Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton (Review)

Genre: Paranormal

Number of Pages: 516 (hardback)

For ages 14+ for some graphic fighting scenes

"Life as the Preliator is harder than Ellie ever imagined.

Balancing real life with the responsibility of being Heaven’s warrior is a challenge for Ellie. Her relationship with Will has become all business, though they both long for each other. And now that the secret of who she really is has come out, so have Hell’s strongest reapers. Grown bold and more vicious, the demonic threaten her in the light of day and stalk her in the night.

She’s been warned.

Cadan, a demonic reaper, comes to her with information about Bastian’s new plan to destroy Ellie’s soul and use an ancient relic to wake all the souls of the damned and unleash them upon humanity. As she fights to stay ahead of Bastian’s schemes , the revelations about those closest to her awaken a dark power within Ellie that threatens to destroy everything—including herself.

She’ll be betrayed.

Treachery comes even from those whom she loves, and Ellie is broken by the deaths of those who stood beside her in this Heavenly war. Still, she must find a way to save the world, herself, and her love for Will. If she fails, there will be hell to pay." -Goodreads

My thoughts may be a tad jumbled in this review and if you've been reading for a while you know that this is what happens right after I've read a good book. I'm typing like a mad person right now. Is this a bad thing? ...Brace yourself.

So, I'm freaking out right now, and I'm pretty sure anyone else who has read this book will wholeheartedly agree. I'm. In. Love. With. This. Book. I had to add a period after every word to emphasize my statement.

If you've read Angelfire and loved it, then you're absolutely going to love WINGS OF THE WICKED. Heck, you may even love it more! The characters still have their strong amazing personalities, and their sarcasm hasn't faded one bit! Also, the hilarious back and forth bantering between Ellie and Will is definitely still there.

Ellie is still figuring out how to balance her normal life and life as the Preliator. I like the sense that even though she has this alter ego where she can kick reaper butt.. 'scuse me.. bootie with a slice of her angelfire sword, she still wants to be somewhat normal. ..If that's what you could call normal..? She wants to be able to do normal high school stuff. And if I were her, I'd definitely want the same thing. But she still knows that when it comes down to business she needs to put everything aside and take responsibility of her duties as Preliator.

The romance in this book is FANTABULOUS. I don't know how much better I can put that into words. Will and Ellie are perfect for each other. I mean if you can't call two people who have been fighting along side each other for 500 years a perfect couple let alone that one of them is the others' protector, then you're absolutely CRAZY. (Run on sentence, much?) The tension between them is sometimes agonizing, but there are also some pretty fantastic scenes between them. Those scenes were probably my favorite. And can I not just say that I think every girl wants a Will in their life? I mean come on. He's Ellies protector. He swore to protect her life and he's in love with her AND he'll do absolutely anything for her. Who doesn't want a Will?

If you read Angelfire then you'll remember Cadan. And Cadan makes a second appearance in this book and I swear he's toying with me. Even though he's an awesome character I still love Will more, and I definitely want Ellie to stay with Will. We'll just find a nice girl for Cadan so he'll be happy, too!

There were so many moments in this book where I wanted to scream. Courtney has the tendency to make you want to hug the book tight with delight then moments later throw it across the room. She knows how to play with your emotions, that's for sure! I even cried at one extremely terrifying part! (My mother would say that's something special.) ;)

Another thing I loved about this book was it didn't have the sequel blues! Unlike many sequels where it just seems like a filler, this book didn't even seem like a middle book to a trilogy. This book had the power of a first book and third book combined.

I loved that the action kept me reading. I'm not really and action kind of girl. I'n not into fighting and combat and all the jazz. But surprisingly, it kept me entertained!

The ending.. WHAT THE CRUST?! I have to wait a YEAR for the next book to find out what happens. I can't believe I have to wait another year for this. I'm dying inside. Here's the scenario: You're reading and you see you have about 11 pages left, and what you're reading is something really happy. You think that the story is going to be ending pretty awesome since there's only a small amount of pages left. You're super happy for the characters, they're having a good time.. BAM! Something bad happens. Story over. ...Yeah. See what I mean? I'm dead.

Overall, this book was fantastic. Courtney always kept you entertained and right when you're about to get bored with the plot something else blows up in your face. It's fantastic. I love it. No words. I recommend it to the world. I especially recommend it to paranormal romance lovers. You wont be disappointed! 5 out of 5 diva crowns. Once again. Excuse my crazy teenager fan girl craziness. I hope I didn't scare you all off. ...I need to go lay down. ;)

I'm back!

I haven't reviewed anything in a while and I'm super sorry! With all the craziness going on with my musical, I didn't have any time. But now, sadly, it's over. The good part about this, though is I can review regularly again!

So be prepared for new reviews and possibly an ARC giveaway. I missed writing reviews but while I wasn't writing them, I was re-reading some of my favorites for fun. :) Can't wait to start reviewing again, and getting feed back from all of you on what you thought!

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! :)

Bridger by Megan Curd (Review)

Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy

Number of Pages: Unknown

For ages 13+

"Ashlyn McVean doesn’t believe in fairy tales. That is, until Ashlyn is thrown into the crosshairs of grudges her grandmother created long ago. After finding out she is one of two people able to cross between faerie realms, Ashlyn is faced with trying to understand her abilities, along with navigating a new relationship with her boyfriend, Liam. As if being on a centuries old hit list and dealing with crazed pixies isn’t enough, her new abilities mean trouble for Liam. Knowing her new life puts everyone she loves in danger, Ashlyn must decide what’s most important in her life between friends, family, love, and ultimately, realms." -Goodreads

My apologies for not posting yesterday! I got a Kindle Fire. Something I have been wanting for a WHILE and have been begging to get. I was pretty much hypnotized with that the whole day. So I pretty much resorted to reading all day. Oh how I love winter break. <3

I had read this book when I was in about sixth grade. This was before I was a reviewer and before this book was even published. My mom knew Megan,the author, and told Megan I loved to read. So I beta read it for her. I loved it then and I still love it now. It's absolutely phenomenal.

By the first couple of pages, you know that Ashlynn is going to be a pretty strong main character. And by the end you are attached to this girl. And you know, there's no going back now. I liked how Ashlynn wasn't over confident. She had an innocent side to her that didn't make her seem cocky. I also LOVED the relationship between her and Memaw once they finally progressed. What can I say? I loved this book.

The romance in this book was FANTABULOUUUSSSSSS. Liam is to. die. for. He and Ashlynn make the perfect couple. And while I did hate him for a little while, (can't tell you why until you read it!) by the end, I was lovin' him again. He's not your average male character. He has black hair and bright blue eyes, and he's irish! I don't know what it is but it seems to me male characters with accents get to us girls. Liam was the perfect gentleman and treated Ashlynn right. It also helps that he is her sworn protector. *SWOOONNNN*

Megan was also great about tension. She kept you at the edge of your seat. And instead of the fight scenes being plain boring because, what can I say, those aren't my favorite scenes, she made them actually really interesting to read. Ashlynn is one bootie kickin' machine.

Another character I REALLY liked was Ashlynn's memaw, or Emily. She was a great mentor to Ashlynn who really helped her understand who she really was. She taught her what she needed to know and made things easier on her. I also LOVED Reese, Ashlynn's guy best friend. He's the only one of her human friends who can actually tell him about her situation. He's one of those characters that helps the main character deal with all of their crud.

I give this book 5 out of 5 diva crowns! It was fantastic. I recommend this book to all paranormal or fantasy romance lovers.

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Also, even though this has NOTHING to do with this post whatsoever, I just wanted to post this song on here since I CAN'T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD. It's called Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift for the sound track for the new movie The Hunger Games. I'm so stinkin' excited for that movie, by the way.

I may do this from time to time. Just to show you guys what songs have been going through my mind non-stop that week. Thanks for reading! :)

Mixin' it up a little bit!

So, it's Sunday, and that's when I usually review a book. I've had QUITE a busy week this week with Musical practice, homework, then going back to school for dance practice for the musical and to top it all off I had a forensics tournament on Friday and Saturday. I can't review my book because I haven't finished it. I'm so super duper close, but I need to get some other stuff done so I decided to do something a tad different. (*Caution: this may be a little rant-y.*)

I was on Goodreads just browsing through different reviews of different books and I kept reading these nasty reviews with just flat out rude statements. I couldn't believe that people could just say these rude things without even backing them up with examples. Now maybe I've just been doing too many seminar questions in English Lit and Comp. where I have to pretty much back every single thing I say up with some literary example, but I think that's a tad ridiculous. It's also shown me though, that it's mostly my generation. Teenagers.

I know first hand teenagers, they (or should I say WE) can be nasty. Trust me, I'm around them every day. And we are the target audience for all YA books. So yes, authors should expect some reviews that are not-so-nice. But this is kind of a touchy subject for me. My own mother is an author. So I know first hand that authors read the reviews they get. I've seen people say they flat out hated a book IN THEIR REVIEW. I think this is highly inappropriate. Other people may not think so but someone has put their blood, sweat, and tears into this piece of work and someone has ripped it to shreds. Of course authors are going to have to expect it, especially if it's YA because teenagers are extremely opinionated.

I have a policy where if it's lower than 3 stars (or should I say Diva Crowns (;)for me, then I'm not going to review it. There's no reason. If I do have some criticism for a book, I do the Oreo cookie method. I learned this method in Forensics when we would critique someone's performance after they performed it for the class. We would first say what we really liked about the piece, something they could work on, and then another fantastic thing. Now, I know that authors can't really change what they've already written after it's published, but I still think it's a good idea. If I'm going to criticize something I'm going to always add something afterwards to keep the author in good spirits, in case they're reading.

So I'm gonna be the person to be spreading the cheer and throwing sparkles on everyone, because that's what I love to do. Make people happy with my reviews. Especially authors who read my reviews and know that their hard work is worth it. Because, honestly, without authors, I wouldn't have things to enjoy in my free time, I wouldn't have such a large vocabulary, and I wouldn't be able to connect with so many awesome people on twitter and my blog who all share the same love for books as I do. So thank you, authors! :)

Anyways, sorry for that rant-y post. I needed to get that off my chest. I also want to know how other people feel about this. Do you find it a problem, or do you think it's fine? Feel free to tell me how you feel about this "situation." Ta Ta for now!

Tattered Blog Tour!

Katie: This is sooooo cool! I'm so happy we got to stop on your blog on the tour. I may have done some begging... just sayin'. I guess I should do all the formal stuff, huh? I'd like to thank Jewelz for hosting the Tattered tour.

For today's prize of a paperback copy of Misfit McCabe along with an autographed copy of Here by Denise Grover Swank, who just happens to be Jewelz' mamma, simply comment and specify you are entering on this post and leave your email.

To get a free ebook copy of Misfit McCabe:

Put together the puzzle and write down the code. Each day will give another part of the coupon code. Please note at the top whether it is for eBook or Print.

Once you have collected the entire code, go to Smashwords and purchase Misfit McCabe input the code and download whichever ebook version you need for free.

To get 50% off the print version of Misfit McCabe:

Put together the puzzle and write down the code. Each day will give another part of the coupon code. Please note at the top whether it is for eBook or Print.

Once you have collected the entire code, go to Griffie World Store and purchase Misfit McCabe input the code and receive 50% off the purchase price.

To win the KINDLE FIRE

Support this tour by commenting on each of the daily stops -- It's only 11 days, not even as long as the 12 days of Christmas.

And since Jewelz was nice enough to help me promote my new book, please follow her on this blog!

And just so you know, Denise Grover Swank is a writing machine. In addition to Here, she has Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes, Chosen, and Hunted out. You should check them out.

Tattered is the third novel in the heartwarming young adult series, Misfit McCabe. A little about the book:

What do Sunday afternoon court proceedings, cheerleader tryouts, and a book burning have in common? Katie McCabe is back in action.

After her nemesis Harvey is found guilty and sentenced to community service, Katie wants to believe her troubles are over, but Harvey wonít rest until he gets revenge. When blackmail rears its ugly head, sheís caught between friends and enemies putting her growing relationship with Tom at stake. Books go up in flames and Katieís world rains down in tatters.

What next? Oh yeah... this is where LK usually goes on about how she met the host (Twitter)... blah, blah, blah.. and then she tells everyone I'm fourteen. I guess you could say that Jewelz and I met because of Twitter. I mean, if LK and her mamma hadn't met, then we probably wouldn't have met, but whatever. The main thing is that we're friends. She's into drama and sings and competes in forensics... all of which I think is totally cool. One of the reasons we got to be good friends is that we both lost our dads. So we can talk about how things feel sometimes. Anyway, on to today's topic... my cousin, Sarah.

Sarah is absolutely gorgeous and makes me feel like I'm not put together quite right on most days. Not intentionally. But she just seems to have it all together most of the time, and I SOOO don't. It's kinda a weird thing, because she's a cousin... and I only got to know her recently, but she's also telling me what to do most of the time, 'cause Uncle Charley put her in charge. But... I don't know... sometimes I feel like she kinda takes the place of my mamma. I never really knew my mamma 'cause she died when I was so young. And Daddy would never talk to me about things like boys, but Sarah does. And I wonder sometimes, like when Sarah gives me a hug, if that is what it would have felt like if Mamma were still alive. So it was weird when Sarah said she was engaged to Jim, I felt like I was losing her before I even had her. They're not married yet. In fact, they haven't even picked a date yet. It was strange to feel happy and excited for her, but at the same time feel like I was losing another person in my life. Haven't I lost enough already?

Whoa! Sorry Jewelz. I didn't mean to get so serious on you. I didn't think I would. I thought we'd take turns talking about how strict Sarah is and how unreasonable she can be. Cracking jokes, stuff like that. Oh and for those of you who don't know Sarah, deep down, I know she's not unreasonable... she just wants to keep me safe.

Put the puzzle below together for part of the code to receive a free Misfit McCabe ebook. And make sure you visit Rhonda Cowsert on tomorrow's stop on the tour. And for all details on the tour, the prizes, and the stops, please visit Griffie World.

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