Before the Devil Breaks You by Libba Bray

Before the Devil Breaks You by Libba Bray
The Diviners, book three
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2017
Audio book owned in personal collection

Oh man, do I dig the Roaring Twenties! What a fabulous time to set a story.  Not only does it have the glitz and glamour of the flappers, jazz culture, and the growing movie industry, but it is RIPE with controversial societal topics that can play into a storyline. Libba Bray is a master at weaving all of these elements together with a dash of the paranormal to create one heck of a brilliant series.

Starting with The Diviners, which I highly recommend you go back and start with if you haven't already read the earlier books in the series, we follow a group of people who come together because they all have special gifts and become a family facing down the world's evils. Bray's gang of intrepid Diviners come from all walks of life. We as readers get to glimpse theater life, flapper parties and nightclubs, as well as Chinatown and the streets of Harlem.  Evie becomes a famous radio star, while Theta's a dancer in the Follies, and Ling's genius lets her meet the famous inventor, Marlowe.  There's excitement and innovation...and murderous ghosts around every corner. 

By the time this third book begins, the Diviners have already been tested twice.  Now, they must use their various gifts to band together to fight the biggest threat yet.  A paranormal entity that could threaten the existence of their entire world.  It's hard to give any more plot than that without spoiling things for other readers, so I'm going to leave it there. 

I will say that the stakes have most definitely gone up in this installment.  I can feel the tension in the overall story arc rising to almost the crescendo, as we prepare for the final book in the series.  As threats build all around the Diviners and they learn that they face very real threats from our world, not just the paranormal one, sadly it's becoming more and more clear that perhaps some may not see the end of this war.  I am EAGERLY awaiting the ending of this series.

A final note - I have listened to this entire series as audio books from the beginning and it is a WONDERFUL experience.  The books are fabulous in and of themselves, but narrator January LaVoy not only does amazing voices for all of the characters, but in parts she even sings... and they splice in some great '20s jazz music, too.  I highly recommend the audio versions!

Rebel Belle

Rebel Belle
by Rachel Hawkins

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him—and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth. (Description from Goodreads.com) 

I had been so utterly excited for this book.  I loved Rachel Hawkins other series, Hex Hall.  She writes great snappy, funny dialogue and the storylines were great.  I had expected to LOVE this book.  Sadly, while I enjoyed parts of it, I found that this particular book just didn't hold my interest.  

The beginning was great.  I loved the set up and in the beginning I really liked Harper's character.  As the story went on, I also really enjoyed the introduction of the other characters.  Especially David.  I think that Hawkins is a super talented author at creating funny, realistic dialogue.  In fact, I would read a whole contemporary romance book just based around conversations if Hawkins wrote it! 

So, what didn't work for me?  I think that it was the whole mix of Southern culture and supernatural abilities/secret society/apocalypse stuff.  I just wanted it really to be one or the other.  I was so disappointed to have to admit that I just didn't care about the whole reason that Harper's life suddenly does a 180!  Until the twist at the end with the prophetic dream foretelling someone very important's death...and then I cared for a heartbeat.  Will I read the sequel?  Probably not....but if Hawkins writes another Hex Hall book or starts a new series you can bet your little tushie that I'll be reading it ASAP! 

Full disclosure: Book borrowed from my Library

The Gathering Storm

The Gathering Storm
by Robin Bridges
The Katerina Trilogy, book one

As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. No one knows. Not her family. Not the girls at her finishing school. Not the tsar or anyone in her aristocratic circle. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue--and pulled between two young men who belong to very different and warring royal bloodlines. The time has come for Katerina to embrace her power as a necromancer, but which side will she choose--and to whom will she give her heart? (Description from Amazon.com)

This book was very intriguing and yet at points it was also frustrating.

I liked the idea of the Russian aristocracy being filled with paranormal beings and I loved Katerina as the main character. She was strong and her power was interesting. I thought that the emotional roller coaster that Katerina experiences as events unfolds was very realistic.

What frustrated me, though, were the Russian titles. The author explains that each aristocrat would have a formal title and then a nickname, but to try to keep track of all the different princesses and counts was confusing at times. It took until I was more than halfway through the book before I was able to easily distinguish the different MAIN characters of the book.

Aside from that, I ended up enjoying this book a lot. The historical setting was vibrant and beautiful. The types of vampires and necromancers were interesting to read about... I definitely plan to continue the trilogy when I get time.

Full disclosure: Borrowed from my Library

What's On My Hold List?

Welcome to the October 2013 edition

of

"What's on My Hold List?"

One of the most beautiful things about working in a Library is that I have the ability to put lots of things on hold and read them *before* I buy!! These are some of the books that I'm currently waiting for, though I may buy one or two of them after reading, as well.

I realized that I haven't done one of these posts since MAY! Wow. Being busy over the summer really put a cramp in my style...LOL. But, I'm happy to bring back this monthly post! Hopefully, you can let me know what you guys are all waiting for, too...

Allegiant
by Veronica Roth
Divergent, book three

Dead is Just a Dream
by Marlene Perez
Dead Is, book eight

Father of Lies 
by Ann Turner

In the Age of Love and Chocolate
by Gabrielle Zevin
Birthright, book three

Long Live the Queen 
by Kate Locke
Immortal Empire, book three

Summer of the Wolves 
by Polly Carlson-Voiles

You can click on each title to go to their Amazon page for a description...

So, these are the books I'm waiting anxiously to get my hands on...what are you waiting for??

What's On My Hold List?

Welcome to the April 2013 edition

 

of

 

"What's on My Hold List?"

 

One of the most beautiful things about working in a Library is that I have the ability to put lots of things on hold and read them *before* I buy!! These are some of the books that I'm currently waiting for, though I may buy one or two of them after reading, as well.

Dark Star 

by Bethany Frenette

Going Vintage 

by Lindsey Leavitt

Pandora Gets Frightened

by Carolyn Hennesy

School Spirits

by Rachel Hawkins

You can click on each title to go to their Amazon page for a description...

 

So, these are the books I'm waiting anxiously to get my hands on...what are you waiting for??

Cover Reveal - Demon Derby by Carrie Harris

So excited to be part of the epic cover reveal for Carrie Harris' newest book, Demon Derby!
Drumroll, please....

Isn't it amazing?! I love it. Very fierce, lol. And, after reading the description, I am literally salivating to get my hands on this book!! Check it out for yourself...

Demon Derby

by Carrie Harris

Publication date: March 2014

Summary:

Casey kicked cancer’s ass. Now a demon wants to kick hers...

Casey hates being known as the girl who survived cancer. She wants people to treat her like her old self, fearless and strong. And after a creepy encounter with a crazy guy in an alley, Casey is all about reclaiming her power.

So when she has a chance to try out for the Apocalypsies roller derby team, she jumps on it. Being a derby girl would prove that she doesn’t need anybody’s pity. It doesn’t hurt that Michael, the team manager, is almost unnaturally hot. Which makes sense when Casey finds out that he’s not even human.

Michael’s got a secret: he trains demon hunters. That crazy guy in the alley? Demon. And the fact that Casey went head to head with evil and lived makes her a threat to demonkind. Casey thought she’d already fought and won the battle of her lifetime. But it’s only beginning... (from Goodreads.com)  

About the Author:
Carrie Harris is the author of BAD TASTE IN BOYS and BAD HAIR DAY. Her husband is a cancer survivor and a ninja doctor, and her three kids are already in training to fight evil someday. She collects monster-themed clothing, is physically incapable of being serious for more than five minutes at a time, and isn’t a derby girl…yet.

Visit her at her website, on twitter, or even Facebook!

Thank you SO much to AToMR tours for letting me participate in this cover reveal!! 

Heartless

Heartless: A Novel of Vampires, Werewolves, and Teapots

by Gail Carriger

The Parasol Protectorate, book four

 

Lady Alexia Maccon, soulless, is at it again, only this time the trouble is not her fault. When a mad ghost threatens the queen, Alexia is on the case, following a trail that leads her deep into her husband's past. Top that off with a sister who has joined the suffragette movement (shocking!), Madame Lefoux's latest mechanical invention, and a plague of zombie porcupines and Alexia barely has time to remember she happens to be eight months pregnant.

Will Alexia manage to determine who is trying to kill Queen Victoria before it is too late? Is it the vampires again or is there a traitor lurking about in wolf's clothing? And what, exactly, has taken up residence in Lord Akeldama's second best closet? (description from Amazon.com)

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I love the casual snarkiness of this series.  There is always something tongue-in-cheek happening. I find myself giggling all the way through, every time.  Alexia is a woman that I would love to be friends with in real life.  She's real, she's very practical, and like me, she loves nothing better than to eat!

Again I loved how all of the men in Alexia's life have made little accomodations to better fit themselves to her... I love that Alexia has not truly had to bend on any of her beliefs.  Though I do not claim to be a staunch feminist, there is a definitive part of me that applauds Gail Carriger for the way that she writes this series. :)

Since this is book four, I cannot talk too much about the specifics without giving away tons of spoilers.  Needless to say, if this sounds intriguing, I highly recommend you go back and try book one, Soulless.  Lovers of the paranormal, steampunk, high tea, historical fiction, and humor unite!

Full disclosure: Purchased for my Nook

My Summer Reading List

This summer looks amazing in terms of book publishing! There are so many books that are either already out or are coming out this summer that I am dying to read!!

I love to secretly, or not so secretly, LOL, troll through the Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites to figure out what books are coming out when... so, I've already got a HUGE stack of books that I'd like to read before the summer is over, but these are the "essential" ones I want to read...

Are any of you already planning your reads for the rest of the summer, or am I just the crazy one, LOL?! Anyway, here's MY summer reading list:

Just for Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

Fins series, book three

Publication date: July 3, 2012

Endlessly by Kiersten White

Paranormalcy series, book three

Publication date: July 24, 2012

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Already published...

Carter's Unfocused One-Track Mind by Brent Crawford

Carter series, book three

Publication date: August 7, 2012

It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

Summer series, book three

Already published...



Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Publication date: July 3, 2012

Timeless by Gail Carriger

Parasol Protectorate series, book five

Already published... 

(Clicking on the title of each book will take you directly to the book's Amazon page where you can read the description and check out similar books.)

I think I am going to task myself to actually report on whether or not I've read these book by September 1st this year...you will all hold me accountable, right? :)  I have to have an actual goal with them or I'll keep putting the ones I own off to the side...

Anyway, tell me what are some of the books on YOUR summer reading list????

What's on My Hold List?

Welcome to the May 2012 edition

of

"What's on My Hold List?"

One of the most beautiful things about working in a Library is that I have the ability to put lots of things on hold and read them *before* I buy!! These are some of the books that I'm currently waiting for, though I may buy one or two of them after reading, as well. 

 

What the Dog Said

by Randi Reisfeld

 

Black Howl

by Christina Henry

Black Wings, book three

 

The Selection

by Kiera Cass

 

Wicked Business

by Janet Evanovich

Lizzy and Diesel, book two

Publication date: June 19, 2012

 

Struck

by Jennifer Bosworth

Publication date: May 8, 2012

 

Partners in Crime

by Kim Harrington

Sleuth or Dare, book one

 

The Lions of Little Rock

by Kristin Levine

 

Kick

by Walter Dean Myers and Ross Workman

 

You can click on each title to go to their Amazon page for a description...

 

So, these are the books I'm waiting anxiously to get my hands on...what are you waiting for??

Mini Reviews: The "Who-Dun-It?" edition

The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin

by Josh Berk

Being a hefty, deaf newcomer almost makes Will Halpin the least popular guy at Coaler High. But when he befriends the only guy less popular than him, the dork-namic duo has the smarts and guts to figure out who knocked off the star quarterback. Will can’t hear what’s going on, but he’s a great observer. So, who did it? And why does that guy talk to his fingers? And will the beautiful girl ever notice him? (Okay, so Will’s interested in more than just murder . . .) (description from Amazon.com)

I was really surprised how funny this book was...even though it's a great mystery and there's some great suspense, I ended up laughing out loud through most of my reading.  Will and his new friend, Devon, build a great rapport and they deal with Will's deafness is a really cool way.  I would love to read a follow up mystery starring these two self-proclaimed "Hardy Boys." 

Dead is a Battlefield

by Marlene Perez

Dead Is series, book six

Jessica Walsh is starting her freshman year at Nightshade High and trying to forget about the tragic events surrounding her brother’s graduation. She wants to have a normal high school experience. But that’s easier said than done in Nightshade. There’s a new guy at school who seems to be turning the girls into lovesick zombies. And Jessica has other worries—like her crush on a cute but moody lead singer, and the mysterious tattoo that appeared on her arm one day that lets her know whenever there is trouble brewing. Jessica learns she’s a Virago, a woman warrior chosen to fight evil whenever it threatens her hometown. But does a lowly freshman really have what it takes to keep Nightshade safe? (description from Amazon.com)

I LOVE this series.  They are fun to read, quick enough to sneak in between other books I have to review and each turns out to be a pure guilty pleasure. Technically this is book six in the Dead Is  series, but it feels totally fresh because there is a new main character. Jessica is just as sassy and smart as Daisy was...I couldn't be happier with where these books are going. :)

The Aviary

by Kathleen O'Dell

Twelve-year-old Clara Dooley has spent her whole life in the Glendoveer mansion, where her mother is a servant to the kind and elderly matron of the house. Clara has never known another home. In fact, she's confined to the grand estate due to a mysterious heart condition. But it's a comfortable life, and if it weren't for the creepy squawking birds in the aviary out back, a completely peaceful one too.

But once old Mrs. Glendoveer passes away, Clara comes to learn many dark secrets about the family. The Glendoveers suffered a horrific tragedy: their children were kidnapped, then drowned. And their father George Glendoveer, a famous magician and illusionist, stood accused until his death. As Clara digs deeper and deeper into the terrifying events, the five birds in the aviary seem to be trying to tell her something. And Clara comes to wonder: what is their true identity? Clara sets out to solve a decades-old murder mystery—and in doing so, unlocks a secret in her own life, too. (description from Amazon.com)

I really loved this book. I thought the characters were charming, and just a tad creepy.  I was sucked right into poor Clara's story and could not wait to find out why she had to live the sheltered life that she did.  I thought the mystery of the birds was fascinating. This read like a "classic," and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

by Ransom Riggs

A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive. (description from Amazon.com)

This was a deliciously creepy book.  It was not the type of scary that you get from watching a slasher movie...it was more the Alfred Hitchcock type.  Not only did the author come up with an interesting and somehow believable way tohave humans with paranormal powers exist, but also ways to have them remain hidden from the majority of the world. The true power of this book was that it was almost ordinary in its fantasticalness (yes, I just made up that word...forgive me, please). 

The most intriguing thing to me and what truly made this book work in the powerful way that it did, was the inclusion of the historical photographs.  That they images were actually from real life, whether manipulated in real life or not, just added another layer of mysterious authenticity to the story. 

I cannot wait to see what happens next.  I do hope that there is a follow-up book planned!

Dead is Not an Option

Dead is Not an Option

by Marlene Perez

Dead Is series, book five 

It’s springtime of senior year, and psychic sleuth Daisy Giordano is preparing to say goodbye to Nightshade High. But no college acceptance letters have arrived yet, and she’s beginning to worry about where she’ll end up come fall—and if it will be anywhere near her boyfriend, Ryan. But that’s not the only uncertainty Daisy’s dealing with. There’s a vamps-versus-shifters war going on in Nightshade, and things are so tense that there is talk of canceling the prom. The conflict is carrying over to the Giordano home, since Rose and Daisy are both dating werewolves and Poppy’s new boyfriend is a vampire.

Can the paranormal community in Nightshade finally find peace? And will Daisy and her friends survive graduation? (description from Amazon.com)

You know that feeling you get when you pick up a book and you have no doubts that you will love it...that you will lose yourself in it?  That feeling when you meet an old friend.  The feeling when you anticipate laughing out loud...

Yup.  For me, this series is exactly THAT.  I love these books.  I love Daisy, the main character, and her friends and family. I love the paranormal elements - psychics, werewolves, vampires, and more! I love the mysteries, danger, excitement...

Okay, okay. I'll stop gushing.  Let me just say, that I sincerely hope this is not the final book in the series. 

Full disclosure: ARC originally received from Netgalley

Enthralled

Enthralled: Paranormal Diversions
Edited by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong

A journey may take hundreds of miles, or it may cover the distance between duty and desire.

Sixteen of today’s hottest writers of paranormal tales weave stories on a common theme of journeying. Authors such as Kelley Armstrong, Rachel Caine, and Melissa Marr return to the beloved worlds of their bestselling series, while others, like Claudia Gray, Kami Garcia, and Margaret Stohl, create new landscapes and characters. But whether they’re writing about vampires, faeries, angels, or other magical beings, each author explores the strength and resilience of the human heart.

Suspenseful, funny, or romantic, the stories in Enthralled will leave you moved. (description from Amazon.com)

This was a great collection of paranormal short stories. Each story was strong on its own. Some are connected to the "world" that that particular author is famous for (Melissa Marr, Kelley Armstrong, etc.) and some were in whole new settings (Jessica Verday). They ran the gamut from short and sweet, to dark and heartwrenching.

My favorites were:

Skin Contact by Kimberly Derting - Rafe is a boy who sometimes sees reality in his dreams. Today, he's seen something that he can only hope will not come to pass...but his greatest fear is that he's already too late.
*This one made me cry and I immediately tweeted KD to let her know how good it was! Gut-wrenchingly emotional.

At the Late Night, Double Feature, Picture Show by Jessica Verday - Jane's family hunts the things that go bump in the night. When she decides to take on a pack of cannibal girl scouts on her own, though, everything that possibly could go wrong does...
*Definitely my favorite of the whole book. I mean, how could you not love the idea of cannibalistic girl scouts?? Not to mention de-fanged vampires and a weird tie-in to the Rocky Horror Picture Show! This one's been rolling around in the back of my brain for days...I can't let it go!

IV League by Margaret Stohl - Wren is a Drinker. She and some of the other Drinkers from her town are heading up North to check out colleges...and the potential Breathers they may be able to feed on during their college years!
*This was an intriguing new look at vampires. I liked the writing style a lot. I'm curious to see if Margaret Stohl's books may delve more deeply into this world in the future...

Overall, I really recommend this collection to anyone who skews like me to the paranormal in their reading tastes. If so, this is a veritable smorgasbord of fantastic little stories!

Cover Craving...

Touch of Power
by Maria V. Snyder
Publication date: Dec. 20, 2011

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life....

In My Mailbox - December 19, 2010

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

From the Library:

Legacies by Mercedes Lackey and Rosemary Edghill
The Hunchback Assignments by Arthur Slade
Black Wings by Christina Henry

Won Online!!:

Never Cry Werewolf and The Clearing both by Heather Davis. Won directly from Heather at Books, Boys, Buzz during Thanksgiving Week. Thank you so much!!!

Midnight Crystal

Midnight Crystal
by Jayne Castle
Dreamlight Trilogy, book three

For many earthly centuries, a legendary curse has plagued the Winters family, stemming from the tumultuous founding of the Arcane Society. But now, on the futuristic world of Harmony, the curse's final mystery will be unraveled...

Head of the ghost hunters guild Adam Winters and dreamlight reader extraordinaire Marlowe Jones must break the curse, save Harmony's entire underworld-and fight a passion that could destroy them both. (description taken from Amazon.com)

Okay, I seriously love that these books crossover between Jayne Ann Krentz' three writing personas. Book one - contemporary - Jayne Ann Krentz, book two - historical - Amanda Quick, book three - future paranormal -Jayne Castle...so cool! I don't know of any other author that's done something like this.

Anyway, enough fangirl for now. Beyond the coolness of the trilogy itself, I think that the trilogy was ended in a very clever way. All loose ends were tied up...and by one sexy, bad-ass couple, no less. Marlowe Jones is a tough cookie, motorcycle chick, super intelligent private investigator. Adam Winters is the tough guy with morals that's going to clean up the corrupt Guild. Together, their passion ignites the pages.

My favorite character, though...the dust bunny! In Harmony, dust bunnies do not live under your bed...they are fierce little predators that hunt in the night, and sometimes deign to adopt a human. Loyal, lovable, and gluttonous. So much fun!

Beyond the romance, the mystery of the Lamp and who is willing to kill for it will keep readers turning pages. Castle a.k.a. Krentz, does a wonderful job dropping clues and keeping readers guessing until the revelations in the final pages. Well done.

In My Mailbox - October 10, 2010

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

For My Nook:

Midnight Crystal by Jayne Castle

The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

Afterlife by Claudia Gray

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder

Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber

I am currently in Arizona vacationing with family, so I may not be blogging as much as usual, though I hope to read a lot!! :)