Gold Star Review: Dreams of Gods and Monsters

Dreams of Gods and Monsters
by Laini Taylor
Daughter of Smoke and Bone, book three

By way of a staggering deception, Karou has taken control of the chimaera rebellion and is intent on steering its course away from dead-end vengeance. The future rests on her, if there can even be a future for the chimaera in war-ravaged Eretz. Common enemy, common cause.

When Jael's brutal seraph army trespasses into the human world, the unthinkable becomes essential, and Karou and Akiva must ally their enemy armies against the threat. It is a twisted version of their long-ago dream, and they begin to hope that it might forge a way forward for their people. And, perhaps, for themselves. Toward a new way of living, and maybe even love.

But there are bigger threats than Jael in the offing. A vicious queen is hunting Akiva, and, in the skies of Eretz ... something is happening. Massive stains are spreading like bruises from horizon to horizon; the great winged stormhunters are gathering as if summoned, ceaselessly circling, and a deep sense of wrong pervades the world. What power can bruise the sky?

From the streets of Rome to the caves of the Kirin and beyond, humans, chimaera and seraphim will fight, strive, love, and die in an epic theater that transcends good and evil, right and wrong, friend and enemy.
At the very barriers of space and time, what do gods and monsters dream of? And does anything else matter? (Description from goodreads.com)

Attempting to describe the beauty of Laini Taylor's writing is near impossible.  She is truly an artist and the visions of stories that she shares with us are incredible.  So, every time I review one of her books I feel as if you all must get bored with my gushing...does that mean I'll stop?  NO WAY. It means that I'm just going to keep effusively chatting about her books until I convince every reader I know to read at least one of her books! 

But, let me be more specific about this particular book. It's going to be a little hard, since it's the final in her epic trilogy and I don't want to ruin it for those of you who have yet to finish it... so...what can I say? I thought that Taylor was very clever to introduce a new character who has prophetic dreams to the series.  It allowed readers to explore more of the world building necessary to truly understand the angel/chimera conflict and to contemplate the past, present, and future of Eretz.  

The delicate balance of truthful pessimism in a war torn world and the hope for love in the future can only be done this well by truly talented writers.  The many facets that make up each character allow Taylor to credibly put them through the emotional wringer and then bring them back to the places that we readers want them to find themselves in the end.  In other books when circumstances and relationships can change so dramatically for characters sometimes I just cannot feel the reasoning behind and thus it will feel disingenuous to me, but Taylor never seems to disappoint me this way.  

Lastly, I just have to say that while I was floored with the ending of this book and even at the 600+ page count felt like I was amazed that she managed to wrap things up well... there is such a distinct possibility for a whole new book or series or SOMETHING to come after. I cannot but hope, truly, truly hope that she gives it to us someday!! 

This book is more than worthy of a gold star.  I would almost give it two! 

Full disclosure: Audio book received to review for AudioFile Magazine, Book purchased for my collection

Days of Blood and Starlight

Days of Blood and Starlight
by Laini Taylor
Daughter of Smoke and Bone, book two

Once upon a time, an angel and a devil held a wishbone between them. And its snap split the world in two.

Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a new way of living – one without massacres and torn throats and bonfires of the fallen, without revenants or bastard armies or children ripped from their mothers’ arms to take their turn in the killing and dying.

Once, the lovers lay entwined in the moon’s secret temple and dreamed of a world that was a like a jewel-box without a jewel – a paradise waiting for them to find it and fill it with their happiness.

This was not that world. (Description from goodreads.com)

Wow, can Laini Taylor write.  Even in a book such as this one, a usually dreaded middle book in a trilogy or series based around a war, she blows me away.  This book is dark and yet, the writing is also still breathtakingly beautiful.  Laini draws such a beautiful picture of hope still blooming when everything should be dark and beyond repair.  

The characters are intriguing and complex.  The settings are vivid and make me want to travel this world and beyond.  The interactions amongst the Seraphim and the Chimera, within themselves, and between the two tribes are compelling.  The emotional depth of the story is wonderfully explored.  

In short, I couldn't put it down and I'm greedily listening to the final book, dying to know what happens in the end.  

Full disclosure: eARC received from Netgalley, Book purchased for personal collection

Radiant and Boundless

Radiant
by Cynthia Hand
An Unearthly novella 

Clara is desperate to get away—from the memories that haunt her in Wyoming and the visions of a future she isn't ready to face—and spending the summer in Italy with her best friend, Angela, should be the perfect escape. . . .

For as long as she can remember, Angela has been told that love is dangerous, that she must always guard her heart. But when she met Phen two years ago she was determined to be with him, no matter the costs. Now she must decide whether she can trust Clara with her secret, or if telling her the truth will risk everything she cares about.

Alternating between Angela and Clara's perspectives, Radiant chronicles the unforgettable summer that will test the bounds of their friendship and change their lives forever. (description from Amazon.com) 

I almost didn't read Radiant before starting Boundless, but boy am I glad that I did.  The novella gives you some great info that has meaning in the third and final book, as well as letting the reader get to hear some things from Angela's perspective, which I loved.  I suppose you could read the last book without reading the novella, but I thought it really added to the story. It was definitely worth the $1.99 for me. 

Boundless

by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly series, book three

The past few years held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner ever could have anticipated. Yet through the dizzying high of first love to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she could no longer deny was that she was never meant to have a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seemed like the best option, so she's headed back to California—and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he's not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won't come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must choose her fate once and for all. (description from Amazon.com) 

I thought that Hand did a bang-up job finishing the series.  There were things I thought would probably happen and they did, but the suspense to get there was perfect.  Clara remained a character that I could totally believe, stuck in a situation that kept me riveted.  I loved her relationships with friends and family and the way that nothing was black and white...everything had shades of gray.  The way that the romance tied up, too, left me absolutely satisfied. All around this is one of the best angel-themed series I've read and I can't wait to recommend it to more readers! 

Full disclosure: Radiant purchased for my Kindle App/Boundless borrowed from my library

Hallowed

Hallowed 
by Cynthia Hand
Unearthly, book two

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions, but she wasn't prepared for the choice she had to make that day. Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning. (Description from Amazon.com) 

Oh, Cynthia Hand.  I love and hate you.  Truly.  When you had Clara and Tucker have that little, "I just had to tell you I love you, but you don't have to say anything back until you're ready" moment in the first book and I got all swoony, my heart sang... And now, now... my heart is breaking epically. (*See! No official spoilers, but you KNOW that something devestating is happening!! LOL*) 

I know, realistically, that in real life there are no truly happy endings.  There are always shades of gray and that we have to know that you embrace the joy to balance out our saddest moments, but man, I felt like Clara just could not catch a break in this book! Her love life, her home life, and her destined life all took a big hit.  It was one whammy after another!! 

While not everything came as a surprise (Hand does a great job at hinting towards two big revelations without actually giving anything away), it was brilliant to see new facets of Clara's world come to light.  New aspects of the life she must lead.  AND it was great to see that Clara would actually be able to make her own choices.  That, I think, was my favorite bit... I LOVE when a character breaks out of the "I can only do what I'm destined to do..." mold.  

Let me tell you, though this book hit me in the gut emotionally, I immediately put a hold on book three. I MUST know how it all ends.  Clara's story has me well and truly hooked. 

Full disclosure: Book purchased for my Nook

This Week's Library Loot (12)

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire fromThe Captive Reader and Marg from The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries!

My Library Loot:

Boundless
by Cynthia Hand
Unearthly, book three

Don't Panic: The Official Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Companion 
by Neil Gaiman

I Represent Sean Rosen 
by Jeff Baron

Poison Most Vial 
by Benedict Carey

So, that's what I picked up at my Library this week... did you swing by yours?

What's On My Hold List?

Welcome to the May 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.

Boundless
by Cynthia Hand
Unearthly, book three



Charmed Vengeance
by Suzanne Lazear
The Aether Chronicles, book two



The Nightmare Affair
by Mindee Arnett



The Elite
by Kiera Cass
The Selection, book two

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??

A Fractured Light

A Fractured Light

by Jocelyn Davies

A Beautiful Dark, book two

 

When she wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings, Skye knows something terrible has happened to her. It's not until she hears Asher, the dark, rebellious angel she fell in love with, that the memories come flooding back. She tries to put the past behind her, but she knows she'll be forever haunted by the ruthless betrayal that almost took her life.

Skye returns home, but with the knowledge of who she really is, nothing can ever be the same. As she tests the limits of her newfound powers, Skye discovers that she's capable of far more than anyone could have imagined. Both the Order and the Rebellion want her for their side as war between the factions looms. She can't forget the terrifying truth she now knows about the Order, but something holds her back from embracing the Rebellion. (decription from Amazon.com)


Picking up right where the first book left off, Skye must now deal with the fallout of finding out who she truly is, and being unsure of where she really belongs. With ties to both sides in a holy war, Skye must decide who she feels more beholden to...or does she. What I truly loved about this book was that though Skye falls in love, she does not let that emotion define her (unlike some other paranormal heroines...*cough* *cough* Bella *cough*). Skye chooses to forge her own path, regardless of the consequences. 

With romance, secrets, and a much stronger heroine than might appear on the surface, this trilogy (assuming the last book is as good as the first two) is truly one of my faves in the paranormal field.

Full disclosure: Copy received to review for SLJ


Mini Reviews: The Adult Urban Fantasy Edition

Biting Cold

by Chloe Neill

Chicagoland Vampires, book six

Merit is on the hunt, charging across the stark American Midwest, tailing a rogue supernatural intent on stealing an ancient artifact that could unleash catastrophic evil on the world. But Merit is also the prey. An enemy of Chicagoland is hunting her, and he'll stop at nothing to get the book for himself. No mercy allowed.

No rules apply. No lives spared. The race is on. (description from Amazon.com)

Okay, trying to be non-spoilery...not only does this particular book in the series pack a whopping emotional punch, but it also ramps up the action a notch.  Merit has to fight some big battles and face some enemies she previously thought were friends... I loved it. Yet again, Neill sucked me right in and left me waiting anxiously for the next one...

Full disclosure: Borrowed through interlibrary loan

Two Weeks' Notice
by Rachel Caine
The Revivalist, book two

After dying and being revived with the experimental drug Returne, Bryn Davis is theoretically free to live her unlife—with regular doses to keep her going. But Bryn knows that the government has every intention of keeping a tight lid on Pharmadene’s life-altering discovery, no matter the cost.

Thankfully, some things have changed for the better; her job at the rechristened Davis Funeral Home is keeping her busy and her fragile romance with Patrick McCallister is blossoming—thanks in part to their combined efforts in forming a support group for Returne addicts. But when some of the group members suddenly disappear, Bryn wonders if the government is methodically removing a threat to their security, or if some unknown enemy has decided to run the zombies into the ground… (description from Amazon.com)

 

I love this science-fiction take on zombies.  Caine's writing always blends the perfect amounts of action, romance, and sheer drama for me.  Looking for a zombie series that doesn't go heavy into the whole brain consumption aspect? Give these a try...

 

Full disclosure: Borrowed through interlibrary loan

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Black Howl

Black Howl

by Christina Henry

Black Wings, book three

Something is wrong with the souls of Chicago's dead. Ghosts are walking the streets, and Agent of Death Madeline Black's exasperating boss wants her to figure out why. And while work is bad enough, Maddy has a plethora of personal problems too. Now that Gabriel has been assigned as her thrall, their relationship has hit an impasse. At least her sleazy ex-fiance Nathaniel is out of the picture--or so she thinks... (description from Amazon.com)

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This is one of my go-to just for fun reading series. I love Maddy. She is a tough chickie with too much on her plate who still manages to just get by...usually by the skin of her teeth.  The whole demons thing makes some really interesting plot twists and turns and there is one adorably cranky, sugar-addicted, older gargoyle that I just want to adopt right out of the book!

Urban fiction fans would be well advised to give this series a shot. :)



In My Mailbox - September 11, 2011

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!

Gifted:

*A very special shout out to my friend, Miss Kim, for getting me a beautiful hardcover copy of Divergent, one of my new favorite books, for my birthday!!*

For Review:

The Highest Frontier by Joan Slonczewski
*Thanks to Tor Teen*
The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Pearson
*Thanks to SLJ*


Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith
*Thanks to SLJ*


From the Library:

Invincible by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs


Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien


On My Nook:

Reality Check by Niki Burnham
Haunting the Night by Mara Purnhagen


Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen
*Woot! Loving all the freebies on B&N this week!*

Winner - Hades giveaway!

I am pleased to announce that the winner of the Hades giveaway (via random drawing at random.org) is...

Violet!!

Violet, check your email...you have until Saturday, September 10th to contact me with your mailing address so we can send the book out to you. Congratulations again!

Hades - Book Trailer and Giveaway!

Guess what came out today? The second book in Alexandra Adornetto's sweeping angel trilogy, Hades. The first book, Halo, began Bethany's journey on Earth...and now to fight the forces of evil, she'll have to travel into Hell...



Zieghost Media has graciously allowed me to host a giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a finished copy of Hades. To enter, all you need to do is leave me a comment before Monday, Sept. 5th with your name, email address, and the name of your favorite angel from books, TV, movies - whatever! On Tues., Sept. 6th, I will randomly draw the winner and they will have until Sat., Sept. 10th to get me their mailing address (US/Canada only per publisher - sorry!). GOOD LUCK!!

A Beautiful Dark

A Beautiful Dark
by Jocelyn Davies

Skye never questioned the story of her life. Her Aunt Jo adopted her after the death of her parents when she was just a child, and together they flip through memories the way some people flip through photo albums.

She never questioned if the stories were true.

Until the night of her 17th birthday, when the arrival of two strangers intrudes on her cozy life. Polar opposites, like fire and ice, Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair, cold, and aloof. Skye has no idea what they want—only that their presence coincides with the beginning of some shockingly strange events. Events that Skye, if she dares to think it, might be responsible for causing.

High up in the mountains of Boulder, Colorado, Skye finds herself caught in the middle of an ancient battle, one that began untold millennia ago. Torn between unpredictable Asher, whom she loves, and the infuriating Devin, who she can’t stay away from, her fate is murky as a starless night. And as the secrets of her true identity are revealed, Skye realizes that her destiny may reside in the Heavens—or somewhere darker. (description from the "Elevensies" website)

Angel books can be really hit or miss for me. Jocelyn Davies' debut is a spot on WINNER. I loved it. It has a very similar feel to Lauren Kate's Fallen, but only in the way it reads. A Beautiful Dark has its own unique "angel" mythology.

I loved Skye, Asher, and Devlin. There were sparks amongst them all, both figuratively and in actuality! What I really liked, though, was that there was a reason for the presented romantic triangle. It wasn't just that Skye was so quirky and thereby desirable that no boy could stay away from her. The time was spent on purpose first and the feelings came (well a little bit, anyway) later.

I was thoroughly intrigued by the mythology in this book. While I have heard similar ones before, it was particularly well presented and the follow-through of where the story took the mythology was amazing. I cannot wait for the next book, in what I'm assuming, no...desperately hoping is a series. There was quite a cliffhanger...

2011 Debut Author Challenge title

Anxiously Awaiting...

Two books I can't wait to read!


Hallowed
by Cynthia Hand
Unearthly, book two

Publication date: January 24th, 2012

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.
*I loved the first book, Unearthly!*



Out of Sight Out Of Time
by Ally Carter
Gallagher Girls, book five

Publication date: March 20th, 2012

The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, her memory is a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and dirt under her nails. All she wants is to go home. But even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers as Cammie and her friends face their most difficult challenge yet. With only their training and a few clues to guide them, the girls go in search of answers on the other side of the world. But the Circle is hot on their trail and will stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.
*This series is totally addicting!*

In My Mailbox - June 19, 2011

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!

This was two big weeks' worth of books! I was lucky to get quite a few fantastic books in the mail, to borrow some great reads and to attend the YA spectacular event in Madison, CT.


From the Library:

The Ghoul Next Door by Lisi Harrison

Won:

The Summer Trilogy by Jenny Han
*Thanks to Steph at Steph Su Reads!!*


Sent for Review:

Darkness Falls by Cate Tiernan
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
*Thanks to Little, Brown!!*

Spell Bound by Kelley Armstrong
*Thanks to Dutton!!*


Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
*Thanks to Zietghost Media!*

Mercy by Sarah L. Thompson
The Break-Up Diaries by Ni-Ni Simone and Kelli London


Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs
*Thanks, Tera!!*

Borrowed from Jen at Yabooknerd:

Withering Tights by Louise Rennison
Hourglass by Myra McEntire
Crossed by Ally Condie

Bought at R.J. Julia's YA Spectacular Event:

10 Things We Did by Sarah Mlynowski
The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson