{A Kelly M Review}: The Rise Of Nine by Pittacus Lore

Title: The Rise Of Nine
Series: The Lorien Legacies
Author: Pittacus Lore
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publisher: HarperCollins

Synopsis:

Until the day I met John Smith, Number Four, I'd been on the run alone, hiding and fighting to stay alive.

Together, we are much more powerful. But it could only last so long before we had to separate to find the others. . . .

I went to Spain to find Seven, and I found even more, including a tenth member of the Garde who escaped from Lorien alive. Ella is younger than the rest of us, but just as brave. Now we're looking for the others--including John.

But so are they.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They caught me in New York--but I escaped.
I am Number Six.
They want to finish what they started.
But they'll have to fight us first.



So I was walking casually past the book store, adamant that I wasn’t going to go in, because I was so behind on books that I had to read! I turned my head, ever so slightly just to have a lil peak at the new releases and then I saw The Rise Of Nine. All my good sense left me. I ran into the store and bought it without even blinking. Thank God is all I have to say. This was by far THE BEST one of the Lorien Legacies so far. I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. I was so excited because we finally got to read more about Nine. He and Six are my two absolute favourite and let me say, I’m rooting for them to get together. Awesome + Awesomeness = Awesomesauce!!

Nine is the most awesome Garde next to Six. His legacies are amazing and he is just so arrogant and cocky that I had to love him and besides, so far with the guys I only had to compare him to Four, whom I am not a fan of. He is a whiny little baby through most of the book and just couldn’t stop talking about Sarah  and blah blah, yadda yadda, shut your face. So Nine made the book for me.

So it starts where we left off. Four is recuperating from the force field that he tried to run through to save Sam from inside the Mog cave. He and Nine are on the run to get as far away from the Mogs as possible and Six, Seven and Ten are on their way to find Eight in India. If he is even there. There was so much action in this book and that is something I love immensely.  I don’t like when a book drags on in the middle. This wasn’t the case. There were so many fights. People got captured and people escaped. Some died and some came back from the dead, just barely though.

You also meet the super villain in this book, which is awesome. Even though it’s only for a small fight scene at the end. I’m glad we got a glimpse of him. It changed things a lil bit. Luckily Four improved and I ended up really liking him! There is a huge huge huge HUGE twist in the story! I was like excuse me? Dafuq did I just read?? It was a complete shocker for me, and even though you think you know, you don’t really know, you know? And yes that was very confusing but you get the idea

The Lorien Legacies comes highly recommended. If you want a fast-paced, action-filled, jaw dropping, kid forgetting book, read this series just so you can read The Rise Of Nine!

~Only the very weak minded refuse to

be influenced by literature and poetry- Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Angel

{Waiting On Wednesday} Double Edition

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, it spotlilghts upcoming releases that we are dying to read.

Title: Finale
Series: Hush Hush 4 (Last book)
Author: Becca Fitzpatric
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Release Date: October 20, 2012
Goodreads

Synopsis:

Fates unfurl in the gripping conclusion to the "New York Times" bestselling Hush, Hush saga. Nora is more certain than ever that she is in love with Patch. Fallen Angel or no, he is the one for her. Her heritage and destiny may mean that they will always be enemies, but there is no turning her back on him. And yet their biggest challenge lies ahead. Can their love survive a seemingly insurmountable divide? The lines are drawn, but it's unclear which sides have been taken. And in the end, will there be enough trust left to rebuild what has been broken?

Title: The Rise of Nine
Series: Lorein Legacies 3
Author: Pittacus Lore
Publisher: HarperCollins
Date: August 21, 2012
Goodreads

Synopsis:

Until the day I met John Smith, Number Four, I'd been on the run alone, hiding and fighting to stay alive.

Together, we are much more powerful. But it could only last so long before we had to separate to find the others. . . .

I went to Spain to find Seven, and I found even more, including a tenth member of the Garde who escaped from Lorien alive. Ella is younger than the rest of us, but just as brave. Now we're looking for the others--including John.

But so are they.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They caught me in New York--but I escaped.
I am Number Six.
They want to finish what they started.
But they'll have to fight us first.

{Book Review} Divergent by Veronica Roth

Title: Divergent
Series: Divergent #1
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books: HarperCollins
May 3, 2011

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Synopsis:


In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her. (From Veronica Roth's Website)

I really don't know why I put off reading Divergent for so long. It has everything I love (or hate) in real life: politics, idealism, segregation, cliques, etc. Actually, love and hate aren't the words I'm looking for...intrigue is a better description. I like to believe I am an open-minded person, and I believe most of my close friends would describe me in this manner. Of course, we all have our faults...don't we?

I love the cleverness of Veronica's world-building. She takes positive traits and begins to prove how only possessing one of these attributes and degrading the rest make for an unstable environment.

Divergent begins just before the aptitude testing that all 16 year olds must take to tell which faction a person's innate beliefs and personality will be most beneficial. Beatrice and Caleb, her brother, are both taking the test. They have been raised Abnegation and taught to put other peoples well-being before their own. Beatrice finds this train of thought more difficult than her brother and worries what her simulation test will show. Turns out, she is right to be worried.

After the test, comes the Choosing Ceremony. Each initiate now knows their test result and must choose which faction they wish to join. Yes, there is still a minute amount of free will involved...initiates may go against their test results and choose a different faction - though few do. The chosen factions will forever become their new homes, given they pass the initiation process.

"Faction before blood" is a way of life in and around the factions. Even more so for the Dauntless - the faction that places bravery above all else. The faction that protects the borders. The faction you want on your side in a time of war...which is coming sooner than anyone thought.

I don't want to go into any more details about the story itself. So many things happen on "Tris's" journey from Abnegation to Dauntless. Her transformation is one of self-discovery, strength, bravery, and, ultimately, doing what is inherently right...always. Tris is one of the strongest heroines I've had the pleasure of reading about in quite some time. Her growth throughout a single book is phenomenal, especially with the obstacles she faces both day and night. I'm amazed by the feats she conquered in one novel, I cannot imagine what fate lies for her in Insurgent.

Oh, and I haven't even mentioned Four. Simply amazing, but you see...he is someone you cannot discuss in detail without giving away vital secrets. BUT...his and Tris's relationship grows at a steady and realistic pace. He's strong, brilliant, sincere, and broken. Kindness is hidden deep inside him and trust...well, good luck Tris.

During the next week, I'm going to do several Divergent based posts. Something a little different. So keep a close lookout...especially Sunday. I'm thinking there may be a giveaway. Hmmm....what do y'all think?

Have your read Divergent? What did you think? Are you looking forward to Insurgent (which releases May 1, 2012 - AKA: My birthday)?

{Review} Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Title: Everneath
Series: Everneath #1
Author: Brodi Ashton
Publisher: HarperCollins
Realease Date: January 24, 2012

Website  ǀ Twitter ǀ Goodreads ǀ Amazon ǀ Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

I very seldom look at reviews before I read a book. If I happen to glance at them, I might notice the average star rating or a generic comment...I avoid spoilers at all costs. Going into Everneath I was a little concerned because, no matter how hard you try, it's very difficult to avoid discovering other peoples opinions of books...especially as a book blogger who belongs to several book communities. I try really hard not to take other peoples opinions as my own and WOW, am I ever glad I didn't in this case. I was captivated before the first chapter ended.

The more mythology I read, the more I absolutely adore it. Brodi Ashton's take on the Underworld is amazing and a storyline I haven't often read. Her writing style is beautiful and flows smoothly. The novel is written in first person from Nikki's point of view, bringing her every emotion to the surface. My single negative comment is that I have a hard time following the "now vs. then" writing style that so many authors use today. Other than that...near perfection.

Nikki started off strong, refusing to forget about her life with Jack while attending the Feed. She managed to tether herself to the Surface and survive her time with Cole intact, a shock to Cole himself. When she first resurfaced, I was a little disappointed in her lack of responsiveness to her family and friends she had left behind. However, with further reading, I realized she had a reason to try to keep her distance.

I loved that no matter what, Jack refused to let her suffer in silence. The absolute beauty and humanity of their relationship brought a smile to my face. He believed in her and he stood beside her through everything, yet he wasn't Mr. Perfect.

Cole...well, what is there to say about Cole. He annoyed me to no end but I don't believe he ever outright lied to Nikki...at least not in this book. Cole is the trademark of a perfect villain...a whole lot bad and a tiny bit good. Just enough that I felt he possessed true feelings of love and pain once or twice. These feelings did not make me want to cheer him on though.

The one person I didn't have any feelings for what-so-ever was Jules. I can't quite determine why her character existed. She didn't really play even a basic "filler" role. She popped up here and there with nothing important to say or do. Maybe she'll play a larger part in the next book...who knows.

The mythology really drew me deep into Everneath, immediately. I enjoyed the way Ms. Ashton used Nikki's term paper as a symbol of the her growth from despair to hope. Mary provided the perfect delivery method for the mythology of Persephone, Orpheus, Eurydice, and Anchors.

So much about this novel screamed of brilliance. Definitely one I won't be forgetting any time soon. Bravo to you, Brodi Ashton. I can't wait for more!

{ARC Review} Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Title: Hallowed
Series: Unearthly #2
Author: Cynthia Hand
Source: NetGalley
Publisher: HarperCollins

Website ǀ Facebook ǀ Twitter ǀ Goodreads ǀ Amazon ǀ Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

Until last week, I had not read Unearthly and I have to say I am saddened that I waited so long. I only read it so I wouldn't feel completely lost reading Hallowed but ended up falling for this series in a way I never imagined. When you hop around the blogosphere as much as I do, you find that certain books get more attention than others and that is a sad fact. Unearthly and Hallowed are two of the books I don't see tons of reviews for and it's a shame. I loved both these books but this review is for the second book in the Unearthly Series.

Hallowed begins shortly after we left Clara in Unearthly. Clara begins to have "dreams" involving deep sorrow and a cemetery. With the introduction to Black Wings she associates her visions to them but when she begins to note the things around her...she notices certain important people are missing from the gathering. Imagining the worst, Clara has to make a decision whether to tell these people they may possibly be dying or leave fate to take care of it. Knowing she isn't good at keeping secrets, she struggles more than some people would. And who knows...maybe there is a reason she can't keep secrets, some ingrained sense...or maybe not.

We learn more about the lore between the white wings and the dark wings in this installment. I loved knowing what made each "race" different. Seeing Clara's ability to deal with the Black Wing, Samjeeza, made me proud. Clara is a strong protagonist who shows her weaknesses from time to time. She has strong views on the way things should be, rebels against them, and then sometimes wishes she could redo things. Does anything say young adult better than the previous sentence? I didn't think so.

This time around...Clara faces an enormous loss. She will have to learn who they can trust and attempt to work things out with Jeremy, her brother. If there is anything worse than a teenage girl...it is only a stubborn teenage boy with a God-complex.

We get to see much more of Christian in action in Hallowed. He tries to be what Clara wants him to be with a great deal of difficulty. I enjoyed his role and his passion. I still love Tucker and I think he makes Clara happy in a teenage love sort of way. Christian is more like the rock she will always have to lean on...for now.

Ms. Hand throws a couple of zingers on the table this time around. I was shocked, saddened, and delightfully pleased. If you haven't added this to your TBR list...do so now.

ARC Review of The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Title: The Girl of Fire and Thorns
Author: Rae Carson
Publisher: HarperCollins
Expected Publication Date: September 20, 2011
Courtesy of Netgalley
Rae Carson’s Official Website
Rae Carson’s Twitter
Rae Carson’s Facebook
Rae Carson at Goodreads

Synopsis:

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he’s not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.

All I can say is…wow! The Girl of Fire and Thorns is unlike any book I have read in a great while. I was intrigued, anxious, joyous, and heart-broken - all at the same time. An eclectic story of magic, adventure, romance, and conflicting beliefs.

• Lucero-Elisa de Rigqueza – or Elisa, is the youngest Princess of Orovalle. Elisa is awkward, overweight, shy, and young. However, she possesses a power that happens only once a century, making her a much needed asset. On her sixteenth birthday, she is to be married to a man she has never met, someone of importance – a King.
• Juana-Alodia de Rigqueza – or Alodia, is the oldest Princess of Orovalle. Alodia was bread to lead. She has spent much time with her father learning political machinations, etiquette, and grace. Elisa believes that Alodia hates her, though I doubt this is true.
• King Alejandro de Vega – or Alejandro, is the King of Joya d’Arena. He is to be Elisa’s husband in exchange for military help from her father. There is much to learn about Alejandro, his country, his people, and his loyalties.
• Nurse Ximena – is Elisa’s nurse maid. She has taken care of Elisa since she was a baby.
• Lady Aneaxi – is Elisa’s Lady-in-Waiting.
• Lord Hector – is King Alejandro’s personal guard.
• Cosmé – is Condesa Ariña’s Lady-in-Waiting. She has many secrets to hide. I hated her, loved her, and then hated her a little more
• Condesa Ariña – is one part of Joya d’Arena’s Quorum of Five.
• Prince Rosario de Vega – is King Alejandro’s son.
• Humberto – is Cosmé’s brother. I found him to be one of the most intriguing characters in this story.

I have listed the characters that I found to be the most important characters; however, there are many others who play integral roles throughout this book. Many of the descriptions are lacking, but to tell more would be to spoil the story. Something I try very hard not to do. Yet, it is important to remember that each person Elisa interacts with will teach, guide, and affect her experience greatly. Learning who to trust will prove to be most difficult.

Elisa is a young princess who has taken little interest in learning to rule a kingdom. She is blessed with responsibilities outside her grasp. She is tasked to figure out much about herself so she may fulfill her role, whatever that role may be. Her journey is great and not without suffering. She was thrust into a life that she knew little about; finding that many people had kept many secrets from her. She will be confronted with betrayal, loss, failure, anger, kindness, friendship, and accomplishment. The levels of these emotions are deeper and more layered in Elisa’s journey than in any other book I have read in quite a while.

I enjoyed this book immensely. I do not typically read religious based literature, not because I do not have beliefs, but usually because it does not interest me. This journey allowed me to ponder the meaning of life. The meaning of destiny. The meaning of “God’s Will.” Each person bearing the Godstone has been left to interpret the purpose and meaning of this enormous responsibility. Each of the bearer has died, some completing what they believed to be “God’s purpose” and others not knowing if they had completed their intended purpose.

Possibly, the only let down in this book for me was Elisa. Initially, I was annoyed because she was whiny and not accepting of her destiny as either a princess or the bearer of the Godstone. As her journey continued she became quite formidable and definitely a power player. However, in my opinion, she remained fickle and unsure of her purpose.

*This is an Advanced Reader Copy Review. It is an Uncorrected E-Proof meaning changes can still be made to The Girl of Fire and Thorns at this time. I want to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins for allowing me to review this surprisingly intriguing book. Anything quoted or alluded to is subject to change. All opinions are 100% mine. I do not work for any entity that may cause bias nor am I compensated for my reviews in any other way than by my followers who read and comment on my reviews!

ARC Review of Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

Title: Cold Kiss
Author: Amy Garvey
Expected Publication: September 20, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Courtesy of NetGalley
All Made Up (Amy's Blog)
Amy's Twitter
Amy's Facebook Page

Synopsis:

"It seemed so right. Danny was mine, I was his, and that wasn’t going to work if he was dead. So I would make him not dead, not anymore. I didn’t think any further than what it would feel like to kiss him again, to wrap my arms around him and bury my head against his shoulder.

That was my first mistake. It also turned out to be the biggest.”

When her boyfriend, Danny, is killed in a car accident, Wren can’t imagine living without him. Wild with grief, she uses the untamed powers she’s inherited to bring him back. But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy she once loved.

Wren has spent four months keeping Danny hidden, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school and somehow, inexplicably, he can sense her secret. Wren finds herself drawn to Gabriel, who is so much more alive than the ghost of the boy she loved. But Wren can’t turn her back on Danny or the choice she made for him—and she realizes she must find a way to make things right, even if it means breaking her own heart.

Amy Garvey’s transcendent teen debut is perfect for fans of Shiver and Beautiful Creatures. Wren’s unforgettable voice and story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

I finished reading this book yesterday and had to let it sit over night. The story was amazing, amazing and sad. I think I cried the through the entire book. Amy Garvey has written an emotionally intriguing tale of loss, magic, and consequences.

• Wren - A young girl with uncanny magical powers who lost her first love in a devastating car accident.
• Danny - The love of Wren's life whose death causes unseen consequences in Wren's life.
• Gabriel - The new boy at school who can see inside Wren's head. The only person she can trust with a terrible secret
• Robin - Wren's sister who is coming into her powers, finding no one to guide her.

Anybody who has been traumatized by the loss of someone they love dearly will empathize with Wren. She is torn apart by Danny's death and falls into a deep dark hole of depression. When she discovers a way to spend more time with Danny, everything that could go wrong does. She has a deep dark secret and no one she can share it with. Or, perhaps there is someone she can tell. Maybe she has no choice but to tell him.

As she gets to know Gabriel, she feels a connection to him. She is having a tough time understanding why he likes her, when her life is completely full of drama. Even as she tries to push him away, he remains loyal, understanding, and helpful.

While I loved the story, I found the writing didn't flow as well as I thought it should have. I caught myself flipping back and forth between pages because I kept getting lost. The book was more of a narrative than I like also. I find it easier to get involved in a story with characters who interact with each other. Bantering dialogue engages me and brings me into the story.

When I finished reading this book, I was completely and totally emotionally drained.

*This is an Advanced Reader Copy Review. It is an Uncorrected E-Proof meaning changess can still be made to Cold Kiss at this time. I want to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins for allowing me to review this surprisingly intriguing book. Anything quoted or alluded to is subject to change. All opinions are 100% mine. I do not work for any entity that may cause bias nor am I compensated for my reviews in any other way than by my followers who read and comment on my reviews!

ARC Review of Vanish: A Firelight Novel by Sophie Jordan

Title: Vanish: A Firelight Novel
Author: Sophie Jordan
Release Date: September 6, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Courtesy of NetGalley
Sophie Jordan’s Official Website
Sophie’s Twitter

Synopsis:
To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?

In bestselling author Sophie Jordan’s dramatic follow-up to Firelight, forbidden love burns brighter than ever.

Sophie Jordan had me hooked from the first chapter, of course that is what happens when a book begins with a truly terrifying action scene. I couldn’t stop reading then...duh! And when I would think…I really need to go to sleep…another intense part would come and pull me in – keeping me from sleep. So sad. (Not Really)

• Jacinda – One of the most powerful Draki alive. She is invaluable to her Pride, but her mom has taken her and her sister away…hoping for a “normal” life. Then Jacinda, not wanting to leave the Pride in the beginning, met Will and everything changed.
• Tamara – Jacinda’s twin sister who had never manifested, was thought to be defunct – until now. And now she has manifested as a shader - the only type of Draki that can rival Jacinda’s power and the affection of another Draki.
• Cassien – the Draki son of the Pride’s Alpha…Severin. He has been after Jacinda for a long time; partially believing that she was his only option. They would make the perfect Draki couple, since they are both very powerful. Cassien cared enough to bring Jacinda back, and to promised to protect her and her family. But now Jacinda may not be his only option.
• Will – The human and Draki hunter (yeah, that is what I said!) that Jacinda falls in love with while on the run with her mom. Will had leukemia as a child, his father captured and killed Draki to cure Will with their blood. Will bleeds purple, the color of Draki blood. He also appears to have some latent powers that manifest throughout this book.
• Corbin – Cassien’s cousin, making him another all-powerful Draki. He is vying for Jacinda’s bond…by manipulation and threats. I really don’t like this guy.
• Az – Jacinda’s best Draki friend who welcomes her home with open arms, until she finds out that Jacinda risked everyone’s assistance to be with Will.
• Miram – Cassien’s witch of a sister. She is the one Draki that can find out what secrets Jacinda is hiding. She possesses the power to turn invisible and hypnotize. She may be the Draki that changes everything and everyone.

I recently read an article Are These Filter Words Weakening Your Fiction on the Write It Sideways website. Sophie does an excellent job of eliminating filter words from her writing, which gives you a greater ability to feel the story. Vanish is perfectly written and flows beautifully. Jacinda’s story is one I want to experience over and over again.

Jacinda is forced to return to the pride when Cassien comes to Chaparral  in search of her. In the process, she manifests in front of humans, not just any humans – Draki hunters. The ramifications for this action will bring Jacinda much suffering. Upon returning to the Pride, Jacinda learns that many things have changed. Curfews enforced, restricted flying, and changes in work assignments.  She is no longer treated like she is of importance – assigned to a lowly job, loosing the affection of Cassien, and her mom is being punished are only the beginning.

Cassien attempts to break loose of Jacinda, knowing she will never love him the way he deserves. However, he realizes that he truly wants to be with her and no one else. Will protecting Jacinda from unthinkable torture be enough for her to realize she belongs with him? 

Will continues to fight for Jacinda, putting them both in terrible danger. He tells her that he loves her, but in my opinion, his actions do not prove his words. Cassien would do – does do – anything  for Jacinda. Will seems to be driven only to get Jacinda away from the Pride, not realizing that there are some things that are very important her, that she can’t leave behind.

Many adversities face Jacinda, Tamra, Cassien, Miram, and Will. Can they survive? And if they do, at what cost will it be?

A truly suspenseful and enchanting story. A definite must read.

To be released on September 6, 2011. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and The Book Depository will be more than happy to sell you a copy.

*This is an Advanced Reader Copy Review. It is an Uncorrected E-Proof meaning changess can still be made to Vanish: A Firelight Novel at this time. I want to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins for allowing me to review this surprisingly intriguing book. Anything quoted or alluded to is subject to change. All opinions are 100% mine. I do not work for any entity that may cause bias nor am I compensated for my reviews in any other way than by my followers who read and comment on my reviews!

Fins Are Forever

Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Title: Fins Are Forever (Fins 2)
Publisher: Harper Collins
Copyright by Tera Lynn Childs 2011
Tera Lynn Childs Facebook
Tera Lynn Childs Official Website

Synopsis:

On Lily Sanderson’s eighteenth birthday she’ll become just a girl—still a mergirl, true, but signing the renunciation will ink Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia out of existence. That leaves plain old Lily living on land, dating the boy she loves, and trying to master this being-human thing once and for all.

Now that Lily and Quince are together, mer bond or not, she’s almost content to give up her place in the royal succession of Thalassinia. But just when she thinks she has everything figured out, the waves start to get rough. Lily’s father sends a certain whirlpool-stirring cousin to stay with her on land. What did Doe do to get herself exiled from Thalassinia and stuck in terraped form when everyone knows how much she hates humans? And why why why is she batting her eyelashes at Lily’s former crush, Brody?

The seafoam on the raging surf comes when a merboy from Lily’s past shows up—Tellin asks Lily for something that clouds her view of the horizon. There’s a future with Quince on land, her loyalty to the kingdom in the sea, and Lily tossing on the waves in the middle. Will she find a way to reconcile her love, her duty, and her own life?

The second of Tera Lynn Childs books was even more captivating than the first. Each of the characters matured and added a new dimension to the story. A new character was introduced, Tellin a guppyhood friend of Lily's, and he has a proposal that will leave everyone's heads spinning. This new storyline definitely holds promises for the next book.


I enjoy Lily's fierce loyalty to all those involved in her life. It is refreshing to find a character with her since of duty. Sometimes, this duty, causes her to make really difficult decisions; but she considers everyone's feelings before she acts.

Again, a light-hearted and fun read just in time for summer. Just the kind of book to read at the pool or seaside and let your imagination swim into the deep blue ocean! Another most awesome book by Tera Lynn Childs!

Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Title: Forgive My Fins
Publisher: HarperCollins Publisher
Copyright 2010 by Tera Lynn Childs
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Tera Lynn Childs Official Webpage

Synopsis:

Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it’s not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but when you’re half human, half mermaid like Lily, there’s no such thing as a simple crush.

Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid – she’s a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been living on land and going to Seaview high school ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems – like her obnoxious, biker boy neighbor Quince Fletcher – but it has that one major perk – Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type – when they “bond,” it’s for life.

When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily-ever-after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned.

Wow! I loved this book! Tera Lynn Childs wrote an easy, fun, and light-hearted story that I truly enjoyed. If there was ever a mythical character I wanted to be, it was a mermaid.


For some people, the darkness of many storylines in YA books is frowned upon. (I, personally, think that people need to realize that fiction is fiction and sometimes people read to escape.) However, Forgive My Fins gives readers a lighter escape.


I warn though, tears did surface a few times. I love books that actually bring my emotions to the surface.

The characters made this story completely amazing. Each of them were quirky in there own way.

• Waterlily - or Lily as she is known to "terrapeds" or humans is a royal princess to the Kingdom of Thalassinia, she has a unique way with words, she will have to make choices that will forever define her life. Such a difficult thing for any teenager to do.
• Shannen - is the terraped best friend to Lily. She is smart, trusting, supporting, accepting and helpful. Shannen is all the things best friends should be.
• Quince Fletcher - is the boy next door who is a "pain in the tail fin." He may not be exactly the person Lily thought he was, though.
• Brody - is the all American boy. He is an olympic level swimmer with a bright future. He is also Lily's main crush.
• King Whelk of Thalassinia - is the father of Lily. He is a charming and understanding dad. He has ruled Thalassinia with a firm but honest hand.
• Peri - is Lily's best MerFriend. They grew up together and Peri knows Lily better than Lily knows herself.
• Dosinia - is Lily's pesky MerCousin. She is shallow, bratty, and has a hatred for all terrapeds.
• Aunt Rachel - is Lily's terraped aunt on her mother's side of the family. She has taken Lily to raise while Lily searches for what she truly wants in life.

The characters have great chemistry with each other. From the beginning, I laughed with them and then I cried with them. Lily's "bizarre obsession with fish terminology" always managed to make me giggle.


I saw this as a coming-of-age story about a young lady who must make many tough decisions before she turns 18. Many of these decisions are difficult at any age, but much more so for an eighteen year-old whose choices will affect her for her entire life. Can you imagine the decisions you make at eighteen being permanent for your entire life? Eeks!!!