inferior and a monster. I liked Jenna right away. Even though she has some personal demons to work on she is trying her best to be a good person, err, vampire? Jenna’s side of the room is decked out in electric raspberry pink… EVERYTING, from the bed spread to the streak in her hair. Even though Sophie likes her, the rest of the school thinks she is responsible for a student’s death and has shunned her.

     We learn that Sophie is a dark witch. Yea, I know, she was shocked too. And the only other dark witches happen to also be the queens of high school bitch-dom.  And they want Sophie for their coven. She politely declines after that use their powers to intimidate her. It’s just not her thing, she doesn’t want hurt people. So now she has pissed off these girls life at Hex Hall is going to be difficult. Weird things start to happen. Two girls are attacked and it looks like from a vampire and a strange ghost is following Sophie around and she has taken a special interest in Sophie.

      I really, really, enjoyed Hex Hall.   This book kind of had it all: magical powers, paranormal creatures, intrigue, deceit and plenty of plot twist. I liked it so much, the minute I finished it I ordered book two, Demonglass off Amazon.  Rachel Hawkins left off with a great line and I really cannot wait to see where the story goes in book two.

 ♥♥♥♥♥

Possible pairings:

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough and The Gemma Doyle Trilogy by Libba Bray

Review: Starcorssed by Josephine Angelini

Paperback: Starcrossed
Author: Josephine Angelini

Pages: 352
Publisher: HarperTeen  

Release Date: May 31st, 2011
Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal Romance
Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥

How do you defy destiny?
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.
As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart. {Goodreads}
Hands down this was my favorite read from this summer. I have been gushing all day to anybody who would listen to me about the beautiful writing and tragic love of Lucas and Helen. Sigh.  From page one I was hooked. Helen Hamilton is my kind of girl. She literally is the face that launched a 1000 ships but she has cramps anytime people pay the slightest attention to her. Poor girl. Her best friend Claire is full of spunk and is the most understating best friend Helen could ever ask for. Once the Delos family moves in and starts at her high school Helens feels major unease about them and the moment she lays eyes on the gorgeous drink of sexy water she launches a full on attack and literally attempts to choke out said hottie.
Helen along with the Delos kids and the majority of her high school realize that something is going on between Lucas and Helen even though they’ve never met up until Helens tries to strangle him. So, we have Helen who has now met people who are just like her, these three girls with bloody tears show up every time she is around the Delos family and her lust to kill Lucas is nearly unbearable. The dream/nightmare sequences are so beautifully told, and within these night time journeys, Helen and Lucas end up saving each other, but neither realizes this “dream” has actually happened. This is where things start to get interesting. 
I really loved everything about this story. The Delos family dynamic was awesome. It’s a little similar to the Cullen’s from Twilight, they disagree with their kind and have chosen to live a different lifestyle and they definitely have some cash. The mythology was beautifully retold, the action was intense and wild, and have I mentioned how hot Lucas is? Swoon. J
Overall, I love every word of this book. It has action, romance, suspense, intrigue,  and actually some really funny one liners.
I’m bummed that I’ve seen some 1 and 2 start ratings for the book. I’d give it more than 5 if I could. Can’t wait for book two, Dreamless.

♥♥♥♥♥

Review: Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren

Paperback: Cascade (River of Time Book 2)
Author: Lisa T Bergren

Pages: 416
Publisher: David C Cook  

Release Date: June 1st, 2011(reprint edition)
Genre: Young Adult/High Adventure/Fantasy
Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥

Mom touched my underdress—a gown made six hundred years before—and her eyes widened as she rubbed the raw silk between thumb and forefinger. She turned and touched Lia’s gown. “Where did you get these clothes?”

Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.

But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever. {Goodreads.com}

If Waterfall was a battle then Cascade is definitely a war! We pick up right where we left off in Waterfall and the action and suspense doesn’t disappoint. After very little persuasion, the She-Wolves return with their mother in tow. A few weeks have passed but the bond between Marcello (swoon) and Gabi is just as strong. Coming back the sisters realize they and Castle Forelli are the brink of war with Firenze and they are nearing the beginning of  The Black Plague. This threat is real to everyone even our sister duo.

I love how strong Gabi and Lia are, and Ms. Bergren continues to test them throughout the story. They are proud to represent what they see as their home and protect the people within its wall. We see more of the handsome cousin duo, Marcello and Luca who will bewitch more readers in this sequel. We especially witness the love between a certain cousin and sister. (no spoilers) The introduction of Gabi and Lia’s mother was seamless and she fit right into 14^th century Italy. Waterfall was a good book but Cascade has taken it to the next level. Be prepared for adrenaline-pumping-action scenes, courageous escapes, incredible plot twist, political complication and the peril of a long time forgotten. This is a fantastic time travel story and I know Torrent  is going to be awesome. 

♥♥♥♥♥

Review: Divergent, Veronica Roth

Book: Divergent (Divergent Trilogy)
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Adventure

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

I don’t think I have any complaints about this book, except, that I have to wait until sometime next year for the second book in this epic trilogy to be released, Insurgent, hurry up already. Veronica Roth created and most engaging and terrifying dystopian world where people are now broken up into five different factions: Abnegation who put others before their own needs and where Beatrice is from, the Dauntless who are extremely brave, and fearless, Erudite who are studious, the Amity who are peaceful, and last but certainly not least are Candor who are honest.

At the age bright young age of 16 each child has the opportunity to choose their forever faction. You can either stay where you were raised with your family or you can choose to attempt and assimilate into another one of the four factions. To help prepare you for this very important decision, each person is administered a test of sorts to see where you most likely fit in. Cue book where things get interesting. Beatrice doesn’t test into one of the five factions, oh no, she shows that she has three of these traits. She attempts to get answers as to why this is bad but she isn’t given really any information except don’t tell anyone.

From here on out Beatrice or really, Tris, shows nothing but her determination to make a mark on the world. She makes the one decision that will turn her world upside down.  

***Spoilers***

Once Beaetrice decides to choose Dauntless she ditches her name for Tris. Here she will no longer be the meek silent girl with no voice. She raises up to the challenges that are laid out before her. Divergent, was nothing short of brilliant. I was literally on the edge of my seat with anticipation of the next insane thing our girl was going to go up against. All I am going to say, butter knife in the eye. Damn. I recommend this book to any one into major action, adventure, romance and kick ass heroines.

I think this is one of the best books I've read thus far in 2011!

♥♥♥♥♥

Review: Heartless, by Gail Carriger

Book: Heartless
Author: Gail Carriger
Publisher: Orbit
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥




“A novel of vampires, werewolves and teapots” 

In Ms. Carriger’s fourth installment of her thunderously-witty and original series, The Parasol Protectorate, Heartless; was by far my favorite book since Soulless. I tend to get nervous when authors break out of the trilogy length and try for a saga series. There have been countless series that after book three or four start to lose focus, they become increasing repetitive and you start to wonder why you are reading the book. But, thankfully, our dear author is above those rookie mistakes. Heartless, was nothing short of engaging, laugh-out-loud funny, and Lord Akeldama and his polished dandy’s are ever present.

Lady Alexia Maccon, soulless, is at it again; only this time the trouble is not her fault. When a mad ghost threatens the queen, Alexia is on the case, following a trail that leads her deep into her husband's past. Top that off with a sister who has joined the suffragette movement (shocking!), Madame Lefoux's latest mechanical invention, and a plague of zombie porcupines and Alexia barely has time to remember she happens to be eight months pregnant.

Will Alexia manage to determine who is trying to kill Queen Victoria before it is too late? Is it the vampires again or is there a traitor lurking about in wolf's clothing? And what, exactly, has taken up residence in Lord Akeldama's second best closet?

From page one the reader is swept up into the shenanigans that only Carriger could deliver so effortlessly. . .

Alexia Maacon is eight months pregnant, but never fear, with her “infant-inconvenience”, she is still the target of attack, cue deadly porcupine assailants. What a fetching idea, vampire porcupines? Only Gail Carriger.  To settle the unrest in the vampire community, Alexia and her wolfish husband, Lord Maacon has agreed to give the unborn child up for adoption. And can you guess who the fashionable and charming adoptive-dad to be is?

Now that we have this issue cleared up, a very confused ghost appears and declares there is a plot to murder Queen Victoria. This news sends Alexia into her father and own husbands past, and we all know that digging around in the closest can be a dangerous endeavor. Be prepared for a worthy adventure filled with code names, Puff Bonnet (Ivy, but of course), dangerous octomaton, dandy’s flying a dirigible, deadly teapots, treacle tart and so much more.

This book was nothing short of a sweet and lovely treat. I couldn’t get over Gail’s descriptions of Alexia’s very pregnant state. She waddles and needs the assistance of her husband to help remove her from most furniture. Due to her “infant-inconvenience”, Alexia tends to be hungry, “Months of training had seen the entire werewolf household running attendance on increasingly grumpy Alexia and learning, to a man, that food was not provided promptly, fur might fly, or worse, Lady Maccon would start to weep. As a result several of the pack now crinkled as they moved, having desperately stashed snacks all about their personage” (12).

I am now eagerly awaiting the release of the final book in the Parasol Protectorate, Timeless due to release in March on 2012.

♥♥♥♥♥