Review- “Hunger” by Jackie Morse Kessler

Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Graphia; Original edition (October 18, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0547341245
• ISBN-13: 978-0547341248

“Thou art the Black Rider. Go thee out unto the world.”

Lisabeth Lewis has a black steed, a set of scales, and a new job: she’s been appointed Famine. How will an anorexic seventeen-year-old girl from the suburbs fare as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?

Traveling the world on her steed gives Lisa freedom from her troubles at home: her constant battle with hunger, and her struggle to hide it from the people who care about her. But being Famine forces her to go places where hunger is a painful part of everyday life, and to face the horrifying effects of her phenomenal power. Can Lisa find a way to harness that power — and the courage to battle her own inner demons?

Hunger is the story of Lisa, and how she went from having eating disorders to being one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse- Famine. We see how she shuns every person that was important to her despite her better judgment. After fighting with her boyfriend she decides it is time to end her life, but things take an unexpected turn when Death shows up. She is now Famine and to get out of it and change things for good she must start with changing herself.

Hunger was a very intense read regardless of how short it is. It talks about serious issues that many people try to ignore, and what I really liked is the fact that we can see the troubles it causes and it is not preachy. Quite the opposite actually, we are able to relate to Lisa and feel confused with her about everything that is going on.

I enjoyed Lisa’s character- strong, yet there was also weakness and conflict. The way she managed to carry herself amongst her friends and family even though there were issues deep within here was fascinating and something that drove the book home for me. I cried with her. My favorite character though was Death- so indifferent to everything and even if he just appeared few times, it was always powerful.

Hunger is a MUST read; you learn things as you get into the story. It is a very intense story and beautifully written. It carries a great message of perseverance and change, not to mention values as well. Ms. Kessler has shared with us one magnificent story here, thank you! I sure cannot wait for RAGE, which is coming out next year.

You can visit Ms. Kessler HERE! 🙂

Review- “Unholy Magic” by Stacia Kane

Unholy Magic by Stacia Kane  

  

• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey (July 6, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345515587
• ISBN-13: 978-0345515582

For Chess Putnam, finding herself near-fatally poisoned by a con psychic and then stopping a murderous ghost is just another day on the job. As an agent of the Church of Real Truth, Chess must expose those looking to profit from the world’s unpleasant little poltergeist problem—humans filing false claims of hauntings—all while staving off any undead who really are looking for a kill. But Chess has been extra busy these days, coping with a new “celebrity” assignment while trying on her own time to help some desperate prostitutes.

Someone’s taking out the hookers of Downside in the most gruesome way, and Chess is sure the rumors that it’s the work of a ghost are way off base. But proving herself right means walking in the path of a maniac, not to mention standing between the two men in her life just as they—along with their ruthless employers—are moving closer to a catastrophic showdown. Someone is dealing in murder, sex, and the supernatural, and once again Chess finds herself right in the crossfire.

Since the City of Ghosts release day was two days ago, I sneaked into my cousin’s pc to re-write my Unholy Magic review since I lost it with my laptop…

 Unholy Magic is the second book on the Downside Series. Miss Kane books just keep getting better and better. Chess’ life has been a rollercoaster since she was a kid—going through many horrible foster parents and now a junkie. And despite everything that is happening around her she keeps composure by her side and tries to help everyone, all the time whilst battling her own demons—her past—and her desire of being a better person.

 Most than everything else, what boggles me the most is how “real” the characters feel. They are so rounded that it is easy to relate to each one of them in one way or another—it fascinates me! We do get to know more of Chess’ past and Terrible’s as well; we even learn more about Lex. Ms. Kane has an ability to create male characters and romantic situations without being mushy. We have Chess that makes mistakes over and over again, and owns up to her actions—then it is easy to understand her addiction and accept it because it helps her deal with her emotional baggage.  

 The story is easy to follow and even easier to read (all it took me was one sitting—an allnighter—and it was so VERY worth it.) Everything that happens flows nicely and at a pace that keeps the reader perked up and wanting to know what is going to happen next.  

 Once again Chess’ secret is threatened by Bump—Chess’ dealer—who wants her to find out what is it that is killing hookers at Downside. Chess gets torn up between her relationship and feelings for both Terrible and Lex… Add all of that and the Church business and *BAM* -grandness ensues in the most marvelous way. EPIC I tell you!!! Be ready to yell, shed tears and bite your nails all through the story.  

 Unholy Magic can read as a standalone, yet I advice to first read Unholy Ghosts because they do mention things that happened on the first book. Trust me, this book is freaking amazing! It is like crack for me—yes, I am a junkie now *grin,* and proud of it. Once again Ms. Kane exceeds the expectation with yummy greatness. LOVED IT! *Starts reading City of Ghosts right now.*  

Now go and visit Stacia Kane over HERE!

“The Last Angel” by Steven Savile

The Last Angel by Steven Savile

Format: Kindle Edition

File Size: 330 KB

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services

Language: English

ASIN: B003T9USDI

Gabriel Rush takes a photograph of a beautiful sad-faced hooker in a down town bar and is stunned by what he sees when the picture is developed. At first he thinks it is a flaw in the photograph, but then he recognizes it for what it is, the mark of the Trinity Killer. It is the same mark that scars the faces of mutilated corpses that are turning up all over New York City.

Racing to warn the woman, Gabriel instead finds himself haunted by visions and fighting against time to save his future, the woman he loves, his friends, and – when the killer’s identity is finally revealed – his own sanity.

This is actually my first book in the Horror genre, and I have been corrupted with no chance of turning back– That is how good it was. Savile takes us through this picturesque and disturbing journey in which Gabe Rush tries to save his own life, his girlfriend, and his sanity from the “Trinity Killer.”

The Last Angel was so unlike anything I have ever read before– in the best way possible, of course. What fascinated me the most was the way Savile plays with words, making the scenes so easy to picture. The writing is so enticing that at times I would go back to re-read some scenes and examine the way the author phrased it. Of course, there are parts that are grotesque and disturbing, but it just makes them even more captivating [or does it make me a sicko?] It is one of those books that makes me wish I were a film-maker so I could bring it to the big screen. The POV changes made the story flow neatly and it kept me biting on my lips nervously.

This might be a short book, but it is not an easy read. It keeps the reader thinking, yet not in a distractive sort of way. The only problem I had was my greediness– I wanted more! So thank you very much, Mr. Savile, for introducing me to the genre with such a  thrilling read– I LOVED it! 🙂

PS: Is this not one of the most amazing covers ever?

You can get this book HERE or HERE. And do not forget to visit Steven Savile’s site.

 

“Spirit Bound” by Richelle Mead (Spoilers)

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 496 pages
• Publisher: Razorbill (May 18, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595142509
• ISBN-13: 978-1595142504

Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong…

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives beyond the Academy’s iron gates to begin. But Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri, and he’s out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won’t join him, he won’t rest until he’s silenced her… forever.

I find it impossible to talk about Spirit Bound without spoiling anyone- I am sorry! If you have not read the book and do not wish to read spoilers then I am sorry, but I just need to gush about this one.

Rose and Lisa graduate then go looking for Victor and get him out of prison with a friend. They get him to contact his brother in Vegas- another Spirit user. Victor’s brother tells them what Rose wanted to know—how to save Dimitri, but while they are going out Dimitri and his gang of strigoi attack and Victor runs free with his brother. They all go back to their lives while Rose sulks a bit because she thinks it will be impossible to rescue her lost lover. But soon enough the day comes, Lisa and Christian get abducted by Dimitri and while they are distracted Lisa makes the move and Magic happens—Dimitri is once again alive… I will leave it at that for the time being… 😛

I was so worried about that part; I did not have the slightest clue as to how Mr. Mead planned to redeem Dimitri. She did it amazing and it was so easy to picture as well. Once again Richelle Mead exceeds every expectation—the series get better and better with every book.

On this book we see how much Rose has grown as a character—how mature she has become. We get to know the characters a bit more, and surprise: Dimitri has a vulnerable spot. Adrian is as crazy as ever and even sweeter than before [I Looove Adrian.] Lisa and Christian? Let’s say I was not a fan of Lisa in here—even when I knew it was not her fault that Dimitri looked up to her as a goddess… But hey, I was feeling like Rose, [jealous much?] I mean, Rose left everything behind for him; he was brought back thanks to her despite Lisa’s touch on it. I was so pissed at that. I understood why Dimitri kept pushing her away, but that did not take away my desire of kicking him in the… In a place that would hurt, that is. Also, I love Rose’s dad, he makes the book so much fun since he appeared for the first time; and Rose is just like him! And I am so proud of how Adrian is doing; I love how understanding his is and how he is trying to be better for Rose.

Spirit Bound was ah-mazing. I enjoyed all the twists and turns in the plot; and also how little we can foresee of what is actually going to happen. I loved this book and I cannot wait for the next one to come out! I am telling you, I read this book in one sitting—I was not able to put it down at all. 🙂

“Unholy Ghosts” by Stacia Kane

Unholy Ghost by Stacia Kane

• Mass Market: Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey; Original edition (May 25, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345515579
• ISBN-13: 978-0345515575

The world is not the way it was. The dead have risen, and the living are under attack. The powerful Church of Real Truth, in charge since the government fell, has sworn to reimburse citizens being harassed by the deceased. Enter Chess Putnam, a fully tattooed witch and freewheeling ghost hunter. She’s got a real talent for banishing the wicked dead. But Chess is keeping a dark secret: She owes a lot of money to a murderous drug lord named Bump, who wants immediate payback in the form of a dangerous job that involves black magic, human sacrifice, a nefarious demonic creature, and enough wicked energy to wipe out a city of souls. Toss in lust for a rival gang leader and a dangerous attraction to Bump’s ruthless enforcer, and Chess begins to wonder if the rush is really worth it. Hell, yeah.

Chess, a ghost debunker hired by the Church of Real Truth, must do what she can to figure out why ghosts are out of control these days; if she does not do so her dealer is threatening to expose a secret that might ruin her life. The following days are full drugs, threats, deaths, sexual release and a pinch of caring which will make the situation even more confusing and harder for her to get out of it.

Unholy Ghosts is the first book of the Downside Series by Stacia Kane. I admit that I had very high expectations on this one; which you would understand if you have read the Megan Chase Series by Ms. Kane as well. Let me just say that these book did not disappoint and exceeded those expectations. Once again I have fallen in love with Stacia Kane’s writing—and characters, of course.

First of all, the world-building was fantastic! I was amazed by how well crafted it was, and I want to read more of it (which makes the wait for book #2 quite excruciating.) Everyone there needs the church in order to survive and get the ghosts shipped to where they belong by the debunkers that work for it. I liked the magic and darkness of this world, how there are creatures lurking and living there as well. From the intricacy of this magical world to the language and characters that live on it, everything is fascinating.

The characters- what can I say about them? It is impressive how in 352 pages Ms. Kane was able to create very well defined characters! Granted, I would have liked to know a bit more about each of them; most of all Chess and her history with drugs—but hey, there are two more books coming out next month *thrilled.* I loved Terrible and how sweet he was in a twisted way. And about Lex… I liked him because he was different, sexy with a hint of tenderness that made him alluring to some extent; but I am sorry, I am still “Team Terrible.” I cannot wait to see how everything is going to finish between Chess and the two yummy men.

As twisted as this sounds, I loved the worms parts! It was a bit yucky I admit, but it made everything even more interesting—so much so that I stayed up until the wee hours of dawn just to finish it, even with it being finals wee. Though let me tell you something: it was SO worth it! So yeah… Make sure to get this book as soon as you can, you will not be able to put it down until you finish it. Yikes! I cannot wait for Unholy Magic. I am telling you, Stacia Kane’s stories are like freaking crack. 😉

Go and visit Stacia Kane in HERE! (Join the Downside Army, too) 🙂

“Lover Mine” by J.R. Ward (Bit Spoiler-ish)

Lover Mine by J.R. Ward

*Has a bit of Spoilers though*

• Hardcover: 528 pages
• Publisher: NAL Hardcover; 1st edition (April 27, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451229851
• ISBN-13: 978-0451229854

In the darkest corners of the night in Caldwell, New York, a conflict like no other rages. Long divided as a terrifying battleground for the vampires and their enemies, the city is home to a band of brothers born to defend their race: the warrior vampires of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

John Matthew has come a long way since he was found living among humans, his vampire nature unknown to himself and to those around him. After he was taken in by the Brotherhood, no one could guess what his true history was- or his true identity. Indeed, the fallen Brother Darius has returned, but with a different face and a very different destiny. As a vicious personal vendetta takes John into the heart of the war, he will need to call up on both who he is now and who he once was in order to face off against evil incarnate.

Xhex, a symphath assassin, has long steeled herself against the attraction between her and John Matthew. Having already lost one lover to madness, she will not allow the male of worth to fall prey to the darkness of her twisted life. When fate intervenes, however, the two discover that love, like destiny, is inevitable between soul mates.

Lover Mine… John Mathew… Xhex… Blay… And Qhuinn… If you want to know more about the “Brothers” in general—do not go for this book. The story centers on JM and Xhex. How JM is desperate to find Xhex, and how she is desperate to run away from Lash. After that happens, they open up to each other and we start knowing more about their pasts and their quest of finding Lash. Throughout the story we see how the relationship with Qhuinn and Blay is straining, and also we start knowing about Payne.

That is it—the whole book about JM and Xhex. First of all, J.R. Ward’s writing is still engaging as ever, I really like the way she writes; it makes everything easy to picture. The thing is: I wanted more of the Brothers. The only one we get to see, and it is from Payne’s perspective, is Wrath. I liked Payne, I wished we could have seen more of her. Also, Blay and Qhuinn were the ones who made this book interesting—I cannot wait to see what is going to happen with Layla. (I feel so mean, she is so innocent, yet I could not stop laughing at that.)

Something else that I liked a lot: the background story with Darius and Tohrment! I kept wishing to read more of it with every passing page. I still think that there is more to JM than just being Darius’ son. Yes, I stick to my theory that maybe it is Darius that came back again. I guess I can say I have mixed feelings about Lover Mine.

I was disappointed in many ways. The thing that bugged me the most was the Sign Language thing with Xhex—How was it possible that she learned everything just walking to another room in the house? I mean, it is okay if it was just the alphabet, but how can she understand those speeches JM throws at her? For real? You do not go just by the alphabet when it comes to the ASL… Sorry.

The other thing was: how, in the name of everything that is good, did everyone end up knowing that Lash was the Omega’s son? I admit that I got lost at some points and wanted to go back and read to see how they got to realize some things. I understand that maybe I just had really high expectations—but I still think that there was something missing somewhere between the lines.

Overall, the book was engaging, captivating and it flowed nicely despite the bumps and holes. I liked Xhex’s character. I cannot wait to see what is going to happen next. Also, what about Qhuinn’s brother? Lash said he had him frozen, was it?

Dead to Me Giveaway!

I got a prezzie–> Another copy of Dead to Me by Anton Strout. So, given the fact that I already have this book I am choosing to share the goodness with you guys. Though now I wonder, is that the reason as to why I am getting books I already have lately? hmm… Now I feel like a pimp– Soooo, let me go straight to the point.

As you guys all know [if you read my ramblings, that is] I love the Simon Canderous Series, it was like my real first time Urban Fantasy [Not in a cherry popping way, thank you very much ;-)] and what a great intro to the UF world it was. With a great male lead [Simon is awesome– except for the one on Twitter, he’s mean ❤ LOL,] snarky, witty… You pick, but it is a good book and I think I should share [or pimp] the goodness, right? Here is what you need to do, answer me this question:

What makes someone attractive? [Features, personality… What makes you digg someone] =)

-US and Canada only

-Just comment once, please!

-Make sure to check back because winner will be posted here.

It will run until April 30th, 11:59:59 and I shall post the winner on May 1st, is that okie? Good!

Good Luck to everyone!

Book Love! “Love Free Stake Hard (Love Bites, Book #3)”

Love Bites Book #3: Love Free, Stake Hard

J. Morgan

Dela McNamara thought she had the most boring job in the world. Tour guide to the scenic cemeteries of Savannah. Yeah, that’s what she spent her life aspiring to become.

Then Demetrious de Mecini stumbled into her graveyard and right smack into her suddenly unboring life. Along with three female killers, a passel of crazy militant monks.

On the run, they fight for their lives and sanity and land themselves in a headlong flight into danger and perhaps the answer to a mystery five thousands years buried in the clouded mists of mythology itself. Before it’s over, Dela finds herself between a stake and a hard place, but if she survives, love might be the ultimate prize or the ultimate curse.

**Eeek! I cannot wait to read it *GRIN*

“Angelology” by Danielle Trussoni

Angelology by Danielle Trussoni  

• Hardcover: 464 pages
• Publisher: Viking Adult; FIRST EDITION (March 9, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670021474
• ISBN-13: 978-0670021475  

There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bore children to them.
Genesis 6:5

Sister Evangeline was just a girl when her father entrusted her to the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in upstate New York. Now, at twenty-three, her discovery of a 1943 letter from the famous philanthropist Abigail Rockefeller to the late mother superior of Saint Rose Convent plunges Evangeline into a secret history that stretches back a thousand years: an ancient conflict between the Society of Angelologists and the monstrously beautiful descendants of angels and humans, the Nephilim.

For the secrets these letters guard are desperately coveted by the once-powerful Nephilim, who aim to perpetuate war, subvert the good in humanity, and dominate mankind. Generations of angelologists have devoted their lives to stopping them, and their shared mission, which Evangeline has long been destined to join, reaches from her bucolic abbey on the Hudson to the apex of insular wealth in New York, to the Montparnasse cemetery in Paris and the mountains of Bulgaria.

 What can I say about this book without babbling like a fangirl? Angelology is not a Bible-based story, it is a new world created with elements from it and myths as well. People say that the story is about the struggle between good and evil—it is; but it is an entirely different depiction of it: Good angels, twisted angels, humans, and hybrid offsprings… Where can this take you? Through an incredible adventure, trust me.

First is first though… Have you guys seen the cover of this book? It is just magnificent! I even made a drawing out of it. But for real, it is one of the most beautiful covers I have ever seen.

The beginning is indeed a bit slow, yet engaging at the same time; it starts building up for what is going to happen. The story has a nice flow to it. Ms. Trussoni’s writing is quite unique. From the way she changes POV’s to her attention to detail is marvelous—it keeps the reader glued to it because of how easy it is to picture everything. Despite all the detailed information throughout the story I never felt overwhelmed. I cannot begin to imagine the amount of research it took to write this book; we not only see biblical references, but also there is art, music and science [Art being my favorite part of course.]

The characters? Not all of the characters were as developed as I would have liked, but that does not take away from the story, it is more a caprice of my mine because I wanted more [and more, and more.] Called me twisted and whatnot, but the character I liked the most was Percival, closely followed by Gabriella. I was so sad at the [almost] end.

Angelology is definitely a MUST READ book– It made it to my top faves. It was hard for me to believe what Wicked Lil’ Pixie said that it was better than the DaVinci Code, but after reading it I came to the conclusion that it is—I admit that I might be biased because sick/twisted angels are my weakness, but it is an amazing read nonetheless. It is not a fast read though, but it is worth every second you spend on it.

You can visit Danielle Trussoni HERE!!

*After reading this book I was thinking, wouldn’t it be nice if I could major in Angelology?

Shadowglass Giveaway!

Hi! As you guys might [or not] know, I LOVE Erica Hayes’ books. Hell, you can even see it because she was one of my AAW’s pick. This lady is freaking awesome and her writings are sexi-licious and yummy-licious– Trust me, I love yummy things.

Enough of my ramblings and up to the point. When Shadowglass came out I went to B&N and got it as soon as I could, but it turns out that now I have two. They are both in perfect condition because I am OCD with my book collection. So I was wondering, why not share the goodness? I am willing to depart from one Shadowglass [the one I just got and have not touched] and send it to one lucky person who comments. The person will be picked randomly with Random.org’s help, of course.

Remember: This is the second book on Erica Hayes’ Shadowfae Chronicles [First one is Shadowfae]

What do I need to do, you might be asking yourself, I am sure you are. Well, since this is my first giveaway [yay!! My first time– Minds out of Gutterland, please] I decided to keep things easy. Just leave a funny comment, for my own sake [I just love laughing.] It can be something completely random. I am easily amused, so it is an easy task.

-Contest is open to U.S. & Canada. (Sorry)

-Winner does NOT have to pay for anything.

-And make sure to check back on this, because the winner will be posted in here!

Now… This will run until Tuesday March 30th, 2010- 11:59:59! Winner will be posted on Wednesday. =)

Good Luck to everyone! ^-^