Double Feature Book Reviews

Click on the pictures to get the my two latest reviews..........

Abandon (Book 1) - Meg Cabot

Hardcover: 320 pages

Publisher: Point; 1 edition (April 26, 2011)
Language: English
(Book 1)

Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.

Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.

But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.

Let me just say that I really wanted to like this book. I did. I was a little hesitant to purchase it as the reviews seemed just so mixed ( I didn't read many as I didn't want it to taint my view of the book). I mean really the storyline if very compelling. Retelling of the myth of Persephone and Hades?Absolutely. Not to mention the cover, it's just down right beautiful. So I decided that I would get it from the library and purchase it if I found it worth the hardback cover price.

I will say that I'm glad I didn't spend the $15 dollars on it. The story starts out with Pierce at a party and everyone treating her oddly because of her NDE (Near Death Experience). While others may experience 'peace' and a 'white light' not Pierce, her experience was unique. While the set up is slow, 230 pages slow. (There is 366 pages in the book.) Different things are happening, but even though this was my first read, it was hard to resist the urge to skim through more of the boring passages.

Pierce is very one dimensional in a sense. You get small glimpses of who she was and what her personality has changed into, but really it's sort of a glimpse here and there and then left up to the reader to put together. While in most books that can be a good thing, in this one it leaves our heroine rather flat. Also I have a small tolerance for heroines that don't show some sort of back bone anywhere in the book. Unfortunately until the last two chapters that's exactly what Pierce is. Some things are so blatantly obvious you can't understand why she doesn't see them, while others are thrown out of proportion by her temper.

I would have to say that I got tired of things being explained away by her NDE. Wether it was her or someone else, the excuse quickly got old. There are a ton of loose ends in the book where the characters would mention something and then finish off the new found information by saying "Nevermind, it's not important" (Wait? What? Yes it is! Get back here!) Her cousins hostility, some of the things the care taker tells her, her mom's past, the island itself and so on. At times while she seems to be self pitying complaining that people don't understand or simply retreating into herself. There seven short encounters with the main guy of the story "John". While he's described as 'moody' you don't get a sense of him being 'moody' or anything, as the interactions are brief (one wouldn't even count in my opinion). During the story you don't see the character Pierce really do any evolving or growing on her journey at all and at the end her self realization about certain things in her life seem to come from left field wondering how she got there.

The second issue is the one that many seem to have. While the timeline/frame doesn't necessarily take away from the book or make it overly confusing, it is confusing. I found myself having to read several pages before I would realize that Pierce was in the middle of a flash back. An example would be: She's ordering ice cream and then in the next chapter she's having a flashback of her old school for no reason really, then back to the ice cream. It's literally that disjointed, I felt even a small claimer that was labeled "Six Months ago" or something like it wouldn't have been unwelcome. Timeline wise it can be a bit frustrating as you don't understand why they are placed where they are within the book itself.

With all this being said I didn't evoke my five chapter rule hoping against hope that it would become the story I knew that it had the potential to be. The storyline is different and could have been wonderful and still has the potential to do so as this is a trilogy rather than a single novel. The ending is abrupt, but I have a feeling that it was meant to be so as lead into the next story. The timeline can get aggravating, but isn't as confusing as some would have you believe, they just seem to be out of place and random.

The story has great potential and the ending chapters seemed very promising. Once the explanations were out and the story started rolling along, you still had major questions, and some of the explanations simply common sense, you can sense maybe a bigger picture. I will be reading the next book (but borrowed from the library) as I would like to see the stories progression and if it becomes something that is worth recommending.

All in all I would say if you can make it 3/4 of the book for it to pick up give it a try, but you are warned that it's redundant, boring in some places, blaring obnoxious in others and the heroine has a lot of growing to do to compete with other YA heroines at this time. I'm not sure that it's worth the listed hardback price, but the library is free.

RATING: ☆☆ 1/2 (I gave it another 1/2 star for potential)
***For more book Reviews of the latest YA books, try my book blog HERE)

Book Reviews

I notice that alot of my hits have to do with book reviews I have done, I just want to say that I have done alot more, and they are located on my book blog. Located HERE. Since this blog seems to get the most hits I may start posting them here again.

Here's a list of what has been reviewed there:
Fated/Fractured - Cheri Schmidt
Demon Kissed - Ivy Taylor
Eternal Rider - Larissa Ione
Branded - Keary Talyor

Coming soon:
Chronicles of Nick: Infinity - Sherrilyn Kenyon (book is read, just need to review it)

There is also links to Excerpts of upcoming novels from Julie Kagawa and Gena Showalter.

Book Reviews

I have moved all my book reviews HERE (Or just click the picture)....Make sure to check it out for updates :)

Unicorn Bait - S.A. Hunter (Kindle Version)

(Get it FREE HERE)
Naomi accidentally goes to another planet thanks to a unicorn horn. Unfortunately, the horn doesn't come with her. She doesn't know how to get home, but that's not her biggest problem. That would be her brand new husband, and he's kind of scary. Her only hope is a crazy witch who knows something about catching unicorns. Which would be fine and dandy except, it's the crazy witch who introduced her to her husband. And then RAN OFF. She's going to get her for that.

Unicorn Bait is a fun romp through a magical world filled with adventure, humor, and a little naughtiness.

The description pretty much describes it the best. This is a short read, that gets better as it progresses. The novella starts off a bit redundant and annoying at the beginning but then progresses into something fun. While I'm not a big fan of teleportation, this was ok. Some parts were memorable, while others seemed to drag. As for the main plot of the story I really liked it. Naomi and Taviyrk are cute together. Because this is a fun light read, don't expect much in things that may need explanations as there are simply none and the story continues on. This doesn't distract from the story that much, unless you're looking for a full novel which this is not. But if you want a fun, light read, you should try this one out.

Crescendo - Becca Fitzpatrick (Hush Hush Book 2)

(Buy it HERE)

The sequel to the New York Times Best selling phenomenon, Hush, Hush!

Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

I have to say that I finished this book in one day. It was a page turner, but I can't say that it was for all the right reasons. As I was reading the book, I was left in a constant state of anger. At one point I cried with Nora as Patch was being a complete jerk. With that being said, you don't get a happy story with this one, by chapter two that's pretty much shattered. The extreme feelings were a good thing as the author was able to portray them, but in a sense back fired as I wouldn't read this book again as it made me irate.

Nora does start seeing things in a different light, but in one page flies off the handle into left field leaving you in the state of "WHAT???" Then in retaliation to that, Patch also comes from left field. He does things in the whole book, that maybe as an older reader, were completely infuriating. And there was no real, honest explanation, only a fall back one you know is coming. This doesn't (in my book) even begin to cover the stuff he does to Nora. (Does being a guardian angel involve always kissing and making out with your charge?) On one hand I tried to think of it as "Boys think different than girls. What isn't a big deal to them is HUGE to us. That's the point she's trying to prove." But it made me mad like no other, especially at the end when the reasoning was weak at best.

There are several new twists and turns in this book that leads you into the next one (Silence due out Oct 2011). You get to see into Patch's history a little more. Nora finds out some shocking things in her past. Rixon and Marcie become major characters in the book, both adding to the ongoing plot. While Vee is still the best friend, at times you wonder where her loyalties truly lie. (One portion in particular I was left standing with a 'huh?' because if my best friend did that, we wouldn't be best friends any more.)

This is why it took me an extra day to do the review. I still have pretty harsh feelings for the treatment of Nora and her acceptance of it. But all in all I would say read it once as it is what I call a "bridge" book. There will be things you need to know for the next one. I hope the next book has the characters and format return to what drew me to this series in the first place.

Hush Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick (Book 1)

(Buy it HERE)

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those who have fallen -- and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

This book in general doesn't seem to get much love. (It may account for the $4 price at Amazon.com at this moment.) But let me say that I LOVED it. Even from reading the back cover, I knew what was going to happen I found myself flipping pages to read more. Before I knew it I had finished the book in less than 12 hours. Chapter after chapter flew by without be keeping track of the time.

Nora is an everyday teen and in although admittedly in some parts she is a little to stick in the mud and irrational, but she's allowed to be as she's a teen. Her best friend Vee is more annoying and highly irritating in the book more than Nora. Patch is quite the mysterious guy, and frustratingly vague. While these characters are in the book, it's not what the book good. What really makes this a page turner is that you just have to know more. You know the basis of the story, but the way the mystery of the book is set up you keep reading finding out more and more in little increments. You really don't know who the bad guy is until he's revealed and at some points you feel for Nora as you wonder if she really is going crazy.

Again this story, of course, is in first person. BUT let me just say this author does it right. Most of the time it didn't even feel that way with me I was caught up in the story itself. There are some
discrepancies that really have no solution but your imagination, but nothing that would stand out like a giraffe in a leisure suit. ( One example is that a counselor isn't who she says she is. In the review for Amazon by the School Library journal they rip the author apart for insinuating that the school system would be so lax. In my opinion I personally thought "Ummm false documents" but that was my mind filling in the blank. It's not a big deal, just a minor one. It doesn't add to or take away from the underlying story itself.) There is some explanations where I was kind of confused at the function of the bad guy, but that could be me and it made sense in the story as a whole. While the explanations were quick, they did make sense as you know this is a first book in a series, not a book as a stand alone.

All in all for it's original story line, page turning ability, and the underlying climax at the end, I would highly recommend it. If you like a different take on Angels, the fallen, Nephalim, and fantasy/paranormal give it a read, you'll like it.

Wisdom - Amanda Hocking (Book 4 My Blood Approves Series)

(Buy it HERE)
Wisdom - the fourth book in the My Blood Approves series...

For her eighteenth birthday, Alice Bonham takes a vacation to Australia only to have her trip cut short by an unexpected murder. While Alice tries to understand what happened, she regrets some of the choices she's made, especially the more permanent ones.

On top of that, the child vampire is running loose, and its attracting some very unwanted attention...

In this book there is an on going main plot that lasts throughout the book in a very consistant way. It was a nice change. Also you get resolutions, as simplistic as they may be. But the underlying turn of events and decisions actually makes this book a page turner. I hope that she writes more to this series, the ending was actually the best part of the book. It left me with high hopes as the story incorporated some feelings of Bloodrayne and Anita Blake the early years.

Ok again let me say this author has some brilliant ideas. The only issue I have seems to be the follow through. The resolutions to these issues or sub plots are very simplistic and/or quick. It doesn't do her writing justice. I can see by reading this series her talent is there and she's only scratched the surface with this series. With new authors you should see a progression with their work and with this author you can. She's getting better, so I can't wait for more.

*Side note: I finshed this book several days ago, but was delayed in the review as school got in the way. Again I read this book in about 2 days. I don't know if would say this book is worth the $9.99 being charged, but it $2.99 for the ebook version is totally reasonable.You may want to try the first couple from the library before you decide to invest in them. ENJOY*

Such a Pretty Face - Cathy Lamb

(Buy it HERE)
A 30-something's makeover hits a few snags in Lamb's wan latest. Stevie Barrett has lost 170 pounds since she had a heart attack at age 32, but she still struggles with the same old dysfunctions: horrifying memories of her insane mother drowning her sister, the toxic uncle who raised her, and deep insecurities that see her sabotaging herself at every turn. Adjusting to her new body, Stevie struggles to carve a self-image as she helps her cousins plan their parents' 40th anniversary party and battles a moral dilemma at the law firm where she works as a legal assistant. Lamb (The Last Time I Was Me) writes with an acute sensitivity in the quiet sections where Stevie plans her garden and contemplates the ramifications of her dramatic physical change, but these pleasant moments are drowned out by extended slapstick sequences in which her uncle and, in flashback, her mother, display the same outrageous behaviors over and over. Stevie's a winning heroine, but the underdeveloped support cast dominate too much of her show.

I have to say that I've recommend this book so much. I can't even talk about it without giving a lot away. The story is truly touching and while not fast paced, full of love. The book title itself is sort of self explanatory. When people are bigger you hear them telling stories that sometimes have that one platitude in it "Well dear regardless you have such a pretty face..." the rest of is usually followed by "too bad _______". So we all can identify with that. The main character of Stevie has to learn to readjust, face old demons and some new ones. I found myself truly rooting for her as well as laughing and crying with her. She was a character with problems, friends and family that were easier to identify with. It's worth the read. When you need a book that just makes you smile try this one out.

Flutter - Amanda Hocking (Book 3 My Blood Approves Series)

Flutter - the third book in the My Blood Approves series...
(Buy it HERE)

Being undead doesn't make life any easier for Alice Bonham.

Her younger brother's love life is heating up, while hers is... more complicated. Mae is falling apart, her best friend Jane is addicted to vampire bites, and if Alice doesn't get her bloodlust under control, someone will end up dead.

Alice volunteers for a rescue mission with Ezra. But going up against a pack of rabid vampires might be too much, even for him.

I would be lying if I didn't say that this book did bore me in some places so I skimmed over it. Sometimes it's just gets bit redundant. After some major turn points in the second book we are left in the third. There are some major turn points or sub plots in this book that I felt again that should have been expanded just a bit more and possibly made into separate books themselves. Too much is happening to fast for it to be able to flow smoothly in the book. Always the underlying thing is the couple or triangle depending the way you look at it. But what this also does is keep the person turning the page to see what is going to happen next. That is a good thing. I wanted to find out more and so I kept reading. In this book I have to say that while the sub plots added to the book, I found that some of the characters I fell in love with disappointed me with decisions they made. While in a "vampire's" perspective nothing lasts forever, the decision that was made seem out of the blue for me. While I can understand the context or the reasoning in a way, I can't say I loved the point. I was left heartbroken. While at the same time left astonished at the restrictions placed on Alice (with no real reason to the why) while her brother had NONE and seem to have progressed past the stage she was at, despite the fact that she was older. In some instances I found it completely unfair, unwarranted and bias. But that's a good thing. Because if a book can make you feel that way, then the author is doing his/her job. But at times I was left with that "huh, I don't get it" feeling I experience in this series lately. The explanations are half - explanations at best. While the author is still growing, I give her props for creating a page turner.

**PERSONAL NOTE: It is my own opinion that some aspects should have been more fully explored. It seems that she has a ton of interesting ideas and is very talented, I feel she could have expanded the story line a bit more. BUT again this is what happens when you write first person. You can't explore other characters without jumping perspective. This is why I prefer THIRD or SECOND person.

Fate - Amanda Hocking (Book 2 My Blood Approves Series)

Fate - the second installment in the My Blood Approves series...
(Buy it HERE)

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...

Ok I have to just start with I did lose a nights sleep for this book, with that being said let say some good things and some disappointing things. (As always I will try not to post any spoilers)

Positive side: Why am I drawn so much to this series? In all honestly its not wonderfully written or extremely original (as all the orginal ideas were never fully explored). After some thought about it, it boiled down to some different things. One would be the hope for something more. I had hoped that the story would turn and give me what I wanted, but honestly that was just a small portion. The love story isn't over the top or corny, while some points to angsty, it was sweet and some what realistic. There was serveral times in the book I wanted to reach out and slap someone. And I would say out loud "really you're going to put up with that?!" If a book can make you feel by going through a ton emotions, it's worth the read. This one does. The charcters are warm, loving, frustrating, and real. Ezra and Mae are the parental figures that everyone would want, vamp or not. Their love is very obvious, and is the best explanation to the soulmate issue. Peter while not in the book a lot is the dark, brooding hero that most girls fall for. Milo is truly cute and you can see where the role reversal may take place. The story is good, and solid for the most part as a whole. There is no big baddie, but just a girl and her life with a few twists thrown in.

Negative Side: So we continue with Alice and the love triangle that appeared in Book 1. Let me just state that this is what drew me to the series with its uniqueness, but ultimately it was very disappointing and a bit confusing. Without saying to much, the potential of this stoy line was never really explained to my satisfaction but rather became a background issue, that was explained away by the end of the book. Several events in this book made me say "ok where did that come from?" and left me with it was outta left field feeling. I was very intrigued by the notion that somehow Alice had been made for Peter, but the explanation was lacking. It really does just left you pretty much confused. Alice in some aspects does become very Bella like becoming too dependent on her other half for her happiness, this does get more annoying as the time progresses. It would be nice to see a heroine that is like "ok then I'm gonna do this and see if later I have time for you since you didn't have time for me" sorta thing, instead of her pining away at the thought of being alone.

Lover Unleashed - JR Ward (Book 9 Black Dagger Brotherhood Series)

Please visit my and my friends dedicated Vamp site - Go and read on (@VampsAnon ) http://t.co/HiABzOS book Review by @BittenUsagi on "Lover Unleashed - Book 9 BDB series"

My Blood Approves - Amanda Hocking (Book 1 My Blood Approves Series)

(BUY IT HERE)

Seventeen-year-old Alice Bonham's life feels out of control after she meets Jack. With his fondness for pink Chuck Taylors and New Wave hits aside, Jack's unlike anyone she's ever met. Then she meets his brother, Peter. His eyes pierce through her, and she can barely breathe when he's around. Even though he can't stand the sight of her, she's drawn to him. But falling for two very different guys isn't even the worst of her problems. Jack and Peter are vampires, and Alice finds herself caught between love and her own blood...

I have to say this is one of the more intersesting takes on vampires and soulmates that I've seen in a while. If you know me a little you know that I'm always interested in an original twist to an old story. This definitely has that. I loved this story and bought the second one. (The Kindle version of book 1 is $0.99 and the rest are $2.99 can't beat that) The only complaints I would have about this book is 1) It's first person again 2) There are definite passages/situations that are very Twilightesque. I can't tell if it was on purpose to pay homage or simply influence. It definitely doesn't distract to much into the story, but enough that you'll notice. 3) The last two or three chapters seem just a tad rushed. You get the reasoning, but I'm unsure that it was feel so smashed together. 4) The friend Jane seems to make guest appearances and sometimes you're left with the "outta left field" feeling.

All in all the story line is unique and solid, the characters loveable, some situations understandable, and not to much to complain about. I would recommend this as a read. At $0.99 for a kindle version what do you have to lose?

Forever Frost - Kailin Gow (Book 2 Bitter Frost Series )

(Buy it here)
Breena's entry into Feyland is marred by danger and beauty. A prisoner in her own palace, she longs to see and touch her forbidden prince Kian. Yet her heart is also still with her friend Logan. The discovery of a long-lost figure in Breena's life propels Breena into the heart of fae politics. In a stunning turn of events, Breena suddenly finds herself faced with the most heartbreaking decision in her entire life.

First off let me say, the heartbreaking decision has NOTHING to do with politics. With that being said, I can't tell you what it took for me to finish all 86 pages of this drivel. I only did it to give it a fair chance, even though I knew that I would never get back the 2 hours I was wasting and wanting to quit midway through.

I was hoping with the second book the author would have gotten some polish and learned/progressed in the writing skills. Unfortunately no. The phenom of Twilight has made every person believe that writing in first person is the new thing. I hate to admit it, because I hate first person, but it does take a certain talent. Unfortunately this author doesn't have this talent. How she managed to get four of these poorly written books published is beyond me. Or even how they keep scoring so high every where I look. If I had to rate it would get ONE star for the second book, merely because the book series should have improved as authors tend to do.

The dialouge is cheesey and so poorly written I've read 10yr old books with better grammar. The dialogue is either outrageously formal, with no use of contractions or incredibly corny. I think that the author would benefit from making the story longer page wise. The way the time line jumps is ridiculous, things pop up out of no where. why is men cooking seem to be such an important point in this series? Again the writing is poor and redundant at the beginning. The book itself is only 86 pages, and the first 4 are used to recap the last short novella.It seems almost magical (pun intended) that the heroine knows exactly how to speak at court and more even though she has never been there before. When the author seems to realize her mistake in writing something that shouldn't be there, magically it's because the narrator came from the human realm and something like the debate team explains everything away. It's too rushed, the grammar is too poor, and the book shouldn't be in first person. I would never recommend this book to anyone or this series. If you must read it, do it at the library. This book isn't worth your money.

Bitter Frost - Kailin Gow (Book 1 Bitter Frost Series)

(purchase it here)
All her life, Breena had always dreamed about fairies as though she lived among them...beautiful fairies living among mortals and living in Feyland. In her dreams, he was always there the breathtakingly handsome but dangerous Winter Prince, Kian, who is her intended. When Breena turns sixteen, she begins seeing fairies and other creatures mortals don t see. Her best friend Logan, suddenly acts very protective. Then she sees Kian, who seems intent on finding her and carrying her off to Feyland. That's fine and all, but for the fact that humans rarely survive a trip to Feyland, a kiss from a fairy generally means death to the human unless that human has fairy blood in them or is very strong, and although Kian seemed to be her intended, he seems to hate her and wants her dead.

I will admit that I read the description and thought why not? Sounds good. Well it really wasn't. I don't want to say it, but the description is very misleading. No in the book does "Kian" want Breena dead and he never once states such. He treats her with the utmost respect and citing knightly ethics many of the times. NOT that there is anything wrong with that, but it leaves for no antagonist. I really wanted to like this book but it was hard. I will read the second one hoping that the issues with this book has to do with it being the first one. In many places the dialog crosses the border to cheesey, as well as the entire book feeling rushed. The "villain" appears briefly and then is lost. The entire book is rushed and that would probably have to to with the length. At 81 pages this "book" is actually more like a short story.

The next story "Forever Frost" will make or break this series for me. I don't see how it has so many stars on Amazon to be honest. I personally don't believe it's worth the $8.99 they are charging for it. If you want to read it, borrow it from your local library.

Winter's Passage/ Summer's Crossing - Julie Kagawa (Iron Fey Series Sides stories Ash/Meghan - Puck/Ash)

(EBook Exclusive Under $3 here)

Meghan Chase used to be an ordinary girl...until she discovered that she is really a faery princess. After escaping from the clutches of the deadly Iron fey, Meghan must follow through on her promise to return to the equally dangerous Winter Court with her forbidden love, Prince Ash. But first, Meghan has one request: that they visit Puck--Meghan's best friend and servant of her father, King Oberon--who was gravely injured defending Meghan from the Iron Fey.

Yet Meghan and Ash's detour does not go unnoticed. They have caught the attention of an ancient, powerful hunter--a foe that even Ash may not be able to defeat....

This story is just a side story that comes before "The Iron Daughter". It's not necessary to read it to understand the following book, but it does fill in a few gaps in the story that are mentioned at the beginning. The story covers the journey from the mortal realm to the Winter Realm as Ash is taking Meghan back to fulfill his oath, and Meghan keeping her promise. To be honestly this story wasn't something that I just had to read. Ash is torn between emotion and duty, and Meghan tormented by thoughts of what's to come. It's a short and somewhat fun read, but it didn't engage me as the main stories did. I probably wouldn't re-read it, but it's ok if you're craving something to fill in the space between,but I wouldn't recommend it like I have the main series.

(Ebook Exclusive GET IT FOR FREE NOW)

A Midsummer's Nightmare?Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts.

Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist.

Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist.

So again this is another side story to the Iron Fey series after the "The Iron Queen". This time it was Puck's story more than it was Ash's. I will admit this was a better read than "Winter's Crossing". There was actually quite a twist to that I suspected but never saw coming. Puck must deal with the feelings he knows he has,but has never truly talked about (this is the issues I have with first person books. Everything is from one perspective, and you don't gain insight into to other characters as you would from a third person perspective.). He is given an option and forced to choose a side. But all the time the pranks of all pranks is being pulled, and I giggled a few times. It's an enjoyable read, and leads us right into Ash's story "The Iron Knight" to fulfill his promise to Meghan at the end of "The Iron Queen".

The Iron Queen - Julie Kagawa (Iron Fey Series Book 3)

(buy it here)

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

So if you are looking at dates you wouldn't be wrong, I believe I started this series on Tuesday, and it is now Friday and I'm done. I traded several nights sleep to follow Meghan's journey ( and Ash too. Who doesn't love a bad boy,or in this case faery, with a heart of pure gold?) I wasn't disappointed. I can't say to much other than the fight is coming in this one and the climax really doesn't disappoint.The tensions rise, the battle is coming, and choices are to be made, love is found, hearts are broken and connections are rekindled.

You know how in some books you read and there's a paragraph that is a pinnacle of the whole story and you left with "that's it? That's what I was waiting for?" NOT this book. I was in tears, frustrated and cheering for the characters all at the same time. Meghan's self realization and sacrifice in this book really made me think How much more can this poor girl give? How much more can she lose? Usually I get angry when books end the way I don't want them too, and start thinking in terms of fanfiction. I would have to say not with the ending of this book, I was left with hope.

The next book Iron Knight (Ash's story) comes out in October 25th, 2011. I will be pre ordering it. It is Ash's story and should be the last book. *Fingers crossed for maybe a Puck story? and the happy ending I'm rooting for* Read this series you'll love it

The Iron Daughter - Julie Kagawa (Iron Fey Series Book 2)

(Buy it here)
Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Again I finished this book in about 2 days, sleep deprived. This time Meghan has to fulfill the promise/contract she made with her love Ash. She returns with him to the Tri na nog or the Winter Kingdom, which he is the prince of. She hadn't realized that even with the warnings he gave her, she would still be unprepared for the politics of court, as well as the mask that her prince is forced to hide behind. With both the Summer and Winter courts in denial about the reality of the Iron Fey, in comes another plot against them. This time the Meghan has choices to make, realizations of things around her, and must pick up arms for the ones that seem to care less about her. All the while she tries to distance herself from a certain prince, comes to a realizations about a certain best friend, has someone unwanted entering her dreams and finds out more about her long, lost father, the series just gets better.

*Personal Note: Ok so I have been thinking about why I like this series so much. It breaks a ton of rules I have about reading books. 1) it's about Fairies and 2) it's in FIRST person. The reason I came to after reading chapter 13 in the Iron Queen is that it touches the dreamer in me. There is a love story there that is so strong, along with adventure, I found myself rooting for them out loud more than once. The group grows in maturity but the love story at the heart of it is always present and touches the dreamer in me. I love it.

In the book Oberon (King of the Summer Fey) may seem both cold and distant to his daughter, but I really think it's a power play. There are several times in the book that he tries to "save" his daughter but is thwarted by the very contract she made. He does love her but to show it is a weakness. Make sure to keep that in mind when reading about him.

The Iron King - Julie Kagawa (Iron Fey Series Book 1)

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagined…

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

After I ordered this book on my Kindle, it actually took me only a day an a half to finish. I love the "differentness" about it. It reminds me of many stories of technology versus nature. This story encompasses that. The fairies themselves rely on people remembering their names though stories, legends and basically are created by dreams and nightmares. This is where the Seelie and Unseelie courts come from. Taking this thought process and running with it would be the concept of technology today, as everything starts with dreams, and that's all I'll say. I usually HATE faery stories, but I loved this one. So much I ordered the second book as soon as I was done with the first. Read it, you won't be sorry. ^ ^