Double Feature Review, Part Two: The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

Little Blue Envelope #2

First in series: 13 Little Blue Envelopes

304 Pages 

Published: April, 2011 by HarperTeen

Source: Purchased Kindle Edition

Find the book: goodreads | amazon | barnes & noble

Find the author: website | blog | twitter

Synopsis contain spoilers if you have not read Book #1 in the Little Blue Envelope series. 

You have been warned.

Ginny Blackstone thought that the biggest adventure of her life was behind her. She spent last summer traveling around Europe, following the tasks her aunt Peg laid out in a series of letters before she died. When someone stole Ginny's backpack—and the last little blue envelope inside—she resigned herself to never knowing how it was supposed to end. Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he's found her bag. Finally, Ginny can finish what she started. But instead of ending her journey, the last letter starts a new adventure—one filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Ginny finds she must hold on to her wits . . . and her heart. This time, there are no instructions.

This book was different from the first in that you don't really get the charm of Europe, but then again that's not what this book focuses on. Ginny gets into interesting situations in this book that were sometimes funny and at times sad. The last little blue envelope is by far my favorite of the 13. Aunt Peg really knew Ginny and fate just made the letters so fitting and suitable to what was happening in the first book and this last letter was no exception. Due to a certain new character we only get a portion of the letter at a time. Again though they are fitting and I loved embarking on a new adventure with Ginny and her old friend(s).

Speaking of this new character, I warmed up to him pretty quickly considering I hated him in the beginning. I have to say no other character has made that kind of turn-around so quickly since Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series. It was just pity at first but his personality and actions were not so horrible as I would have thought. Another character though did the exact opposite, I ended up disliking him in the end. This character would be none other than Keith. I know I know, he was cool in the first book but in this one he annoyed me and at times I just wanted him to go away.

Overall though it was an entertaining read and I saw it as a coming of age story too. Ginny is at a critical time in her life (high school senior!) and has a lot to think about in terms of what college to attend and what is this last adventure her "Runaway Aunt" has in store for her. I liked that this book also delved more into the actual death and last few years of Aunt Peg's life. I would've loved to have met her, and I don't say that about a whole lot of fictional characters.

I give this book 5 Stars!

Double Feature Review, Part One: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Little Blue Envelope #1
Next in series: The Last Little Blue Envelope
336 Pages (paperback edition)
Published: October, 2006 by HarperTeen
Source: Free ebook
Find the book: goodreads | amazon | barnes & noble
Find the author: website | blog | twitter

Inside little blue envelope 1 are $1,000 and instructions to buy a plane ticket.
In envelope 2 are directions to a specific London flat.

The note in envelope 3 tells Ginny: Find a starving artist.

Because of envelope 4, Ginny and a playwright/thief/ bloke–about–town called Keith go to Scotland together, with somewhat disastrous–though utterly romantic–results. But will she ever see him again?

Everything about Ginny will change this summer, and it's all because of the 13 little blue envelopes.

This book was such a great read! You know how you feel like you are 'somewhere else' when you read a book? Well imagine traveling all over Europe with little blue envelopes as your tour guide. And when the letters are written by an artist aunt you're in for a good time. Ginny was a heroine I actually liked, she knew what she was doing was wacky but she still did it and didn't back down from tasks she normally wouldn't do (like ask a guy out for cake). The real star of this book was, in my opinion, Aunt Peg. She seemed like the type of person you would want to hang out with, that person who is full of life and unpredictable. The type of person who makes you feel more alive just by being around them. That is what Aunt Peg was like.

Aunt Peg signed her letters as "Your Runaway Aunt" for good reason. She was always on the move, restless and not wanting to get comfortable anywhere. I can relate to that. I can actually relate to a lot about Aunt Peg, I have never before connected with a supporting character until I read this book. The letters help Ginny break out of her shell and experience things she wouldn't have otherwise and it was fun to join her on her journey. The character development in this novel was believable and spot on. Ginny's adventures really were life-changing and she meets a host of interesting characters.

Richard was one of these new interesting people Ginny meets and I loved him. He seemed so sincere and trustworthy, I just wanted to give him a hug at the end of the book. Not all characters were like him though, there were some other shadier creatures lurking about the European streets and there were times where I was very nervous for Ginny. She was a smart gal though so she didn't get into too much trouble. So what do you say, will you accept the 13 Little Blue Envelopes challenge with Ginny? The streets (and oceans, and trains, and planes) of Europe await!

I give this book 5 Stars!

*Stay tuned for Part Two of the Double Feature Review tomorrow where I review the new sequel, The Last Little Blue Envelope!*

Review: Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky

Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky
320 Pages (Hardcover Ed.)
Published: May, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin
Received ebook from Net Galley
goodreads, amazon, author's website

     Maddie lives in a world where everything is done on the computer. Whether it’s to go to school or on a date, people don’t venture out of their home. There’s really no need. For the most part, Maddie’s okay with the solitary, digital life—until she meets Justin. Justin likes being with people. He enjoys the physical closeness of face-to-face interactions. People aren’t meant to be alone, he tells her. 
     Suddenly, Maddie feels something awakening inside her—a feeling that maybe there is a different, better way to live. But with society and her parents telling her otherwise, Maddie is going to have to learn to stand up for herself if she wants to change the path her life is taking. 
     In this not-so-brave new world, two young people struggle to carve out their own space.


This is one of those books that make you really look at your own life and how you live it. I know we all have seen those people who walk down the street completely immersed in their phone not paying attention to their surroundings or the friends they're walking with. Maddie lives in a world where the trees in her neighborhood are plastic, meeting with people at a coffee shop is uncommon, and almost everything can, and is, done online. I've read (and greatly enjoyed) stories about governments that control lives and where technology has gotten out of control, but this book was different. It was told from a new perspective, a view from the top.

Maddie isn't your average heroine, she comes from a very powerful background that has allowed her to rebel in the past without any real serious consequences. She actually rebelled against the very idea her own father stands for, causing a major dilemma for her family. Since then she has sworn off doing anything again to harm her family, but she is recruited once again to help bring about change in society. Justin opens her eyes to what life should really be like, what she wants her life to be. She doesn't want to cause problems for her family, but once she's been awakened there is no going back to a life that now feels stifled and fake. She now has real friends and she is willing to do anything to help them out, especially Justin. I felt that there was more to her parents, and I hope we get to see more of them, especially her father. It just seemed like he had good reasons to do what he did and he still cares about Maddie no matter what he says or does.

The writing in this novel was beautiful, you really get a sense of what Maddie is going through. As a blogger I spend a lot of time on the computer and yeah my phone is a lot of fun too. This book reminded me though that face to face communication is important, that things always move slowly so that before you know it you've become uncomfortable without a screen to separate you from someone, and when you do meet up with someone there are awkward moments. I know because it happened to me, imagine when this happens to an entire society? I liked that the book still had a strong sense of hope, life wasn't always this way and school became digitalized when Maddie was Kindergarten so it wasn't too long ago. I cannot wait to see where Ms. Kacvinsky goes with the story in Book 2. 

I give this book 4.5 Stars!

Review: Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender
Series: Bad Girls Don't Die #1
346 Pages
Published: April, 2009 by Hyperion
Purchased Copy
goodreads, amazon, author's website

Alexis thought she led a typically dysfunctional high school existence: dysfunctional like her parents' marriage; her doll-crazy thirteen-year-old sister, Kasey; and even her own anti-social, anti-cheerleader attitude. When a family fight results in some tearful sisterly bonding, Alexis realizes that her life is creeping from dysfunctional to dangerous. Kasey is acting stranger than ever: her blue eyes go green; she uses odd, old-fashioned language; and she even loses track of chunks of time, claiming to know nothing about her weird behavior. Their old house is changing, too. Doors open and close by themselves, water boils on the unlit stove, and an unplugged air conditioner turns the house cold enough for the girls to see their breath.  Alexis wants to believe it's all in her head, until these seemingly harmless occurrences become life-threatening--to her, to her family, and to her budding relationship with the student council vice president. Alexis knows she's the only person who can stop Kasey; but what if that green-eyed girl isn't even Kasey anymore?

Can you say creepy cover? Since I am a spook-freak, I of course was drawn to it. Add into the mix a creepy doll and I was sold! Alexis was an interesting character to read, she has: pink (pink!) hair, no real friends, a darkroom in her house, and opinions that she is willing to share with everyone... sometimes in the form of bumper stickers on your SUV (without your permission). She was also very courageous, I can't imagine dealing with a possibly possessed sister who does everything but turn her head all the way around (you know what I'm talking about!).  I wish I would've read this book this past Halloween or at least on a dark stormy night. I'm not saying this book wasn't scary because there were definitely some spooky things in it, but it sure would've added to the mood.

As mentioned above, Alexis has no real friends just this Goth girl who she doesn't like and can't seem to shake off. I like that Alexis was authentic, she isn't trying to be "different" and actually thinks the Goths are phony. She does her own thing regardless of what others think or say. Her parents were pretty much absent through out the book, a workaholic mom and a dad who likes to get away from it all. I felt bad for her, she really doesn't have anyone she can share her problems with (and that's before the whole doll thing with her sister). About that doll, we don't see as much as I would've liked. There is a slight romance aspect to the story, but it's on the back burner almost the entire novel. I would've liked to see more of him and I felt that his story was kind of just put out there, like wham! I guess they connected pretty fast even though she made him work for it.

There is a sequel to this book coming out later this month, I felt that this book could've been a stand alone unless the next book reveals something about this one. The ending wrapped up quickly with a cute (ok, it was semi-cheesy I admit) epilogue. I recommend this for when you're in the mood for something scary and funny. Don't expect to be scared out of your wits though, it's not quite there. Notice how I didn't talk about the main plot much? That's because it was the best part and I will not ruin it by discussing it, even just a bit :)

I give this book 3 Stars!

Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

If I Stay by Gayle Forman
If I Stay #1
259 Pages
First Published: January, 2009
goodreads, amazon, author's website

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

When I first read the synopsis I thought it was short and didn't offer much information, but I read the book anyway because I had heard good things about it. I'm so glad I did! This is one of those books that readers are better off not knowing the plot, the synopsis tells you all you need to know before you read it. Mia and her family are in a car accident and the next thing she knows she is standing near the crash site watching everything that happens afterwards. 

And what happens afterwards is very vivid and emotional. Ms. Forman does a fantastic job of capturing the mood and feelings of Mia's family and friends as they deal with the tragedy. Along with tears though I found myself laughing at times when Mia has flashbacks to her life before the accident. I am a music junky and I absolutely LOVE when stories include music and this book shows all the different ways music impacts people's lives whether it's a way of life for them, it's a passion, it's healing, or it unites people. This book shows it all. It's through Mia's flashbacks that we learn more about her and her family and I felt like I knew them at the end of the book. 

This was a quick read at less than 300 pages and it was a page turner. There was never a dull moment or skimming with this one. I'm sure some readers will have more of a connection with this book than I did, especially if they have been in the same position as Mia's family. The emotion level at times is high and I took a break afterwards to spend time with my own family. This book does a great job at dealing with the topics of death and grieving. I highly recommend this read to everyone.

I give this book 4.5 Stars!

Review: The Demon Kiss by Lacey Weatherford

The Demon Kiss by Lacey Weatherford
Of Witches and Warlocks #2
Ebook provided by author for review
Goodreads, Smashwords, Website

Can someone else's past come back to bite you?
After being drained of nearly all the blood in her body, novice witch, Portia Mullins, wakes up to find that her warlock boyfriend, Vance Mangum, has fled in search of his demon father. Determined to keep him from facing the evil alone Portia follows after him, unknowingly setting herself on the path of a new adventure that will take her, Vance, and their coven over international borders, into a foreign place where they will discover that the black magic which awaits them is far worse than they ever imagined. Portia finds herself tangled up in a web of lies and deceit in another's quest for demonic power in the excitingly romantic second paranormal novel in the Of Witches and Warlocks Series, The Demon Kiss.


This book takes place soon after the end of Book One. Portia, along with her friend Shelly and her boyfriend Brad embark on a journey to track down Vance who has gone off alone to hunt down his evil father Damien. What I like about Lacey Weatherford's books is that she doesn't keep you waiting for the "good stuff". I wasn't looking forward to reading about Portia suffering because Vance isn't near or worse I was afraid of reading about a really long journey to find him. Fortunately I didn't have to read about either. The story moved at a good pace with something always happening or being planned. There was a lot of planning actually, it was exciting. Lots of spy-stuff. *cues James Bond intro music*


Vance is still awesome even though he sometimes has red demon eyes. If you haven't read the first book just pretend you didn't just read that previous line. The romance is still sweet between the two albeit with a little more intensity and some complications (bloodlust anyone?). There were several times where I felt that certain characters' lines didn't quite fit with their persona (or the way I imagined them) I just can't believe positive enthusiasm when the characters are in danger or on a serious trip. There were a tad too many exclamation points from Vance and Portia's Dad in particular. The writing in general was a bit stiff at times, but the storytelling was wonderful and once again I must say I like the way the book gets to the point. The ending was short but it had action and a hint as to the next book... I enjoy long drawn out scenes with multiple battles and the like but there are times where I just want to read a story and be quick with it. This series in general (so far) is great for those who like straight to the point storytelling. 

I give this book 3 stars!

Review: The Advice Girl by L.A. Shaw

The Advice Girl by L.A. Shaw
Dalara #1
Published March, 2011
Ebook received from Author for Review
Goodreads, Amazon, Author's Blog

Kira and Sophia have been best friends since they were five years old. They share an apartment together, and tell each other everything. Everyone loves Sophia, and she is often called the advice girl by people who know her. Kira believes she knows her friend better than anyone. But in a mysterious accident, Sophia loses her life. Kira is mourning the devastating loss when she finds a note addressed to her from beyond the grave. Kira realizes she doesn't know her friend as well as she thought, as she starts to uncover the truth. She falls into a deep depression, confused and lost, until a visit from a strange man puts her in the middle of a war between two secret societies. Kira soon understands that she is in danger, and doesn't know who to trust. She has to fight for her own life now.

This book was a very quick read, almost like a short story/novel hybrid. I felt that some parts of the book lacked depth and didn't go into a whole lot of detail. It didn't really bug me though, the writing was wonderful and the story moved along. When Kira is mourning Sophia's death I could totally relate, I felt her sorrow and her sense of being disconnected from the rest of the world. The two were very close and had been friends since well almost forever so it was a huge blow for her. The two secret societies were interesting, I hope we get to learn more about them in the next book. The leader of VS (Vindicated Saints aka the evil of the two secret societies) Markus freaked me out so of course I want to learn more about him. Leave it to me to be interested in the villain. Can't help it!

I'm not one to give much away or post a lot of spoilers, but I will say that the book takes an interesting turn and I was glad for it. I really was. There is also some romance in The Advice Girl and it was sweet to read. I sense a surge of popularity in British accents for the male lead and I say bring it! I myself am a sucker for cute accents. That is all I'll say about the plot (sorry it's not much) but I wouldn't ruin the read for any of you! Now I'll talk about the ending. My mouth was hanging open for part of it, I couldn't believe Ms. Shaw would really do that to the characters and the readers! I was somewhat shocked. I like being surprised by books, for that I applaud the author. I am looking forward to reading the sequel, Invoked, so I can see what happens after The Advice Girl's ending (it was somewhat of a cliffhanger). 

I give this book 3.5 Stars!

Review: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
Published in 2008
345 Pages
Goodreads, Amazon, Author's Website

Frankie Landau-Banks at age 14: 

Debate Club.Her father’s “bunny rabbit.” 

A mildly geeky girl attending a highly competitive boarding school. 

Frankie Landau-Banks at age 15: 

A knockout figure. 

A sharp tongue. 

A chip on her shoulder. 

And a gorgeous new senior boyfriend: the supremely goofy, word-obsessed Matthew Livingston. 

Frankie Laundau-Banks. 

No longer the kind of girl to take “no” for an answer. Especially when “no” means she’s excluded from her boyfriend’s all-male secret society. Not when her ex boyfriend shows up in the strangest of places. Not when she knows she’s smarter than any of them. When she knows Matthew’s lying to her. And when there are so many, many pranks to be done. 

Frankie Landau-Banks, at age 16: 

Possibly a criminal mastermind. 

This is the story of how she got that way

This book was seriously entertaining! Frankie is underestimated, she is part of the Debate Club and is intelligent but she doesn't break rules or do anything out of the ordinary. She had frizzy hair and was awkwardly skinny. Over the summer however nature gives her a makeover. She begins sophomore year by attracting the attention of Matthew, most popular most gorgeous guy on campus who is also a senior. He and his friends claim to have never seen her before even though she has sat with them the year prior when her sister Zada was a senior and Frankie was a freshman. 

I don't want to go into too much detail with the plot because I really think you should read it for yourself. Frankie does indeed show everyone what she is capable of, but once she does, is she satisfied with the outcome? I think most girls will relate to Frankie's character, I for one know exactly what it feels like to want to walk a different path. The writing in this book was great, it was funny and witty and I loved the "neglected positives and negatives" of words. I'm going to start using some of them just for kicks. 

The pranks were one of my favorite aspects of the novel. They had fun names and had real meaning to them. Although I don't encourage others to replicate them, I kinda wish I could go back to my own high school days and whip out a few pranks. If nothing is damaged and no one is hurt I support any prank with a message. Or if it's funny. This book isn't a long read and once the ball got rolling I couldn't put it down!

I give this book 4.5 Stars!

Lady and The Books is on Spring Break!

Lady and The Books will be on spring break this entire week and will be returning next Monday. I will be taking the time to catch up on *work* and projects for the blog (giveaways anyone?!).

 Until then: Stay Safe and Happy Reading!

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Review: Mistwood by Leah Cypess

Mistwood by Leah Cypess
Mistwood #1
Published: April, 2010
304 Pages
Goodreads, Amazon, Author's Website

The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwood. But when she is needed she always comes. Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have. Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty-because without it, she may be his greatest threat. Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court . . . until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them. Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart . . . and everything she thought she knew.

This book had a lot of twists and turns. I didn't know who was I was rooting for or what I wanted Isabel to do. We don't know what's happening or why, just like Isabel herself. The book starts with Isabel in the Mistwood being approached by Prince Rokan and his brother Will. He takes her back to the castle with him. As she navigates her life in the castle, certain memories come back to her and she has an overall sense of knowing what she needs to do. Almost immediately she settles in at the castle and begins picking up information from the court. 


There is a lot of mystery surrounding the last time she served the King, and how & why she left. There was magic and death involved. She is struggling to remember what exactly happened and what it means to her today. She has been unable to shift so she attempts to learn more about the "Shifter" legend with the help of a friend with the hope that she will figure out how to use her powers. Meanwhile, she is having trouble figuring out exactly who or what is threatening Rokan. He must have had a reason for tracking down a legend... a very good reason, and Isabel wants to know what it is.


When a new character comes into play the story takes a whole new direction. Isabel's loyalty is muddled and she is more at odds with her shifter self than ever. The Shifter is supposed to be blindly loyal and unfeeling, yet Isabel feels more like a human and refuses to acknowledge it. When it comes time to choose between two people to guard, who will she choose? Like the hopeless romantic I am I was immediately on the look out for who would be Isabel's leading man, and frankly I didn't know who I wanted for her. At first it was a certain guy... then he dies! I was pretty much shocked. This story is just so twisted, it was enjoyable. This review does not do this book justice, there is a lot going and a lot of mystery. You're kept in the dark along with the heroine.

I give this book 4 Stars!

Would you be able to trust your life to a Shifter (or any paranormal being)?

Review: Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Firelight by Sophie Jordan
Firelight #1
323 Pages
Published: September, 2010
Goodreads, Amazon, Author's Website

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.

I admit the cover is what first caught  my attention, but what really drew me in was the "descendant of dragons" part in the synopsis. I've never read about anything remotely similar so I had to read it. The book starts off well, there is action right away and we are introduced to Jacinda's world. She lives in a community of draki (known as a Pride) with her mother and sister, her dad was brought down by hunters years earlier. She has a special talent that hasn't been seen or heard of in generations and for that reason she has been treated as "property" that the Pride plans to use for it's own benefit, she's been paired with the alpha's son Cassian.

When the family leaves in the middle of the night Jacinda is miserable. She doesn't want to live among humans where she won't be able to reveal her Draki side. She is even more miserable when they end up in a hot and dry climate where she feels herself withering away. Then Will comes along. Him being around helps Jacinda's draki in a way she doesn't understand, she just knows that he is helping to keep her draki from disappearing. In fact it helps so much that her draki threatens to reveal itself around him. Even though Jacinda doesn't want to reveal her true nature to him I felt that he was trustworthy, his family not so much.

Jacinda's sister Tamra never manifested, so she has always been the outcast. Now that they live among humans she is thriving. I felt bad for Tamra's character, it seemed like she always got the short end of the stick. She had been in love with Cassian and might still be. She has managed to make a life for herself at their new school but if Jacinda doesn't keep a check on her draki the family will have to move. When Jacinda makes an enemy of the school's queen bee Tamra is also affected simply for being her sister. She just wants to belong and I think she deserves it. The ending was interesting, there was action but I didn't really feel it. It was too quick. When more is revealed about Will I wasn't surprised at all, in fact I had been expecting it. There were clues leading up to it that were difficult to miss.

I give this book 3.5 Stars!

When characters are in their "draki" form their skin changes color (depending on their talent), what color would you want to be?

Review: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
The Mortal Instruments Book Four
424 Pages
Published: April, 2011
Goodreads, Amazon, Author's Website

*Synopsis and Review have spoilers if you haven't read the previous books in the Mortal Instruments Series*

City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever. Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.


I was very excited to return to the world of Shadowhunters with Jace and Clary. When I began reading this book for some reason I didn't feel as immersed in it as I had been with the previous three. I mean I read them in one sitting and this one dragged at some point. I felt like I was actually reading instead of experiencing the story. The characters were were their usual selves, awesome to read as always. I felt like some of the humor was being pushed though and it didn't feel natural. Jace and Simon have the funniest interactions but in this book it just didn't flow right. It could be because Jace is dealing with some issues, I understand that, but the other characters? Not so much. 


Speaking of Jace... poor guy! Will he never get a break? Oh how he suffers. The ending of this book was great, it was exciting in a oh-man-the-next-book-is-going-to-be-great kind of way. Some people would call it a cliffhanger, but I definitely didn't see it as one. I don't what to expect of the next book and I can only hope for happiness for all my favorite characters. In City of Fallen Angels we are introduced to an interesting new main-ish character. I hope to learn more about him and his "job" in the next book too, I felt like there is still much to learn about him. 

I give this book 3.5 Stars!

Are you excited about the Mortal Instruments making its way to the movie theaters?

Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
Goddess Test #1
304 Pages
Published April, 2011
Goodreads, Amazon, Author's Website

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

It's been years since I've read about the Greek Gods so I was excited to read this book. After reading the first few chapters I almost didn't continue reading it. It started out like many other YA novels I've read and I am ashamed to say I didn't stick with the book after my first try. Her new "friends" Ava and James seemed to accept what Henry was without any skepticism. The story moved too quickly and rather awkwardly at first. I put the book down and read a few other books then came back to it after a while. I decided to give the book another chance. The story became much more interesting and I found less faults with it after she decides to take up Henry's offer. It was a very enjoyable read after the beginning.

The tests she goes through were not what I expected. They weren't literal tasks like sorting out a pile of seeds or retrieving an object, they were tests of character and I found I liked these more. They were believable, they weren't about wit or cleverness they were about whether she would make a good ruler alongside Henry and if she deserved to be a Goddess, immortality and all. In other words the tests were a bit vague, you don't really know when they're happening (part of the point of them I think). I didn't connect much with Kate's character, but I did want her to succeed for Henry's sake. I liked his character much more, there were times when he wore his emotions on his sleeve and Kate's success directly affected him and so she was being tested for the fate of them both. No pressure Kate.

The ending was great, but it was a little bittersweet. I felt bad for Kate and the way she had been duped and kept in the shadow throughout the novel. It's hard to explain while not giving anything away, but I'll try. Kate is thrust into a world she knows nothing of, she is surrounded by people she doesn't know and is being tested when she doesn't know it. She tries her hardest and even when she is at rock bottom her fate is still uncertain. No one is able to reveal a lot of information to her, and I give her credit for sticking in there and not letting frustration or confusion bring her down. When all is revealed I felt she was cheated, she wouldn't have a happy normal life if she didn't pass. I look forward to Book Two Goddess Interrupted and I hope it will shed more light on certain characters (who I can't name, sorry).

I give this book 3.5 Stars!

Do you have a favorite Greek God or Goddess?

Review: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Hex Hall #1

323 Pages

Published March, 2010

Goodreads, Amazon

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 #1 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.

I am a huge sucker for boarding school settings, especially when there are "magical" courses.   So this book was right up my ally. Sophie is a teen witch who's spells always seem to go wrong somehow, she has lived in 19 different states in her lifetime of 16 years, always needing to move after a spell goes wrong. After the most recent incident, her Father (who she has never met) sends her to Hecate Hall, a reform school for Prodigium kids who "have risked exposure of their abilities". Sophie was a very funny character, she says some pretty witty things that had me laughing out loud at times. She learns a lot about the Prodigium world and I sometimes pitied her for her complete lack of knowledge, but she handles it pretty well. 

Her roommate, Jenna, is a vampire who has a thing for the color pink. During the previous school year something horrible happened to a student and most feel that Jenna was responsible. This has made her even more of an outcast and while Sophie at times felt nervous around her "eating habits" the two become good friends. The book doesn't go into much detail on the classes Sophie takes, but I found that I didn't really mind. The book does go somewhat into detail on their physical education course, which is more like a Defense class. Sophie's first day of that particular class made me cringe. Poor girl.

When attacks on students start up again, Jenna is immediately blamed as she is a vampire and never seems to have an alibi. Sophie can't help but feel a little uncertain about her innocence, but resolutely stands by her side. It was admirable and I liked her more for it, she is loyal and sympathetic even when it comes to those three witches who have messed with Sophie since the fist day of school: Elodie, Chaston, and Anna. If it isn't Jenna, then who or what is behind the attacks? When the ghost finally makes contact Sophie is surprised to learn who it is and what it can offer her. The ending has one of the best last lines I've ever read. I literally made me say "whoa" out loud. I hope I get to learn more about the groundskeeper, Cal. He isn't in the story much but I felt he played an important role.

I give this book 4 Stars!

Review: Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
Witch #1
292 Pages (With a sneak peak at Book Two)
Goodreads, Amazon, Author's Website

From Goodreads: Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all.


This book was a quick enjoyable read. Tamsin (interesting name, I like it) grew up being the only "Talent-less" member of her extended family. Growing up, people would look at her with pity or would avoid making eye contact so she left home as soon as she could by attending school in the city where she was required to live in the dorms. She tries to live a normal life with her best friend and roommate Agatha, but she goes home on the weekends and whenever she is off from school. She was relatable in the sense that she feels she has failed to live up to the expectations of family and to complete her already wonderful life, she has one of those perfect older sisters, you know the ones that are flawless in every sense of the word? Yeah, lucky her.


She is watching her grandmother's store when an NYU professor walks in looking for help finding a lost family heirloom. She knows she should be honest and tell him that she personally can't help him but she wants to show her family (and herself) that she can find things even without a Talent, it becomes a matter of pride for her. With the help of an old childhood friend Gabriel, she begins her search. Gabriel has moved back to the East coast and strikes up the friendship almost immediately. He is your average "heroine's friend/love interest", he is helpful and good looking, and he seems to have an infinite amount of patience and perseverance when she initially turns him down. 


As she searches she finds out more about herself and family, both in the present and in the past. The item she is looking for is nothing what she expected it to be and the friendly professor turns out to be something else entirely. Her family is now in danger and she is the only who can right the situation. I felt that the book at only 292 pages doesn't go into much depth and goes at a nice quick pace. Normally I wouldn't have appreciated the fast pace but it was a quick and enjoyable read that was still able to tell a story. I unfortunately didn't connect with any of the characters and I confused some of her family members as they weren't really involved much. I won't remember this story a few years from now, but it was interesting while it lasted.

I give this book 3 Stars!