In My Mailbox (29)

This is a meme that I first heard about from Kristi over at The Story Siren and immediately wanted to jump on board.

Here's what I got, what did you guys get this week?

For Review:

The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal (thanks to Eilis)

Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia knows her role in life. But everything changes when she learns, just after her sixteenth birthday, that she is a false princess–a stand-in for the real Nalia, who has been hidden away for her protection. Cast out with little more than the clothes on her back, the girl now called Sinda must leave behind the city, her best friend, Kiernan, and the only life she’s ever known.

While struggling with her new peasant life, Sinda discovers that magic runs through her veins–long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control. Returning to the city to seek answers, she instead uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor’s history forever.

The City in the Lake by Rachel Neumeier (thanks Rachel)

THE KINGDOM’S HEART is the City. The City’s heart is the King. The King’s heart is the Prince. The Prince is missing.

Ever since the Prince disappeared, nothing has been right in the Kingdom. Something has disturbed the strange, old magic that whispers around its borders . . . something cunning and powerful. And the disturbance extends to the farthest reaches of the Kingdom, including the idyllic village where Timou is learning to be a mage under her father’s tutelage.

When Timou’s father journeys to the City to help look for the Prince, but never returns, Timou senses that the disturbance in the Kingdom is linked to her—and to the undiscovered heritage of the mother she never knew. She must leave her village, even if it means confronting powers greater than her own, even though what she finds may challenge everything she knows. Even if it means leaving love behind.

The Floating Islands by Rachel Neumeier (thanks Rachel)

When Trei loses his family in a tragic disaster, he must search out distant relatives in a new land. The Floating Islands are unlike anything Trei has ever seen: stunning, majestic, and graced with kajurai, men who soar the skies with wings.Trei is instantly sky-mad, and desperate to be a kajurai himself. The only one who fully understands his passion is Araene, his newfound cousin. Prickly, sarcastic, and gifted, Araene has a secret of her own . . . a dream a girl cannot attain.Trei and Araene quickly become conspirators as they pursue their individual paths. But neither suspects that their lives will be deeply entwined, and that the fate of the Floating Islands will lie in their hands. . . .Filled with rich language, and told in alternating voices, The Floating Islands is an all-encompassing young adult fantasy read.

Review: City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

When I first found this series I was pretty wary of the title, and the sound of it to be honest. I hadn't read any reviews and didn't have the blog up and running, but I thought I'd give it a try. I'm so glad I did and Cassandra Clare became an instant favorite of mine and has stayed that way every since.

Clare's way of introducing Clary into the Shadowhunter's world was perfect and wonderful. Readers were able to come along on the journey with her and I loved every minute of it. She's thrown into this world and not given a very warm welcome to say the least. Demons are attacking, her mother is kidnapped, her new "friends" are not so friendly and this new sight of hers is a gift she can't give back. Clare's writing is all-consuming and I learned quickly to clear my schedule when picking up one of her books. I never want to put them down once I've cracked the spine (OK so I wouldn't ever literally crack a book's spine, but you get my drift) and can't tear myself away once I'm into it.

Clary's dynamic with the shadowhunters is interesting and each is unique, but none more so than the one with Jace. He's gorgeous, strong, protective (just not always of her) and ornery to-boot! But we've all loved the bad boy at some point in time, (maybe even more than once) so who can blame Clary when she can't help the draw she feels towards him. It makes for a fun and thrilling series and this first installment had me out shopping for the sequel, City of Ashes to see what happened next.

I gave City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) 4 shamrocks!!!!

Review: Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5) by Richelle Mead

Salvation has its price.
The words stunned Adrian for a moment, but he kept going. "You're lying. What you're describing is impossible. There's no way to save a Strigoi. When they're gone, they're gone. They're dead. Undead. Forever."

Robert's next words weren't directed at Adrian. They were spoken to me. "That which is dead doesn't always stay dead...."

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa Dragomir. It's graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives outside of the Academy’s cold iron gates to finally begin. But even with the intrigue and excitement of court life looming, Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri. He's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance, and now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever.

But Rose can't forget what she learned on her journey—whispers of a magic too impossible and terrifying to comprehend. A magic inextricably tied to Lissa that could hold the answer to all of Rose's prayers, but not without devastating consequences. Now Rose will have to decide what—and who—matters most to her. In the end, is true love really worth the price?

I think it's quite possible that Richelle Mead is trying to break my heart! I don't mind the back and forth authors put readers through with their main characters, but this was too sad for me. I'm not going to go into details because I don't want to spoil things but when I closed this book I was very sad. I know there is still more to come with one more installment on the horizon but I'm not even going to get my hopes up. I did for this one and it did not work out so well for me.

I did enjoy the action throughout and Adrian really shined for me but other than that I can't say too much. I will tell you that my opinion truly changed regarding Lissa in this book. She ate at my last nerve at one point in the book and I'm not sure I like her all that much anymore. Probably not fair or right, but there it is all the same. I'll of course get Last Sacrifice when it hits the shelves at the end of this year, but like I said before, I'm not thinking I'm going to get my way or be happy with the way things turn out so... I'm just going to steel my resolve so I don't end up sad all over again. Poor Rose!

I gave Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5) 3 shamrocks!!!

Review: Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4) by Richelle Mead

How far will Rose go to keep her promise?

The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir’s Academy was the deadliest ever in the school’s history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them. . . including Dimitri.

He’d rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa—the one she has sworn to protect no matter what—and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?

By far my favorite out of the whole series! Why you might ask? Because more than half the book is nothing but Rose and Dimitri. Readers get sneak peeks into private moments the two shared when Rose relives her memories of their time together. I couldn't get enough of them. And as much as I like Lissa and Christian and Adrian, I was glad that the story finally started to focus more on Rose and Dimitri. The others are still there, but more so in the background.

I also just adored Dimitri's family. Readers only knew little pieces before but we finally got to meet his mother and sisters. With them being so welcoming and loving towards Rose I couldn't get enough. As much as I love Dimitri, he's never been one to talk too much in the previous installments, so hearing everyone else talk about him completed the picture for me. It also helped me forget for a little while that Rose still hasn't found him and will eventually have to kill him. But then he doesn't give her the chance...he finds her and the hunter and prey switch roles. While I was so happy to see the two together it was also depressing. He wasn't the same guy everyone fell for, and I felt so bad for Rose. It just wasn't fair. To say that Mead once again threw readers a curve ball in the end was an understatement. I was again both sad and happy. I love that Mead has kept the series action packed and no where near boring, but I really just want a happy ending already. I can't wait to devour Spirit Bound next.

I gave Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4) 5 shamrocks!!!!!

Review: Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3) by Richelle Mead

Rose Hathaway knows it is forbidden to love another guardian. Her best friend, Lissa-the last Dragomir princess-must always come first. Unfortunately, when it comes to gorgeous Dimitri Belikov, some rules are meant to be broken...

But since making her first Strigoi kills, Rose hasn't been feeling right. Something dark has begun to grow in her mind, and ghostly shadows warn of a terrible evil drawing nearer to the Academy's iron gates. And now that Lissa and Rose's sworn enemy, Victor Dashkov, is on trial for his freedom, tensions in the Moroi world are higher than ever.

Lying to Lissa about Dimitri is one thing but suddenly there's way more than friendship at stake. The immortal undead are on the prowl, and they want vengeance for the lives that Rose has stolen. In a heart-stopping battle to rival her worst nightmare, Rose will have to choose between life, love, and the two people who matter most..but will her choice mean that only one can survive?

This book left me drained. Richelle Mead is one of those great authors who know how to keep a series going strong. I will say that overall the events that took place in this book both left me elated at times and crushed at others. Mead is killing me with this series and these characters. I think I'm far too attached already.

Romeo and Juliet can step aside because they went through nothing compared to Rose and Dimitri, no offense Shakespeare fans. They're both such strong characters and have been through more than their fair share of obstacles that I think it's only fair they get their happily ever after ending. Apparently Mead did not agree with me and what's worse is that she has now given them the ultimate obstacle. I'm not sure I see a way out of this for them. I'm heart broken once again because honestly I always thought they'd figure out a way, but now I'm not so sure.

The action at the end of this installment was by far the best yet. The fight and battle at the end had me biting my mails and crossing my fingers. Adrian was more endearing and proved to be a dark horse in the running after all. I'm still rooting for Dimitri but I think a girl could do worse than Adrian, right? So I'll be anxious to see how Rose's new mission pans out in the fourth book, Blood Promise. I'm nervous for her and not quite sure if I want her to succeed or not? On the one hand I want her to meet her goal because I think it's the right thing but at the same time I know how sad I was at the end of this book, I'm not sure how much more I can take right now. I'm hoping Mead takes pity on her readers and cuts Rose and Dimitri a break...for once!

I gave Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3) 4 shamrocks!!!!

Review: Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Mead

Rose Hathaway's got serious guy trouble. Her gorgeous tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason has a huge crush on her, she keeps getting stuck in her best friend Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian.

Then a massive Strigoi attack puts St. Vladmir's on high alert, and the Academy crawls with Guardians-including the legendary Janine Hathaway...Rose's formidable, long-absent mother. The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks. This year, St. Vladmir's holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only provide the illusion of safety. When three students run away to strike back against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. Only this time, Rose-and her heat-are in more danger than she ever could have imagined.

Oh Richelle how you frustrate me! I was pretty much holding my breath, over anxious, or downright sad through this whole book. Now don't get me wrong, I loved it...but it drove me crazy at the same time.

I understand Rose is trying to be realistic about her and Dimitri's future together, or lack thereof, but I was so excited for them. So she gives Mason a shot (he's sweet but he's not Dimitri) and at the same time we meet Adrian. Now he quickly became a favorite of mine - always have loved the cocky ones. And I can't even get started on Christian's aunt. I know she's great but I so don't like her at all with her hitting on Dimitri the ways she does.

Mead amped up the action in this one which please me. After the crazy suspenseful ending in Vampire Academy it was a perfect continuation. After characters were introduced and backgrounds were given in VA, it was nice to get to know the characters better in Frostbite and really see them in action. I will say this one was a heart breaker for me. Lots of ups and downs on the emotional roller coaster and the ending really did make me grab a box of tissues. If this is only the beginning of Mead's series I'm getting nervous for the rest of the installments. Tissues will have to be on hand and I may need to constantly remind myself that this is a work of fiction so I don't get too attached or depressed. Wish me luck, I'm off to read the third installment in the series, Shadow Kiss.

I gave Frostbite (Vampire Academy #3) 4 shamrocks!!!!

Review: Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) by Richelle Mead

St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

I found this series a while back and flew through every installment out on the shelves but never got around to posting my reviews for them. With the sixth and final book in the series, Last Sacrifice, coming out soon I thought it would be a good time to play catch up.

I imagine that if I looked up the definition for best friends I'd find a picture of Rose and Lissa right next to it. These two are thick as thieves and willing to go to any lengths for one another despite the possible consequences to themselves. With Lissa being a Moroi (vampire) and Rose being a dhampir (half-Moroi) who one day hopes to guard her, these two are in it together until the very end. I actually found it refreshing that for once he vampires weren't all powerful. They may have gifts, but butt-kicking is not going to be found on their resumes like you'd see in so many other vampire books out there today. It was a nice plot twist.

But let's get to the important stuff...the forbidden love Richelle Mead has going on with these characters. OK, while love might be a stretch in this first book, there was some serious chemistry and romantic tension going on. Rose and Dimitri are supposed to be focused and driven. It's their duty as dhampirs to protect the Moroi. Relationships are out of the question. But the attraction is there and it's not going anywhere anytime soon! Lissa's not flying solo either. She's more of a juggler, or so it would seem. She's got the girls at school cringing with envy and oh so jealous, but while she might put up a good front, she's hiding serious issues.

This was a great series opener and left you wanting so much more. Mead made a fan and follower out of me instantly and that's not changing anytime soon.

I gave Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) 4 shamrocks!!!!