Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon (Review)

Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy

Number of Pages: 342

For ages 13+

"From the moment she sets foot at her new school in Ireland, Megan is inexplicably drawn to the darkly handsome Adam DeRis. But Megan soon discovers that her feelings for Adam are tied to a supernatural fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that unites them could be their ultimate destruction." -Goodreads

I completely forgot it was Sunday until I realized Once Upon a Time came on tonight, and then I realized that also means I needed to review a book today. So here we are!

I got this book for Christmas from Trisha, so THANK YOU, TRISHA! ..And I had a feeling she wanted me to review it.

There's a lot of talk going on on Goodreads about how this book starts out A LOT like Twilight and I hate to say this, but I whole-heartedly agree. New girl moves into town, is wildly attracted to the mysterious boy at her school who has a super natural power, and can't stop thinking about him. Luckily, the similarities didn't completely hurt this book. Sure, it was somewhat annoying, but I got over it, and it was only in the beginning.

Megan was kind of a character that started out like any regular YA character that didn't stick out a whole lot. She did stick out by the end though. Unfortunately, I can't tell you WHY she sticks out in the end because that would be MAJOR SPOILING.

Adam is absolutely swoon worthy. I also liked that he wasn't a completely arrogant guy. He wasn't flawless and perfect. In fact,he tripped over himself or into a wall a couple of times for staring at Megan. Which I thought was absolutely adorable in its own sense. He cared for Megan and would do anything to protect her, which is also something I LOVE in a guy character. Over all, Adam is FANTABULOUS.

The book was a tad boring in the beginning, but that's just because it was progressing and honestly, I probably would have been whining about the beginning being too "rushed" anyways.

One thing that really threw me through a loop was the fact that Adam and Megan being together could pretty much destroy the world. WHAT? The simple romance of two people could put everyone's lives in jeopardy. No biggy. It did become a huge aspect of the book, though, and it did make things extremely difficult. But also the fact that they had no idea whether this statement was true or just a legend, was difficult in itself.

Over all, I give this book a 4 out of 5 diva crowns. Some of the similarities between this book and Twilight got to me, and the fact that it wasn't very entertaining in the beginning brought it down a crown. I still do recommend it to anyone who enjoys paranormal fantasy. And the romance was definitely there. Also, sorry for the short review. For some reason the creative juices aren't flowin' like they usually do!

The Willows: Haven by Hope Collier (Review)

Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal

Number of Pages: 284 (paperback)

For ages 14+

"When tragedy strikes, seventeen year-old Ashton Blake sets out on a cross-country road trip, leaving the comforts of Malibu for the mountains of Kentucky. Along the way, she encounters Gabe Willoughby—the mysterious drifter with eyes like the sea and a knowing smile. Getting to know Gabe raises questions about her past. But no secret can be buried forever, and Ashton soon finders herself in a world where water is air and myth becomes reality.

Just as Ashton comes to accept her newfound heritage, she’s summoned to fulfill a treaty laid down centuries before — a treaty that will divide her love and test her loyalty. In the end, her future isn’t her biggest concern, her humanity is. To run may mean war, but is she strong enough to stay?" -Goodreads

I've been searching far and wide for new books after I got my Kindle and I have been on a reading spree. I came across this one right after I read Bridger. And boy, am I glad I did.

The Willows: Haven was my kind of book. There was romance, there was DEFINITELY surprises, and a pretty awesome ending that made you want to read for more. I literally spent all day reading it because I just couldn't put it down.

Ashton is one of those characters that used to think all about herself but then has an epiphany and changes drastically. This was a good change, though. Right off the bat Ashton has to deal with grief. She learns that her father has had a heart attack and she has to go to the funeral in Kentucky. While Ashton wasn't the closest with her father, it still hurt. Now, this is sort of a touchy subject for me. I know what Ashton was going through in the sense, so that just made me connect with her even more. Now, the part about her learning secrets she never knew about her father, well, not so much.

Gabe is definitely a hero to swoon over. He comes straight out of the blue and you have no indications such an amazing person was going to be gracing you with their presence. Him and Ashton had a connection that was definitely (I know I use the word WAY too much) noticeable. Let me tell you there was,beyond any doubt, romance. Gabe and Ashton had a slow time progressing with their relationship. But when they finally did get together it was TOTALLY worth the time. (Okay, I really need to expand my vocabulary from totally and definitely.) The romance was fantastic and always had you wanting to read more.

There are some major twists in this book that I NEVER in a million years thought would happen. Unfortunately, I can't really talk about this because of course, that would be SPOILING IT, and you all should just go and buy the amazing book for yourself. You will not be disappointed. At least, I wasn't!

One thing that I would say that I had a little trouble with was how fast Ashton came to trust Gabe for the second time (this may not make sense to those of you who have not read it.) But then again, I would have been saying that I wish they had gotten back together sooner. What can I say? I have conflicting thoughts. This one minor thing did not change any thoughts about how much I loved this book. Nothing major enough to phase me!

I loved that while Ashton was in this huge mess she had Kyle, her best friend, to help her out. He was the one who comforted her and helped her learn about herself and her mother's past. He expanded her knowledge on all of the wonders about herself and her family. Of course, I can't tell you the "wonders" because that would be spoiling and I don't do that.

I give this book 5 out of 5 diva crowns. I couldn't put the thing down! I recommend this book to all Fantasy/Paranormal romance lovers. Two fantasy/paranormal romance books in a row! What can I say? Those are my favorites! Also, HAPPY NEW YEARRRR!!!!

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Also, to update you on my obsession for the song Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift, still on repeat every time I read. I'm still not sick of it. I want to see how many times I've played that song because I'm sure it's gone well over 100. Still absolutely amazing.

Enjoy the New Year! :)