Showing posts with label Eve. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eve. Show all posts

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Continuing On (3)

Sometimes I find myself getting so caught up counting down to new releases that I forget about some of the books and series that I'm looking forward to continuing on.  So recently I went back through and checked in with some of my favorites to see what was going on.  I'll admit I was surprised (in a good way) to find that new installments had come out within a series I'd enjoyed.  So rather than counting down in these posts, I decided to list some titles that have come out that I need to back track and read in order to catch up.  Here are just a few...

Catch Up #1:  Power (Soul Savers, #4) by Kristie Cook

As the stakes rise, can she find her true power?

As the Amadis prepare for war, Alexis returns to Florida with orders to relax, regenerate and replenish her depleted power. But her task list quickly grows—establish a new safe house, learn the art of conversion, find her AWOL protector, help a desperate fan, and protect her son. Oh, and figure out what’s going on with her husband, whose peculiar behavior just might get them killed.

But most important of all, her primary mission: recover her stolen pendant.

The stone in the pendant not only promises hope for the Amadis future, but its unknown qualities make it a possible weapon in the wrong hands. With guidance and power from an improbable source and an unlikely ally by her side, Alexis sets out to retrieve the stone before the enemy discovers its potential for mass destruction. But when she finds herself in the Daemoni’s lair fighting for her life, all hope seems lost. Will she discover the true power she holds in time? And is it enough to save herself, her family and the Amadis?

Power, the next installment of the Soul Savers Series, takes you on a hot and edgy ride with twists and turns you’ll never see coming, leaving you breathless and once again begging for more.


I was lucky enough to be able to be a part of the blog tours for the first three books in the series, but wasn't able to work the fourth into my schedule.  So while that's not a great excuse it is the reason I had to watch this title be released and not instantly start my reading.  Cook has a new adult series starting in April that I'm helping promote so I'm back on track and hoping to get a lot of quality reading time in.

Catch Up #2:  Once (Eve, #2) by Anna Carey

When you're being hunted, who can you trust?

For the first time since she escaped from her school many months ago, Eve can sleep soundly. She's living in Califia, a haven for women, protected from the terrifying fate that awaits orphaned girls in The New America.

But her safety came at a price: She was forced to abandon Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. When Eve gets word that Caleb is in trouble, she sets out into the wild again to rescue him, only to be captured and brought to the City of Sand, the capital of The New America.

Trapped inside the City walls, Eve uncovers a shocking secret about her past--and is forced to confront the harsh reality of her future. When she discovers Caleb is alive, Eve attempts to flee her prison so they can be together--but the consequences could be deadly. She must make a desperate choice to save the ones she loves . . . or risk losing Caleb forever.

In this breathless sequel to "Eve," Anna Carey returns to her tale of romance, adventure, and sacrifice in a world that is both wonderfully strange and chillingly familiar.


Heartbreak!  I admit I was heartbroken thanks to the way the series opener ended and couldn't psych myself up to check out this sequel upon it's release.  Now that the third and final series installment, Rise is here I'm hoping to attempt a come back.  I'm always hoping for a happy ending for characters I love and that is still in effect when it comes to this series.  Here's hoping for less of the sad, and more of the happily ever afters with the last two books Carey delivers.

Catch Up #3:  Torn (Trylle, #2) by Amanda Hocking

When Wendy Everly first discovers the truth about herself—that she’s a changeling switched at birth—she knows her life will never be the same. Now she’s about to learn that there’s more to the story…

She shares a closer connection to her Vittra rivals than she ever imagined—and they’ll stop at nothing to lure her to their side. With the threat of war looming, her only hope of saving the Trylle is to master her magical powers—and marry an equally powerful royal. But that means walking away from Finn, her handsome bodyguard who’s strictly off limits…and Loki, a Vittra prince with whom she shares a growing attraction.

Torn between her heart and her people, between love and duty, Wendy must decide her fate. If she makes the wrong choice, she could lose everything, and everybody, she’s ever wanted…in both worlds.

As a special gift to readers, this book contains a new, never-before-published bonus story, “One Day, Three Ways,” set in the magical world of the Trylle.


Hocking's books basically take me out of commission for everything else when I start to read them.  2012 was a very busy year for me so unfortunately after I read her series opener, Trylle, I had to put the brakes on continuing her series, knowing that if I kept reading and making my way through I wouldn't get other things done.  But I've waiting long enough and have some ground to make up by reading the third book, Ascend as well.

Catch Up #4:  Outside In (Insider, #2) by Maria V. Snyder

Me?

A leader?

Okay, I did prove that there's more to Inside than we knew. That a whole world exists beyond this cube we live in. And finding that led to a major rebellion—between worker scrubs like me and the snobby uppers who rule our world. Make that ruled. Because of me, we're free. I thought that meant I was off the hook, and could go off on my own again—while still touching base with Riley, of course. He's the one upper I think I can trust. But then we learned that there's outside and then there is Outside

And something from Outside wants In.


For shame!  As one of my favorite authors ever, she's never let me down with one of her books yet.  I don't even think its possible for me to pick up one of her books and not fall instantly in love with it.  So I'm beating myself up for letting this release date come and go without buying myself a copy of this sequel.  I can't wait to see what comes next for Trella and the rest of her awesome characters!

Catch Up #5:  Charmfall (Dark Elite, #3) by Chloe Neill

High school can be a battlefield, but for Lily Parker, surviving at St. Sophia’s School for Girls is a matter of life and death...

Protecting Chicago from the dark side can be an exhausting job, especially when you’re a junior. So when the girls of St. Sophia’s start gearing up for Sneak, their fall formal, Lily decides to join in on some good, old-fashioned party prep—even if it means not giving demons, vampires and the twisted magic users known as Reapers her undivided attention.

But when a Reaper infiltrates the school, Lily doesn’t forget what she’s sworn to protect. She reaches deep into herself to draw out her magic—and finds that it’s gone. And it turns out she’s not alone. A magical blackout has slammed through paranormal Chicago, and no one knows what—or who—caused it. But Lily knows getting back her magic is worth the risk of going behind enemy lines...


With no plans for a fourth book in the series I'm wanting to see how Neill decided to wrap things up for these characters.  I've never read any of Neill's other books but did enjoy her YA titles and can only hope she'll introduce some more in the near future.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

New Finds (3)

Rather than a countdown post today I decided to go with another addition of new finds. There are always going to be fabulous books that are slated to come out in the future, but as I'm sure I'm not alone, readers are also always going to miss books as they come out because they're either too overloaded with other books on their TBR lists, or just overloaded with life in general.

So regardless of the reason, I am in this boat as well. So whenever I come across titles that I've somehow missed the release date of, I make a note and get excited about them all over again. Sometimes it's even better than counting down to a title that will be released in the next year or so because when I get worked up over these titles I can go right to the store to pick up my own copy or download one to my kindle. No waiting or pining for the book to hit the shelves.

New Pick #1: Crave (The Clann, #1) by Melissa Darnell (10/25/2011)

Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.


For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences….


I have become the biggest fan of Goodreads suggested readings lately because they find me jewels like this Darnell release. I can only do so much exploring on the Internet for new books so I appreciate all the help I can get. And I hate to admit it but I'm not sure I'd have found this one without the help. This series opener sounds like my cup of tea with the mystery and forbidden attractions. Thanks again Goodreads!

New Find #2: The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees (9/27/2011)

I wanted the role of Juliet more than anything. I studied hard. I gave a great reading for it—even with Bobby checking me out the whole time. I deserved the part.


I didn't get it. So I decided to level the playing field, though I actually might have leveled the whole play. You see, since there aren't any Success in Getting to Be Juliet in Your High School Play spells, I thought I'd cast the next best—a Fame spell. Good idea, right?


Yeah. Instead of bringing me a little fame, it brought me someone a little famous. Shakespeare. Well, Edmund Shakespeare. William's younger brother.
Good thing he's sweet and enthusiastic about helping me with the play...and—ahem—maybe a little bit hot. But he's from the past. Way past. Cars amaze him—cars! And cell phones? Ugh.


Still, there's something about him that's making my eyes go star-crossed....


This one sounds beyond cute, don't you think? I think the whole premise sounds like an adorable idea and I can't wait to see how this blast from the past turns out. Shakespeare's younger brother roaming the halls of a 2011 high school...classic! Sure to be good for a few laughs, I'm looking forward to hearing more about Edmund and the aspiring Juliet's attraction works out.

New Pick #3: Eve (Eve, #1) by Anna Carey (10/04/2011)

The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve’s graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust...and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.


I know I'm going to like this one. It might just be a feeling, but there's nothing I've heard or read about it so far that leads me to believe otherwise. They synopsis alone was gripping and I find myself already rooting for Eve and Caleb's relationship, and I've yet to read one page. I'm a goner. But all I keep reading are positive reviews that describe a fast pace, intriguing dialogue, unique and creative plot points, etc...what's not to love? The list of compliments for this book are glowing. So I'm ready to jump on the band wagon and enjoy the ride as well.

New Pick #4: Scored by Lauren McLaughlin (10/25/2011)

Set in the future when teenagers are monitored via camera and their recorded actions and confessions plugged into a computer program that determines their ability to succeed. All kids given a "score" that determines their future potential. This score has the ability to get kids into colleges, grant scholarships, or destroy all hope for the above. Scored's reluctant heroine is Imani, a girl whose high score is brought down when her best friend's score plummets. Where do you draw the line between doing what feels morally right and what can mean your future? Friendship, romance, loyalty, family, human connection and human value: all are questioned in this fresh and compelling dystopian novel set in the scarily foreseeable future.

Sounds like a future I want no part of. "Big brother" watching and recording my every move...no thank you. And just the idea of having almost no control over your own fate and future gives me a sick feeling. That's not a situation I'd wish on anyone. Imani and the rest of the kids are not living the good life and I'm eager to see if they can change their world. McLaughlin sure has me curious.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Review: Eve (Eve, #1) by Anna Carey

The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve’s graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust...and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

I came away with mixed feelings after reading this one. I'll give Carey this, she puts readers on a roller coaster ride of emotions. There were moments when I just couldn't take anymore of the stress and anxiety she was dishing out. And she made me cry...twice!

The world Eve and the others have been thrust into is entirely too realistic for my liking. Normally with dystopian novels I can't for the life of me imagine our current world one day evolving into the various scenarios that authors create. In this case it was the opposite. It just hit a little too close to home and frankly it creeped me out.

Eve was a survivor without a doubt. No girl can go through what she does and come away unaffected, but she bore each situation with grit. I'm not sure how feasible that would be in real life but I appreciate her character growth nonetheless. And as for Caleb and the dugout boys...they were a surprise. They reminded me a little of the Lost Boys and I melted at times.

But I just have to say it, what was up with that ending? I didn't see it coming and it shifted my opinion overall of the book to be honest. I know it probably shouldn't but it was unavoidable. Even now while I write this review and I'm trying to rethink how I feel about it I keep coming back to the end and I can't seem to escape it. So while I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series, I'm not going to be as naive this time around.

I gave Eve (Eve, #1) 4 shamrocks!!!!



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