The Darkest Passion - Gena Showalter

Goodreads description: For weeks, Aeron, once an immortal warrior of the gods, has sensed a disturbing presence. A presence about to make herself known. Olivia is an angel–a demon-assassin–and rather than destroy him as ordered, she chooses to save him. The price, however, is high. Her wings are cruelly removed, and her immortality stripped. But for Aeron, who has always despised weakness, trusting–and loving–Olivia will mean ruin.

I adore this series. Gena is such a brilliant writer and I love every single one of these novels. Each of the characters are beautifully written and you can't help but love these warriors. This was not my favourite of the series but I did enjoy it immensely.

The recurring storyline in each of these novels is brought forward throughout this book and the plot is starting to really come together.

The individual storylines in this novel are also excellently written. Everything about these characters is believable. The twists in these storylines are well executed and definitely a surprise.

It is not a lie to say that I CAN'T wait for The Darkest Lie which is out in a few weeks. This is one of the best paranormal romance series out there!

Evernight - Claudia Gray

Goodreads description: Bianca wants to escape.

She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.

"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."

But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.

This is a very easy read. I really enjoyed it. This was a take on a myth that I have never seen before and it really worked. The setting for this novel was absolutely perfect and it was described so well that I could see it clearly in my head.

The characters in this novel are very well introduced and developed. For the most part they are very believable and their interactions are very well written. I do have one problem though and that is Bianca and Lucas' relationship. After certain events I found their relationship very hard to believe and completely immature.

On the whole though I did enjoy this book. I will definitely be reading the rest of the books in the series, in time.

Some Girls Bite - Chloe Neill

Goodreads description: Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn’t exactly glamorous, but it was Merit’s. She was doing fine until a rogue vampire attacked her. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker—and this one decided the best way to save her life was to make her the walking undead.

Turns out her savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now she’s traded sweating over her thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan “Lord o’ the Manor” Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred- year-old vampire, he has centuries’ worth of charm, but unfortunately he expects her gratitude— and servitude. But an inconvenient sunlight allergy and Ethan’s attitude are the least of her concerns. Someone’s still out to get her. Her initiation into Chicago’s nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war—and there will be blood.

It would be an understatement to say that I struggled with this book. I saw so many reviews that said this book was brilliant but I really struggled to see it. It took me weeks to motivate myself to finish this book.

I found Merit to be a really whiny character and I found her unbelievable. She flipped from someone hating this new lifestyle she has to defending it within pages and it did not feel genuine.
I also found the romance element of this novel to be very weak and lukewarm. I do not feel that it was properly developed or explored.

Unless the next few books in this series come with an excellent recommendation I will not be reading them!

The Way of Shadows - Brent Weeks

Goodreads description: For Durzo Blint, assassination is an art-and he is the city's most accomplished artist.

For Azoth, survival is precarious. Something you never take for granted. As a guild rat, he's grown up in the slums, and learned to judge people quickly - and to take risks. Risks like apprenticing himself to Durzo Blint.

But to be accepted, Azoth must turn his back on his old life and embrace a new identity and name. As Kylar Stern, he must learn to navigate the assassins' world of dangerous politics and strange magics - and cultivate a flair for death.

This is the first straight fantasy book I have read in a long time. It took me quite a while to get into it but when I did it was very good. I really enjoyed following the characters' stories throughout this book. The narrator changed every few chapters so I always got a very broad view of what was happening. The novel was difficult to follow at some parts but once I got back on track with what was happening the other parts did make sense.
The new world that Weeks has created is full of corruption which makes for addictive reading. Conspiracy is rife throughout this novel and I do think that is part of the reason why I found the story so hard to follow at some times.

This book is part of a trilogy and I think I would read the other two books but I am not desperate to read them.

Flesh Circus - Lilith Saintcrow

Goodreads description: The Cirque de Charnu has come.

They will clean out the demons and the suicides, and move on. As long as they stay within the rules, Jill Kismet can't deny them entry. But she can watch--and if they step out of line, she'll send them packing.

When Cirque performers start dying grotesquely, Kismet has to find out why, or the fragile truce won't hold and her entire city will become a carnival of horror. She also has to play the resident hellbreed power against the Cirque to keep them in line, and find out why ordinary people are needing exorcisms. And then there's the murdered voodoo practitioners, and the zombies.

An ancient vengeance is about to be enacted. The Cirque is about to explode. And Jill Kismet is about to find out some games are played for keeps...

I have read all the books in this series and I have to admit this is my least favourite of the series so far. I really struggled to get into this book and Jill just annoyed me so much throughout this book. I found her to be really insensitive and selfish. Her treatment of Saul during the course of the book was unbelievable. She kept saying throughout the book that she understood that he had lost his mother but she certainly didn't act like it.

I also felt that the plot of the book was really weak and I did not enjoy it.

I really hope that Heaven's Spite is a lot better because I do like this series and would hate for this to be a downward spiral.

Shadows - Amy Meredith

Goodreads description: Fifteen-year-old Eve Evergold is cute, sassy and enjoying a busy social life. What she doesn't know yet is that someone close to her is an evil demon that only she has the supernatural power to defeat. She needs to work out who it is - and fast! Because although there's something very attractive about the dark side...dating a demon? Pure hell!

I was really intrigued by the blurb of this book but I have to say I was slightly disappointed. The characters are very superficial and there is way too much talk of shopping and Jimmy Choos.

I don't feel like the storylines were developed well at all and the premise for the novel was so original I was just so disappointed with this.

I don't think there is really much else I can say about this book. I know I won't be reading any of the others in the series without a serious recommendation.

Evermore - Alyson Noel

Goodreads description: Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school— but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste. Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking— and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is— or what he is. Damen is equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.

I'd heard quiet a few things about this book before I read it but I had never heard any details so I had no expectations.
I actually really enjoyed this book! It's a very easy read and was a good filler book while I was gearing myself up for a more substantial read.
Ever is understandably a very mixed up character and at some points throughout the novel my heart really breaks for her. As an outcast she also has some very strange friendships. These friendships, however, are very well written and really ring true to everyday life for some teenagers.

For me personally, the only downside to this novel for the romance element. There is something about this storyline which did not feel genuine or believable and that really frustrates me!

I would recommend this book to those looking for a filler read as there is nothing substantial in this book.

Inside Out - Maria V Snyder

Goodreads description: Keep Your Head Down.

Don't Get Noticed.

Or Else.

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.

It is an absolute understatement to say that I adore this book. It's one of the best books I've read this year.

Trella is a very engaging character. She lives a very isolated life with only one friend which immediately created a sympathetic character. Having finished the novel I still want to know more about Trella.

The setting for the novel is not something I've ever encountered before so there is quite a lot of description to start the novel but it is necessary to understand what happens throughout the novel. This is the most original part of the novel and is completely riveting.

The interaction between the secondary characters is excellently written. I really feel Trella's connection to these people and the relationships are very believable.

Maria V Snyder has completely outdone herself with this book. I am a massive fan of her work and this book is no exception. I am so excited for Outside In

Wicca Series - Cate Tiernan

I'm not going to post any of the blurbs for this series as there are spoilers but you can find all the books on Amazon.

I actually read most of this series when I was younger but not in order so that is what I decided to do with this series. I also thought that maybe now that I have read a lot more books in the same genre that the series might not be as good but I was wrong. It was still as good as I remembered it.

Morgan, the main narrator, is a well-balanced character and seems to handle everything that is thrown at her exceptionally well. She matures very quickly throughout the books and she faces many challanges.

The books also vary the narrator occasionally. Alisa, another narrator, is a typical teen struggling with a parents new partner. Her story evokes lots of sympathy and her journey is very heartfelt.
Hunter, another narrator and Morgan's boyfriend, also has a very difficult story. His journey throughout the books is heartbreaking at points and extremely moving.

The last book in the series is Morgan's daughter, Moira's story. This book is by far the best in the series. It is also the longest in the series.

On the whole, this is an incredibly well written, exciting series. Each book flows beautifully into the next and the story is seemless. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone looking for a quick, enjoyable read with well written, ballanced characters.

New Covers I'm excited about!

Chosen - Jeanne C Stein (An Anna Strong Novel)

Hexbound - Chloe Neill (A Dark Elites Novel)

Crescendo - Becca Fitzpatrick (Sequel to Hush, Hush)

Tithe - Holly Black

Sixteen-year-old Kaye Fierch is a fierce, strong, and independent girl. Besides being Asian and blonde and traveling with her mother, Ellen’s, various rock bands for most of her life, Kaye always believed herself to be your average, ordinary human.

That is, until, she unexpectedly comes across faery knight Roiben one night in the woods and saves his life. From there, Kaye is thrown into a world she though was only part of her overactive childhood imagination. Life as she knows it will never be the same.

It actually took me a while to read this book as so many good books came in the post last month so I really struggled to follow the plot sometimes. I did, however, enjoy the book. Kaye is a typical underprivileged teenager, with a mum who really shouldn't be a mum. Her maturity is not suprising and she really is the parent in her family. Her relationship with Roiben is tense and it makes for interesting reading.
The plot between in Seelie and Unseelie Courts is quite complicated and takes a while to digest. The dynamic between the knights of the Seelie and Unseelie Courts is quite viscious and the hatred between the two jumps out the pages at you.

Overall, this is a good book. I love her Spiderwick Chronicles series and this is a very adult version.

Firespell - Chloe Neill

As the new girl at the elite St. Sophia’s boarding school, Lily Parker thinks her classmates are the most monstrous things she’ll have to face…

When Lily’s guardians decided to send her away to a fancy boarding school in Chicago, she was shocked. So was St. Sophia’s. Lily’s ultra-rich brat pack classmates think Lily should be the punchline to every joke, and on top of that, she’s hearing strange noises and seeing bizarre things in the shadows of the creepy building.

The only thing keeping her sane is her roommate, Scout, but even Scout’s a little weird—she keeps disappearing late at night and won’t tell Lily where she’s been. But when a prank leaves Lily trapped in the catacombs beneath the school, Lily finds Scout running from a real monster.

Scout’s a member of a splinter group of rebel teens with unique magical talents, who’ve sworn to protect the city against demons, vampires, and Reapers, magic users who’ve been corrupted by their power. And when Lily finds herself in the line of firespell, Scout tells her the truth about her secret life, even though Lily has no powers of her own—at least none that she’s discovered yet…

I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and also very easy to read. The characters are likable for the most part and Lily, the main character, is identifiable. I think the best part of this book for me was that the romantic storyline was very subtle, and the love interest wasn't overly pushy or full on. It seemed to me to be a more genuine attraction.
St Sophias is the stereotypical private school. Some prissy girls, some smart girls and a few oddballs. I felt that this book was definitely well grounded in the real world.

So all in all I definitely recommend this book for a light enjoyable read but if you're looking for something substantial I wouldn't bother!

Succubus Shadows - Richelle Mead (Spoilers for Previous Novels)

Blurb: Georgina Kincaid has formidable powers. Immortality, seduction, shape-shifting into any human form she desires, walking in heels that would cripple mere mortals–all child’s play to a succubus like her. Helping to plan her ex-boyfriend’s wedding is a different story. Georgina isn’t sure which is worse–that Seth is marrying another woman, or that Georgina has to run all over Seattle trying on bridesmaid dresses. Still, there are distractions. Georgina’s roommate, Roman, is cluttering her apartment with sexual tension. Then there’s Simone, the new succubus in town, who’s intent on corrupting Seth. But the real danger lies in the mysterious force that’s visiting her thoughts, trying to draw her into a dark, otherworldly realm. Sooner or later, Georgina knows she’ll be too weak to resist. And when that happens, she’ll discover who she can trust, who she can’t — and that Hell is far from the worst place to spend eternity …

I absolutely adore this series and this installment did not let me down at all. Georgina is one of my favourite characters ever. She's an agent of Hell who has such a strong moral compass, I find it fascinating to read about her. Her relationship with Seth, as can be expected, is still a major focus throughout the book and their relationship is as complicated as ever. Their relationship has grown consistently through each book and this one is no different. The twists in this novel were brilliant. This book left me hanging and I can't believe we have to wait so long for the next one. I'm still holding out for Georgina to get everything she wants and more. I ADORE Roman. He really came alive during this novel for me. I really hope we see a lot more of him.

So all in all I recommend this novel to everyone. Make sure you read the others in the series first though.

So I've been pretty bad at keeping this going

An update is needed then!

Well first things first as a new years resolution I wanted to read a book a week for the year or more and so far I think I'm doing really well. Any new series I've started is in red and a new author is in purple. Also the ones in bold I am still currently reading. The list is as follows:

1. Queene of Light – Jennifer Armintrout (#1 Lightworld/Darkworld Trilogy)

2. My Soul to Save – Rachel Vincent (#2 Soul Screamers Series)

3. Hunter's Prayer – Lilith Saintcrow (#2 Jill Kismet Series)

4. Fire – Kristin Cashore (#2 Graceling Series)

5. On the Edge – Ilona Andrews (#1 The Edge Series)

6. Redemption Alley – Lilith Saintcrow (#3 Jill Kismet Series)

7. Hush, Hush – Becca Fitzpatrick (#1 Hush Series)

8. Bitten – Kelley Armstrong (#1 Women of the Otherworld Series)

9. Marked – P.C and Kristin Cast (#1 House of Night Series)

10. Betrayed – P.C and Kristin Cast (#2 House of Night Series)

11. Chosen - P.C and Kristin Cast (#3 House of Night Series)

12. Living Dead in Dallas – Charlaine Harris (#2 Sookie Stackhouse Series)

13. Shift – Rachel Vincent (#5 Shifters Series)

14. Untamed - P.C and Kristin Cast (#4 House of Night Series)

15. Hunted - P.C and Kristin Cast (#5 House of Night Series)

16. Circle of Fire – Keri Arthur (#1 Damask Circle Trilogy)

17. Fallen – Lauren Kate (#1 Fallen Series)

18. Tempted – PC & Kristin Cast (#6 House of Night Series)

19. Circle of Death – Keri Arthur (#2 Damask Circle Trilogy)

20. The Field Guide – Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi (#1 Spiderwick Chronicles)

21. The Seeing Stone - Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi (#2 Spiderwick Chronicles)

22. Lucinda's Secret - Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi (#3 Spiderwick Chronicles)

23. The Ironwood Tree - Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi (#4 Spiderwick Chronicles)

24. The Wrath of Mulgarath - Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi (#5 Spiderwick Chronicles)

25. Blood of the Demon – Diana Rowland (#2 Kara Gillian Series)

26. Tithe – Holly Black (#1 Modern Faerie Tale Series)

27. Strange Angels – Lili St Crow (#1 Strange Angels Series)

28. Betrayals – Lili St Crow (#1 Strange Angels Series)

I have also decided to try and read as many new authors (as in authors I've never read before) as possible this year and I am currently at 6 new authors.

I will get round to reviewing every new book that I read from now on but if you want my opinion on any of the books on that list then drop me a message and I will let you know what I thought of it. Also if this list gives you ideas for recommendations that would be great too!

Hopefully I'll be better at keeping this up to date too.