Review: Taming Darkness (Artemis Lupine, #4) by Catherine Banks

Things aren't going like anyone planned and life keeps throwing one curve ball after another at Artemis and Ares. Can she live up to the prophecy or have they been wrong this entire time? Join them as they try to right the balance of light and dark in the final installment of Artemis Lupine's life.

I know this series doesn't have a following quite like some others that are out there now, but for the life of me I can't really figure out why?  Has it just not gotten enough exposure?  Is it because it was one of Banks' first series and her name is still unfamiliar to some readers?  Whatever the reason is I'm hoping with crossed fingers that it changes, and sooner rather than later.  Readers who haven't had the chance to check out this series couldn't come into it at a better time.  All four installments are out and available now so there won't be any waiting for the next title, or counting down until a copy can be theirs.  Readers don't have to take a break in between each book, but can fly through all four as quickly as they like.  But be warned...it will most definitely feel like it's over in a blink and like me, readers may find themselves disappointed that a goodbye must be said to these characters and the world that Banks has created.

 

I myself, was one of the readers out there that admittedly did not pick this book up in any part due to the cover art.  There isn't anything wrong with it, but there's no denying the fact that there is cover art out there now that will just blow your mind and leave you with no other choice but to see if the writing found between the the pages can live up to that beauty.  But that aside, there isn't too much I can say in the negative when it comes to Banks' Artemis Lupin series.  It might not flow the same as other stories do, and it's not without critique that I write this review, but this series was just so entertaining that I enjoyed it from the series opener all the way through the final installment.

 

Her characters are simple, but in the best possible way.  They wear their hearts on their sleeves so to speak, and readers get to know them a little more with each turn of the page.  Banks left her readers with a mind blowing cliffhanger in the last installment and I wasn't sure how things would progress after that doozy, but somehow she managed it flawlessly.  As much as I love our leads, Artemis and Ares, it was nice to see Victor play a more dominant role is this book, and the addition of even more new faces and names was a great bonus.  I most definitely wasn't sure how she would wrap up the series, and as crazy as it turned out to be, I wouldn't have it any other way.  While I'm sad to see this series end, I think Banks did her characters, her series, and her readers justice.

In My Mailbox (134)

This is a meme that I first heard about from Kristi over at The Story Siren and immediately wanted to jump on board. I'm always picking up new books, because I never tire of reading, but the other thing I like about this meme is that it gives everyone an opportunity to check out what other book fanatics, bloggers, etc... got for themselves. I've gotten great recommendations from this meme and hope that keeps up in the future.

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

  

For Review:

 

Taming Darkness (Artemis Lupine, #4) by Catherine Banks

 

Things aren't going like anyone planned and life keeps throwing one curve ball after another at Artemis and Ares. Can she live up to the prophecy or have they been wrong this entire time? Join them as they try to right the balance of light and dark in the final installment of Artemis Lupine's life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Darlings by Cristina Alger

 

A sophisticated page-turner about a wealthy New York family embroiled in a financial scandal with cataclysmic consequences. Now that he's married to Merrill Darling, daughter of billionaire financier Carter Darling, attorney Paul Ross has grown accustomed to New York society and all of its luxuries: a Park Avenue apartment, weekends in the Hamptons, bespoke suits. When Paul loses his job, Carter offers him the chance to head the legal team at his hedge fund. Thrilled with his good fortune in the midst of the worst financial downturn since the Great Depression, Paul accepts the position.

But Paul's luck is about to shift: a tragic event catapults the Darling family into the media spotlight, a regulatory investigation, and a red-hot scandal with enormous implications for everyone involved. Suddenly, Paul must decide where his loyalties lie-will he save himself while betraying his wife and in-laws or protect the family business at all costs?

Cristina Alger's glittering debut novel interweaves the narratives of the Darling family, two eager SEC attorneys, and a team of journalists all racing to uncover-or cover up-the truth. With echoes of a fictional Too Big to Fail and the novels of Dominick Dunne, The Darlings offers an irresistible glimpse into the highest echelons of New York society-a world seldom seen by outsiders-and a fast-paced thriller of epic proportions.

 

Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon

 

For fans of Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary and Allison Pearson’s I Don’t Know How She Does It comes an irresistible novel of a woman losing herself . . . and finding herself again . . . in the middle of her life.

Maybe it was those extra five pounds I’d gained. Maybe it was because I was about to turn the same age my mother was when I lost her. Maybe it was because after almost twenty years of marriage my husband and I seemed to be running out of things to say to each other.

But when the anonymous online study called “Marriage in the 21st Century” showed up in my inbox, I had no idea how profoundly it would change my life. It wasn’t long before I was assigned both a pseudonym (Wife 22) and a caseworker (Researcher 101).

And, just like that, I found myself answering questions.

7. Sometimes I tell him he’s snoring when he’s not snoring so he’ll sleep in the guest room and I can have the bed all to myself.
61. Chet Baker on the tape player. He was cutting peppers for the salad. I looked at those hands and thought, I am going to have this man’s children.
67. To not want what you don’t have. What you can’t have. What you shouldn’t have.
32. That if we weren’t careful, it was possible to forget one another.

Before the study, my life was an endless blur of school lunches and doctor’s appointments, family dinners, budgets, and trying to discern the fastest-moving line at the grocery store. I was Alice Buckle: spouse of William and mother to Zoe and Peter, drama teacher and Facebook chatter, downloader of memories and Googler of solutions.

But these days, I’m also Wife 22. And somehow, my anonymous correspondence with Researcher 101 has taken an unexpectedly personal turn. Soon, I’ll have to make a decision—one that will affect my family, my marriage, my whole life. But at the moment, I’m too busy answering questions.

As it turns out, confession can be a very powerful aphrodisiac.

Opposition (Lux, #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.

She can't believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.

Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.

They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.

War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.

The Keep (The Watchers, #4) by Veronica Wolff

JUST BECAUSE YOU WORK FOR THE DEAD DOESN’T MEAN YOU WANT TO JOIN THEM.

Drew has just started her second year on the Isle of Night, and the weather isn’t the only thing changing drastically. She has ascended to the rank of Initiate. She’s also found an intimate love in the handsome vampire Carden. But most important, she no longer dreams of escape. She dreams of vengeance.

Her friend Emma was brutally wounded by the savage vampire Alcántara and may have been taken to the dreaded castle, from which none of the living returns. With so many different stories from so many people with so many of their own deceits and machinations, Drew can’t be sure of anything—except that she must find a way into the castle to discover the truth and take down Alcántara once and for all.

But Drew isn’t the only one out for revenge. Someone very dangerous on the island is also out for blood….

Hers…

Guest Post: Author Catherine Banks

Reading and writing has always been a passion of mine. People told me it was “weird” to read so much or to write my own stories. Personally I think it is weird when I talk to people who are my age (late twenties) who haven’t read anything aside from the required reading from school. Reading transports you to a new place and to new people. It gives you the ability to experience a wide range of emotions and lets you connect with characters in ways that you might not be able to connect with from real people. I enjoy being teleported to a vast countryside where people have to travel days to reach destinations while fighting trolls and avoiding being cooked.  I also enjoy being teleported to a place where magic is everywhere and it’s weird to be “normal” or without magic. Writing gives me these same things except I get to decide what the story is about and what happens. I get to create a new world where werewolves exist alongside humans or where a human girl is raised by elves. I become one of the characters and I experience every emotion right along with them as I write down their story. Sometimes their story writes itself and if I had a plan for them, it is thrown out the window as I write a scene that grips my heart and frightens my character and myself as we experience it. Sometimes that scene changes the entire plan and I allow the character to write the story herself.

 

I self-published my books so that others could enjoy the stories I created and to be transported to a place not quite like ours. Some don’t like my stories and that’s okay, not everyone likes the same things, but others love my stories and enjoy reading about my characters’ journeys. That is why I self-published. I don’t need to be a famous bestseller. I don’t need my book made into a movie. I want to hear others say how much they loved a specific character and how they felt their pain in certain scenes and the love in others. Hearing the joy my books brings others makes me feel good inside.

 

Facts about me:

 

Favorite movie: Princess Bride (great book too)

Favorite ice cream: mint chocolate chip

Favorite place to read: outside

Married or single: married since 2007, but together since 2002

Children: Two: Erica born 2007 and Calvin born 2012

Tattoos: 4 and more to come!

 

Top 5 favorite adult series:

 

1. Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews

2. Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs

3. The Edge by Ilona Andrews

4. Warrior & Witch by Marie Brennan

5. Cassandra Palmer Series by Karen Chance

 

Top 5 favorite young adult series:

 

1. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

2. Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan

3. Chronicles of Ancient Darkness by Michelle Paver

4. The Song of the Lioness by Tamora Pierce

5. Steampunk Chronicles by Kady Cross

 

About the Author:

 

 

I'm just your average nerdy bibliophile. I love books, video games, music and movies. In 2010 I self-published my first novel and now I have several titles under construction. I love fantasy and have an extreme love for werewolves. I spend my days off work writing one of my novels or with my husband, daughter, 3 dogs, horse and cat. I love writing stories and they seem to flow out of me constantly. I just want people to read my stories and enjoy them.

 

Contact me! I love talking with my fans!

 

Author's Website

Goodreads

Facebook

Twitter

Email

Review: Mercenary (Little Death Bringer, #1) by Catherine Banks

Being raised by the King and Queen of the Elves has given Marin quite a diverse background. Burdened by her humanity and femininity, she must push herself and train every day just to hold her own against the elves around her. Amadis, Queen of the Elves, continues to try to turn Marin into a lady, but the one thing Marin desperately wants is to be the first girl to graduate Macon Academy to be a mercenary. Just when she thinks the goal is within reach, a kidnapping attempt puts those around her in fear. Why would someone want to kidnap her? And what is this fire building within her that she never noticed before?

Her worries seem to be compiling as not only the kidnapping attempts make her uneasy, but now her feelings for her best friend, Favian, are changing in a way she does not understand. She must begin to deal with the surmounting issues of her femininity, her ever increasing passion for fighting, her feelings for Favian, and the reason there are people trying to kidnap her.

I have to say that I can make it official that I'm a fan of Banks' writing.  It turns out it wasn't just her Artemis Lupine series that  captivated me, but this one as well.  Banks puts a ton of action and suspense into her story lines, while also making room for just the right amount of character development and squeezing in the perfect details exactly where you'd want them.

She brings fun friendships to the table with her characters and sweet amounts of romance or at least the hints or beginnings of what could be a later romance between certain characters in this tale as well.  I've always enjoyed a good fantasy novel, and this one was no exception.  While readers will find some of the stereotypical fantastical creatures within these pages, they're not all portrayed as we usually find them...differences here and there that I found refreshing and unique. 

What I love about Banks' stories most of all is that she keeps things moving.  I've yet to feel a slow point in her titles and I was relieved that this series opener wasn't any different.  Readers won't find any frustrating lulls, but action and anxiety inducing situations that will leave you wanting to read straight through to the very end.  It's a light and fun read that if you haven't had the chance to read, this summer might just be the perfect time to do just that!

In My Mailbox (87)

This is a meme that I first heard about from Kristi over at The Story Siren and immediately wanted to jump on board. I'm always picking up new books, because I never tire of reading, but the other thing I like about this meme is that it gives everyone an opportunity to check out what other book fanatics, bloggers, etc... got for themselves. I've gotten great recommendations from this meme and hope that keeps up in the future.

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

For Review:

The Last Academy by Anne Applegate (Thanks to Point)

Curtis Sittenfeld's PREP meets THE SIXTH SENSE in this spine-tingling, unforgettable debut.

Camden Fisher arrives at boarding school haunted by a falling-out with her best friend back home. But the manicured grounds of Lethe Academy are like nothing Cam has ever known. There are gorgeous, preppy boys wielding tennis rackets, and circles of girls with secrets to spare. Only . . . something is not quite right. One of Cam's new friends mysteriously disappears, but the teachers don't seem too concerned. Cam wakes up to strangers in her room, who then melt into the night. She is suddenly plagued by odd memories, and senses there might be something dark and terrible brewing. But what? The answer will leave Cam--and readers--stunned and breathless, in this thrilling debut novel.

Mercenary (Little Death Bringer, #1) by Catherine Banks

Being raised by the King and Queen of the Elves has given Marin quite a diverse background. Burdened by her humanity and femininity, she must push herself and train every day just to hold her own against the elves around her. Amadis, Queen of the Elves, continues to try to turn Marin into a lady, but the one thing Marin desperately wants is to be the first girl to graduate Macon Academy to be a mercenary. Just when she thinks the goal is within reach, a kidnapping attempt puts those around her in fear. Why would someone want to kidnap her? And what is this fire building within her that she never noticed before? 

Her worries seem to be compiling as not only the kidnapping attempts make her uneasy, but now her feelings for her best friend, Favian, are changing in a way she does not understand. She must begin to deal with the surmounting issues of her femininity, her ever increasing passion for fighting, her feelings for Favian, and the reason there are people trying to kidnap her.

Blood-Kissed Sky (Darkness Before Dawn Trilogy, #2) by J.A. London

There's nowhere left to hide. 

I thought vampires were our enemies - they controlled our lives, isolated our cities, and demanded our blood - until I met Victor. With Victor taking over as the new Lord Valentine, things were supposed to get better. Instead, they're worse than ever. 

Day Walkers, a new breed of vampires who can walk in the sun, are terrorizing the city. Blood supplies are low, and if Victor's vampires don't get enough, they will become infected with the Thirst - a disease that will turn them into mindless killers. 

To stop it, I must journey across the desolate wasteland to the very place where the sickness began. I can only hope that the answers that await me are enough to save us all... before it's too late.

Runes by Ednah Walters (Thanks to Firetrail publishing)

Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.

Raine is drawn to Torin’s dark sexiness against her better judgment, until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she can’t stop thinking about him. Half the time, she’s not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.

Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about Torin. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only are she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life.

Pretty Dark Nothing by Heather L. Reid (Thanks to Month9Books)

It’s been twenty three days since Quinn has slept for more than minutes at a time. Demons have invaded her dreams, stalking her, and whispering of her death. The lack of sleep and crippling fear are ruining her life. Energy drinks and caffeine pills don’t make a dent. When Quinn dozes off in the school hallway, Aaron, an amnesiac with a psychic ability, accidentally enters her nightmare. The demons are determined to keep them apart, and Aaron from discovering the secret locked away in his memory. Together, they could banish the darkness back to the underworld for good. That is, unless the demons kill them first.

Some Quiet Place by Kelsey Sutton (Thanks to Flux)

I can’t weep. I can’t fear. I’ve grown talented at pretending.

Elizabeth Caldwell doesn’t feel emotions . . . she sees them. Longing, Shame, and Courage materialize around her classmates. Fury and Resentment appear in her dysfunctional home. They’ve all given up on Elizabeth because she doesn’t succumb to their touch. All, that is, save one—Fear. He’s intrigued by her, as desperate to understand the accident that changed Elizabeth’s life as she is herself.

Elizabeth and Fear both sense that the key to her past is hidden in the dream paintings she hides in the family barn. But a shadowy menace has begun to stalk her, and try as she might, Elizabeth can barely avoid the brutality of her life long enough to uncover the truth about herself. When it matters most, will she be able to rely on Fear to save her?

Countdown: Missed Titles (6)

While trying to get back into the swing of things on the blog after my crazy, wedding filled Summer, I of course decided to bring back the countdowns.  They're some of my favorites posts to prepare and doing the research on them is always exciting because I seem to always end up pleasantly surprised by how many titles out there that I end up wanting to read in the worst possible way.

So while I've got a huge list already compiled of all the great titles coming out in 2013, I wanted to come back and start first by featuring some reads that I somehow missed in the past year or two.  I'm always both upset and excited to find titles that somehow went under my radar.  Upset because I already feel like I'm behind, and have possibly missed out on great reading experiences, but also excited to finally come across them so that I'll have the chance to make up for lost time and dive right into these intriguing reads.  So here's the start to the missing titles countdown.  Since these have been on the shelves for a while now, if you see any that you've read or heard anything about, let me know and give me your opinion....should I rush them to the top of my TBR pile, or possibly hold off???


Countdown Pick #1:  Fae Not by Leah Spiegel and Megan Summers

Ashton has never had a problem being able to turn heads, or being able to persuade humans do to whatever he wants. After the accidental death of a childhood friend, Ashton knows all too well the dangers that come along with channeling humans and begins to resent his existence because of it. 

Ashton now spends his time trying to “fix” humans at a therapeutic camp in his colony. When Claire comes to the camp, not only is she different in the fact that she’s shy and innocent, but his abilities don’t seem to work on her either.

Distraught, Ashton discovers who her real parents are and what Claire must be, but he knows he’s also running out of time because another more powerful fae is erasing the memory that she even existed. He must find her before they find him or the memory of Claire, the only girl he’s ever loved, and the knowledge of what she truly is will be erased forever.

Doesn't this sound good?  Leah Spiegel has the preface and first chapter on her site here, so feel free to check out the beginning of this title before you buy the whole book.  From the sounds of the description I'm sure the first chapter won't be enough to tide readers over, I know it wasn't for me.  I'm intrigued and curious to see what kinds of obstacles will be in store for Ashton and Claire as they race to make sure she's not wiped out from everyone's memories.

Countdown Pick #2:  Mercenary (Little Death Bringer, #1) by Catherine Banks

Being raised by the King and Queen of the Elves has given Marin quite a diverse background. Burdened by her humanity and femininity, she must push herself and train every day just to hold her own against the elves around her. Amadis, Queen of the Elves, continues to try to turn Marin into a lady, but the one thing Marin desperately wants is to be the first girl to graduate Macon Academy to be a mercenary. Just when she thinks the goal is within reach, a kidnapping attempt puts those around her in fear. Why would someone want to kidnap her? And what is this fire building within her that she never noticed before? 

Her worries seem to be compiling as not only the kidnapping attempts make her uneasy, but now her feelings for her best friend, Favian, are changing in a way she does not understand. She must begin to deal with the surmounting issues of her femininity, her ever increasing passion for fighting, her feelings for Favian, and the reason there are people trying to kidnap her.

I love Catherine Banks' writing style.  There's something about her phrasing and pace that had me becoming a fast fan of her Artemis Lupine series, and I'm positive this series will be no different.  And now instead of wolves, Banks has thrown Elves into her repertoire.  I love the sound of this title and can't wait to see where the series will take readers.

Countdown Pick #3:  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 have NO idea how I missed this title when it hit the eBook shelves, but somehow I did, and I'm blaming wedding season.  This is a series that I've come to love and call one of my favorites, and the same can be said for it's author, Kristie Cook.  Her characters are fresh and endearing, her action is addicting, and her story lines are action packed and have always left me wanting more, more more!  This title is not only being added to my TBR, but it's going straight to the top!

Countdown Pick #4:  Beautiful Disaster (Beautiful, #1) by Jamie McGuire

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand. 

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

So not only does this book sound fabulous, but the author has a follow up companion book expected out in 2013 where the storyline is the same but the point of view will be told from Travis' side instead of Abby's.  I'm crossing my fingers that the book turns out to be as good as the description makes it seem, because that means not only will I have found another great addition to my library, another great author to follow closely, but also another title that I'll be able to add to my 2013 reading list!

Countdown Pick #5:  Significance (Significance, #1) by Shelly Crane

Maggie is a seventeen year old girl who's had a bad year. She was smart and on track but then her mom left, her dad is depressed, she's graduating, barely, and her boyfriend of almost three years dumped her for a college football scholarship. Lately she thinks life is all about hanging on by a thread and is gripping tight with everything she has.

Then she meets Caleb. She saves his life and instantly knows there's something about him that's intriguing but she is supposed to be on her way to a date with his cousin. But things change when they touch, sparks ignite. Literally.

They imprint with each other and she sees their future life together flash before her eyes. She learns that not only is she his soul mate, and can feel his heartbeat in her chest, but there is a whole other world of people with gifts and abilities that she never knew existed. She herself is experiencing supernatural changes unlike anything she's ever felt before and she needs the touch of his skin to survive.

Now, not only has her dad come out of his depression to be a father again, and a pain as well, but Caleb's enemies know he's imprinted and are after Maggie to stop them both from gaining their abilities and take her from him.

Can Caleb save her or will they be forced to live without each other after just finding one another?

I'm already on team Caleb and Maggie and I haven't even bought the book yet.  I checked out the author's website and this is no short series.  There are at least four books out already and a fifth to hit shelves sooner rather than later.  So I'm crossing my fingers double time and hoping that I'll like the book as much I think I will so that I've got a few more titles to add to my TBR list and won't have to say goodbye to the characters before I'm ready.  Can't wait to start!

I'd Like A Movie Version Please (2)

Day two of I'd like A Movie Version Please is here. It really has been fun scouring my bookshelves and Goodreads list of all the books I've read and loved so much that they've become favorites for good. And sorting through all of those titles for which I'd really like to see be made into movies has just been a blast, without a doubt! Today, in addition to picking another five YA titles that I'd like to see adapted into film, I'm also including an actor/actress that I'd like to see play in that movie. They might not be exactly who I originally pictured in my head while reading these titles for the roles, but after looking around, I really think these actors/actresses could hit these characters out of the park with their skills and talent.

Which titles are you shelves would you like to see hit the big screen? Any actors or actresses in mind that you could see featured in those films? Shoot me an email or leave me a comment and let me know what you've got up your sleeve. It's always fun to speculate and cross your fingers that one day maybe these favorites of ours will be premiering at the movies just like we'd always wanted!

I'd Like A Movie Version Pick #1: Glimmerglass (Faeriewalker, #1) by Jenna Black

It's all she's ever wanted to be, but it couldn't be further from her grasp...

Dana Hathaway doesn't know it yet, but shes in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, again, Dana decides shes had enough and runs away to find her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the captivating, magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl, she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and the only person who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.

Dana finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone seems to want something from her, from her new found friends and family to Ethan, the hot Fae guy Dana figures she'll never have a chance with...until she does. Caught between two worlds, Dana isn't sure where she'll ever fit in and who can be trusted, not to mention if her world will ever be normal again.

How much did you guys just love Black's Faeriewalker series? I can't even honestly choose which of the three titles in the series was my favorite, they were just all so good, it's too close of a race. Each of the characters were chalk full of heavy backgrounds and lots of personality. After reading this series opener, readers really got the feeling that they knew a good bit about each of the characters. And what Black left out of one novel, she made sure to circle back around and fill in later on down the road. The world she created in modern day times was fantastical and so much fun to picture in my own head that I can only imagine what film makers could do with it if they transformed it onto the big screen. And honestly, Black's main character Dana was just wonderful. A heroine that you couldn't help but get behind and root for from the beginning to end. Being pulled in a million different directions by so many different people and with the stakes so high for each decision and move she made, she handled everything a lot better than I think most would have. So when I think about an actress to take on her roll, while I'm sure a good number of individuals would do an amazing job, I can picture...Alexis Bledel, best known for her long stint in Gilmore Girls. She played such extremes on that show and in later movies, that we've gotten to see her as the poised, and beautiful older actress, as well as the somewhat awkward and unsure of herself teenager. A perfect combination for a character like Dana.

I'd Like A Movie Version Pick #2: Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Why can't you choose what you forget . . . and what you remember?

There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon.

But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them?

Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her.

Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

This was the first book of Echols' that I had the opportunity to read and right then and there I became an instant fan of her work. Her writing brought out all kinds of emotions and after reading other blogger and reader reviews, I know that I was not alone. Her characters are so easy to connect with on so many levels that I'm not sure it's even possible to come away without being invested in her books. And this was not a one time deal either. I've read other titles by Echols since and each and every one of them has me running through the gauntlet of emotions, no matter what I do. I love it! So while both main characters in this book would be fun to cast, this time around I decided to focus in on Doug. He's so tough to figure out through this novel, mainly because Echols wants it to be that way, that it's not until the very end that readers get to see what he's really all about. But throughout the novel, it's still easy to see that Doug would be a guy that any girl would have a hard time not falling in love with him. So for that reason I had to find an actor that was able to be attractive while maintaining that brooding quality along with keeping a quiet disposition at the same time, so for those reasons I thought...Matt Lanter might be just right. He's been in a few different things here or there, but most recently I think 90210 was his most popular. What do you think? Do you think he could pull off the roll?

I'd Like A Movie Version Pick #3: Oh.My.Gods (Oh.My.Gods, #1) by Tera Lynn Childs

A modern girl's comedic odyssey in a school filled with the descendants of Greek gods.

When Phoebe's mom returns from Greece with a new husband and moves them to an island in the Aegean, Phoebe's plans for her senior year and track season are ancient history. Now she must attend the uberexclusive academy, where admission depends on pedigree, namely, ancestry from Zeus, Hera, and other Greek gods. That's right, they're real, not myth, and their teen descendants are like the classical heroes: ubersupersmart and superbeautiful with a few superpowers. And now they're on her track team! Armed only with her Nikes and the will to win, Phoebe races to find her place among the gods.

Childs' series is just plain old fashioned fun, no other way to put it. Little kids could get hooked on this, as well as the older crowd too. No matter what age, or gender, it seems like even if you're not a history buff or bibliophile, there's just something about Greek and Roman mythology that interests just about everybody in one way or another. Now Childs' books are obviously not going to fall in the non-fiction end of things, but she sticks close to the root of things when it comes to the gods and goddesses, as well as their reputations and abilities. So while you're not going to read or go see this in the theater for brush up on your history lessons and knowledge, it would still be a nice and fun family movie for all to enjoy. And when you look closely at this series, there are just so many characters to choose from when I was thinking of who I would want to cast in this film version. I ended up deciding that Griffin Blake would be a hard character to pass up on. So if I had my way, his character would be portrayed by Robert Hoffman. Who didn't love him in Step Up 2 the streets? I mean come on!

I'd Like A Movie Version Pick #4: Song of the Moon (Artemis Lupine, #1) by Catherine Banks

What if you found out that there was another world inside your own? What if all of the things you thought made you weird, actually made you powerful?

Artemis's life is changed forever when the mysterious man from her dreams, Ares, comes to claim her as his mate. The seventeen year old girl must find a way to adapt to her true life and accept her fate or run from it. She must overcome her fears and human ideals to give her self to the dangerous world, and man, that is her destiny.

Everyone knows by now how much I love love love this series, and that's not going to change any time soon if ever! Banks hooked me on this one despite this somewhat shaky cover art...nothing wrong with it per se but it's not the best I've seen either. But despite that critique, this book and series made me an instant fan from page one. I'm counting down the days until Banks releases her fourth installment in the series, and it's can't get here soon enough in my opinion. But while there are some aspects of this book, namely the paranormal creatures and how they could make all this magic happen on the big screen possible, but honestly....if they can find a way to work out the wolves in the Twilight movies, there won't be a problem here either. And while they all deal with some of the same creatures, that's where the similarities end. As far as casting the characters in this one...I can't help but it but I'm not sure who to pick. So I decided to go with the main character, Artemis. The male leads are simply to hard to choose between. So for Artemis, I think I'd have to go with someone like Camilla Belle. She hasn't been in anything recently, seems to stick more towards the fashion circuit nowadays, but I think she could handle the job. She always looks terrific but she seems like one of those girls who no matter if you dress her up or down, she's comfortable in the way she looks and it shows!
I'd Like A Movie Version Pick #5: The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

Love is all you need... or is it? Penny's about to find out in this wonderful debut.Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It's a personal choice. . .and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her non dating ways . . . which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like. . .

No words can describe how much I adored this book. I will admit to being slightly biased after meeting Eulberg at a book festival and signing. After hearing her speak and chatting with her while she signed my book, there's just something about her personality that has you feeling like you've been friends with her for forever. So it's hard not to root for her. But despite her stellar personality and public speaking skills, her work speaks for itself. Not to mention that I'm a huge Beatles fan, so seeing her cover just about won me over before I'd even cracked open the actual book. But the cute way that she's integrated their music into her plot and character's personalities is just so endearing and adorable. I'm thinking the potential this movie would have would be off the charts, not to mention how great the soundtrack to accompany it could be right? So of course I had to pick Penny Lane as the character I wanted to cast, and I thought Ella Fanning would be a fun choice. She's never seen with over the top makeup and I think she could totally pull off the low key Juno like style and wardrobe...not to mention lead a revolution against boys and dating, don't you agree?

Stay tuned tomorrow for part three of I'd Like A Movie Version Please! Happy Reading!

Review: Healed by Fire (Artemis Lupine, #3) by Catherine Banks

“The dark approaches. Fire will consume and restore, happiness and pain must be experienced collectively. Death for three will be the end.”

Her memory taken and her whereabouts unknown Artemis is taken in by a coven of witches who give her the name Chandra. After an intense interaction with the Beta of the Werewolves, whom she can’t deny a connection to, Chandra learns that there are people who know her true identity and that she’s not the only halfbreed werewolf alive. Is he really her mate? Just who was she in this previous life? Does she even want to find out the truth? And can she decipher the meaning of her death prophecy before it’s too late?

How can you not love Catherine Banks' Artemis Lupine series? The answer is you can't! It's fascinating and too hard to put down. When I picked up this book I knew full well that I had better put everything else on the back burner until this book had been read in it's entirety because that's how much Banks' writing will consume you. I read all three of these books in her series back to back and despite loving them each so much I was worried I would grow tired of the characters and plot lines by the third book since I was reading them all so close together, but that wasn't the case. I needed more information, craved knowing what was going to happen next with my favorite characters, and after the crazy, unexpected cliffhanger that Banks leaves her readers with in Kiss of a Star, there was no way I would have been able to handle not finding out Artemis' fate along with the rest of her friends and family.

Banks did not disappoint. While I was left devastated in book two with Artemis' turn of fate, Banks kept me on the edge of my seat until about half way through this installment. From there it turned into a manageable tension level. While still biting my nails and ratcheting up my heart rate, I was able to function without snapping at everyone who dared to interrupt my reading. And once again her ending left me reeling. I have no idea how she does it, and honestly it doesn't matter. Her unique writing, the way she wraps her readers up in all the intense situations and outcomes is mind blowing and at the end of the day I don't need to know how she makes that happen. I just need to know that she won't stop any time soon. Her fourth installment in the Artemis Lupine series, Taming Darkness is scheduled to come out in 2013 and to be honest that's just far to long of a wait. I'm not sure how I'll contain my curiosity and craziness but I'm going to do my best!

Go out and check this series out for yourselves and do it quickly!

I gave Healed by Fire (Artemis Lupine, #3) 4 shamrocks!!!!

Review: Kiss of a Star (Artemis Lupine, #2) by Catherine Banks

Artemis’ life completely changed when she met Ares and learned of her true genetics. Achilles comes to her and her life is changed yet again as she learns more about herself and Ares’ past. Now nothing is simple and life is anything but calm. As she adjusts to her new life she learns that shedding a little blood is more than necessary and that she must do whatever she can to stay with her pack and her mate. Can she figure out a way to protect her pack and stand against the man hunting her? Or will treachery and deceit separate her from the first family she’s ever had?

OK so we've covered the fact that these covers are not my favorite. I'm starting to think it's the cartoon like qualities that turn me off, but that's just a guess. Either way, if there was ever a situation where you should NOT judge a book by it's cover, this series would be one of those times. Banks' books might not have covers to covet but the writing she puts behind those covers more than makes up for it. After the cliffhanger Banks left her readers with in Song of the Moon, I could not get this second installment open fast enough.

After meeting Achilles for all of five seconds in book one, though it might seem ridiculous, I instantly disliked him. I can't help it but I'd already decided that if a love triangle was created, that I was firmly on Team Ares. No ifs, ands, or buts about it, Achilles was not getting my vote. Artemis and Ares went through so much in Song of the Moon, that I began to wonder how this second installment would live up to all that excitement. But live up to and surpass it, it surely did. While the love triangle added an interesting twist of events, it was everything else that was happening in Artemis' new world that really took center stage. While the werewolves and their pack laws were gripping in book one, adding the sidhe characters and world only upped the ante left readers dying to know what Banks would come up with next. Most of you know Greek mythology has always had a special place in my heart, and Banks managed to hit this one on the head.

Like I said before, Banks draws her readers in and without even realizing how she's done it not to mention how quickly she manages it, but you become addicted. To the series, her characters and where she's going to take them and what all she's got planned to put them through. Kidnappings, fights and battles, bonding, murder attempts, pack hierarchies, royalty struggles...you name it and Banks is putting it on the table. Her characters do not rest and yet she never left me feeling overwhelmed with all that was going on, or even rolling my eyes and saying that enough is enough. Artemis and the rest of the gang are pushed to their limits, but it's always bordering the line of just enough, yet never crossing over. I simply can't get enough of Banks' writing and her series has me craving more!

I gave Kiss of a Star (Artemis Lupine, #2) 4 shamrocks!!!!