Mini Reviews: The Death is Terrifyingly Close Edition

Lair of the Serpent
by T. Lynn Adams
Tombs of Terror, book three

A humanitarian trip to Cambodia turns deadly when Delilah, a young medical volunteer, is kidnapped. When Jonathon arrives in the jungle and discovers that his friend is missing, he recruits the locals to search for her. Every clue points to the followers of the Naga Mani--- a sacred stone with legendary powers that only work with a human sacrifice. With time running out, it's up to Jonathon to rescue Delilah. (Description from Amazon.com) 

While the premise for this book was very exciting, I found it didn't really capture my attention all that well. It wasn't until Jonathan reached the Naga Mani that I found myself unable to put the book down, and that was pretty much at the end... I think some readers would be totally into it, but it just wasn't the book for me. 

Full disclosure: Review copy received from VOYA 

Rootless 

by Chris Howard 

17-year-old Banyan is a tree builder. Using salvaged scrap metal, he creates forests for rich patrons who seek a reprieve from the desolate landscape. Although Banyan's never seen a real tree--they were destroyed more than a century ago--his missing father used to tell him stories about the Old World. Everything changes when Banyan meets a mysterious woman with a strange tattoo--a map to the last living trees on earth, and he sets off across a wasteland from which few return. Those who make it past the pirates and poachers can't escape the locusts . . . the locusts that now feed on human flesh. But Banyan isn't the only one looking for the trees, and he's running out of time. Unsure of whom to trust, he's forced to make an alliance with Alpha, an alluring, dangerous pirate with an agenda of her own. As they race towards a promised land that might only be a myth, Banyan makes shocking discoveries about his family, his past, and how far people will go to bring back the trees. (Description from Amazon.com) 

This book drew me in from the first pages.  In Banyan's world the sea has overtaken us, the only food is popcorn, and death lurks around every corner.  I found it utterly dark and captivating.  I look forward to the next book! 

Full disclosure: Borrowed from my library 

Trapped

by Michael Northrop

The day the blizzard started, no one knew that it was going to keep snowing for a week. That for those in its path, it would become not just a matter of keeping warm, but of staying alive. . . . Scotty and his friends Pete and Jason are among the last seven kids at their high school waiting to get picked up that day, and they soon realize that no one is coming for them. Still, it doesn't seem so bad to spend the night at school, especially when distractingly hot Krista and Julie are sleeping just down the hall. But then the power goes out, then the heat. The pipes freeze, and the roof shudders. As the days add up, the snow piles higher, and the empty halls grow colder and darker, the mounting pressure forces a devastating decision. . . . (Description from Amazon.com) 

In the same way that I reacted to Pfeffer's Life as We Knew It, this book made me shiver and curl up tight against my doggies.  I found myself so sucked into this book that I read it all at once, unable to turn the pages fast enough. I cried and I honestly worried about how many of the kids would actually survive... utterly compelling. 

Full disclosure: Borrowed from my library 

The Son of Neptune

The Son of Neptune
by Rick Riordan
Heroes of Olympus, book two

In The Lost Hero, three demigods named Jason, Piper, and Leo made their first visit to Camp Half-Blood, where they inherited a blood-chilling quest:

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

Who are the other four mentioned in the prophesy? The answer may lie in another camp thousands of miles away, where a new camper has shown up and appears to be the son of Neptune, god of the sea. . .
(description from Amazon.com)

I am so excited to have Percy back! Though I really enjoyed The Lost Hero and found Jason, Leo, and Piper's adventure exciting, there is just something so...so I'm not even sure what about Percy. As a reader, I just connect so strongly to him, that just having him as the narrator again made this book worlds better than the last.

However, there were other things I loved besides Percy. Getting to see the ins and outs of the Roman demi-god camp was awesome! Their war games, training rituals, and gods were really interesting. I love all types of mythology and I really loved how Riordan is able to make other cultures' beliefs so accessible. The comparisons between the Greek and Roman mythology felt so organic in the storyline. Very well done!

I love the foreshadowing about the two camps coming together to be part of the big prophecy. I'm also really intrigued to see what part Annabeth plays in the next book. There were some comments in this one that gave an onimous impression...

I hate that we have to wait all the way until next fall!

The Goddess Test

The Goddess Test
by Aimee Carter

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess. (description from Amazon.com)

What an interesting new version of the Greek myth about Persephone and Hades! I love the backstory that though they were married, they were not happy and when Persephone made her unhappiness known, Hades honored her feelings. Hades, or Henry here, was really a great character.

Kate was very believable, too. She is brave and kind. She loves her mother...she is devoted to her to the point that she is willing to spend six months with a man she doesn't know to save her. I loved watching her change as she spends time in the mansion.

Speaking of the mansion, I loved the lush Southern setting, too. Aimee Carter has a way with description...the outfits, the mansion, the grounds, I just want to go and visit. I would be happy to spend six months there!

My favorite part of the book, though, was definitely trying to figure out which characters were actually gods and goddesses from Greek mythology. I had a ton of fun picking out clues and then was happy to see a "glossary" of the gods/goddesses at the end so I could see if I was right.

I cannot wait to read the second book, Goddess Interrupted!

2011 Debut Author Challenge

Burned

Burned
by P.C. and Kristin Cast
House of Night, book 7

When friends stop trusting each other, Darkness is there to fan the flames...

Things have turned black at the House of Night. Zoey Redbird's soul has shattered. With everything she's ever stood for falling apart, and a broken heart making her want to stay in the Otherworld forever, Zoey's fading fast. It's seeming more and more doubtful that she will be able to pull herself back together in time to rejoin her friends and set the world to rights. As the only living person who can reach her, Stark must find a way to get to her. But how? He will have to die to do so, the Vampyre High Council stipulates. And then Zoey will give up for sure. There are only 7 days left...
(description taken from Amazon.com)

Another addictive addition to the House of Night series. The Casts really know how to write a soap opera of a vampire story! I have to say the more I read about Stark the more I root for him. I love Stark! The sacrifices he makes for Zoey are amazing. There is a lot of soul searching and maturing in this book. The depths of friendhip and love between these characters are amazing.
Can't say much more without having spoilers, so I'll just say...LOVED IT!

Destiny's Path

Destiny's Path
by Frewin Jones
Warrior Princess, book two

Her destiny must be fulfilled...
Branwen refuses to take orders from anyone - even the Shining Ones, the ancient gods whose power is feared throughout the land. They want her as their Chosen one, destined to save her country from the Saxons. But Branwen doubts she's truly ready to be a leader.

Then a messenger from the skies shows her a vision of a bleak and violent future - a future in which Branwen has abandoned her destiny, and those most dear to her suffer unspeakable horrors. There's a blurry line between good and evil, and those Branwen trusts the most are capable of the greatest betrayal. The Shining Ones have spoken. Will Branwen answer their call?
(Description taken from Amazon.com)

It had been awhile since I read the first book, Destiny's Princess, and I was concerned I would be lost right away. I wasn't. Though there were a few details I had to scour my memory for, Jones did a great job bringing readers subtly up to speed while moving the plot immediately forward.

I really loved how Branwen became more and more confident in her own decisions during her travels and battles. She had doubts, but if she didn't, she wouldn't be human. That the gods were constantly pushing her did not truly sway her to action, it was the suffering of her fellow countrymen. It really humanized the fantasy.

I love the medieval setting of this series and have always been interested in the history of the British Isles since my family originates there, so the historical picture built for readers is really great for me personally.

I am excited to read book three!