Book Review: Oath of Destruction by Jennifer Anne Davis

Oath of Destruction by Jennifer Anne Davis

Reign Publishing (c) 2018

Fantasy

ARC ebook

Reviewed by Leah

Oath of Destruction on Amazon

This is it. The finale.

It is everything I wanted, to be honest.

There's more Allyssa and Kerdan. We see more of Savenek fitting into his role. There are more encounters with Mayra. The BEST encounters with Neco. And the development of a family as it absorbs its missing piece.

And when you're not fangirling over the characters, the book manages to do a great job of wrapping up the plot line as well.

Everyone has a comeuppance. And the royal family of Emperion is not above aiding in the endeavor.

Book News: Prideful Magick Collection

Well, a lot has happened since I last updated this. Shame on me. Now it's time to catch up.

First of all, the Prideful Magick Collection is almost complete. Ivy and Oleander were joined by Valerian on December 19, 2016 and Hawthorn on November 30, 2017.

For now, this is what the Collection consists of:

Alas, there's one left in Alexandria's tale. The release date for Avens will be announced soon in a much more fun fashion, but as my record has proven that I probably won't remember to update, I'll just squeeze it in here: January 21, 2019.

Honestly, I'm so pleased to have made it so far in the past few years. Even have the website up-to-date. With the Prideful Magick Collection sporting its own page. (Be sure to check it out!)

Thanks to everyone that keeps up with this blog and checks out my stuff. I appreciate it.

Book Review: Conquering Fate by Jennifer Anne Davis

Conquering Fate by Jennifer Anne Davis

Reign Publishing (c) 2018

ARC e-book

Fantasy

Reviewed by Leah

Conquering Fate on Amazon

This is it. This is the end of the Order of the Krigers Series. It's been a long time coming.

I can't even write a decent summary without it feeling as if I'm spoiling the book. Which means my chances of having a full, coherent review come out of this is also slim.

So we're going to put some bulletin points on this:

* Kaia is sacrificing everything to save Nelebek

* Morlet and Kaia have new shared experiences that draw them together

* Morlet puts Kaia in several more inexcusable positions

* The history of the Heks is very much a part of the present

* Everyone is keeping secrets from everyone else

I can't say more without giving away major plot points, and I don't want to spoil this for anyone. This book is exactly what it needs to be in order to wrap up the Order of the Krigers. It is a solid conclusion. Character arcs come to a close. The plot wrings out the last of its tears. And you're left with a slightly lighter heart once you reach that final page.

With engaging writing and a well-known cast, we've finally finished a journey.

Book Review: Cage of Darkness by Jennifer Anne Davis

Cage of Darkness by Jennifer Anne Davis

Reign Publishing (c) 2017

ARC e-book

Fantasy

Reviewed by Leah

Cage of Darkness on Amazon

This is a book that doesn't deceive.  There is evil in this world, and Allyssa is unfortunate enough to meet some of the worst of it.  It is also a reality in which she learns what it means to be powerless, but not helpless.

Summary:

Ambushed on the road to Fren, Allyssa and Odar find themselves the responsibility of the lone assassin that had haunted their steps.  He is a clever man who sees much more than they could wish, and whose threats drip with promise and an eagerness to follow through.  It is from him that Allyssa is given a startling revelation that fractures what little trust she has left.

Dragged across the country, innocent facts pile atop the others as the mysterious assassin takes them deeper into enemy territory.  Crossing the border into Russek seals Allyssa's fate, and she knows that she would rather die than be used to harm her parents or her country.  Though a prisoner she might be, she's still willing to fight.

A choice that is taken out of her hands by a charismatic maneuver by Prince Odar.  He swore he would do anything to keep her alive; he didn't say it wouldn't hurt.

Trapped in this world of darkness, Allyssa's hope is as transparent as glass, but it's still sharp enough to cut through the despair.  All she has to do is hold out for something.  Or someone.

Allies are found in the most unlikely of places, and they bring offers that sound too good to be true.  They usually are.

Review:

Powerless, but not helpless.

The thing I admired most about the True Reign Series was that Rema never accepted the role of a damsel in distress.  While she did need rescuing, it wasn't without her trying to help along an active escape.

Her daughter is the same kind of human being.  Allyssa knows she's in trouble, but she's got the skills to get her out of it.  All she wants is an opportunity.  Throughout this entire book, she actively seeks it.  She's a survivor; not a victim.

Granted, there is turmoil here.  There are several subplots that slip and slither throughout the main storyline, and they enhance everything about her situation.  Secrets meet reality in harsh jabs, sharp barbs, and a few wicked truths.

With the new and chaotic character dynamics exposed like a raw nerve, Allyssa's control over the situation is all but gone.  Then she makes a new ally and reality begins again to shape to her will.

To be fair, there's not a lot I can say without giving away too much.  This novel is fast-paced, addictive, and full of character.  You will feel.  Anger, frustration, hurt, relief, elation, and shock.  Allyssa's rollercoaster is also the reader's.  And it is a rollercoaster.

As with its predecessor, Cage of Darkness focuses most of its energy on its characters.  If you're looking for a massive, complicated plot with pawns moved about on a board into the situations that are the most exciting, this book is not what you need.  This one is for those of us that want to get into the skin of a single narrator and feel every sharp stab that the writer inflicts on them.  (Ms. Davis inflicts a lot; you've been warned.)

This book is about learning who can be trusted and what you're most willing to sacrifice.  In times of war, the answers may surprise you.

Book Review: Burning Shadows by Jennifer Anne Davis

Burning Shadows by Jennifer Anne Davis

Reign Publishing (c) 2016

ARC E-Book

Fantasy

Reviewed by Leah

Burning Shadows on Amazon

Isn't this cover gorgeous?  I prefer it over the cover for Rise, actually.  This one has more of the right feel to it.  Less ... fantastical.  This portrays the grittiness to come, and I really enjoy that fact.

Summary:

The Order of the Krigers has risen.

King Morlet is determined it should not be for long.  Desperation claims the vile King and he begins to raze villages to the ground in the hopes to destroy the lengthy network of supporters the Krigers have gathered.  All the while, his plans for Kaia grow even more sinister.

The symbol on Kaia's bo staff means choice.  And there is much for her to choose from.  When it is revealed that she must bear a child before Morlet can be destroyed, she is uncertain who the father is meant to be: her fiancé, Vidar, or his brother.  All the while she attempts to stifle her feelings for the assassin, Anders.

Just when it feels as if she has no choice in the matter at all, she finds that she has the biggest decision yet to make: Give up a part of herself to save the kingdom, or let Nelebek remain beneath the dark reign of Morlet.

It is a question that will define her, and decide the fate of a nation.

Initial Thoughts:

I was so geeked to pick up where Rise left off.  You know, considering that cliff we were left hanging off of...  The minute I got Anders and Vidar back was almost orgasmic.

Characters:

Kaia has grown up, for the most part.  She is a being who questions everything, because no one is being straight with her.  There is also a compassion to her that is less annoying and more relatable in this book than in the last.  We also have far less TSTL moments, so I didn't want to strangle her nearly as much.  As far as her development, I feel like we're still in the middle of her character arc, so I'm just hoping it improves even more come the next book.  Overall, we connected far better in this book, which I was thrilled about.

Anders is my sweet little assassin baby and no one can convince me otherwise.  While I still think he deserves better than Kaia, what he deserves more is a happy ending.  There are a lot of trials for Anders in this one and it makes it so difficult to bear.  His interactions with Kaia were exactly what you expect from him, and that made it equally heartwarming and heartbreaking.

Vidar and I were fighting in this book.  I mean, I understand his pragmatism.  That doesn't mean I had to like it.  In this book you get a far clearer image of what goes on in his head, and the sacrifices he's willing to make for his people and his nation.  And while they are powerful motives, it feels like he doesn't follow through with the right conclusion all the time.  Considering his character, however, I understood the decisions he made and I still love him as a person.  Faults and all.

Krigers are badasses.  End of discussion.

Morlet ...  gah it's so easy to hate him, but then there are those moments that you're no longer sure where Morlet ends and Espen begins.  It makes it difficult.  Very, very difficult.

Plot & Setting:

If you've read Rise, you know the setting.  And frankly, I'm in too much of a hurry to move on to the plot to waste time explaining it.  There's a map.  You'll figure it out.

Now, the plot followed a bumpy road.  What I mean to say is: subplots exist here.  And we have to follow a few of the subplots in order to propel us into the larger framework.  I. Freaking. Love. That.

Because of the subplots, we get answers to questions that plagued us in Rise.  We are introduced to new characters and the hint of possibilities.  There are more joyous moments that cushion your heart for the heartbreaks that follow.  And they offer an expectation as well as an offer.  Those subplots are the reason Kaia needs to continue.

It was brilliantly done.

Writing:

There's a reason I come back to this author's work.  It is un-put-downable.  Once the story captures you, there's nothing you want more than to just curl up in a warm blanket and read the day away.  (Or few hours.  Depending on how long it actually takes you.)  I love how compelling the writing is, no matter which of her books I pick up.  That is truly the mark of powerful storytelling to me.

Overall Opinion:

Vast improvement over Rise.  Hands down.  Everything seemed to come together more naturally and the character development kept me totally invested.  Good book.

Book Review: Time Warper: Fated by Peggy Martinez

Time Warper: Fated by Peggy Martinez

Clean Teen Publishing (c) 2015

Kindle Edition

Urban Fiction

Reviewed by Leah

Time Warper: Fated on Amazon

This book and I had zero chemistry.  That saddens me.

Summary:

When Sage Hannigan picked out the pendant in a little store, she had no idea that she was picking out a key to her own powers.  A dream-filled night full of sleepwalking soon lands her in the early 1900s with no idea how she got there.  Thanks to a sudden rescue from a vampire attack, she's introduced to a group of people eager to inform her of the world she's entered.

Sage is a Time Warper, and she's got a big event to deal with before she can make it home.  Dealing with a certain Head Vampire as well as several other preternatural creatures isn't easy, yet it seems far more simple than trying not to fall in love with a man one hundred years in her past.

Initial Reaction:

This book and I lacked chemistry so much that I put it on hold for months after getting only 4% into it.  Though the beginning of the book offers action and mystery, it did not hold my interests.  This is the type of novel I believe you have to be in the mood to read, or else your experience is far less enjoyable.

Characters:

Sage Hannigan was a hit and miss for me.  She had snarky, lippy, sarcastic moments and thoughts that I enjoyed to the fullest.  What she also had was a tragic, touched-upon history that I barely paid attention to.  She also had an incredible ability that she worked hard on controlling that wasn't nearly as cool to see in action as I hoped it would be.  Along with the fact that she has an instant attraction to one man right off the bat.  Add in another 'bond' with a vampire and my feelings for her hit a straight 'meh' streak.  For the most part, there wasn't anything really wrong with Sage, but nor did she inspire me to continue her journey.

Dr. Aldwin Blake felt like an archetype.  There was very little personality to him, in my opinion, other than what we see in several other YA novels.  He was scarred (physically as well as emotionally) and moody throughout much of the novel.  Many of the tender moments he had with Sage gave us very little in the way of his personality or allowed the reader to know why Sage felt so strongly for him.  And the moments that could have given us bigger clues were given more as snapshots instead of as full scenes.

Elaine is one of those characters whose last name I can't remember.  She's a strict, take-no-prisoners, dedicated member of Cerebus–a secret society keeping the preternatural world a secret.  It is her job to train Sage how to fit in with early 1900s society.  With rogue vampires on the loose, her stress level is a little high, and so are her expectations for Sage.

Travis and Phoebe are also cohorts in this little mission, but damned if I know more about them than key plot points that I don't feel like spoiling.

Soren is perhaps one of my more liked characters.  He is a head vampire that knows a thing or two about the way the world works.  His is a cool, calm facade equalized by his passionate nature.

Plot & Setting:

This is a first person perspective novel, so I wasn't expecting much in the way of setting.  What I was treated to, however, felt authentic.  It felt like a girl got dropped into another century and had no way to figure out what in the world was happening.

As far as the plot goes, I felt like it was predictable.  Not in a way that I knew everything that would happen next or even that it felt regurgitated from every other YA novel.  There was just a feeling that, when I was reading it, there was no suspense to it.  The love interests were predictable.  The ending was predictable.  Much of the storyline gave little to feed the imagination.

Writing:

I don't know what to say.  I think the best made up word I can say is: unengaging.  Despite the action scenes, or the emotional ones, I never felt invested in the story.  The writing didn't draw me in, but it also didn't repulse me.

Overall Opinion:

Meh.  I think this is a clear lack of chemistry.  Do I think other people will like it?  Yes.  Should you try it for yourself?  Absolutely.  I just think you need to be in the mood for this.  Even when I was enjoying the book, I still wasn't invested.  So this is something you really have to decide for yourself.

"Oleander" Released June 30!

Oleander by Hollow Ryan

Prideful Magick Collection Book 2

Released: June 30, 2016

YA Paranormal

Oleander on Amazon

To be honest, I can't believe I didn't update this prior to the release date.  Just goes to show what a hectic time that was.

Between moving and releasing Oleander, I'm surprised as much promotional stuff happened as it did.  I don't ever recommend huge life changes taking place around a book release.  If I hadn't made the decision to release it in June, no matter what, I probably would have postponed release.

As it stands, Oleander has been released, and I encourage EVERYONE to go and buy themselves a copy.  (While it is recommended that you read Ivy first, I don't believe it is necessary.)

So why am I posting about it today?

Well, as it happens, today is when I received MY copies!

So please enjoy looking at my total bragging rights, while I go and enjoy a good book.

Have a pleasant summer, folks, and may it be full of good books, good friends, and good weather!

Book Review: Rise by Jennifer Anne Davis

Rise by Jennifer Anne Davis

Month9Books © 2016

ARC Ebook

High Fantasy

Review by Leah

Rise on Amazon

Look at that cover.  Commence drooling.  Wipe mouth.  Continue reading.

Summary:

When the balance of the world shifts, something must always occur to restore it.

In the case of the nation of Nelebek, things took a turn for the worse when Morlet, a man with dark magic coursing through his veins, takes the throne.  His power is menacing and his reign is full of desperation.  Yet, out of the dark, there must be light.  This comes in the form of the Order of the Krigers; twelve warriors who come into their own powers at the age of eighteen and whose shared destiny is to combine with each other and their weapons to kill the king.

For over a century, the Krigers have been hunted by two sides.  A mysterious assassin and his friend are alone in their knowledge of what must be done to aid the Krigers, and so they search for any they can get to before Morlet's guards.  After so long, the King has become aware that the powers of the Krigers will endure, no matter how many he kills.  So he has begun to imprison them, in order to kill all twelve as they are linked, destroying the Order of the Krigers forever.

Morlet has eleven.  There is only one left.

Kaia didn't mean to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Yet, it was during a public execution that she comes face to face with the dark and powerful ruler of Nelebek.  And when she meets his eyes, an ancient power rises in order to combat his own destructive magic.

Now, she must decide whether or not she will accept her destiny, while learning what all that entails.

Initial Thoughts:

I'm not going to lie here, Kaia and I did not get along.  I yelled at her throughout the entire book.  Despite her, however, it was not a trying read for me.  Mostly because the secondary characters were this book's saving grace.

Characters:

Kaia and I are not compatible creatures.  When it comes to a moral compass, you'd never be able to find someone so pure and naive as Kaia.  Despite her father's wise teachings and relentless training, Kaia still doesn't have what it takes in her to be a warrior.  Not at heart.  She also lacks the inherent suspicion of other people that keeps most of us alive on a daily basis.  Common sense is also something she is sorely lacking.  And as the assassin, Anders, would happily point out: she can't keep her mouth shut.  Even/especially when it matters most.  Out of the 19 pages of notes I took while reading this book, yelling at Kaia comprises of 95% of them.  I wanted to kill her myself, she was so TSTL (too stupid to live).  I'm not sugar-coating it; there were several times that she should have died, and didn't only by the grace of amazing secondary characters.  Her innocence is the kind reserved for a child growing up in a loving home, and has no business being in a sixteen-year-old who was trained to fight since she could walk.  There is no excuse for that level of naiveté.

Anders was a badass.  He was funny and boyish at times, while being stubborn and fierce when needed.  There were a few mood swings of his that seemed odd, but were pleasurable to experience.  What I truly enjoyed about Anders, however, was that he was a contradiction of emotions and actions, but he allowed nothing to stand in the way of his objective.  Even Kaia's whiny savior-complex.  Though he feels guilty about the lives he takes, Anders knows that there is no choice but to take them, and he doesn't hesitate.  He pays the price for what he does, but he doesn't display it for everyone to pity.  For that, I adored him.  I dubbed him my favorite from page 35, and I don't see that changing throughout this series.

Vidar was also fucking amazing.  Sorry, there's just no other way to put it.  He's charismatic, noble, caring, and has a strong sense of purpose.  It is his drive that has kept the Krigers going for so long, and what keeps Anders in check.  There's also a few flirty moments with Kaia that you can't help but adore him for, since it is all done for the sake of humor.  Vidar is adorable.  I can add nothing to that, and you'll have to read to find out exactly what I mean.  Between him and Anders, though, it was an entertaining read.

Morlet is also one of the most interesting characters in the book.  Now, I can't say too much on him without revealing some of the book's most intriguing moments, but he is a character you want to keep your eye on.  Before, I said that Anders was made of contradictions.  Morlet suffers with a few more of those than you would think.  And not even a king is master of everything.  Much less himself.

Plot & Setting:

As far as setting goes, this one is a bit lacking.  Through the narrative, we learn some basic layout, but not enough to immerse us.  Yet, since this is First Person Perspective, I usually let setting slide for realism's sake.  I mean, how many of us go around describing everything we see every day in our heads?  For a character to do it instead of focusing on the action, that's unforgivable to me.  So no harm, no foul on setting.

Plot though…  I'm back and forth on this one.  As I said, I need my characters focused on the action, and Kaia does nothing but this.  Yet, she's also used to create unnecessary series of events because she's just that plain stupid.  There were several instances in this book where she honestly should have died.  There were instances that could have been avoided entirely if she had just been a little more suspicious. And if she had trusted her allies more and her enemies less, half of the book would never have happened.

In general, the plot arc that this book was going for was achieved.  I loved the revelations and many of the character progressions that I witnessed.  Yet, much of it felt contrived through Kaia's ignorance, and I was not okay with that.

Writing Style:

I've read plenty of books by Jennifer Anne Davis and there is at least one quality to them that remains consistent: once I reach a certain point, it is in everyone's best interest not to fucking interrupt me.  For several of her books, this has come way sooner, and for others I pass that point much later.  This was one of the latter category.  My disconnect with Kaia made it hard to deal with her, but there was always a driving need to know what happens next.  To find out if my theories are sound.  (They were, btw.)  To see how everything would unfold.  That is the power of Ms. Davis's writing.  It pulls you in and keeps you questioning.  Even if you abhor the MC, you still have to stick with it to find out if everything is as you thought it would be.  Which is why I will undoubtedly be reading the next book.

Overall Opinion:

This is going to be a hit or miss with people, and there will be very little in-between.  (Waves hand at all the few other people to join me in the middle.)  There were parts I loved about this book, and there were parts I despised.  Since this is a FPP, however, I think most opinions will be directly related to how well you can connect with Kaia.  For younger teens, this will probably be a phenomenal hit.  For older teens, probably less so.  And amongst the adult portion of readers, I have to think it'll be a 50/50 shot, because so many want to experience the kind of innocence, naivety, and self-righteousness that Kaia provides; while others who don't mind the darker parts of the human experience will find her lacking in every instinctual, defensive necessity that our existence depends upon.

Book Review: Crushed by Kasi Blake

Crushed by Kasi Blake

Clean Teen Publishing © 2015

Kindle Edition

Urban Fiction

Reviewed by Leah

Crushed on Amazon

A standard love story between the stereotypical popular genius and the bad boy with secrets.  This book didn't irritate or anger me as much as it could have, but only because I found it incredibly boring.  On a positive note, however, that cover is freaking gorgeous!

Summary:

Every year of high school, the Noah triplets have played a game: Crushed.  Born witches, it took help from their grandmother to learn what they should know about their powers, since neither of their parents were magically gifted.  However, the girls have their own idea that what Grandma Noah doesn't know won't hurt.  Which is why they keep the love spell game Top Secret.

The other reason they have to keep their game a secret is because the revelation that they are witches would mean the instantaneous loss of their powers.  Yet, that doesn't stop the game.

When Kristin Noah is dared to crush Zach Bevian, however, she's going to get a whole new taste of what dangers the game presents.

Initial Thoughts:

I would love a book about witches that was about the magic more than the love story.  Sadly, I am unable to find said book.

Characters:

I'm just going to say one word and it will cover everyone: Stereotypical.

Kristin Noah was the popular girl who cared only about her reputation, grades, and future.  She was irritatingly organized and had never been on a date in her life.  Poor, poor Kristin.

Her sisters, Brittany and Cyndi are referred to as 'the twins' because they're identical out of the triplets, where Kristin is not.  Britt is the typical bad girl who wears baggy band shirts and pajama bottoms to school.  Cyndi is the sister that likes peace and calm and wears identical clothing to Brittany's so that she can pretend to be her whenever she needs to cover her twin's ass.

Zach is typical bad boy with a heart of gold.  He's a loner at school who can't stand the Noah sisters and their misuse of magic.  Until, OF COURSE, he realizes there's something "different" about Kristin.  *Gag me.*  He is also a bit of a naive idiot.

Morgan is the only interesting character out of the whole book and I can't even say why because it's a massive spoiler.  Just … be prepared.

Plot & Setting:

No real setting here other than mansions and school.  No details really given or needed there.

As for the plot, it was decent but predictable.  There's a realism in Kristin not understanding what is gong on, and also a realism in Zach's determination to keep it that way.  They're both harboring secrets, and those lead to some disastrous results.

Writing Style:

I'm not sure what to say here.  This is a run-of-the mill paranormal romance.  There was nothing spectacular about this book or anything that stood out as unique or different.

Overall:

This was a boring read.  Nothing engaged me and so I slogged through it the best I could.  For a predictable, easy read that is a stand alone novel (though it's part of a series, each character group is different per book) then I say go for it.  But if you wanted more, then this book didn't deliver.

Book Review: Reluctant Guardian by Melissa J. Cunningham

Reluctant Guardian by Melissa J. Cunningham

Clean Teen Publishing © 2013

Kindle Edition

Urban Fiction

Reviewed by Leah

Reluctant Guardian on Amazon

***SPOILERS AND SWEARING BE HERE***

When I first read the prologue, I thought I was going to love this book.  For one brief moment, I thought this book was going to show everyone what it felt like to be suicidal.  To explore exactly how much you didn't want to feel anything anymore, while at the same time harboring the inability to feel anything at all.  That prologue gave me hope … which the rest of the book stole from me.

Summary:

Alisa Callahan is a sixteen-year-old girl who has survived a horrific childhood, only to be left alone.  Despite having a family that loves her, nothing can compare to the lives that were already lost.  With her grandmother gone and her best friend and fellow victim having died recently, she feels that she has nothing else to live for.  The pain caused by her past is as fresh and painful as if it happened yesterday.  Left without a comforting voice to guide her, Alisa decides it isn't worth it to live anymore.

She takes her own life.

An action that comes with a price.

The only way to atone for this sin is to help someone in a way that she couldn't help herself.  Assigned to Brecken Shaefer as a Guardian, Alisa naively believes that a few days will earn her an after-lifetime of peace and happiness with her grandmother and best friend in a place she cannot go.  That is until she actually meets Brecken.

Born with gifts of his own and a life that isn't all that great, Brecken wants nothing to do with another Guardian.  Least of all the smart-mouthed, irritating, goody-two-shoes Alisa.  He doesn't want anymore lectures or interference on how he does things.  The way he sees it, he's taking care of his family and anyone else who thinks differently can bite him.

Yet, despite their initial reactions to one another, the two are drawn together.  The relationship that forms causes far more complications than either of them anticipated.  There are consequences for every action, and they're about to figure that out the hard way.

Initial Reaction:

This is the kind of book that pisses off everyone who is/has ever been suicidal.  The feeling of hopelessness and disgust with yourself and everyone around you completely vanishes after the prologue.  This is not a book about a girl who committed suicide.  It is a love story about some stupid dead girl and an even stupider 'bad boy with a heart of gold.'  I regret ever picking up this book.

Characters:

Alisa is a spoiled, arrogant, ignorant little twat.  I would try to tone this down for a review, normally, but I can't.  This girl is the very definition of a naive moron.

Let me fill you in on depression a little bit, and thus what Alisa should probably be feeling at some fucking point throughout this story: you hate everything.  Yet, you loathe nothing like you loathe yourself.  Your lack and failure light up behind your eyes like neon signs and you're forced to see each mistake you've ever made with glaring clarity every single day.  You feel hopeless and useless in ways you didn't think a human being was capable of.  You look at the world around you and all of the obstacles standing in your way and you realize that you were never capable of changing a damn thing.  Your world is the way it is and you are powerless to do anything about it.  There is no hope.  Nothing to live for.  You're stuck between a rock and a hard place and there's nowhere to go.  It is the knowledge that your life is meaningless and nothing you do will have an affect on anyone or anything, so why should you bother?  At the same time, you want to be useful.  You want to prove you're not a waste of space so desperately that you become a nuisance to your family, friends, and anyone else who cares about you.  Yet, you can't make yourself get off that computer, or go out and have fun, or even drag yourself out of bed when no other obligation throws you into a panic attack over what must be done.  Depression is knowing that you mean nothing, and the world wouldn't care that you're gone.

Do you think, for one solitary second, that Alisa felt this way at all?

If you said no, you would be correct.  This girl is naive and stupid in all the worst of ways.  When she commits suicide, she has expectations of what death is going to be.  She pretty much demands that she be allowed to float around with her grandma and friend in chapter one.  When she learns that she can read minds, she is excited.  Death, apparently, has resolved all those years of psychological self-mutilation for her.

Yeah, I'm calling bullshit.  Especially when the world she arrives in is more conducive to making her depression stronger rather than weaker.  I mean, if you're expecting nothing but relief from all of the fucking pain, and you wind up with assignments and classwork, all within the realm of purgatory … yeah that's going to cure you all right.

Also, the reason for her so-called depression: she was molested as a child.  A fact that is literally dropped on us in a passing fashion.  No build up.  No lingering horror to plague the pretty little ghost.  Only one tiny hint in the prologue before we're ten chapters in and are hit with that fact like a brick to the face.

Alisa is a jackass to everyone around her, and especially to her charge.  Not that he's anything special … oh wait…

Brecken Shaefer is a special snowflake.  In the cosmic, angels hath no fury, kind of way.  He has gifts that allow him to hear and sometimes see his Guardians.  He's also got a healthy dose of 'I have to do everything myself, which is why I don't take my sisters to my aunt's, even though she could take much better care of them than I can' along with 'must steal to survive, even though I feel guilty about it every single time I break into someone's house.'  He was such a worthless character to read about.  I felt nothing for him, almost as if he were a cut and paste trope.  Actually, having read this months ago, I don't even remember him that well…  So we'll be moving on now.

Plot & Setting:

Otherwise known as: ridiculous & non-existent.

I know this was trying to make a new spin on the whole 'life after death' scenario, but damn did it fail.  Especially where the suicide came in.  If you want to read a decent book with a suicide-city type of portrayal, then read Sanctum by Sarah Fine instead.  It has a more realistic view of what depression can do to a person, and a grittier version of what suicide gets you in the afterlife.

The plot according to this book was a love story.  That's it.  Anything else happening around it was just fodder.  Everything that occurred within this novel was for the specific contrivance of having Alisa and Brecken fall in love.  Again: ridiculous.

The setting here failed at doing anything.  There are brief glimpses of a place Alisa isn't allowed to go to, a half-assed description of the place she's stuck in, a better description of the place she could wind up if she fails, and that's about it.  I don't even care enough to attempt remembering it.

Writing Style:

All telling, no showing.  Immature characters, especially for the themes touched upon.  Inability to decently handle the themes brought into the novel.  This author is not for me and I will not be reading any further works.

Overall Opinion:

I regret reading this book.  As someone intimately familiar with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the knowledge of what sexual abuse can do to a person, I am pissed off with the portrayals of any of these throughout this novel.  Everything was handled with such a cavalier attitude and none of it actually affected the characters who were supposedly consumed by it.  So no thanks.  Fuck this.  I'm done.

*Note to Authors*

If you are going to touch on any of these sensitive subjects, do them justice.  They are not a plot device or an excuse for why your character acts the way they do.  These are real conditions that do have real life damaging results.  Talk to anyone you know, and you will find out, because they are far more common than you think.  Then ask them what damage these conditions have done.

Now try and write a stupid love story where these are merely plot points.

Book Review: Descendant by Nichole Giles

Descendant by Nichole Giles

Jelly Bean Press © 2013

Kindle Edition

YA Romance

Reviewed by Leah

Descendant on Amazon

I remember downloading this on a day when it was free.  Thought: you know what, it looks decent so I'll give it a shot.

I wanted to like this.  Really, I did.  Alas, it was not meant to be.

Summary:

Abigail Johnson is considered Gifted, but it's more like a curse.  A Healer who has never healed another person who also has visions of the past that somehow passes for Sight, she's a bit of a mess.  That doesn't change when she moves to Jackson, Wyoming.  Suddenly, it seems as if destiny has led her directly to this place and time, where Gifted wander around in groups, and the local heartthrob has eyes only for her.

But Jackson isn't safe for everyone, and Abby especially has a few new problems to work out.  Along with Kye--the boy she feels she's known forever, yet only a day--she must take on a mission from the Fairy Queen.  A mission that reveals the past, layer by layer, and threatens the future with each passing second.


Initial Thoughts:

I really had no initial thoughts for this one.  I got it for free without doing more than skimming the blurb--or maybe that instalove wouldn't have hit me so hard--and just decided that it was time to read it. For the beginning, I got through it without too much eye-rolling, but then it declined and by the end, I was swearing a lot more than I should have been.


Writing Style:

I have to start with this one, because I feel it will set the premise for the rest of the not-so-good review.  In a single word: immature.  None of the characters were fleshed out, at all.  Everyone was a one dimensional caricature of something that existed before.  Though nothing was worse than the absolute lack of detail concerning the villains.  They were there because they needed to be, but they had no motives or thoughts or codes of their own beyond the basest forms of depravity that the author could give them.  More or less, they are the shadows in the night that your mind forms into a bogey man … but is still a shadow; meaning it lacks any substantiality.  This, for me, was the most unforgivable aspect of the book.  It was bad enough having walk-in secondary characters, but to have shadows for villains was unacceptable.


Plot & Setting:

I liked the general idea of the plot.  Where Abby slowly discovers what the visions mean and has to deal with those as they come while revealing the past to herself and others.  That aspect of it was cool and intriguing.

Yet, it had no bearing on the actual plot.  In fact, the story itself was all over the place.  I understand that these two teenagers are out to save the world … but they need several distractions from that very thing.  And instead of making sure they lay low and stay safe after getting the things they need, they expose themselves at every opportunity to danger.  It was maddening.  While, at other times, we waste pages and pages on their lackluster (more obsessive than endearing) love story while they flounce around NYC like a couple of dumb tourists.  It was maddening.

As far as the setting goes, I don't even feel like going into it.  Suffice it to say: lack of descriptions.  Though I'm usually okay with this--and it didn't really bother me this time--I still have to chalk this up to my less-than-acceptable reading experience.


Characters:

Oi vey.  I hated them all.  (Here there be SPOILERS.  You are FOREWARNED.)

Abby was the innocent.  She was naive, ignorant, and an emotionally stunted pain in the ass.  She is very much the definition of TSTL (Too Stupid To Live).  There were so many times in which I was praying for the villains to kill her.  (Except they would have to be competent in order to do anything at all.  More on them later.)  Abby was the number one reason I began to loathe this book.

Kye wasn't much better.  Like Abby, he is nothing more than a caricature of his role.  He's made out to be the gorgeous, noble princeling-type who happens to have a heart of gold that allows him to communicate with animals.  Gag me.  Mister Perfect meets I Wish I Had A Brain.  For some reason, he has skills and equipment that no teenager would normally have and he works for the Fairy Queen.  He saves the world constantly and knows that nobody will ever know about it.  But he's okay with that because he's good for the sake of being good.  Again: gag me.  He was unrealistic, ridiculous, and almost as innocent as Abby--though there were some innuendoes dropped by other characters to make him seem like a "player".  (Please, this baby boy doesn't know the meaning of the word.)

All Side Characters were walk-ins only.  They served their purposes to very minimal degrees and were asked to exit the stage immediately so that the main leads could have more time to make kissy faces, disturbingly quick declarations, and realize all their potential as true loves.  Nothing else mattered in this book at all.  Especially other characters.

All the Villains were in the same boat.  As previously stated, they were stick figures and place holders.  Meant to do and say despicable things to Abby, but without ever actually succeeding in doing anything at all.  They were incompetent, ignorant, and useless.  And the main bad guy was just so ridiculous that reading his dialogue made me want to gouge my eyes out.  It was truly horrendous at the end there.


Overall Opinion:

I can't even.  I'm so happy to be done with this and moving on to another book.  Either the books in YA are getting worse and worse, or I'm just outgrowing them more and more.  One way or the other, I still don't think this book would make anyone's cut.  But that's just my opinion.  You know, the only one that matters to me.

Book Review: Cage of Deceit by Jennifer Anne Davis

Cage of Deceit by Jennifer Anne Davis

Clean Teen Publishing © 2015

*I received an Advanced Copy from the Author*

Fantasy

Reviewed by Leah

Cage of Deceit on Amazon

We have flawed, judgmental characters who feel truly human.  There's political intrigue and deceit so thick you can disappear inside of it.  And threats that gleam like a blade in the night.  Welcome to the Cage of Deceit, where even a princess isn't all she's cracked up to be.

Summary:

When you're born to rule, you must learn to have two faces.  One for your subjects, who seek to adore you.  The other for yourself, so you remember that you are not perfect.

This is a lesson Allyssa has not only learned well, but taken to a whole new level.  Active and restless like her father, Emperor Darmik, Allyssa takes her duty of ensuring her people's safety more to heart than her own.  And she escapes her gilded cage as often as night descends to pull on yet another mask: Lilly of the streets and thief wrangler alongside her best friend, Grevik.

Of course, all of her masks are put to the test when Prince Odar and his squire, Jarvik, appear.  Marriage negotiations are under way and she's got to please one or the other of them, because this alliance is necessary to defeat a looming threat.  It's time for Allyssa to learn what sacrifice really is.


Review That Deviates From Formula, Because All of Jennifer's Books Do:

If you want a book with flawed characters who are quick to judge, easily offended, and act like real human beings, then Cage of Deceit is for you.

Darmik and Rema are overprotective and secretive.  Allyssa is a restless rebel.  Grevik is ambitious.  Prince Odar is vain.  Jarvik is arrogant.  Everyone is flawed, but with good intentions.  They feel like real people and I enjoyed that aspect immensely.  (And if you're anything like me, you'll yell at all of them.  Often.)

As far as the plot goes, an arranged marriage to forge a necessary alliance is clearly within the realm of possibility.  It also leads to a very interesting character dynamic.  The relationships forged and maintained are very interesting to witness.

Unlike the series which is its predecessor, Cage of Deceit does not thrive off the plot alone.  This is very much character oriented.  But that is not to say that there isn't a very real danger here.  Rather, Allyssa's reaction to danger is the focus.  And the amount of aid she is willing to accept is admirable … for such a stubborn individual.

I'm not going to lie here: the beginning didn't pull me in.  It was slow going at firs and the vigilante princess didn't appeal to me right off the bat.  However, once we made some headway, I was hooked.  I read whenever I had a free moment--and sometimes when I didn't.  The characters were engaging and the plot made several revelations at a good pace.

This being part of a series, I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment and am fairly certain I will enjoy it even more than CoD.

Overall, I'd have to say that this is an enjoyable read filled with characters who are given no easy decisions and who rise to the challenges set for them.  There are equally strong male and females and their relationships were well worth reading about.  Definitely recommended.

Book Review: Nora and Kettle by Lauren Nicolle Taylor

Nora and Kettle by Lauren Nicolle Taylor

*I received an Advanced Copy due to pre-publication.*

Kindle Edition

Historical Fiction
Reviewed by Leah

Nora and Kettle on GoodReads

This post is going to be different.  And it's going to contain a lot of emotional experiences I've been through and a really personal look into my life.  If you're not willing to be confronted with those facts, or you at all feel uncomfortable with that idea, please don't hesitate to go read a more upbeat, less emotional review.

Because the truth of it is, this book handled very hard issues in a way that was so realistic that it just about destroyed me.

Summary:

Nora Deere was raised to be the classical upper class girl.  Her father is a respected Civil Rights Attorney.  Her mother a beautiful and wealthy lady.  And a little sister who, despite her deafness, is all wildness and enthusiasm for whatever little things life throws her way.

It is all a lie.

Her father is a monster.  And somehow she has to find the strength to be the shield for her sister when her mother's life slips away.  But when things reach their breaking point, there's nothing left but the hysteria.

Kettle is a King.  Co-founder of a band of kids known to be "Lost" who are really just unwanted, forgotten, or left to the streets.  Between him and his brother, Kin, they created the Kings of the subway, and they keep the kids alive as much as possible.  They don't steal and they don't cause problems, and they are free.  Working hard to maintain that freedom, Kettle still has his own personal demons to overcome.

When Kettle chooses to sleep in the alley beneath Nora's window, it will pull the tethers of their lives ever closer until they're faced with challenges and hopes they never knew could exist.

Review:

I've heard that smell is the stronger sense.  The one that can coax memories from a hazy brain.  For me, it's sounds.  Sounds wrap around my throat and strangle me.  Sounds warn like a foghorn in the night.

~ Nora and Kettle by Lauren Nicolle Taylor ~

I know this feeling.  All too well.  The terror that chokes you every time he enters the room.  The tension straightening your back and tightening every muscle in your body, because you know that for whatever order he gives, you'll have to react fast.  The absolute awareness of your surroundings even during something so innocent as a night of watching TV.  Every sound is catalogued and identified.  From the creaks in the floor with every heavy step he takes, to the groaning of his chair as he gets settled.  The snap of his fingers as he demands a refill, ordering about whichever kid is closest.  His voice as he speaks above us to the only person he considers on his level, my mom.  The rest of us keeping our eyes trained on the television, except for those few furtive glances we make excuses for in order to gauge his mood.

I know this terror.  I lived with it for nearly fifteen years.  The hatred, I know better.  And my father wasn't nearly as bad as Nora's.

You see, I was hit, but never beaten.  And it was always as a result of what he'd decided was an actual transgression.  My dad didn't just decide that he needed to take out his anger on someone.  He didn't just decide that his children were walking punching bags, best suited for expelling his rage.  And he definitely never hated any one of us.

Many people tell me that my dad was a great man.  Most days, I just shrug it off because it's not worth it to puncture that perfect image they have left of the man.  But I knew the asshole and I knew his anger issues and I knew his flaws better than any other being.  I knew what it was to have no room left in my soul to fear anything else, because I lived in a constant state of terror of him.  And before I was above the age of six, I knew what it was to hate.

I know Nora's terror.  And despite the fact that our circumstances are nowhere near similar, that emotion is still as raw and real for me as it is for her.

I also know her confusion.  Why can't she just let him go?  Why does she make everything about him?  How could she let him have so much control over her life, even when he's not around?  How was it fair to see the good in him and know it exists, but have every interaction with him confirm why she hates him?

I've also never gotten any of these answers.  Maybe it has something to do with the damage inflicted.  When you're exposed to something like that for so long, it's scarring upon scarring upon scarring.  Until your body feels more like it's made of scar tissue than muscle.  Well, that's what happens to our minds.  We fixate on why they can't be better.  Why they can't control their anger and rage.  And why we had to be the targets.  Why did we have to suffer for it?

People like to say that every girl has daddy issues.  Well, in my case, it's true.  And those are issues that will remain unresolved because, at fifteen, my darkest wish was finally answered: he died.

I thought I hated him before…  Leaving my mother like that, at a time when things were finally turning for the better ... nothing could make me hate him more.

As I said in the beginning of this review, this was very emotional for me as I read through Nora's narrative.  I also often describe it as "destroying me."  And it was at that point that I quoted above that I almost burst into tears at work, because it so accurately described how I'd lived my entire childhood.

This, my friends, is the mark of a truly skillful author.  One who evokes the emotions necessary to the situation.  If you're lucky to have never experienced anything like this firsthand, you will once you read this.  And if you have … consider this review your trigger warning.

I've read several of Ms. Taylor's books before, and always knew that I had to be emotionally prepared before going in.  This … I needed to prepare better for this.  I've read other books that feature some abuse in several forms.  Never have I read anything that brings back that many memories.

Despite what this sounds like, this is actually a very positive review.  When a writer has that power to evoke so many emotions and memories from me, I have to give them every praise the situation demands.  Heart-wrenching as this was to read, I am eternally grateful that I had the opportunity to read Nora and Kettle.

And, to be honest, Kettle hasn't had it easy either.  In fact, he's been in Nora's situation--but with a lot less money--and he's been in a Japanese American internment camp.  And while I also connected with Kettle, and actually liked him better as a narrator, it was my emotional solidarity with Nora that really hit me.

But Kettle is such a great character to get to know.  His realism stands as a stark contrast to Nora's daydreaming.  Though his memories have a tendency to swallow him whole, he uses them as a reminder of what he's been through, and how much things have grown better for him.  Truthfully, without Kettle's mindset, I don't know how much of Nora I could have taken.  Because as much as I identified with her situation, I could still see that she sounded nowhere near an eighteen year old girl.  Especially when it came to her spacing out in a daydream instead of being focused on the very critical present.

All in all, this is the story of two broken people who are trying to learn how to stitch themselves back together while looking after the ones they care about.  And maybe learning to let someone else in long enough to help with the healing.

Book Review: The Awakener by Amanda Strong

The Awakener by Amanda Strong

Clean Teen Publishing © 2014

Kindle Edition

Paranormal Romance

Reviewed by Leah

The Awakener on Amazon

*Reviewer's Note: This review going to go in reverse order, at some points.  This won't be like my usual reviews.*

Summary:

When Eden returns to the town of her childhood, she's looking forward to very few things.  One of those things, however, is seeing Micah again.  However, when she spots him on her first day of school, she can't bring herself to face him.  That is, until her body acts of its own accord and she throws her arms around him in a moment of utter embarrassment.  Neither of them realized just how much one hug could mean to the future of everything.

With the reality of angels, demons, and destruction revealed to him, Micah fully accepts his responsibilities as the Seer--called by the Captain to save the world from a fiery purge.  Meanwhile, Eden cluelessly traverses High School, awakening the gifts of others as she goes.  Which is more than a source of ire for the demons sent to destroy her.  With her guardian angel on duty, however, she has the luxury of feeling safe … for the most part.

With the demons growing bolder and crossing the barriers between the worlds, Micah needs all of those Eden has awakened, and the Awakener herself.  In ways they both know go beyond their duty.  To rebuild the City of Enoch, no price is too high.  And self-sacrifice is not off the table.

Initial Thoughts:

I avoid angels and demons books like the plague.  Why?  Because I love angels--grew up watching Christopher Walken in The Prophecy--so I'm a little obstinate when faced with such creatures.  And, let's face it, when you're passionate about anything, you're always wary about books that portray them.

Well, I wasn't too disappointed with the portrayal of angels in this book.  Probably because the author had done some research on the hierarchies and integrated the angels in a way that was acceptable.

Now if only the rest of the book had been as agreeable.

Plot & Setting:

The setting here wasn't too detailed, but it was believable.  It was easy to imagine and it wasn't bogged down with a lot of details, which I appreciated.

As far as the plot, this isn't anything you have to use brain power on.  It's very simplistic, unfolds at a decent pace, and sticks to the main conflict for the most part.  (There are some HS drama type of moments, but they're used more often than not to showcase the changes someone has made due to being Awakened, so I can't fault it for that.)  There is a fairly early reveal about the stakes, the main players, and the mission which Micah is responsible for completing.  For the reader, it makes it very easy to follow along and know everything.

To discuss the actual mission: the world is going to be burnt to cinders this time, instead of drowned.  Fair enough.  Can't say we haven't earned that form of retribution.  Only, we need a few cities to survive this during this round of purging.  A fact Micah is significantly aware of, and working to prevent.

As a plot, it's compelling.  The premise of the story is intriguing and I was expecting a lot of tension.  On that count, it failed.  While the story is filled with Micah/Eden tensions, it fails to deliver on Micah/Eden vs. demons tension.  Despite this constantly circulating in Micah's head, it fails to deliver the compulsion the reader needs to want to keep going with him.  In fact, the only character that does push the significance of these events onto the reader is a secondary character, Trent.

To give it in the simplest terms: it was a lackluster production.

Writing Style:

Simple.  It's really all I can say.  The faith of the author is apparent, which I completely understand.  Despite the stance many people take on angels, this one feels pretty much authentic with angelic history within Christianity, while giving off its own modern vibes.  This, of course, means that this book is very clean.  Not "never have to dust it on your shelf" clean, but no use of swear words were permitted in the making of this novel.  The writing also follows a no-mystery-here type of style, which means this book would be most suitable for young teenagers around the ages thirteen or fourteen.  I'm not sure older, more mature individuals would have the patience that this book requires.  (I know I didn't.)

Characters:

Oi vey.  Actually, for the most part, I liked everyone.  Or, liked some, others were barely on the page long enough to form an opinion about, and others were downright unbearable.  So let's go in order, shall we?  Let's just say, from most liked to most hated.  This ought to be fun…  (Warning: Possible Rant on the Horizon!)

Trent was the most likable.  He had a very direct personality without any side-stepping going on.  What Trent thought about, you knew.  Whether it be his definition of a hot guardian angel or just what he thinks of his cousin's visions.  I liked Trent the most because he was as close as we got to a teenage boy.  His focus was on all of the things he liked, and he couldn't care about anything else.  Which, when you got past the fact that he was one horny little bugger (though this book only mentions kissing and not what he would get into given the right amount of time), he was actually very intelligent as far as history and languages.  And none could ever doubt the loyalty this boy has to his cousin.  Ever.

Micah's determination was the most defining factor of his characterization.  And it was admirable.  As soon as he discovers his role, his mind is locked in on his mission.  He knows what he has to do, and what he has to give up in order to do it.  The fact that he is so willing to give up his own desires in order to get the job done is what makes him a believable and respectable character.  Though his pining over Eden did grate the nerves quite a bit…

Damon is also an incredibly loyal person and I enjoyed when his character was brought to the fore.  Like a cross between Micah and Trent, he has this fierceness in him that is very endearing.  Much like Micah, he's determined to see through his part of the mission, and protect everyone as well as he possibly can.  I actually really liked Damon, but he didn't get enough page time to get to know him, which was a crying shame.

Willow was an interesting character in the fact that she started off as this bitchy, petty, stereotypical Mean Girl … and performed a complete one-eighty.  When she was Awakened, Willow became the greatest female character in the book.  She was confident, intelligent, empathic, instinctive, kind, and generous.  Which was refreshing as far as this book was concerned.  And it's really her bold, energetic personality that gives the group some life.

Now we're going to get to know some less fleshed-out characters as we get into the mere mediocre cast…

Caitlyn was quiet, but powerful.  Her gift is the most unassuming, just like she is.  Quiet, but with a voice that speaks of wisdom and sincerity.  Too bad she got only a few pages to nail down her personality, but she would be worth getting to know.

In my opinion, Andrew existed merely for the drama he could cause.  The romantic element was his main purpose, hands down.  That he was there as a buffer between Eden and Micah is what created the central conflict.  (Note: I labeled this as a Paranormal Romance for a reason.  The romance was the conflict.)  Which, of course, in fulfilling his role, Andrew had to be perfect.  And that's all we got.  Was this hot, nice guy who has a penchant for healing people who happens to love Eden.  That's it.  Nothing else.  He pretty much was just a stand-in to make kissy faces and awkward times with Eden.

And now we unveil my hit list (or cut list, because it would have helped the book in the end just as much as if I murdered these characters.  Warning: Rant Mode Engaged.)

Jessie was irritating as all hell.  This is a girl who's never even heard of the Bechdel test, let alone could pass it.  Her only thoughts all pertained to the male anatomy.  And heaven forbid she talk about something other than a boy.  And while she served as a decent female friend who was supportive, she failed in doing anything worthwhile.  At all.  Honestly, her character could have been cut from the start and no one would have noticed or cared.

Then there's Eden.  Yes, if I could, I would cut Eden out of the entire story.  Because she contributes nothing at all.  I mean that.  As the Awakener, all she does is hug people.  The rest of the time she serves as nothing more than a romantic stand-in.  It's like it was required for Micah to be in love with someone, and Eden got the role.  All she does is serve as a Damsel In Distress the entire book.  She can't save herself and she makes stupid decisions that threaten her safety and the safety of others.  Not to mention she is a shallow, judgmental bitch.  Oh, and I have quotes for this…

At only 15% we get this little thought process concerning Damon from Eden's outlook:

'She knew he belonged to the skater crowd and assumed he did drugs because of the dark bags under his eyes.'

I'm not even kidding.  This is a literal quote from the book.  I … I don't even know how to handle that amount of utter stupidity.  Does she even know what drugs do to a human body?  Or the type of effects a being would suffer due to certain types of drugs.  Clearly not.  Oh, and bags under the eyes?  That could be a sign of sleeping an average of four hours and reading an average of 8 a day.  I would know, since that's how I spent all of my HS years.  You, Eden, are a judgmental bitch.

Of course, that's not the end of her degrading thoughts about Damon.  Of all the people in this whole book, he's the one she consistently looks down upon and I just want to slap her because he is clearly more intelligent than she is and far more useful.  Eden = liability.  Damon = superhero.  But here's another quote for you to enjoy from the mind of a moron:

'But I doubt he's ever had a girlfriend as gorgeous as she is.'

Backstory: she's discussing how Damon finds Willow a little intimidating.  She thinks the reason he's wary around her is because Willow is hot.  Yes, Eden is that dumb.

Not that she would know it, but looks are not everything.  Even to guys.  (I have enough brothers to know this one is a fact.)  Rather, perhaps Damon is intimidated by Willow because, I don't know … she's intimidating.  Damon is a quiet, loner kind of individual as we've seen him.  So someone as bold, energetic, and confident as Willow is outside of his comfort zone.  And when she doesn't respect personal boundaries, it can be unnerving.  So, really, I doubt her looks had anything to do with this.  Her personality had all those bases covered and Damon has every right to be a little suspicious of her.  She's creepy.

If only my issues with eden ended with her being a standard Mary-Sue.  Really, I've read enough of them to just brush it off.  And I even had some hope for her after she realized she can't walk alone at night in case demons are out to get her.  There are a lot of YA females (can't even call them heroines) that don't have that much common sense.  Yet again, there are degrees of common sense that Eden just does not possess.

For one, not realizing that Gabriel, her guardian angel, was the Gabriel.  As in: the Archangel.  You know … a Holy.

You know, even Bella Swan sought an internet connection when Jacob Black dropped the vampire bomb.  Six months of literally talking aloud to her guardian angel and fearing demons, and does this girl once touch a laptop?  Yes, actually.  But only to email Micah about the demon encounter and her date with Andrew.  This girl was such a waste of pages.  Hands down.

Of course, my biggest issue with Eden is her insecurity.

Note to authors: Insecurity is NOT endearing.  It's not even relatable.

I've been to public school.  I've encountered several different levels of insecure teenagers.  Never in my life have I met someone so utterly self-conscious that s/he is reduced to the point of pathetic.  In YA fiction, however, they abound with so much frequency I could puke.  Eden, of course, falls right in line with her trope siblings--if she isn't crowned their idiot queen.

Now, I understand why authors try to do this whole insecure teenager bit.  Because a lot of teenagers actually are scared, frightened, shy creatures with anxiety issues.  Too many, in fact.  But with role models like these, how can we expect them to be any better?  Any stronger, mentally?

I don't want to read about weak children.  Male or female.  I want to read about strong, smart, endearing young men and women.  People teenagers can look up to and emulate.

Let me tell you a little story here: when I was in MS and HS, I read nothing but fantasy.  I raised myself on fantasy.  On wild adventures full of magic, dragons, wizards, brothers, warriors, and love.  I grew up reading about adults.  Not children.  The only books even considered "YA" that I read in those years were Harry Potter and Eragon.  (And I've never finished that last series because it was clearly juvenile.)

You know what I learned from those fantasy books?  I learned about honor; about keeping your word and the value of making and keeping promises.  (Now, I don't make promises; for the simply reason that I don't know if I can keep them.)  I learned not to lie; if only because the truth can be far more entertaining.  From those books, I grew my pride and my self-confidence.  My friends are chosen with care, because I abide by the old adage 'fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me'.  I'm not a fool, and I won't be played for one.  In a fantasy novel, that shit gets you killed.

Why am I telling you this?  Because I raised myself with books.  I didn't learn a damn bit of that from any real person in my life.  Not my parents, grandparents, family friends, or relatives.  I raised myself on books.

Now, what kind of person would I have been if I didn't read about people who have the confidence and courage to pursue their goals and ambitions?  What if I had chosen to read YA and had only Mary-Sues who lacked self-confidence, strong opinions, and strength of mind to do what needs to be done for themselves?  I am relieved to say: I don't know.

What I am not relieved to say is: what other people out there are raising themselves to the standards of these types of females in YA books?

So here ends my PSA for Authors: Stop Making Insecure Female Leads

Girls don't actually relate to them, and they could be setting a far worse example than you can imagine.

Overall Opinion:

The premise was spectacular: a girl awakening abilities in others so they can save the world from a fiery purge.  The execution was a flop.  Instead of revolving around the mission, this book got caught in the murky romance and all of the drama it entailed.  Though some of the characters were great, the female lead absolutely ruined this book.  When one of your narrators is that bad, there is no saving a story like this.

Personally, I don't recommend this to anyone.  But that's for you to judge.  I'm done.