Monday, January 28, 2019

Review: The Case of the Trust Spell: A Hillcrest Witch Mystery

The Case of the Trust Spell: A Hillcrest Witch Mystery The Case of the Trust Spell: A Hillcrest Witch Mystery by Amorette Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Synopsis:

Do you trust that everything is working out for your good? 

In an attempt to cheer up a friend, amateur witch Penny Banks agrees to open up the magical portal that leads into Hillcrest. A tennis tournament will be the perfect thing to add a little bit of cheer and excitement to town during the dreary winter months! But could it also mean trouble? 

When eight Spirit Realm athletes traipse in to town, they bring a whole lotta problems with them. It’s up to Penny and her knitting circle to sort things out. 

Can a ghost die? And what happens when a being dies anyways? The ladies gets busy learning the Trust Spell, hoping that it will help them track down some answers! 

My Thoughts:

I think the thing that I love the most about this series is that they don't instantly know how to be witches. They have to study and learn. This time it is the trust spell. Not only are they becoming better at being witches but they are learning about life in general together. They are becoming witches but above all, they are friends. They are living life with all its ups and its downs. There is no way to cheat in life or in becoming a witch. I loved meeting the spirits and I can't wait to see what other characters they meet in the rest of the series.

View all my reviews

Review: A Portion of Dragon and Chips

A Portion of Dragon and Chips A Portion of Dragon and Chips by Simon Haynes
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

It's Game of Thrones meets Discworld ... 
"Laugh after laugh. One of the best books I’ve read in 2018 so far. Amazing, 5*" 

Welcome to the Old Kingdom! 
Clunk, an elderly robot, plunges into the sea off the Old Kingdom, and if he knew what was coming next he'd sit down on the ocean floor and wait for rescue. 

Dragged onto the beach, coughing up seaweed, salty water and stray pieces of jellyfish, he's taken to the nearby city of Chatter's Reach, where he's given a sword and told to fight the Queen's Champion, Sur Loyne. 

As if that wasn't bad enough, the locals still think the wheel is a pretty nifty idea, and Clunk's chances of finding spare parts - or his missing memory modules - are nil. 

Still, Clunk's an optimist, and he soon embarks on a perilous quest to find his way home. 

Unfortunately it's going to be a very tough ask, given the lack of charging points in the medieval kingdom... 

This is the first novel in a trilogy. Each book continues plot lines and character arcs from the previous title, with everything wrapping up in book three. They're not stand-alones! 

"An insane, inspired blend of high fantasy and low humour" 

The Robot vs Dragons trilogy: 
1. A Portion of Dragon and Chips 
2. A Butt of Heads 
3. A Pair of Nuts on the Throne 

These novels are set in the Hal Spacejock universe, but they're a stand-alone series. There's no need to read any of my other books to enjoy this series. 

My Thoughts:


This story really did not hold my interest. It started out really slow and doesn't improve much at all. I did find myself rolling my eyes at the names of the characters introduced. Sur Loyne, Sur Cumfrence & Sur Pryze to name a few of the odd names. Overall, I didn't really enjoy this book. It just wasn't for me, I guess. I will not be reading more of the series.

View all my reviews

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Review: Snow Like Ashes

Snow Like Ashes Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. The Winterians' only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been searching for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild their kingdom ever since.

Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, Winter’s future king—she would do anything to help Winter rise to power again. So when scouts discover the location of half of the ancient locket that can restore their magic, Meira decides to go after it herself—only to find herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics, and to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.

My Thoughts:

This book started off really slowly for me. I pushed through it and it did get better. I didn't like most of the characters, though. I did like Theron, though. He seemed to be kind and generous in a world where that seemed to be out of place. This book was ok. I did enjoy it but it was too slow building up. I don't know if I will read book 2 or not.

View all my reviews

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Review: Clockwork Prince

Clockwork Prince Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Synopsis:

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when it becomes clear that the mysterious Magister will stop at nothing to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, tortured Will and the devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal and fueled by revenge. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa is drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa answers about who she really is? As their search leads to deadly peril, Tessa learns that secrets and lies can corrupt even the purest heart.
 

My Thoughts:


This book started off really slow for me and I almost put it down. However, I knew that I enjoyed book 1 and decided to keep up with it. I wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed the characters, some more than others. As much as I liked Jem, I liked Will a lot more. I really felt bad for Will at the end and hope that things change for him in future books. Overall, an enjoyable book.

View all my reviews

Friday, January 25, 2019

Review: The Iron King

The Iron King The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I just couldn't put this one down. I loved the characters, especially Puck & Ash. The world that this author has created just pulls the reader right into it all. The ending left me wanting so much more. I can't wait to read the next one in the very near future.

View all my reviews

Review: The Crown

The Crown The Crown by Kiera Cass
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.

Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairytale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and soon Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more impossible—and more important—than she ever imagined.

My Thoughts:


There is just something about this series that pulls you right into the story. I loved the guys that Eadlyn chose as her final 6. They were all so sweet and wonderful. I was definitely not a fan of Marid so I am glad she found a way to thwart his plans. The ending wasn't a huge surprise. I thought that it was obvious which guy she was gonna choose pretty early on. I really enjoyed this book.

View all my reviews

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Review: The Last Ever After

The Last Ever After The Last Ever After by Soman Chainani
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Synopsis:

In the stunning conclusion to the New York Times bestselling School for Good and Evil trilogy, everything old is new again, as Sophie and Agatha fight the past as well as the present to find the perfect end to their fairy tale. Former best friends Sophie and Agatha thought their ending was sealed when they went their separate ways, but their storybook is about to be rewrittenand this time theirs isn't the only one. With the girls apart, Evil has taken over and the forces of Good are in deathly peril. Will Agatha and Sophie be able to work together to save them? Will they find their way to being friends again? And will their new ending be the last Ever After they've been searching for?Soman Chainani delivers action, adventure, laughter, romance, and more twists than ever before in this extraordinary end to his epic series.

My Thoughts:

I love these characters! I also love that even if a character is evil, they can try to be good or side with Good to keep the balance. I did feel bad for Hort. I hope he finally gets his Ever After/Never After in the next book. He is always there doing his best to win his love's heart. I am really enjoying this series with all the old and new fairy tale characters. I am definitely looking forward to more.

View all my reviews

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Review: A World Without Princes

A World Without Princes A World Without Princes by Soman Chainani
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

In the epic sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel, The School for Good and Evil, Sophie and Agatha are home, living out their Ever After. But life isn’t quite the fairy tale they expected. 

When Agatha secretly wishes she’d chosen a different happy ending, she reopens the gates to the School for Good and Evil. But the world she and Sophie once knew has changed.

Witches and princesses, warlocks and princes are no longer enemies. New bonds are forming; old bonds are being shattered. But underneath this uneasy arrangement, a war is brewing and a dangerous enemy rises. As Agatha and Sophie battle to restore peace, an unexpected threat could destroy everything, and everyone, they love—and this time, it comes from within.

My Thoughts:

I loved that this book picked up showing the results of their decisions from the first book. I still love the characters despite my frustration with them. Why can't they be friends AND find love? I do love that they would do anything for each other. I hope they finally pull it together soon. That being said, I will most likely read book 3.

View all my reviews

Review: Pretties

Pretties Pretties by Scott Westerfeld
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Synopsis:

In Tally's world, your 16th birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellant Ugly into a stunningly attractive Pretty, and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is having a really good time. Just before her birthday, Tally discovered that turning Pretty comes with a terrible price. She vowed to accept the operation, but with the understanding that her friends on the outside would rescue her, and let her be the guinea pig for the experimental and highly dangerous cure they're developing.

But in the second book of the Uglies series, Tally's Pretty. And everything's changed. The new, Pretty Tally is totally happy right where she is. She doesn't think she needs any kind of cure at all. When someone from her Ugly life shows up with a message, Tally has a hard time listening. Did she really promise to give all this up? Is she bound by a promise she made when she was a different person? If there is anything left of the old Tally, how will she fight her way out to keep her word and help her friends?
 

My Thoughts:


I enjoyed this book just as much as Uglies. My only issue was the slang that they used. It took me a little bit to get used to words, like bubbly and missing, used in a totally different way. I loved Tally and Zane but I didn't care much for Shay. She didn't even try to learn the truth from her friend. I am not sure whether I like Zane or David more. I am definitely looking forward to book 3.

View all my reviews

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

*Book Blitz* Winner Takes All by Laurie Winter


Winner Takes All banner

This is my stop during the book blitz for Winner Takes All by Laurie Winter. This book blitz is
organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 21 till 27 January. See the
tour schedule here.

Winner Takes AllWinner Takes All (Warriors of the Heart #4)
By Laurie Winter
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 21 January 2019


Blurb:
Storm Thompson wants to be anywhere but Liberty Ridge. Especially since his hometown also
contains his childhood nemesis, Colleen Gardner. With a young daughter and mentally ill mother
to care for, he struggles to simply make ends meet. Every day, his goal of owning an organic
farm slips further out of reach.

Psychiatrist Colleen Gardner has her sights set on starting a retreat to help veterans suffering
from PTSD. She's done well but her small town fundraisers just aren't enough.

"The Great American Scavenger Hunt" TV show offers a million-dollar prize, and Colleen and
Storm are selected as competitors. Both resolve to do whatever is needed to win, even using
the other to get ahead. Storm and Colleen compete to fund their dreams, but their already
tattered relationship becomes more strained. Only one will win the money. But will love prove
the ultimate prize?


You can find Winner Takes All on Goodreads

You can buy Winner Takes All here:
- Amazon  


Previous books in the series:
Home FieldTrue HorizonAfter All


Laurie WinterAbout the Author:
Laurie Winter is a true warrior of the heart. Inspired by her dreams, she creates authentic
characters who overcome the odds and find true love. She keeps her life balanced with regular
yoga practice and running. When not pounding the pavement or the keyboard, she's enjoying
time with her family, who are scattered between Wisconsin and Michigan. Laurie has three kids
and one fantastic husband, all who inspire her to chase her dreams.

You can find and contact Laurie Winter here:
- Website  
- Twitter  
- Pinterest  


Giveaway
There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Winner Takes All. One winner will win a prize
package (US Only). The prize package includes: a Tea, Books, Magic mug, a Romance Trope
scented soy candle, and a $25 Amazon gift card.

Winner Takes All Giveaway Graphic

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:




banner Lola's Blog Tours

Monday, January 21, 2019

Review: Among the Hidden

Among the Hidden Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Luke has never been to school. He's never had a birthday party, or gone to a friend's house for an overnight. In fact, Luke has never had a friend.

Luke is one of the shadow children, a third child forbidden by the Population Police. He's lived his entire life in hiding, and now, with a new housing development replacing the woods next to his family's farm, he is no longer even allowed to go outside.

Then, one day Luke sees a girl's face in the window of a house where he knows two other children already live. Finally, he's met a shadow child like himself. Jen is willing to risk everything to come out of the shadows -- does Luke dare to become involved in her dangerous plan? Can he afford not to?

My Thoughts:

The book drew me in right away and I just couldn't put it down. Talk about a rough life!! I felt so bad for these third children. I really wish it had been longer. It definitely set the pace for the rest of the series. I am curious to know if Luke can make a difference. Overall, an interesting dystopian society.

View all my reviews

Review: The School for Good and Evil

The School for Good and Evil The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

The first kidnappings happened two hundred years before. Some years it was two boys taken, some years two girls, sometimes one of each. But if at first the choices seemed random, soon the pattern became clear. One was always beautiful and good, the child every parent wanted as their own. The other was homely and odd, an outcast from birth. An opposing pair, plucked from youth and spirited away.

This year, best friends Sophie and Agatha are about to discover where all the lost children go: the fabled School for Good & Evil, where ordinary boys and girls are trained to be fairy tale heroes and villains. As the most beautiful girl in Gavaldon, Sophie has dreamed of being kidnapped into an enchanted world her whole life. With her pink dresses, glass slippers, and devotion to good deeds, she knows she’ll earn top marks at the School for Good and graduate a storybook princess. Meanwhile Agatha, with her shapeless black frocks, wicked pet cat, and dislike of nearly everyone, seems a natural fit for the School for Evil.

But when the two girls are swept into the Endless Woods, they find their fortunes reversed—Sophie’s dumped in the School for Evil to take Uglification, Death Curses, and Henchmen Training, while Agatha finds herself in the School For Good, thrust amongst handsome princes and fair maidens for classes in Princess Etiquette and Animal Communication.. But what if the mistake is actually the first clue to discovering who Sophie and Agatha really are…?
 

My Thoughts:


Wow! This book has such an interesting premise. What would you do if someone told you that you were evil? I felt bad for poor Sophie. I loved that Agatha was determined to help her friend no matter what. The ending was a bit surprising. I really didn't see that coming. Overall, an excellent start to a series that I have to read more of.

View all my reviews

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Review: Hollow City

Hollow City Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

This second novel begins in 1940, immediately after the first book ended. Having escaped Miss Peregrine’s island by the skin of their teeth, Jacob and his new friends must journey to London, the peculiar capital of the world. Along the way, they encounter new allies, a menagerie of peculiar animals, and other unexpected surprises.

Complete with dozens of newly discovered (and thoroughly mesmerising) vintage photographs, this new adventure will delight readers of all ages.

My Thoughts:


Another great book in this series! I loved that this story moved out of their time loop and moved out into the world. Also, each time loop is unique. They each have their own quirks and spot in time. I really enjoyed the menagerie. The emu-affe was truly imaginative and made me smile. I really enjoyed this new adventure and the people they met along the way. I am looking forward to the next one.

View all my reviews

Saturday, January 19, 2019

Review: The Farmer's Wife

The Farmer's Wife The Farmer's Wife by Lori Handeland
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

In this first entry into The Luchettis, youngest sibling and only sister, Kim, returns to the Illinois family farm after her father's heart attack. Eight years ago she vowed never to return, believing only distance would allow her to forget the tragedy that broke her heart. Returning means she must face everyone's questions, including those of her first love, Brian Riley, the only one who knows her secret. 

My Thoughts:


This is a sweet little romance. Although, I liked the characters, the animals made me smile. Ba & Precious were always up to something. Plus, their friendship was a very unique one. Overall, I enjoyed this sweet little romance.

View all my reviews

Review: Spies and Spells

Spies and Spells Spies and Spells by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Synopsis:

While Maggie waits for her Witchy Hour, she works at the family diner with her mom, aunt Meme and Lilith, her sister - all witches. Soon Maggie gets entangled with a mysterious handsome stranger, Mick Jasper, and his secret U.S. organization, SKUL. Has she found her calling?

My Thoughts:


I enjoyed this fast paced story. I found Maggie to be a fun heroine but I truly enjoyed her car. Her car, Vinnie, is her familiar and quite entertaining. Poor Mick! I don't think he ever wants to get into her car again! Overall, an enjoyable story.

View all my reviews

Monday, January 14, 2019

Review: Tallulah's Temptation

Tallulah's Temptation Tallulah's Temptation by Robyn Peterman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Pirate Doug 

What in the Chicken of the Sea was I thinking to agree to this half arsed Otherworld Defense Agency mission? 

I’m the most absurdly good looking Vampire Pirate of the High Seas. Being on the run for my life is very important work… and a freaking full time job. Defending Mermaids from some vicious Sea Hags is going to cut into my pilfering time. 

Unacceptable. 

Even though this is a very bad move on my part, I know I’ll eventually agree—too many bounties on my arse to refuse, and the thought of a certain Mermaid makes my roger quite jolly. 

However, Tallulah, the leader of the Mystical Isle Pod of Mermaids, isn’t going to be happy to see me… at all. The horrible, sexy, breathtaking woman has been starring in my dreams for too many years to count. Sadly, just when my mind wanders to the really good nookie part, the dream ends with her lopping my Johnson off. 

I just hope to Hell and back that the Sea Hags have some outstanding booty to steal. If I’m going to have to regrow my tallywhacker, the treasure had better damned well be worth it. 

Tallulah 
Running a tourist trap for humans in the Bermuda Triangle had sounded like a fine plan—until it wasn’t. With the Sea Hags gunning for our island and ruining our questionably successful business, I did what any desperate Mermaid would do. I called for backup. 

Of course, getting help from the Otherworld Defense Agency is risky as they don’t usually deal with ocean creatures. Whatever. Desperate times call for crappy measures. Chances are they’ll send freaking Pirates. I hate Pirates… 

Well, I hate one Pirate in particular. 

Hopefully, it won’t be the one seafaring jackhole I despise more than any other. Pirate Doug would be an idiot to show his face here after what he’d done. Not only did the dumbass abscond with our treasure, the son-of-a-bitch took my heart with him as well. 

I’ll tear his sorry ass to shreds if he so much as steps even one hairy toe on my island.

My Thoughts:

This book had me literally laughing the entire time. The characters are zany and some a bit clueless. They are a total riot! The story was a bit out there but oh so humorous. I loved all the different types of creatures. Mermaids, vampires, Gods, hags, krakens and more. Overall, a fun and boisterous book that will leave you laughing out loud.

View all my reviews

Sunday, January 13, 2019

Review: The Nemesis Cell

The Nemesis Cell The Nemesis Cell by Brian L. Porter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book definitely has a creepy vibe. My problem with it is that with the changing perspectives, you don't really get to know any of the characters and what makes them tick. You do get the overall perspective of how far the insanity goes. I do wonder if the mothers ever fully know what happened in the end. Considering the cops stance on everything at the end, I am kind of led to believe that they never knew. Overall, it was an interesting book and had it been limited to one or 2 viewpoints, it may have been much better.

View all my reviews

Review: Charm City

Charm City Charm City by Ash Krafton
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

The darkness is rising and one man stands against it: the exorcist mage Simon Alliant. But in Baltimore, he finally meets his match...a part-mortal divinity with the power to whisper away demons. 

Simon Alliant is an exorcist who battles demons, whether he wants to or not. Sometimes it's not so bad...he gets to play with magic, after all. But for Simon, magic represents a demon of another kind. He's addicted to magic and it takes more than a handful of charms to keep that particular demon at bay. 

Chiara is part Light, part Dark, and stubbornly mortal. The woman has a way with words: she literally talks demons into abandoning their human hosts. Simon thinks that's not the only trick she has up her sleeve-and that's pretty high praise coming from a mage like him. 

As intriguing as that may be, Simon has too many reasons to distrust her...one of them being his more-or-less partner, an angelic Watcher. Amidst all the celestial warnings of the rising dark comes a new prophesy that makes him wonder: is Chiara a threat to him and all of mankind? 

Or will she be his salvation?

My Thoughts:

This is an ok story. It does seem to be a bit rushed. There is also a lack of world building. It is too short to get to know the characters. How can the readers root for a character they know nothing about? Overall, it had potential but kinda fell short.

View all my reviews

Friday, January 11, 2019

Review: Tardy Bells and Witches' Spells

Tardy Bells and Witches' Spells Tardy Bells and Witches' Spells by Sarina Dorie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Synopsis:

Nerdy high school outcast, CLARISSA LAWRENCE, has always felt like she didn't belong in this world. More than anything, she wants magic to be real--and not just because she's obsessed with Harry Potter and tries to go to Narnia by reading fantasy novels in her wardrobe. 

Yet, when she stumbles upon real magic, and fairy tales come true, she doesn't expect to be the evil villain in her own story. Clarissa learns she's descended from an evil witch and is destined to kill her older sister. 

When she meets a cute boy who offers to train her in magic, she must make a choice. She can have a safe, normal life and no harm will come to anyone. Or she can choose magic and risk everything and everyone she loves in order to be what she's always known she was meant to be . . . a wicked witch. 

This is the first book in the WOMBY'S SCHOOL FOR WAYWARD WITCHES Series, but the first three books can be read in any order.


My Thoughts:

This was an interesting story of a young girl learning that she has powers that she can't control. First the series name is a bit misleading unless this book is to be considered a prequel. The school referenced is only mentioned a couple times and the characters do not attend it. I wasn't a fan of the mother. She kept lying to her daughters and made things worse. I loved all the references to books with stories of magic. I had a moment of deja vu as I read a scene that reminded me of "The Wizard of Oz". I believe it was intentional but I won't spoil it for those who haven't read the book. Overall, an enjoyable way to pass some time.

View all my reviews

Review: Killman Creek

Killman Creek Killman Creek by Rachel Caine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Synopsis:

Every time Gwen closed her eyes, she saw him in her nightmares. Now her eyes are open, and he’s not going away.

Gwen Proctor won the battle to save her kids from her ex-husband, serial killer Melvin Royal, and his league of psychotic accomplices. But the war isn’t over. Not since Melvin broke out of prison. Not since she received a chilling text…

You’re not safe anywhere now.

Her refuge at Stillhouse Lake has become a trap. Gwen leaves her children in the protective custody of a fortified, well-armed neighbor. Now, with the help of Sam Cade, brother of one of Melvin’s victims, Gwen is going hunting. She’s learned how from one of the sickest killers alive.

But what she’s up against is beyond anything she feared—a sophisticated and savage mind game calculated to destroy her. As trust beyond her small circle of friends begins to vanish, Gwen has only fury and vengeance to believe in as she closes in on her prey. And sure as the night, one of them will die.


My Thoughts:

Wow! I thought this book couldn't possibly live up to Stillhouse Lake. It definitely does! The terror these people go through just leaps off the pages. I love that it picks up not far after the last left off. When I think things can't get any crazier, a new twist makes an appearance. This book had me from the beginning and just didn't let go. Overall, a great addition to the series and I am looking forward to book 3.

View all my reviews

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Review: Coffin Dodgers: A Sci Fi Horror Book

Coffin Dodgers: A Sci Fi Horror Book Coffin Dodgers: A Sci Fi Horror Book by Tom G.H. Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

You're seeking the ultimate experience, but is the prospect that you'll be dead in the next twenty four hours a thrill too far? Fourteen T-types make landfall on Apocritas - a newly discovered, earth-like planet with extreme sporting challenges to test one's mettle. Only there's an unanticipated additional event - dodging the bullets fired from two of the party's self-appointed hunters. Climbing precipitous peaks, wing suiting from dizzying heights and white-water rafting down a torrent more hazardous than the Colorado, are just three of the stages to be completed. As if that wasn't enough, the native prehistoric animal life is less than friendly. Enough of a challenge? 
They thought they’d be earning accolades from fellow coffin-dodgers and a cash prize, but the greatest reward might just be their continued survival. 
From the author of The Psychonaut comes this fast-paced tale of inter-galactic horror. 
Caution 18+ content 


My Thoughts:


This was a very interesting, fast paced and action packed book. Coffin Dodgers are basically risk takers. I love that the extreme sports-like competition takes place on a different planet than Earth. I also loved that the wildlife was very like the wildlife during our Cretaceous period. The dinosaurs and the extremely large centipede were a nice touch. The story kept my attention as they attempted to survive one crazy after another. Overall, a very enjoyable book and I would read more by this author.

View all my reviews

Review: Deadsperate Times

Deadsperate Times Deadsperate Times by B.L. Bierley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Synopsis:

It's hard to make a profit off the living dead anymore. 

Quinn Quigley. An outcast. A nerd. A hopeless romantic. Falls in love with every girl he sees—especially the ones that need rescuing. 

Even when that girl is a walking corpse. 

Even when that girl, the walking corpse, is imprisoned behind bars, in a world-famous zoo that caters to customers who want to see the undead up close and personal. 

A place called Zombietowne. 

Twenty years after the Great Undeadening, the once-great zombological preserve and family fun park has fallen on hard times. Now, they have one shot to get back on top—but they didn't count on Quinn Quigley. 

This story has it all: romance, action, intrigue, corporate positioning, zombies, guns, bullets, fast cars, board rooms, friendships, secrets, lies, grass and dirt, uh, punching, yelling, crying, mysterious brown vans, suburban ennui, high school, eating, people with glasses, people without glasses, guns, big trucks, uh, a dog, uh, time progressing in a linear fashion, movie titles...AND MORE! 

So if you haven't started reading it already, what are you waiting for? The end of this description? 

Well it's over! Now! 




My Thoughts:

I am not sure what to think about this book. You have zombies placed into a zoo for the viewing pleasure of the rest of the world. Then you have protesters that really don't do much. A teen that falls in love with girls he has never had a conversation with, zombies included. Part of the problem is that the book is soooo short. The author really needed to take some time to flesh the characters out and build the world up. I couldn't even get a mental picture of the park since the book was so rushed. I really didn't even care about the characters. I didn't care if they succeeded with their plans or not. Overall, it was ok but it had potential to be so much more.

View all my reviews

Review: The Witch Who Cried Wolf

The Witch Who Cried Wolf The Witch Who Cried Wolf by Sarah Mäkelä
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Be careful what you wish for…

A potion gone wrong: Mia Brooks is a reluctant witch, with powers that she tries to hold in check. But when her magic gets mixed up, supernatural forces are unleashed and suddenly she’s being pursued by werewolves—that she didn’t even realize existed…

Hidden emotions: Ethan Parker, Mia’s brother’s best friend, is home from deployment for the holidays. Mia’s not only hiding from werewolves, she’s trying to keep her feelings for Ethan secret; it would be a disaster if he knew she’s been nursing a long-time crush…

The power of love: things take a terrifying turn when Mia and Ethan are attacked by a werewolf. Ethan is amazed when Mia reveals her paranormal prowess as she tries to shield them from danger. But can she really protect them from the darkness that lurks? And how can he tell her that, for ages, he’s been denying what he really wants? Mia...
 

My Thoughts:


This was an enjoyable book although nothing really stood out about it. It was your typical new witch learning her skills and about the existence of paranormal creatures. Overall, it was a pleasant way to spend an hour.

View all my reviews