Empower - Jessica Shirvington

Empower (Violet Eden Chapters #5)

- Jessica Shirvington

Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 stars

It has been two years since Violet Eden walked away from the city, her friends, her future and – most painfully – her soulmate, Lincoln. Part angel, part human, Violet is determined to stand by the promises she made to save the one she loves.

Living in the perpetual coldness of a broken soul she survives day to day as a Rogue Grigori in London. It has been more than a year since she felt Lincoln searching for her and Violet has learnt to focus on nothing more than the war against exiled angels. But when an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, the news he bears about someone she swore to protect leaves Violet with no choice. Even worse, she fears that this might all lead back to the night she tries hardest to forget. And what was taken without her permission.

Violet is going back to New York ... and she knows exactly who is going to be there. With Phoenix in her dreams and Lincoln in heart she knows it is only a matter of time before the final choice must be made.(Description from Date a Book.)

~ * ~ * ~

I usually don’t review books when I haven’t reviewed the rest in the series – it makes me feel like I’m not giving viewers the chance to see my entire thoughts; but there is absolutely no way I can’t put down how much I loved this book!

If you’re a fan of the series, you would know that the fourth book – Endless – had an incredibly emotional and shocking ending. I spent half the book in tears and desperate to find out more. Well, Empower brings that and more. Lines were crossed in the past, and in this book, we’re learning to deal with the fall out.

I’ve always loved Violet, she had her moments – it’s hard not to get frustrated at characters sometimes as they make mistakes and grow – but I’ve always loved how determined she is to be her own person. She’s had to deal with a lot of responsibilities, and a destiny she’s been thrown into, but has had an incredible support crew she has behind her. I loved seeing that return in Empower, but also loved watching her accept that she was not alone in her fight to save the world.

For me, one of the most important parts of the book is choice – not only because of the tagline; it’s more than just that. Fans are going to think it’s the ‘final’ choice between Lincoln and Phoenix, but Violet picked Lincoln ages ago: mind, body and spirit – it’s always been about Lincoln. Just like the final choice will always be about Violet’s Grigori role: who she wants to be and where she fits into this world. She’ll never be able to just slide into the world, she has to have a purpose, so Empower is all about finally finding her ultimate place. And I loved watching Violet get there. She doesn’t let others determine her position. She’s a very strong character in that regard.

With how Endless left off, there was always going to be questions regarding Violet’s friends. I think I was more shocked by their acceptance of it all. With the exception of one character, who I’m not sure we can classify as just a ‘friend’; not one of them showed any frustrations at Violet’s choices. I was honestly expecting just one to go: “Hey, Vi. Glad you’re okay, but I haven’t quite forgiven you for running off yet.” – Or maybe that’s just my own feelings taking over. Violet is incredibly lucky with her relationships!

One of the things I was dying to see unfold was the romance. As a very vocal Team Lincoln fan, I was extremely close to willing myself into the book so I could lock Violet and Linc in the same room and wait for them to work out their differences. There were some lines, scenes and situations that just made me melt. These two are one of my top YA It-Couples. I was a very happy Kim!

There is so much I’d love to gush about this book: the rogue involvement, seeing favourite characters, exploring new locations – but I think I’ll skip to the danger: a new exile evil who is fighting for the end of the world. It’s strange, with Lilith they had a plan and a definite way of destroying her, but in Empower I honestly had no idea if they’d make it out alive. It was darker, more dangerous and involved more Grigori and exiles than you could possibly image. The book was very action-packed – I loved it! A lot happened towards the end with so few pages to go, but I think what I loved most was that the questions fan would be most vocal about were wrapped up – but all without being too fairytale-like. I felt that we were left wondering what the future will be like, but only because I didn’t want to let the characters go. There was enough of an ending to be satisfied. For Violet, Lincoln and the rest, life is never going to be simple and there’s no way to predict what could come next; but we get enough to feel complete.

I have enjoyed this series so much. The ups and downs, the emotion, friendship and growth for all characters. It will forever be a favourite!

5/5 stars

Kim
(Also posted on Goodreads)

The Iron Traitor - Julie Kagawa

The Iron Traitor (Call of the Forgotten #2) -

Julie Kagawa

Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 Stars

In the real world, when you vanish into thin air for a week, people tend to notice.

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as "normal" as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he's forbidden to see her again.

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, "normal" simply isn't to be. For Ethan's nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan's and Keirran's fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan's next choice may decide the fate of them all. (Description from Goodreads)

~ * ~ * ~

For those who don't know, The Iron Traitor is book 2 in the Call of the Forgotten series by Julie Kagawa, a spin off to The Iron Fey series. What I love about Ms Kagawa is that her books seem to be getting better and better with every release. Whilst I liked The Iron Fey series, I am loving Call of the Forgotten. I find it easier to connect with the characters and the world. Perhaps because there's more "human" interactions. You can never trust the Fey.

The Iron Traitor begins with Ethan and Mackenzie (Kenzie) returning from their trip into the Nevernever, only to find that 2 weeks has past in the real world. 2 weeks without their parents knowing what had happened to them or where they were. To say their parents were upset about this is an understatement. Nevertheless, Ethan and Kenzie are determined to get back to reality and try their hand at a "normal" relationship. Unfortunately "normal" doesn't last long. Not when Keirran (the Iron Prince) has gone missing and the whole of Nevernever is searching for him.

I always say if you want to truly enjoy a novel you have to finish it within 3 days. That way you are focused on the story and hence more connected. Well, due to unforeseen circumstances, it took me 3 weeks to finish this book.... And I loved every second that I was able to read it. Even in the short time frame I was able to read in, I found myself being drawn into the world and connect with the characters. I was always looking forward to seeing what would happen next. Let me tell you, a lot was happening. Just a snippet of things: Ethan was forced to acknowledge his feelings of betrayal and abandonment from Meghan. Kenzie was forced to deal with her father and her sickness. Annwyl was knocking on deaths door, and poor Keirran would do anything to save her even if it meant his own death. And then there's the prophesy that seems more and more likely to happen.

There were so many intense moments that you truly appreciate when Ms Kagawa throws in a character like Puck and suddenly a dangerous situation changes from intense to comical. "What? I never make things worse. I make things more interesting". That you do Puck, that you do.

I loved this book, and highly recommend this series. I can not wait for the next book (especially after that cliffhanger of an ending)

5/5 stars


Kerrie
(Also published to Goodreads)

Allegiant - Veronica Roth

Allegiant (Divergent #3) - Veronica Roth
Grade: YA
Rating: 3/5 stars

One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. (Description from Goodreads)
~ * ~ * ~

I have mixed feelings about this book. I’m happy that Veronica Roth told the story she wanted to tell. As a big believer that the author should tell their own story, this one shows that very well. It has a very intense and tricky storyline, full of big twists and turns. The writing is as addictive as the previous books have been, in that it flows so well that you don’t realise you’ve made it through so many pages until you look down and they’re just gone. But as a fan, and a reader, I just didn’t love it as much as I wanted to, mainly because of the direction the plot went in and the main characters.

I felt like Allegiant was wiping the slate clean. We were almost immediately thrown out of a city we’ve spent two books exploring and pushed into an outside world where things like aeroplanes and non-faction populations exist, and the issues we all want to see resolved, mostly involving the city are just forgotten. Instead we start focusing of genetic issues on the outside, sort of brushing over the Divergent again and finding yet another controlling governing body to overthrow. I was expecting a journey outside city limits, I really was, but I sort of thought it would all tie in together with resolving faction issues back home. Instead it just seemed to make things more complicated and at the same time, city-life made irrelevant.

My other big issue was Tris and Four (I still refuse to call him Tobias – it’s not his chosen name). I had problems with these two in Insurgent; all the lying, secrets and trust issues – they weren’t the power couple I’d fallen in love with in Divergent. I figured their issues would have stopped after the end of book 2, but it felt like they spent the whole book going backwards. Fighting, keeping secrets, twisting each other words. I’ve always loved Four, so I found myself in his corner more than Tris’. I just kept getting frustrated that it didn’t seem to matter what Four did, it was always somehow wrong; while ‘perfect’ Tris managed to have incredibly spot-on instincts all the time, made all the right decisions and saved the day over and over again like she could do no wrong. The distance that kept growing between them was ridiculous and I couldn’t help thinking there wasn’t much hope for them as a couple.

Despite these issues, there were some parts of the book I really enjoyed. I loved the split POV between Tris and Four; not only because with my issues with Tris it meant I wasn’t only inside her head, but because Four and Tris were apart a lot, we got to see both sides of the story. I really enjoyed Four’s voice, seeing his struggle to fit into a world outside of the one he knew – struggling more than most – and just getting a glimpse at his thought processes. I definitely enjoyed that more than anything else.

Allegiant has an incredibly powerful ending and I can understand why readers may have had issues with it. As readers, we want to feel satisfied that our excitement and investment in characters hasn’t been all for nothing; and it’s not a secret that the majority of us have certain expectations when a series is ending. I thought the actual climax for the book, the crucial turning points and problem solving, epic Let’s-Save-the-Day! moments were a bit short. There was a lot of build-up to these final scenes and with the way the city and factions were almost forgotten for most of the book, to have their issues resolved so fast, it wasn’t what I was expecting – a whole book of lead-up to end within 2 or 3 chapters, it was fast. And because of that, I felt one of the ways all the problems came to a close was rushed. I probably shouldn’t be writing this review so soon after finishing, because I’m still processing it all, but at the same time; if I don’t get it out now I think I’d avoid finishing it.

I thought Veronica Roth was brave, to do something that’s not done often in YA books; but I feel a little crushed and empty with the result.

3/5 stars


Kim
(Also posted on Goodreads)

Cinderella Screwed Me Over - Cindi Madsen

Cinderella Screwed Me Over - Cindi Madsen
Grade: Adult-Romance
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Darby Quinn has a bone to pick with Cinderella. Burned one too many times by ex-boyfriends, Darby has lost all belief in the happily-ever-after that the fairy-tale princess promised her. She's sworn off love, Prince Charmings, and happy endings and she's happy about it. Really. Or at least she was…until she met Jake, her gorgeous neighbor and the manager of her favorite restaurant. But Darby has rules about dating, ones she's culled from her years spent with so-called “princes,” and starting something with Jake would break all of them.

Charming, fun, and unwilling to give up on her, Jake doesn’t fit any of the profiles Darby has created from her case studies of ex-princes-gone-bad. Finally presented with her own Prince Charming, can Darby take a chance on a happily-ever-after?

Full of wit and sarcastic humor, Cinderella Screwed Me Over proves that sometimes the perfect love, like a perfect pair of shoes, is just within your grasp. (Description from Goodreads)

~ * ~ * ~

I adored this book! It was like reading the script to a RomCom, only with added extra thoughts from the main character, and it was so much fun!

Darby Quinn is sceptical about love. She's been through so many rough relationships, so many broken hearts and screwed up paths, that she's given up on long-lasting relationships. In fact, she's giving up on dating completely. The main cause for her broken view on life? Well Fairytales and Disney stories, of course. Where else do you find an unnaturally large amount of situations that all point to Happily Ever After and the Perfect Prince saving the day? But things start to become complicated when Jake Knight comes on the scene. I had a very long giggle when I realised Jake's surname was 'Knight'. I liked the irony of him becoming the Prince to change Darby's heart...and he's a knight!

I had mixed feelings about Darby. Most of the time I loved her, and could even identify with telling yourself that it's better off not being in love so you can't get hurt; but other times I just wanted to shake some sense in her, especially when it came to stringing Jake along. Darby, not looking for anything long-term, manages to hook Jake's interest and feelings, while constantly pushing him away at the same time. It was frustrating because all Jake ever did was try to make her happy. He gets bonus points for being more patient than anyone else.

I mentioned before that it's very RomCom-esque. I haven't branched out into adult chick lit before, so I can imagine there are a lot of books that read like a favourite movie; but for me this was one of the first and I just adored it. I can see myself taking Cinderella Screwed Me Over off the shelf when I'm in the mood for an easy, fun, romantic drama story; and I know I'll love it every single time I pick it up.

One of the best parts of this book was seeing Darby's past relationships as pre-created 'Case Studies' for how a previous relationship broke down and comparing them to popular male characters from favourite fairytales. I loved the case studies, and not just because they let us into Darby’s life; let us see why she was so broken and wary of love. I think I may have had the wrong reaction to them at times; I was just excited to come up to the next Disney or fairytale story and see how they were represented. I loved seeing the Robin Hood-a-like throw a bullseye on the dart board, mirroring the image of Robin Hood and his bow and arrow; or Ariel’s obsession with forks, or even the mention of “twitterpated” giving me Bambi flashbacks. It was like getting a Disney fix, without actually watching Disney, all while being torn apart and analysed endlessly. It’s a bit strange liking the mentions the most; I really enjoyed them as case studies too, because it showed Darby had some really rough relationships. But I’m a sucker for Disney, so I can’t be blamed for loving the book for these extra reasons.

An incredibly fun, entertaining and romantic story, with just the right amount of cynicism, sarcastic comments, and Disney references to make any girl happy!

4/5 stars

Kim
(also posted on Goodreads)

United We Spy - Ally Carter

United We Spy (Gallagher Girls #6) - Ally Carter
Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 stars

Cammie Morgan has lost her father and her memory, but in the heart-pounding conclusion to the best-selling Gallagher Girls series, she finds her greatest mission yet. 
Cammie and her friends finally know why the terrorist organization called the Circle of Cavan has been hunting her. Now the spy girls and Zach must track down the Circle’s elite members to stop them before they implement a master plan that will change Cammie—and her country—forever. (Description from Goodreads)

~ * ~ * ~

What is a Gallagher Girl? Well...we’re about to find out.

United We Spy answers so many questions about who Gallagher Girls are and just what role they have in the future of both normal and spy worlds – and we get to finally see a conclusion to the terrorist-style group that is the Circle of Cavan.

Unlike previous books, while we start this one as though off to another school semester, it can’t end that way. The danger was amped up in the last book. The Circle of Cavan doesn’t play safe or fair when it comes to staying in power, and our favourite Gallagher Girls, Blackthorne Boys and amazing adults are racing against an unknown clock to stop the Circle leaders from grabbing more power and destroying the world – and I don’t think I’m exaggerating with that statement. It’s an intense journey! While there are some differences, I’m glad the increasing danger patterns continued in this one; it’s hard to go back to the innocent, carefree spy-school days again. There’s never a dull moment for Cammie and the gang.

Cammie has an interesting struggle throughout United We Spy. We know she was always going to spend time struggling against The Circle of Cavan, but the strange part was her questioning her spy-future at the same time. I liked how humanising this was. She’s not above recognising that the spy life, while all she’s known and wanted to do her whole life, has its dangers. I liked watching her try and decide on her future and come to terms with who she is the most.

I mentioned danger a lot – it needs another mention and a warning for heart attack inducing moments! Ally Carter had me all sorts of nervous throughout 90% of this book...it’s unavoidable and at the same time fun! The danger was mixed in with a few incredible twists, making this book one of the best Gallagher Girls books ever! (my favourite is still #5 – but not to say United We Spy is any less awesome!)

I loved seeing all out favourite characters again, and I’m so sad the series is over, especially because I feel like I was only just introduced to the Gallagher Girls. I will miss them...but there’s always re-reads!

5/5 stars

(ps. Super special bonus scene was amazing. I almost think it should be read before the epilogue, but it was another nice little scene to make me smile!)



Kim
(Also posted to Goodreads)

Fathomless - Jackson Pearce

Fathomless - Jackson Pearce
(Fairytale Retellings #3)

Grade: YA
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Celia Reynolds is the youngest in a set of triplets and the one with the least valuable power. Anne can see the future, and Jane can see the present, but all Celia can see is the past. And the past seems so insignificant - until Celia meets Lo. 

Lo doesn't know who she is. Or who she was. Once a human, she is now almost entirely a creature of the sea - a nymph, an ocean girl, a mermaid - all terms too pretty for the soul-less monster she knows she's becoming. Lo clings to shreds of her former self, fighting to remember her past, even as she's tempted to embrace her dark immortality. 

When a handsome boy named Jude falls off a pier and into the ocean, Celia and Lo work together to rescue him from the waves. The two form a friendship, but soon they find themselves competing for Jude's affection. Lo wants more than that, though. According to the ocean girls, there's only one way for Lo to earn back her humanity. She must persuade a mortal to love her... and steal his soul. (Description from Date a Book)

~ * ~ * ~

Fathomless had an extra edge before I even started the book. Not only did I love the previous fairytale stories Jackson Pearce has written, but The Little Mermaid is my personal favourite fairytale - so I was SUPER excited to see how Pearce would twist the story and make it her own. And let me tell you I LOVED IT!

We start the book being introduced to the Ocean Girls. If you know Jackson Pearce's previous books well, the Ocean Girls are not new ideas, but we've never actually seen them before. Transformed into something that can live under the water, something dangerous - not quite a mermaid, but closer to a siren, luring men into the waves with the hope they will love them enough to return their souls and let them be released from the ocean. But you can't make a boy fall in love with you with just a song...and so, the Ocean Girls chose to fade away under the water, forgetting their past lives, hoping an angel will return and take them to a better place.

Enter Lo, our main Ocean Girl. She's conflicted. She loves her life under the water and after a failed attempt at taking a human boy's soul she's content to let her life fade away. I was so curious about Lo's life. She is obviously the Little Mermaid in the story, especially when she later attempts to move around on land, with pain shooting up from her feet - almost like crushing glass with new step. But she's torn between accepting her life now under the water, and trying to regain the memories of her life before becoming and Ocean Girl, her life as Naida. The conflicting people within her made for some interesting twists. You never knew which personality will take hold or what memories she'll discover.

But she has help with that, Celia Reynolds. I knew before starting the book, that Celia was part of the giant Reynolds clan, my favourite family in Jackson Pearce's series! Celia is a triplet, and unlike the males in her family, she doesn't seem to be aware that there are dangerous and supernatural beings in the world. Her sisters, Anne and Jane, believe they are the only ones which weird and secret talents - the three sisters can see the Future, Present and Past. Celia, gifted with the power to see the past, believes her talent is useless. What good is seeing the mistakes and troubles of the past? You can't change what happened before. But she can help someone who forgets to remember. She can try to help Lo remember Naida. I felt bad for Celia, she seemed so alone, despite having sisters around her all the time. Not quite like Anne and Jane, Celia stands apart and when she meets Lo, she starts to find herself as Celia and not just as a sister. I loved her trying to help search through Lo's memories and I loved how much she cared.

Like all good stories, there's a complication in the mix: a boy, Jude. Lo and Celia help save Jude from drowning, and it starts a snowball effect of drama. Jude falls in love, both girls feel a connection to him and both look for something beyond their lives when they're with him. Lo, desperate to find a way out of her ocean life, hopes that Jude might fall in love with her and release her from her water prison. Celia wants to be normal and finds a way to block the past while with Jude. But secrets and lies plague their separate relationships and that can only lead to trouble. The secrets churned me up a bit. Some I could understand keeping, others made me mental. I just wanted everyone to be happy in the end. These hopes for a new life and the mix of secrets caused a massive twist at the end - I totally didn't see it coming - but it was good. I loved it.

Amazing retelling of The Little Mermaid - definitely a favourite. Can't wait for Cold Spell. I hope there are more retellings after this one, because I enjoy them too much to let go.

4.5/5 stars


Kim
(also posted on Goodreads)

Altered - Jennifer Rush

Altered (Altered #1) - Jennifer Rush
Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 stars

They were made to forget. But they'll never forgive. 

Everything about Anna's life is a secret. Her father works for the Branch, at the helm of its latest project: monitoring and administering treatments to the four genetically altered boys in the lab below their farmhouse. There's Nick, solemn and brooding; Cas, light-hearted and playful; Trev, smart and caring; and Sam . . . who's stolen Anna's heart. 

When the Branch decides it's time to take the boys, Sam stages an escape. Anna's father pushes her to go with them, making Sam promise to keep her away from the Branch, at all costs. On the run, with her father's warning in her head, Anna begins to doubt everything she thought she knew about herself. 

She soon discovers that she and Sam are connected in more ways than either of them expected. And if they're both going to survive, they must piece together the clues of their past before the Branch catches up to them and steals it all away. (Description from Date A Book)

~ * ~ * ~

I adored this book! Altered is an addictive read, I couldn't put it down!

What's strange is that you find out so much form the blurb: a lab, with 4 boys being held - boys that have been genetically altered in strange and curious ways. Stronger, more dangerous and yet unknown at the same time. And then there's Anna, a teen and daughter to the scientist running experiments on the altered boys. Why are they being tested and developed into something more than human? Well, for a secret agency with government connections, of course. But when this group, The Branch, tries to take them away and the boys escape taking Anna with them, a troubling journey to uncover the mystery of their past takes hold.

The four boys were the first part that made me curious. I loved how different they all were. Cas, with his inability to sit still too long, but a giant obsession with food. Trev, who had an incredible memory and loved to bring up quotes that matched almost every situation. Nick, who I think was the most dangerous of the bunch because of his darker attitude and harsh take on life. And Sam, a natural leader maybe, but a brilliant strategist and someone with a protective streak and an obvious hidden past. These boys drove me crazy, but in a good way. I loved their connection to each other, the way they bounced off each other, it made them seem closer. Which I guess is possible when you live in a lab with only the 4 of them for years. However, the biggest mystery behind them all was their hidden pasts. A memory loss from the time before arriving in Anna's world. And when you've got gaps in your memory the only thing left to do is search for answers.

I loved this quest to uncover the hidden pasts. The focus was entirely on Sam and his back story. After leaving himself a few cryptic clues, the groups set off to make sense of it all. It was a bit strange how easy it seemed to follow all the link, despite a bit of trouble deciphering a few of them, it did come pretty quickly. Presumably, Sam had hidden all these clues to surviving outside The Branch; and while you would assume he'd be able to figure them all out, it was a tad easy for someone who couldn't actually remember leaving the clues anywhere. But that didn't stop me from enjoying it. I loved every new discovery, and I loved that each boy, and Anna, had a part in piecing together their trip. It wasn't just Sam figuring out all the bits on his own - there was real team effort going on.

At the start you're aware that Anna has deep feelings for Sam, so I was on the look out for a bit of romance between the two of them. I was not disappointed, although there was a bit of twist that threw me off for a while. I loved their little moments together! I can't wait to see more of it.

Speaking of twists, there was more than one. I guess that makes up for knowing about escaping from the secret lab in advance and the easy trail of clues, because some of these surprise plot lines left me speechless. One in particular hit me extremely hard. I was really impressed with the twists, I just wasn't expecting them, and they changed the dynamic of the story. Everything gets darker, you question bits from the beginning - I was completely turned around.

I have no idea what to expect from the sequel, but if it has even half the twists, danger and excitement, I know I'm going to love it!

5/5 stars


Kim
(Also posted on Goodreads)