Fate - Review

Fate (My Blood Approves, # 2)

By: Amanda Hocking

Self-published April 25th 2010

334 pages

Source: Borrowed from friend Paula, kindle version

( Goodreads | Amazon )

Goodreads description--Fate - the second installment in the My Blood Approves series...

Alice Bonham thinks she's finally found a balance in her life between the supernatural and real life with her brother Milo. Jack - her sorta vampire boyfriend - keeps her at arm's length to keep her safe. As for his brother Peter... she's not sure where he's at, or what he wants with her. Worse still, she's not even sure what she wants with Peter.

When tragedy happens, Alice finds herself struggling with a terrible choice. Her decision has consequences that reach farther than she'd ever imagined...

Spoiler alert for My Blood Approves...

If you read my review of My Blood Approves, then you’ll know that I was excited about the slow build up in emotions between Alice and Jack. And while I did like it in My Blood Approves, it was starting to grate on me in Fate. Alice and Jack both have this understanding that they care very much for each other, but they refuse to act on it. There are extenuating circumstances what with Alice being blood-boned to Jack’s bother, Peter, but COME ON! Peter left at the end of My Blood Approves. So….yeah….get your hook-up on people! But because they didn’t really do that so much, I started to feel like it was inevitable that the blood-bond between Alice and Peter wins out in the end. Obviously, Peter has to come back before the end of the book. That’s not even really a question.

That being said, this is one of the rare books/series where my hopes for who the character ends up with out of this crazy triangle that is actually a square when you throw in Alice’s gay brother, Milo—um….I cannot begin to tell you the level of annoyingness that this character was for me. He was annoying in book 1, and he was even more annoying in book 2—has changed multiple times. On the one hand, I want Alice to end up with Jack because they’ve had this emotional connection from the beginning when Peter did nothing but push Alice away. However, when I look at the reasons why Peter pushed Alice away, coupled with the feeling the blood-bond brings on for her (how she feels that she was made to be with him), on top of the fact that she and Jack refuse to act on their feelings for one another, I began to sway back into the direction of Peter. (I’m telling you, this does not typically happen to me.)

In the beginning of Fate, we have a situation come up that allows Alice’s brother, Milo, in on the vampire secret. With his knowledge, Jack, Ezra, and Mae have to spend a lot of time with Milo and Alice really has to take a backseat role. Because of that, a large portion of the book has Alice left alone. She rebels slightly by hanging out with Jane and going to a couple of parties. In an attempt to alleviate some of her bored, Jack takes Alice and Milo to a vampire bar/club….um can anyone smell disaster? DUH!!!!!! I’d like to hit him up-side the head with a 2X4 for that dumb decision. Anyone could tell that wouldn’t end well. This creates a situation where Peter gets to be the hero when he returns. (YAY Peter!)

But with Peter back, matters are more complicated than ever. Peter’s had time to think about the bond with Alice and decide where he stands. But is it too late? Or is it going to let Jack and Alice off the hook to finally be together?

I’ve already begun reading book 3, Flutter, and I have to say that while I really liked Fate overall and I’m giving it 4 Stars, what’s happened between the end of Fate and the beginning of Flutter has me slightly frustrated. Paula tells me to keep pressing on, and I wouldn’t dream of putting it down just yet, but argh! Just argh!

Have you read Fate (My Blood Approves, # 2) by Amanda Hocking? If so, what did you think? Let me know!

In My Mailbox - 20 & Sunday Post - 11

In My Mailbox is a weekly post hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren where bloggers can discuss the books we got in the mail this week.

These first two are from my friend, Paula. She's still letting me borrow her kindle. I only have these two and maybe one more that I'll read before giving it back to her.

Torn (Trylle Triology, # 2)

By: Amanda Hocking

Published: February 28th 2012 by St. Martin's Griffin (first published January 1st 2011)

324 pages

Source: Borrowed from my friend, Paula's Kindle (THANKS PB!!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

Goodreads description--Amanda Hocking is an indie publishing sensation whose self-published novels have sold millions of copies all over the world. Step into the world of the Trylle, and prepare to be enchanted….

When Wendy Everly first discovers the truth about herself—that she’s a changeling switched at birth—she knows her life will never be the same. Now she’s about to learn that there’s more to the story…

She shares a closer connection to her Vittra rivals than she ever imagined—and they’ll stop at nothing to lure her to their side. With the threat of war looming, her only hope of saving the Trylle is to master her magical powers—and marry an equally powerful royal. But that means walking away from Finn, her handsome bodyguard who’s strictly off limits…and Loki, a Vittra prince with whom she shares a growing attraction.

Torn between her heart and her people, between love and duty, Wendy must decide her fate. If she makes the wrong choice, she could lose everything, and everybody, she’s ever wanted…in both worlds.

Ascend (Trylle Triology, # 3)

By: Amanda Hocking

Published: April 24th 2012 by St. Martin's Griffin (first published January 1st 2011)

326 pages

Source: Borrowed from my friend, Paula's Kindle

( Goodreads | Amazon )

Goodreads description--Wendy Everly is facing an impossible choice. The only way to save the Trylle from their deadliest enemy is by sacrificing herself. If she doesn’t surrender to the Vittra, her people will be thrust into a brutal war against an unbeatable foe. But how can Wendy leave all her friends behind…even if it’s the only way to save them?

The stakes have never been higher, because her kingdom isn’t the only thing she stands to lose. After falling for both Finn and Loki, she’s about to make the ultimate choice…who to love forever. One guy has finally proven to be the love of her life—and now all their lives might be coming to an end.

Everything has been leading to this moment. The future of her entire world rests in her hands—if she’s ready to fight for it.

This next book is from an author I read as a teen. I'm not sure whether as an adult I'll be as blown away or not, but since I loved her books as teen, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to request this from NetGalley.

Twisted Window

By: Lois Duncan

Published: August 28th 2012 by Open Road Young Readers (first published May 1st 1987)

184 pages

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

Goodreads description--The new guy at Tracy’s school is handsome, intense, and desperately needs her help—but there’s something about him that isn’t quite right...

High school junior Tracy Lloyd is unsure about the new guy in school. Brad Johnson is attractive, smart, and polite, but Tracy can’t help but feel he watches her too closely. Then one day Brad confides in Tracy a horrible secret: His little sister Mindy has been kidnapped by his stepfather, and he needs Tracy’s help to get her back. But even as Tracy commits to a plan to help her vulnerable new friend, details emerge that suggest nothing is what it seems.

The Twisted Window is a zigzagging thriller that keeps readers guessing up until the final page. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Lois Duncan including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author’s personal collection.

Slammed (Slammed, # 1)

By: Colleen Hoover

Published: January 5th 2012 by Colleen Hoover

314 pages

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

Goodreads description--Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope. Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.

Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the secret that keeps them apart.

Point of Retreat (Slammed, # 2)

By: Colleen Hoover

Expected Publication: September 18, 2012 by Simon & Schuster

300 pages

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

Goodreads description--Hardships and heartache brought them together…now it will tear them apart.

Layken and Will have proved their love can get them through anything; until someone from Will’s past re-emerges, leaving Layken questioning the very foundation on which their relationship was built. Will is forced to face the ultimate challenge…how to prove his love for a girl who refuses to stop ‘carving pumpkins.’

Crimson Midnight (Crimson Series, # 1)

By: Amos Cassidy

Published: March 15th 2012 by Kindle Direct Publishing

374 pages

Source: Own/Personal Library (I got this as a kindle freebie.)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

Goodreads description--Rose wants excitement, bright lights and late nights, but she gets more than she bargained for when she swaps her wholesome country life for the hustle and bustle of London.

The city night is home to hungry shadows, eager to consume her. Rose discovers there is more to this world than what the mundane eye sees, and that she herself is a part of it. Unexpected friendships are forged and unwanted, sometimes dangerous, attractions flare.

London becomes a playground for magic, danger and supernatural threat. While her life, and those of who she loves, hangs in the balance, she must endeavour to embrace her new nature and assist in identifying the hidden threat before it succeeds in its dark purpose.

An Urban Fantasy filled with moon-praising, flat-dwelling vampires, chic corporate werewolves, bar-tending warlocks, ravenous demons and much, much more.

Step inside…

Untraceable (The Nature of Grace, # 1)

By: S. R. Johannes

Published: November 29th 2011 by Coleman & Stott (first published November 15th 2011)

315 pages

Source: Own/Personal Library (I got this as a kindle freebie.)

( Gooreads | Amazon )

Goodreads description--16-year-old Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival.

When her dad goes missing on a routine patrol, Grace refuses to believe he’s dead and fights the town authorities, tribal officials, and nature to find him.

One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from danger by Mo, a hot guy with an intoxicating accent and a secret. As her feelings between him and her ex-boyfriend get muddled, Grace travels deep into the wilderness to escape and find her father.

Along the way, Grace learns terrible secrets that sever relationships and lives. Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to save everything she loves.

That's it for my mailbox. Big haul this week!

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~this meme was inspired in part by ~ In My Mailbox~ It's a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Because I already participate in the In My Mailbox meme (above), I'm just going to use this one as way to recap my week.

THIS PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review My Blood Approves by Amanda Hocking (4 Stars)

Tuesday: Top 10 Books That Make You Think

Wednesday: Waiting on Days of Blood and Starlight

Thursday: Review of Dante's Girl by Courtney Cole (3 Stars)

*Side note: I started a Chronological Bible Reading Plan in October of 2011, and even though it wasn't a New Year's resolution, it was a goal of mine this year to finish that plan and finish reading the Bible by October. I completed this goal and a month early. I'm pretty stoked because this is my first time to read it front to back (so to speak).

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Fate (My Blood Approves, # 2) by Amanda Hocking

Tuesday: I will participate in Top 10 Tuesday. This week's topic is: Top Ten Bookish People You Want To Meet (Authors, Bloggers, etc.), but I may or may not be planning to cheat on this one.

Wednesday: I will participate in Waiting on Wednesday. But you'll have to come back to see which book I'm anxiously awaiting!

Thursday: Review of Forgotten God by Francis Chan

That's it for my mailbox and recaps of my past and upcoming week. What did you get in your mailbox this week? Any bookish news you want to talk about? Let me know!

Dante's Girl - Review

Dante's Girl

By: Courtney Cole

Published: June 24th 2012 by Lakehouse Press

356 pages

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank You!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

Goodreads description--I have spent every summer since I was ten years old with my father in London. Every summer, since I was ten years old, has been uneventful and boring.

Until this year.

And this year, after a freak volcanic eruption strands me far from home, I have learned these things:

1. I can make do with one outfit for three days before I buy new clothes.

2. If I hear the phrase, “You’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto,” even one more time, I might become a homicidal maniac.

3. I am horribly and embarrassingly allergic to jellyfish.

4. I am in love with Dante Giliberti, who just happens to be the beautiful, sophisticated son of the Prime Minister of a Mediterranean paradise.

5. See number four above. Because it brings with it a whole slew of problems and I’ve learned something from every one of them.

Let’s start with the fact that Dante’s world is five light-years away from mine. He goes to black-tie functions and knows the Prime Minister of England on a first name basis. I was born and raised on a farm in Kansas and wear cut-off jeans paired with cowboy boots. See the difference?

But hearts don’t care about differences. Hearts want what they want. And mine just wants to be Dante’s girl.

My heart just might be crazy.

I’m struggling to find much to say about this one. Dante’s Girl was a good, fast, fun read. There’s not much for me to complain about. It wasn’t a new concept and it was completely predictable, but it wasn’t bad by any means.

I did find that the simple interactions between Dante and Reece didn’t really fit into what I believe are the proper roles for male and female in that typically men don’t enjoy females fussing over them after an accident in any way that makes them come off as weak. And they enjoy it even less when you indicate that they are weak. And then Dante was completely aware of all of the potential things Reece might have been feeling “the day after” and I don’t find that to be typical of a guy. I mean, sure he might be worried about whether you regret the decision or not, but I don’t think he’s going to be all attuned to the multiple reasons why you might regret that decision. They just don’t think that way.

Other than that, there’s not much to say. 3 Stars. Check it out. Have you read Dante’s Girl? What did you think about it? Let me know!

Waiting on Days of Blood & Starlight

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Days of Blood and Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, # 2)

By: Laini Taylor

Expected Publication: November 6th 2012 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

528 pages

( Goodreads | Amazon )

Goodreads description--In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed "Daughter of Smoke and Bone," Karou must come to terms with who and what she is, and how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, mysteries and secrets, new characters and old favorites, Days of Blood and Starlight brings the richness, color and intensity of the first book to a brand new canvas.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone was declared a "must read" by Entertainment Weekly, was named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon.com, and The New York Times called it "a breath-catching romantic fantasy."

What books are you waiting on?

Top 10 Books that Make You Think

Top 10 Tuesday is a post hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and this week's topic is Top Ten Books that Make You Think (About Life, People, the World, etc).

1 – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson– Because it reminds me that there are really some screwed up people out there.

2 – Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes– Because we’ve all been touched by someone we know that has cancer, and though I’m not yet a mother, this woman’s story of deciding who to leave her daughter with after she’s gone breaks my heart.

3 – Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend– Because it changed the way I see interactions with other people.

4 – Crazy Love by Francis Chan– Because what inspires deep thinking like pondering how much the Creator God loves me.

5 – 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher– Because our actions matter. Because even though not everyone is a doctor, it should be the oath of all to do no harm. Yet I was also extremely frustrated with Hannah because she had people reaching out to her, but she’d already made her choice. And because those left behind have to find a way to heal.

6 – Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire– Because it makes me think about unhealthy relationships. When is enough enough? When is it better to cut ties and move on?

7 – The Shack by William Paul Young– Because it asks the question “why do bad things, horrible things, happen to innocent people?” And “if God can let these things happen, is He truly a good God?”

8 – A Song of Fire & Ice by George R R Martin– Because even though I love the time period of castles, knights, kings, and queens, balls, and feasts, this book reminds me that there’s no way I’d trade anything to live my life during that period. And because no character is truly all good or all evil in this series, it makes me thinks about people and behavior and motivations.

9 – Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers– Because this book is a retelling of the story of Hosea and shows the beauty of forgiveness, repeated forgiveness.

10 – Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer– Confession, I’ve only seen the movie, but since it’s based off a book….this one deals with the question of whether the journey of life and adventure is worth it if you’re alone.