Review: Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Half - Blood (Covenant #1)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Published: October 18, 2011



BLURB:

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi pure bloods have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals--well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

MY THOUGHTS:

I started this book because I've read the DAIMON, the prequel, eons ago and I loved the cover. I wasn't very sure because I'm a huge fan of the Lux series and I thought this one was going to dissappoint me. And honestly I thought it was about witches lol (what??? the covenant thing confused me! and I didn't read the blurb until I read "Daimon")

Anyway, once I grab it, I didn't put it down. J.L.A has an incredible ability to pull you in the story from the first chapter. She just has a special gift to do it.
She makes each book so easy to read and fast paced.
And every chapter's end is amazing. I just couldn't stop reading.


Alex, our protagonist has been in the human world for the past 3 years. Her mother decided to escape the Covenant and she doesn't know why. But after some events that you can read about in the prequel, she comes back.

She is extremely difficult and childish. She has a really bad attitude that acomplishes nothing. 
At the same time, she is funny and you can see how much she grows by the end of the book and through the whole series.

"I was going to make it -I had to make it. I'd be super pissed in the afterlife if I died a virgin in this craphole"

Caleb is so sweet and caring. A great friend, I liked their pranks. 
Also, I like the rivalry she has with Leah. We see a little of Olivia, Deacon and Luke which are amazing supporting characters. Each with a rich world and personality.

Aiden... he is a pure... he is forbidden... oh cr*p!  He is just amazing. Loyal, sweet under the tough looks, he is protective of her. 

Kostas Martakis - My Aiden

I particularly liked the way their feelings for each other grow. It's slow and tender. I liked the way it unfolded. My heart was jumping out of my chest. As always in Armentrout's books there are tons of chemistry. I loved them together...

But I have a favorite... Seth's entrance in the story is just absolutely 
P - E - R - F - E - C - T. And I like how their relationship changes and evolves.

Jamie Campbell Bower - Something similar to my Seth ;)

Yes, I've noticed the similarities with Vampire Academy because they are half breeds, they are guards to the pures (and Moroi) and the heroines are kick ass but this story is as good as the other one. Actually, I enjoyed this one more. (don't get me wrong, I loved V.A but I like this one more)

I guess the only way to know if it's your cup of tea is to try it!


Btw, I'm SO team Seth. (I wasn't sure when I read this book yet, but through the series, even if I love Aiden, Seth is amazing!)

5 stars review: Goddess (Starcrossed #3)

Goddess (Starcrossed #3)

by Josephine Angelini

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance - Mythology

SYNOPSIS:

After accidentally unleashing the gods from their captivity on Olympus, Helen must find a way to re-imprison them without starting a devastating war. But the gods are angry, and their thirst for blood already has a body count.

To make matters worse, the Oracle reveals that a diabolical Tyrant is lurking among them, which drives a wedge between the once-solid group of friends. As the gods use the Scions against one another, Lucas’s life hangs in the balance. Still unsure whether she loves him or Orion, Helen is forced to make a terrifying decision, for war is coming to her shores.

In Josephine Angelini’s compelling conclusion to the masterfully woven Starcrossed trilogy, a goddess must rise above it all to change a destiny that’s been written in the stars. With worlds built just as fast as they crumble, love and war collide in an all-out battle that will leave no question unanswered and no heart untouched.






MY THOUGHTS

"She must rise... or they will fall"

I am so happy! My latest choices have been amazing, I'm spreading 5 stars reviews all over! yay!

Goddess is a wonderful book, it's such a shame to say goodbye to this series and these characters I grew so attached to.

First let me say how mesmerized I am by the story and... the cover (yup! I adore it!)

I loved absolutely everything about this book, about the whole series actually.

The characters matured so much through it and they gained depth.

We got to know a lot about each of them, things we weren't aware of.

I even related to Daphne. (not that I got to like her but I could understand her motives)

Lucas, Orion and Helen, the perfect love triangle. It was so properly developed that I couldn't decide which of the guys I liked more. 

But not only them, Hector... what a character! The warrior. Smart, strong, loyal and so caring and protective of others. 

Actually all of them were swoon worthy! But not only because they were sexy or else, J. Angelini is great at creating complex personalities.

They just pull you in the story.

" I couldn't love you more if you came to me holding the sun in your right hand and all the stars in the sky in your left"

What else? I loved the past live flashes! 

oh! and nearly at the end there was a moment that I was like: OMG! this can't be happening! I was about to through the book away, because based on the actual Greek myth, that particular event had to happen but I just couldn't believe it!

Though, how it unfolded is for me to know and for you to find out when you read the book! :D

Still, the end is bittersweet, but stunning!!!

To sum up, this was an exciting read with lots of love and schemes, surprises and a lot of action!

My heart is still melting! 

I can't wait to read more of JOSEPHINE ANGELINI! I'm her number 1 fan now!

I hope you guys liked it!

Rhomy.

Review: Vindication (Freewill #3)

SYNOPSIS:

Mysterious murders, strange secret societies, and betrayal surrounds Christopher. Ellie finds out, if she can survive the treachery of giving your heart to another. Together, they must discover how to experience strength, forgiveness, and true love -- only by letting go of each other. Cruel and unfair, they may believe that their world is ruthless; but only by leaving behind their troubles will they ultimately overcome the horrors that await them.

GENRE: YA Fantasy/ Paranormal .

PUBLISHED: August 20th 2012 by Smashwords.

RATING: 

MY THOUGHTS:

------------- I want to say thank you to Elyse for sending me the entire book series as well as the group We ♥ YA Books! I got them in exchange for an honest review. ----------------- This series has been unique from the start. The beginning was brilliant, the second book was average (but not less unique) and this one, I’m glad to tell you, has raised my opinion again. Fantastically developed and written. I didn’t see that coming for sure! Elyse’s writing is different from what I’ve read so far; a little twisted, but not less interesting. When you grab a book you expect it to go from one way or another but I can assure you, you’ll never think of the twists this author can create. Utterly surprising! If you had any doubts after reading the first 2 books, you’ll get your answers here. (luckily! I was kinda scared!) So it’s worth the journey! ( I don’t want to spoil anything that’s why I’m being a little “mysterious” lol) I loved the way the characters grew and mature throughout the trilogy. I felt I knew them a lot more than before. I could relate more. I ENJOYED them more. Don’t be mislead though, there were some sad parts but somehow I accepted them as the better outcome. Meaning, the end wasn’t what I wanted but was great indeed. Lol. As I mentioned in my review of “Consequences” the way the author mixes many cultures and myths is outstanding. Ellie and Chris are amazing characters but Michael is a great complement, I can say he is one of my favorites. I loved reading his POV. Can’t wait to read something more from Elyse Draper! Great Work! About the Author: Elyse Draper, as a native Coloradan, brings a distinctive vision of the Rocky Mountains to life. When that sight is combined with her love of world travel, history, sociological sciences, psychology, and humanism, the outcome is a setting that spans the world and imagination. That aptitude when mixed with an educational background of law, philosophy, and French, brings the result of a fantastic yet realistic renaissance storyline, ultimately taking the reader on an exceptional journey. Working as a freelance journalist for Examiner.com, Elyse reports on the publishing world and supports Denver's local literary contributors as Denver's Author Examiner. Still living in Colorado with her husband and daughter, she is working on her newest speculative fiction novel. Coming in 2012, keep a look out for the next two novels in the 'Freewill' trilogy, 'Consequences' and 'Vindication'.  If you want to read my review of the previous books in the series, check them here: Freewill (Freewill #1) Consequences (Freewill #2)

Promo Stop: Mything You.

Mything You

by Great Buckle

Published by CreateSpace (Indie)

YA Fantasy Romance

Contains elements of action, adventure and comedy

Heat Level: Steamy

Length: 258 pages

Available at:

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Mything-You-Heroes-Greta-Buckle/dp/1479156671

B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mything-you-greta-buckle/1113475346

Blurb:

He wasn't looking for love. He only wanted to prove he was worthy of being a king's son.

Adventurer Theseus had dreamed of meeting his father, King Aegeus. As Theseus journeys to Athens, he meets his match in strength along the way. But is it the will of a beautiful young princess that puts this strong young man finally at his mercy? Or will he be able to conquer the princess’s heart?

She had settled for a life of unhappiness and believed a man who would love her for herself was only in her dreams.

Princess Ari has followed her father’s dictates all her life. On her way to meet her bridegroom, she is attacked. Saved by a handsome adventurer, Theseus, she tempts fate and follows him on his journey to Athens. Being with Theseus opens up a whole new world of opportunity for her. But will she allow her heart or loyal duty choose her life for her?

EXCERPT:

Theseus’ entire body must have been made in the nectar of desire because she wished to bury herself in his arms. And he didn’t stop her from running to him. She jumped when a crash cracked through the air. Blinking, unsure of what happened, her body became rigid. Theseus pulled her into his arms and onto the ground seconds before the giant flew over the pair of them.

He took his hand off her head. He had protected her. Again.

Staring up at him stirred something unique inside her that she never believed could happen to her. She’d seen the plays and the tragedy that love caused, but never understood temptation. The fire in her belly burned into every part of her body from his smoldering eyes. He looked down at her as he cradled her in his arms. “That was Sinus. I don’t think he’ll kill anyone else ever again.”

“He won’t. How do you know his name?”

“He’s the reason I chose this path when I was fifteen. I had planned to prove my courage to my father, and take out the biggest villain on the road.”

“Check that off the list of goals then.” she said. “Good job.”

She continued to embrace Theseus, making her body tingle from crazy stirrings. What would he taste like? She’d die a happy death if he put his lips on hers. My, what was she thinking?

“I never believed you’d be here, or that my goal in that moment would turn to protecting you.” he said, pulling her closer.

She shook off her desires. She needed to let him go. She focused on logic instead of the male body in front of her. “I don’t know what to say. Today has been the craziest day.”

“It’s the middle of the night, little one.”

“You’re right. I don’t know what’s happening to me anymore. Theseus, this never happens to me.”

“What doesn’t happen to you?” he asked, smiling.

“I don’t know.”

He played with her hair, and straightened her clothes. “Your innocence and desire are a siren’s call to me, Ari, and you don’t have a clue, do you?”

“Who’s Ari?” She half expected to be disappointed with whatever he would say.

“You are. It fits you much better than Ariadne. Ari trembles for me.”

She licked her lips, wanting to kiss him. But she couldn’t. Theseus embodied a man out of her dreams.

She looked away thinking of what waited for her when her father’s men found her. “I don’t know my bridegroom. I’ve only ever known my duty.”

Theseus’ body tensed. “You’re betrothed?”

“I never agreed. The bride price, I’m told, paid for my father’s upgrade to the artillery. In the morning or someday soon, I’ll be found. But…can you do me one last favor?”

“What, little one?” His arms grew warm again, tightening around her. She dared for a different life, where she lived with a chance of walking next to him in life. Letting him go and going back to the life her father chose sounded cold and dreary. She couldn’t, not yet.

“Kiss me, Theseus, just once.”

Taking a step closer to him, she looked into his mesmerizing eyes. His strong hands framed her face, his fingers circled her mouth and his eyes darkened with tenderness. When he leaned into her, her eyelids fluttered shut. His light pressure sweetly opened her mouth.

Her secret wish had come true. The prison walls in Ariadne’s heart disappeared in her soul, and today Ari’s lips ached.

He bent his head close. Then, she felt his strong lips on hers, and she lost control.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Greta Buckle grew up in Irish Catholic Boston before moving to the Miami sun. She’s worked in engineering, then became a lawyer. After realizing she hates clients, she became a high school teacher. Teaching is fun, but writing is a passion. She wrote one hundred and one fan fiction stories online before deciding to transition into writing her own stories. Never ask her to republish her fan stories from age eleven- horribly written stories of princesses. Greta dreams of writing professionally, where her barista can make her coffee and a walk on the beach, can motivate her tales. Theseus story came to her when she was a freshman in high school as her English teacher, the nun, told her how life was hard and tragedy teaches lessons. Greta’s love of writing has kept her centered and focused. How is she crazy? The voices in her head are characters in novels and she’s not insane.

Visit Greta online at:

Website - http://www.gretabuckle.com/

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/gretabuckle

TOUR-WIDE GIVEAWAY

Follow this VBT to enter the contest at each participating stop for a chance to win one of fifteen eBook copies of"MYTHING YOU" from Greta Buckle. More entries = more chances to win!

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Dec 3: Sapphyria's Book Reviews (Guest Post)
Dec 5: The YA Cafe
Dec 6: Janna Shay's Fair Play (Author Interview)
Dec 7: Aspired Writer (Author Interview/Review)
Dec 7: Shah Wharton's WordinSync (Guest Post)
Dec 8: I Know that Book
Dec 9: Andi's Young Adult Books (Guest Post)
Dec 9: Night Owl Reads (Author Interview)
Dec 10: Brianna's YA Bookshelf
Dec 12: 3Ps in a Pod (Review)
Dec 13: Have Novel, Will Edit (Author Interview)
Dec 15: Always a Booklover (Guest Post/Review)
Dec 16: My Cozie Corner (Review)
Dec 17: Kristy Centeno (Guest Post)
Dec 17: The Stuff of Success

Flame Moon

Skye Walters thought waking up on the side of a river with no memory was her biggest problem. She had no idea that the man who had saved her from drowning, the man she now depended on, Aiden, was more than mere mortal. A warrior of ancient.

No memory, nowhere to go, Skye stays in the mountain town, only to discover she herself, has unexplained powers. Her life, her destiny, are soon out of her control, as are her feelings for Aiden. The deeper Skye gets sucked into Aiden’s hidden world, the more the past, and who she really is, threatens her future, her love, her sanity.

Genre: Paranormal Romance.

Published: August 3rd 2012

Rating:3.5 stars

My Thoughts: 

What to say about FLAME MOON?

I jumped into it completely unaware of what I would find.

Was I disappointed? No at all. Was I super impressed? Neither.

Before I forget: there are some sex scenes in this book that are not explicit but you may wanna keep kids apart.

I could say this is a 3.5 stars book.

It is good and leaves some unfinished business in the end, suggesting perhaps an upcoming sequel.

The premise is nice. A little paranormal romance mixed with some mythology. I enjoyed it because it is very original but In any way I look at it, there is something missing from the story.

The characters are well defined and likeable. You can totally relate to them. Especially to Charlotte and Tristan, which are not the protagonists but have a strong presence throughout the whole book. 

What didn't work for me was the love story.

I felt like it was poorly built. 

Meaning: there were no looks between them, no smiles, no butterflies in her stomach, NOTHING that indicates something was awakening among them.

Only one time Skye says Aiden is hot. And suddenly after a talk Skye has with Charlotte they appear to be deeply in love. Where were the signs of that "love"?

I know, there was a reason why they were separated until that moment (I don't wanna give anything away that's why I'm being a little cryptic) but anyway I didn't feel their love growing at ANY moment.

The rest of the story is interesting, Evan is intriguing for sure, I would love to read more about him and those elders GRRRRRRRR! I wanted to punch them in the face several times! 

I must add though, that the book is full of action and has some major turns of events that will leave you absolutely startled!

Again, the weakest thing was the love story, just that.

But I would love to see what happens next!