Book #95 - Storm (Elementals #1)

Storm (Elementals #1), Brigid Kemmerer
353 pages
paranormal romance
Started 831/12
Finished 9/1/12
4.5 STARS

I had the pleasure of meeting Brigid Kemmerer twice in August at book signings. At the first one, I bought Storm and had her sign it for me, and then due to the business of life and a backlog of other books that I had to read, it sat on my shelf until the next signing three weeks later. I read the novella, Elementals (Elementals #0.5) that came in the back of Storm. And, suddenly, I was wondering why I hadn't read this book immediately after buying it.

Michael, Gabriel, Nick and Chris Merrick are four brothers who can control the elements. That comes with a price - most people who know about them want them dead. But, Becca Chandler sees beyond the powers to the person underneath, especially when it comes to Chris. Chris has been treated badly his whole life though, so he has trouble warming up to anyone outside of his family. The new kid, Hunter, takes those holes in Chris' affection toward Becca to his advantage. If only every girl could be so lucky, right?

Storm was such an exciting book! I loved the idea of the brothers' powers and how they tap into them. Usually when there are people with powers like that, those powers are kept secret from everyone. Not so in this case - there are people who know about them, and those people are scared. It gives the story a different twist, and a definite twist on the "bad guy." In this case, the bad guys are normal people.

Kemmerer created a strong female character in Becca. She's tough and doesn't take crap from Chris or his brothers. Which is amazing since his oldest brother, Michael, is a real ass to her a lot of the time. Her dad has been nonexistent for most of her life, and when he shows up out of the blue, she gives him nothing but a hard time. Good for her, I say. And, even though her social status is in the crapper thanks to the biggest jerk face in school, she still shows up and seems to want to fight for what's right. I like that.

The Merrick brothers are a complicated lot. Their abilities haven't made their lives easy. I'm glad that Kemmerer didn't make things easy for them. Impossible challenges make books so much more interesting. Sometimes it feels like authors allow things to be hard for their characters for so long, and then all the bad guys just step aside to make way for a happy ending. Don't get me wrong. I like - no, NEED - a happy ending. But, I don't want it to come to easily, either. Luckily, Kemmerer also recognizes this too. Ah - a kindred spirit.

This is definitely a must-read. It's paranormal without being too out of orbit. The characters are strong without being total jerks. Bravo, Ms. Kemmerer. 

Book #92 - Poison Princess (The Arcana Chronicles #1)

Poison Princess (The Arcana Chronicles #1), Kresley Cole
ARC - Publish date:  October 2, 2012
384 pages
post-apocalyptic, urban fantasy, paranormal romance
Started 8/14/12
Finished 8/19/12
4 STARS

I obtained an ARC of Poison Princess, the first in a new series by Immortals After Dark author, Kresley Cole, at a book signing, which was indeed providence, as I had really been looking forward to reading it anyway. My overall impression is that it is a really great, unique read, albeit a bit confusing and slightly disjointed at times. Evie's story is told in flashback form as she recounts the circumstances of her life over the past eight months to a serial killer who is looking to make her his next victim.

Our heroine, Evie Greene is getting ready to start her junior year of high school after spending the summer away at a mental institution. She has visions and sometimes hears voices - never good when you're a rich almost-16-year-old heir to a sugar cane plantation. On her first day back, she meets rogue Jackson Deveaux, a Cajun boy from the wrong side of the swamp. It's a love-hate relationship right from the start.

But then the world nearly ends in a fiery apocalypse, and surviving is now priority numero uno. Evie and Jack find each other and set off on a mission together, growing closer even while Evie tries to keep the vision-seeing and voice-hearing a secret.

The mythology of this story is steeped in astrology and Tarot Cards. Perhaps I wouldn't have been as confused as I was at times if I understood anything about those two things. As I do not, I need to rely on the story and the author's ability to explain things in the proper context. I felt that could've been done a bit better. Although Cole did explain some about Tarot, I felt it came a little too late in the story to be as helpful as I needed it to be.

However, I did think the world building and character development was done very well. The story mainly takes place in Louisiana. I really liked how Cole made the Bayou come to life for someone like me who has never been there. 

 Evie had lots of depth and emotion. She is this rich chick who is dealing with the belief that she's nuts, and she's trying to hide it from everyone. One would think she would be delicate and high-maintenance, but when the crap hits the fan and the world falls apart, Evie shows incredible strength and courage. 

Jack, I liked too, although a little less than Evie. He's very crass and rude, almost to a fault. I get that he's supposed to be rough and unapproachable and that it's supposed to be Evie that softens him. Sometimes I felt that he was almost too mean and irate, so that he was almost a caricature of "the bad boy." There were, however, moments when Jack balanced out, and I really felt like he cared about Evie. Those moments were too few and far between though. I desperately wanted Evie and Jack to figure things out so they could be together. I really loved those two when they were good to each other.

All-in-all, this was a solid four-star book. I will warn you - as good as it is, the ending is abrupt and cliffhangerish. It made me crazy! It's a good long wait until the next book is out. And, as my friends know, I have no patience.

Book #69 - The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2)

The Golden Lily, Richelle Mead
418 pages
urban fantasy, paranormal romance
Started 6/21/12
Finished 6/22/12
4.5 STARS

I was SO EXCITED to read this book! I even featured in on a previous Waiting on Wednesday post. It's no secret that the Vampire Academy series is my favorite series of all time. It was good to find out that some of my favorite characters' (ADRIAN!) stories were not over. And, The Golden Lily was even better than Bloodlines - I expect great things from this Mead series as well.

Sydney is finally in the Alchemists' good graces. She's eager to continue doing a good job in her assignment. But, at the same time, she's finding that she's actually - GASP - enjoying herself. She enjoys having an opportunity to go to a traditional school, have friends, date. "Normal" really is underrated. And, apparently, an illusion, as well. Syd stumbles upon a rogue group of vampire hunters that threaten to upset the delicate balance between the human world and the vampire world that the Alchemists have spent years building.

I have to admit - The Golden Lily started a little slowly. It's a new school year and Sydney is settling back into her world in Palm Springs after a quick trip to Alchemist headquarters. Sydney has been painted by Mead as a brilliant girl. She is well spoken, well dressed, polite, beautiful smart. So, it's beyond me why Mead also made her so incredibly daft when it comes to social situations! I don't entirely buy that this intelligent girl has absolutely no idea what to do on a date, how to act at a school dance, or when a boy LIKES her likes her.


Sadly, we all have to wait another year before Bloodlines #3 comes out. After the ending of The Golden Lily (I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room!!), it's entirely too long to wait!

Book #20 - Demonglass (Hex Hall #2)

Demonglass (Hex Hall #2), Rachel Hawkins
359 pages
urban fantasy, paranormal romance
Started 2/21/12
Finished 2/21/12
5 STARS

Yay! A good book! I was starting to feel a little disheartened after the last few books I read didn't really live up to my expectations. But, I enjoyed Demonglass even more than Hex Hall, the first book in the Hex Hall series.

Sophie Mercer, having just found out that the love of her life is one of the bad guys who are trying to kill her, and that she's not really a witch, but a demon instead, which is WAY scarier, meets her dad for the first time in her life (who is also a demon) and finds out she betrothed to the hot campus healer. And, that's all in the first dozen pages or so. Her dad, wanting to not only get to know his daughter but also teach her how to harness and use her power, brings her with him to his mansion in England for the summer.

As much as she tries to remember that she's supposed to hate Archer, she can't - especially when he shows up and saves her life. Again. He tells Sophie how much he loves her, and then in true dramatic fashion, everything goes to crap after that. The book ends in a dramatic cliffhanger. Luckily, the final book in the series, Spellbound, comes out in just a few short weeks.

Rachel Hawkins is good at writing teenagers. They talk like teens, but it's not overdone. It's believable. They do things you'd expect teenagers would do. Many times I have a hard time believing these teen characters are the age their authors portray them as. They walk, talk and act like adults. These kids are different. And, that's refreshing. I can't wait for the final book in the series to come out. It should be a fun ending. 

Book #19 - Blue Moon (The Immortals #2)

Blue Moon (The Immortals #2), Alyson Noel
289 pages
Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Started 2/19/12
Finished 2/20/12
2.5 STARS

Ugggghhhhhhhhh... That pretty much sums it up. Although I did finish Blue Moon, I felt totally unsatisfied, unfulfilled, and more than a little pissed off. Why did I torture myself like that? I suppose it was because I held out the hope that it would all turn around in the end. That even though the main chick was a complete and utter moron throughout the entire book, she could screw her head on straight, make some good choices and inspire some admiration and respect by the end. Right? RIGHT?

Um, no.

So, Ever and Damen are together and have no obstacles. She's free to be happy with him for the first time in hundreds of years. But, she just. Can't. Oh, I just want to smack her. And, then this new guy comes onto the scene, and Ever knows right away that there's something not right about him. Does she say or do anything about it? Nooooooo. She lets him swoop in and nearly completely destroy her life. Finally, she pulls herself enough to formulate a plan to save her love from the big bad guy. And, while she's decided to save Damen, at the same time, she also decides she'd rather not be with him after all. She'd rather try to go back to her old life when the opportunity presents itself. ARGH. This guy has done everything - EVERYTHING - for her. And, she's ready, willing and able to throw it away on a whim.

At the last minute, she sees the error of her ways - sort of. And, at a critical moment, she decides to listen to the big bad guy instead of the person trying to help her. And she totally screws herself and Damen forever. What. An. IDIOT.

You know, I had book #3 in this series already on deck. But, I returned it to the library today without opening it. If I wanted to read about overly emotional, wishy-washy, weak-minded, annoying chicks, I'd write an autobiography. I want the books that I read to inspire me to be better than I am. I want to be touched by a great love. I'd rather laugh and cry than swear and roll my eyes excessively. At the end of this book, I was so irritated that I found myself not caring about whether Damen and Ever make it. And, that is my signal to abandon ship. 

Book #16 - Evermore (The Immortals #1)

Evermore (The Immortals #1), Alyson Noel
306 pages
Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Started 2/13/12
Finished 2/17/12
3.5 STARS

I did it! I listened to an audio book! I haven't ever done it before because it kinda felt like cheating. Blasphemy. The epitome of laziness. But, on my last business trip to West Virginia, as I passed through that 200 mile stretch where the only songs you hear on the radio are ultra-twangy and there's no cell service with which to listen to Pandora, I decided that on my next trip, I would give the audio book a go. And, I'm so glad I did. It made that 5.5 hour trip actually enjoyable.

So, the book I chose was Evermore. Ever Bloom has lost her whole family in a horrid car accident. She almost died herself. And, as a result of that near-death experience, Ever can hear people's thoughts and see their auras. Everyone except for the new guy at school, Damen, that is. Her attraction to him is immediate and intense, and he seems to share it. But, even Ever can see that there's more to Damen than meets the eye. She eventually finds out that he can live forever, and so can his ex-girlfriend who wants to see Ever dead. Yikes.

Overall, I liked the story. It was a bit hokey in parts and a bit confusing in others. Ever can seem strong at times when she's talking about bearing the brunt of her family's death on her shoulders, as well as dealing with her extra cool powers. Other times, she's weak and stupid, like when she's pushing Damen away for no good reason. It's a bit tedious trying to figure out which Ever is going to show up from chapter to chapter.

There's six books in this series, and my interest has been captured enough to at least check out book #2. So, stay tuned...

Book #15 - Hex Hall (Hex Hall #1)

Hex Hall (Hex Hall #1), Rachel Hawkins
323 pages
Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Started 2/10/12
Finished 2/11/12
3.5 STARS
I fear I have become a bit of a book snob. I've done done something twice in as many weeks that I've only done once before in my life. I started two books and decided not to finish them. I hate to do that. I feel like, if I've taken the time and trouble to choose a book and start it, I should at least stick it out until the end. But, in the past year, I've read so many incredible books - books that grabbed me and excited me right out of the gate. Books that have made me laugh and cry and scream and sigh. Books that made me care about what happened to the characters. So, now when I start a new book, I wait for those feelings. And, if they don't come, it's become hard for me to continue.

So, after a few false starts, I found Hex Hall. It was pretty good. Good enough for me to stick with it until the end, anyway, so that's definitely saying something. Sophie Mercer is a witch, which can come in handy when a friend needs a nice love spell or something. Except, her spells tend to backfire. Whomp, whomp, whomp, whomp... So, her dad, who is, like, the bigwig head warlock, decides to send her to witchy boarding school - the titular Hecate, or "Hex," Hall. Her roommate is a vampire, she falls in love with the most popular boy in school, and the three most popular girls decide they hate her. Yet, it's evident that Sophie is powerful and that the popular boy likes her back. Of course, things don't run smoothly for Sophie and shet gets into a bit of trouble.

Although Hex Hall was a bit more juvenile than some of the other books I've been reading, it was fun. It was also very predictable, but I didn't find myself caring that much. I would've liked to see Sophie's relationship with her roommate fleshed out a bit more - learned more about her back story. Perhaps that will come in the second book (which I have on reserve at the library already).

Anyway, the lesson learned here is, sometimes predictable and juvenile is ok, as long as they get you all the way through the book.

Book #14 - City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments #4)

City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments #4), Cassandra Clare
424 pages
Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Started 2/4/12
Finished 2/6/12
3.5 STARS

You know, I'm of the opinion that there really is such a concept as "too much of a good thing." This book is proof. I think my last three reviews speak for themselves (or, rather, for me - hee hee). I LOVE the Mortal Instruments series. I think Cassandra Clare created a vivid, complex world with deep characters that know how to be romantic, funny, and total bad asses. As I previously mentioned, it was supposed to originally be a three-book series telling the story of star-crossed lovers Jace and Clary. And, at the end, it was wrapped up very neatly. Sure, there were a few loose ends left, but aren't there usually at the end of books? Doesn't that allow our imagination a little room to roam? I always find myself wondering what happened next in the characters' lives - did they live happily ever after? Buy a dog? Babies? And, sure - there's always a bit of a twinge of wishfulness that I could continue reading their story to find out for sure.

But, I finally get my wish with City of Fallen Angels, and I'm not sure that's a good thing. I guess Jace and Clary aren't meant to be happy, which totally sucks, because when I pictured their future after the conclusion of City of Glass, it wasn't this. It wasn't bad dreams, evil demons, or ghosts from the past hell bent on killing them, or at least, killing all joy and happiness. I mean, what a downer. I love this couple. I want them to find happiness and contentment. A this point, it's not looking good.

The good parts of this book is the depth finally given to some of the outlying characters. We learn a lot more about how Simon is dealing with his vampire tendencies and with the new Mark that adorns his forehead. We learn that there is more to Magnus Bane than meets the eye. We even meet a new character in Jordan Kyle, and through him, we delve into Maia's story more. The Jace/Clary story was so depressing this time around, it was nice to not dwell on it for every single page.

I know that there are two final (I hope) books left in the series. Book #5 is due to come out in May of this year, and you know I'll be one of the first in line to get it. I'm definitely a glutton for punishment. But, I've invested so much time in this story now, I have to see it though. I really, really, really hope that Clare can find it in her heart to somehow make a way for Jace and Clary to FINALLY (for the love of Pete) settle down and live their lives together. Or, I'll start a nasty letter writing campaign. And, something tells me I won't be the only one.

Book #13 - City of Glass (Mortal Instruments #3)

 

City of Glass (Mortal Instruments #3), Cassandra Clare
541 pages
Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Started 2/1/12
Finished 2/3/12
5 STARS

This was an incredibly satisfying book, which is a nice change of pace. I dunno - all the teen romancy stuff I've been reading lately is so angsty and emotional. Not that this isn't, but at least it's brought to a good end.

Jace and Clary FINALLY get confirmation that they are, in fact, NOT in an incestuous relationship. *whew* Of course, I knew that, but it was fun reading when the characters found out too. Very... satisfying.

Although the final dispatching of the big baddie, Valentine, was definitely a good thing, it was over rather quickly. I kinda thought there'd be an epic battle between he and Jace or he and Clary or he and both of them. And, that's not really what happened. One blow is all it took to bring him down. It was one heck of a blow, don't get me wrong. But still.

I read somewhere that originally, this was supposed to be the last book in the series. It was set up beautifully for that, too. But, Clare was not satisfied with some of the few loose ends left and decided to continue the story. Although I've loved these books, sometimes you have to know when to quit. 

Book #12 - City of Ashes (Mortal Instruments #2)

City of Ashes (Mortal Instruments #2), Cassandra Clare
453 pages
Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Started 1/30/12
Finished 1/31/12
5 STARS

So, the angst continues. I'm getting used to the ick factor in this story and have now realized what a wicked good plot device Clary's and Jace's relationship is. Clare drops hints here and there throughout the book to let the reader know that they really aren't siblings. Thank God. I mean, the incestuousness aside, the love these two have for each other is written to be so real and tangible that every scene with them just rips you apart. They love each other so much, but think there's absolutely no way possible for them to be together. It's awful.

And then there's Simon. Poor guy. He thinks he has a chance with Clary now. But, deep down he knows that her heart belongs to Jace, even if they do share some genes (or so he thinks). But, then Simon gets a little demonized himself and becomes WAY more interesting. You know, upon further reflection, I think this triangle relationship between Jace, Clary and Simon sounds very familiar. Replace Jace with Edward, Clary with Bella and Simon with Jacob (hot badass boy falls for girl with strange ability and pissess off her equally hot BFF who is dorky at first but then turns into a supernatural beast) and you have Twilight. Except, you know, with a main female lead who actually has depth, substance and intrigue. And a really cool, complex plot. Yeah.

After more info dump and more back story, there's yet another showdown at the end where Valentine gets away again. But, you're set up nicely for the third book, where I hope it will finally come out that Jace and Clary can be together without getting arrested. 

Book #11 - City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1)

City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1), Cassandra Clare
485 pages
Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Started 1/28/12
Finished 1/29/12
4 STARS

Clary Fray is a normal almost-16-year-old who discovers early on in this book that there's something special about her. She can see demons and other things that she really wishes that she couldn't. And, some things she's glad she can see now - like his hotness Jace, a Shadowhunter trained to kill the aforementioned demons. It's a love/hate relationship for both of them (meaning, they love each other, but act like they hate each other so that no one else knows that they love each other), complicated by several factors, none of which more than Clary's BFF Simon. Who happens to be in love with her as well. *sigh* What is it with these chicks in books who get all the gorgeous, chivalrous guys to fall hopelessly in love with them? What do they have that I don't have? Oh yeah - 20 less years and superpowers. Ah well.

So, I digress. As Clary's trying to figure out what and who she is, she, Simon, Jace and his rag tag bunch of teenage Shadowhunter demon butt-kickers are trying to track down the big baddie, Valentine. There is a big showdown at the end, and the big baddie lives to fight another day. But, not before dropping the bomb (warning: BIG spoiler ahead!) - Jace and Clary are really - GASP - brother and sister! This was the reason that this book gets 4 stars instead of 5. I realize that true love can't run smooth. But, did Clare really have to go THERE?? Yikes.

After reading Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince, I knew I would have to pick up the Mortal Instruments series. It's by the same author and follows the same world created by Clare in the Infernal Devices series. After finishing City of Bones, the first thought to come to my mind was, Oh, what a tangled web we weave. In addition to the big bomb, there's lots of back story and info dump surrounding the various characters' family trees. All of this information will become relevant as the story unfolds, I'm sure, but it can get a bit confusing at time. Nonetheless, you know by now that I love a good urban fantasy with a guy who loves a girl more than life itself. And this definitely fits the bill.

Book #10 - The Iron Knight (Iron Fey #4)

The Iron Knight (Iron Fey #4), Julie Kagawa
361 pages
Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Started 1/26/12
Finished 1/27/12
4.5 STARS

All good things must come to an end, including really, REALLY good books. *sigh* But, it was fun while it lasted.

This book was a bit different from the first three in that it is told from Ash's point of view. All the other Iron Fey books were narrated by Meghan, so we saw the world as it unfolded in front of her eyes. It was refreshing to have a different perspective. It was really cool reading about Ash's thoughts, especially when it came to Meghan and how much he loved her. I didn't think it was possible for me to love this character any more than I did at the end of The Iron Queen - but I did.

I also appreciated the more serious glimpses of Puck that the reader got to see. Puck is King Oberon's court jester - a goofball who hides his feelings and frustrations behind jokes and being a very purposeful pain in the ass. But, there were times during The Iron Knight that Puck dropped all pretenses and showed his heart, which was pure and raw. It was... nice.

As one would expect, our hero and his lady end up together in the end, after he literally goes to the End of the World to be together with her. Talk about the ultimate act of chivalry. It doesn't get any better than this, ladies.

My only complaint - and it's a small one - is that we don't see much of Meghan in this book. I did say that the story being told from Ash's POV was a nice change of pace, and it was. But, I found myself wondering off and on what Meghan was doing/thinking/saying about her new role in the Nevernever. And, she and Ash's big reunion was waaaaaay too short for my liking. I wanted so much more from that scene.

Luckily, I hear that a spin-off series is on its way, taking place 10 or so odd years in the future and centering around Meghan's brother Ethan. Kagawa promises us that we'll see familiar faces. I hope she keeps that promise.

Book #9 - The Iron Queen (Iron Fey #3)

The Iron Queen (Iron Fey #3), Julie Kagawa
358 pages
Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Started 1/23/12
Finished 1/24/12
5 STARS

Julie Kagawa is a genius. I often think I'd love to write a book. But, when I think about what I'd like to write about, the story in my head always sounds very familiar - like I've read that somewhere before. How authors come up with these fantastic worlds and complex characters and I-didn't-see-that-one-coming plot twists is incredible. And, Kagawa has done it again. I bow to her awesomeness.

So, Meghan and Ash don't even have a half hour to relax with each other before they're thrust back in the middle of the war between the Iron Kingdom and the rest of the Nevernever. After being exiled for loving each other, Meghan and Ash are granted a reprieve in exchange for killing the new Iron King, stopping the war and saving the Nevernever - AGAIN. No pressure, right? The same rag tag team of friends get together yet again to fulfill their destiny and come out on top.

And, through it all, the more refreshing part about this book is that Ash is no longer hiding or fighting his feelings for Meghan. everyone knows he loves her and she loves him, so what's the point? They don't even hide it from Puck anymore (poor Puck). I just loved every scene with them together. His chivalrous devotion to Meghan is the stuff of dreams.

But, the end - OH, the end! Talk about ripping my heart out. I feel the need to apologize to the Cumberland County Library System for returning this book slightly tear stained. Meghan becomes the Iron Queen to save the Nevernever, and releases Ash from his vow to protect her in order to save his life. Now, SHE is the one giving up everything to save the man she loves. And, it appears that their love is doomed. But, Ash promises to find a way for them to be together, and the reader has learned that, when Ash promises something, come hell or high water (usually both), he will make it happen. Plus, there is the fact that there's one more book left in this series...

Book #8 - The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey #2)

The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey #2), Julie Kagawa
359 pages
Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Started 1/21/12
Finished 1/22/12
5 STARS

Sometimes it's hard to wrap my mind around a really great book. You know what I mean? Even now, nearly a week after finishing this book, I'm having a hard time getting this post started. Ok. Let me take a step back and start from here:

This was a damn good book.

It has all the elements that make a fantastic story - action, humor, a kick-ass chick and a gut-wrenching wonderful love story. In the beginning, Meghan fulfills her promise and allows Ash to take her to the Winter Queen. Ash agonizes over this because he knows Meghan's time there won't be pleasant and he won't be able to shield her from that. However, they manage to uncover a plot by the new Iron King to destroy the Nevernever and every being in it. And, so, Meghan and Ash set off to defeat yet another Iron King and save their world.

So, you know those Twilight books? Wait! Don't leave! Just hear me out for a second. Yes, I read them. Fairly recently, actually. And, I really wasn't a big fan of them. Edward was the only reason I stuck through all four of them. See, I'm a completely hopeless romantic. And, I go all mushy inside when I read a story about a boy who loves a girl so much that he's willing to sacrifice anything - everything - to keep her safe and in his life. I think deep down, it's what every girl dreams about. That was Edward for me - the ultimate hero. The eternal protector.

Well, Edward has been topped.

The end of The Iron Daughter was so amazing, I had to read it three times. Ash gave up everything he knew for Meghan, not even knowing for sure whether she would return the gesture (of course she did). THAT is the kind of love that I want to read about. He left his family, his home, his whole world because he fell in love with the wrong girl and wasn't willing to give her up. Oh yeah - Edward who??

Book #7 - The Iron King (Iron Fey #1)

The Iron King (Iron Fey #1), Julie Kagawa
363 pages
Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Started 1/19/12
Finished 1/21/12
4 STARS

You know how little girls always dream about being a fairy princess? Well, Meghan Chase really IS one. This 16-year-old, unpopular girl soon finds out she is the daughter of the Summer Faery King Oberon. Oh - and she has pointy ears. Cool, huh? Oh, speaking of cool, she soon falls in love with the Winter Faery Prince Ash while on a quest to save their land, Nevernever, from extinction at the hands of the titular Iron King. But, as one might assume, Summer and Winter don't hook up. Like, ever. So, yes - this book really does have it all. A fairy princess, forbidden love, a magical land, dangerous monsters, and a talking cat.


The Iron King draws a lot of parallels from other stories - Alice in Wonderland, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and of course, Romeo and Juliet. But, Kagawa throws in enough differences, enough deviations, to make it not really feel like any one story is being borrowed. It's more of an afterthought.

Honestly, at first, I wasn't totally in love with this book. It was a little... well, weird. But, about halfway through, I really got into it. It was about the time that the reader realizes that Ash, despite his cold exterior (hardy har har), this guy really loves Meghan. I mean, would-give-up-everything-and-risk-my-life-for-her LOVES this girl. That's something I love to read about. I have no doubt that over the course of the remaining three books in the series that Meghan and Ash will not find a smooth go of it. But, that's part of the fun of reading, isn't it?

Book #6 - Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2)

Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2), Cassandra Clare
502 pages
UF, PR, SP
Started 1/16/12
Finished 1/18/12
5 STARS

I read the first Infernal Devices book, Clockwork Angel, last month. It was the first book of its like that I'd ever tried. It was a little steampunk, a little urban fantasy, a little paranormal romance. And, I LOVED IT. So, when Clockwork Prince hit the shelves, I knew I had to have it. I had to follow the continuing stories of Tessa, Jem, and Will.

So, our story begins with Jem still dying, Will still raging and Tessa still brooding. I have a problem, though. Clare is making me love them all. Crap. Crap. Crap. Usually I'm rooting for our heroine to get together with her dream guy and for the third wheel to take a hike. Although the first part of that statement is still very much true, I find myself falling in love with Jem too. THAT is why I loved this book so much.

For me, anyway, a sign of a good book is a raw, angsty feeling. I find myself really caring about the characters and what happens to them. I scream at my book, "NO! Don't say that! You DO love him - just tell him, already!" I laugh. I cry. Please tell me you know what I'm talking about so that I don't feel totally insane. This book has it all. It made me feel and care. I was excited to read it and disappointed when it was over. That's absolutely a five star book in my opinion.

Even if you're not a steampunk fan, take it from a book junkie who knows what she's talking about, and go out and get this book. Like, now. Actually, get both Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince - you won't be sorry.

P.S. Bonus - I get to cross a genre off my list! Squee!!