One of my FAVORITE authors by far so I dive in to Raven's ...
924847
One of my FAVORITE authors by far so I dive in to Raven's work knowing I'm going to get a good story.  The story was very strong and the characters were likeable.  I actually found myself really liking Zander more and more as the story went on.  I wasn't quite sure what to expect from his abrasive nature in the beginning, he was extremely self assured and slightly arrogant but it worked.  Vanessa on the other hand was confusing to me, she wanted him then didn't, walked away but didn't.  The story of two therapists crossing the ethical line for love was very intriguing to me (especially since I am a future therapist) but I found myself frustrated with how much Vanessa vacillated with her decision about Zander which caused me to take a break from reading and took me away from the book more than once (this is why the 3 star rating).  I think the journey between the two characters wasn't as seamless as I would have liked which detracted me from enjoying it to the point of 4 or 5 stars.  I would have liked to have had a build out of Simon's contribution to the story a bit more however, I was pleased with how his story line unfolded by the close of the book.  What I like most about Raven's writing is the progression of the story.  The elapsed time is believable, the characters are tangible, and you get a sense of satisfaction in where the characters end up by the end of the story and while you don't want the book to end, you are ok with letting them be.
This book is a good read and overall I enjoyed it and you won't be disappointed.  It's totally ok for your favorites not to be top of the heap for you every time.  I would reread this story to determine if I missed some parts that might bump it up a star.  I was happy with the full circle of events and would recommend this book.
115187
The Raven Cycle is a great series by Maggie Stiefvater. Her writing is so different, almost like a tale that desperately needs to be sung from her soul. The Raven King didn't disappoint. I would very highly recommend this series. I fell in love with all four characters. The women of fox way where amazing. I was extremely happy for the two relationships that shined through injury his book. It didn't hit you out of nowhere in an unbelievable type way. It just made since when shown in the light. The story took you on a vast journey unlike no other. Great read!
2874540
Okay I'm biased towards St. Pierre, this woman can have all my money, I love her character development, her storylines, how the supporting characters storylines honestly tie in and touch slightly and then right back to our main characters. I love her writing and honestly I have most of her books and I see it as money well spent. I need more from Ms. Raven St. Pierre because her work is gold, seriously.
4399377
First I would like to say that this author understands that a  book must have a great storyline as well as a good editor,
and she has provided both.

I must admit that the steampunk genre is one of my favorites  when I want to  take a mini-vacation from reality. Raven is as real to me as my next door neighbor and I quite foolishly am on the lookout for her and young Darius.
 This second episode is even more adventurous than that of the first. Pauline Creeden is masterful in weaving this story and I am so pleased that she holds your interest without the obvious use of sex and gratuitous language.  I  look forward with great anticipation the next Raven episode.
2340784
When I read the first book (Prisoned) I was instantly hooked on this authors writing. The twists and turns that she can do and also keep readers on the edge of their seats has me hooked on her ability to tell a story. So I was super excited when this book was announced.

Just being inside Tyler's mind was an adventure on its own. I really loved her character and the length she went to to ensure the things that needed to be done.

Oh darn, beard was........ wow! I can't even talk about him in fear of spoiling the experience for other readers. Because he is an experience.

This book is definitely on the darker side. I am isn't anything dark and certain things on this kind of made me cringe. I love the way the author is able to make her story so different but at the same time keep you enticed and biting your nails. Her characters are unique and strong and her writing, flows perfectly from the pages.

Overall, I can't review this book without spoiling it so it's going to continue to be vague. This author is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors because of her ability to weave a very dark tale but at the same time have such a beautiful romance the blooms through these pages. I can't wait for her next dark read. I will gladly let her play with my emotions and leave me a wreck when I'm done! Bravo Marni, for yet another book that has left me on the edge of my set and guessing until the very end! 5 stars #2OCCJD
4771414
Shari Tapscott is one of my favorite authors.  I literally gobble up her books.  My obsession started with the Eldentimber Series and I've been a fan ever since.  I've been looking forward to this new series since I heard about it and even more so when I read the prequel novella last week.  I love that Shari writes books that I enjoy and that I feel comfortable passing on to young teenager readers and up.  Her books are fun, adventurous and clean.

The characters in this book are so great.  They are distinct and their voices shine through.  I fell in love with them.  Lucia is trouble with a capitol T.  She finds herself in the worst scrapes, mostly because she just cannot control that mouth of hers.  She is impulsive and I just loved her.

Sebastian and Lucia share the same sense of adventure, but other than that, they are pretty much polar opposites.  Sebastian is methodical and deliberate.  He plans and prepares.  He is constantly getting Lucia out of her many scrapes.  Sebastian and Lucia have known each other since they were little and that history, that level of knowing each other, keeps them bound together.

Now that I've read this book, I want a pocket dragon!  Lucia has one in this book but he turns out to be more than she expected.  I can't wait to see what that dragon becomes in the follow up books!

I loved this book and I'm so excited for this series!  If you haven't read anything by Shari, you really, really must.

Content:  Clean, some mild action and violence

- I received a copy of this book from the author but have also purchased my own copy.  All opinions expressed are my own.
4924163
Anyone who has followed my reviews whether on my blog, Goodreads, Amazon or B&N or in person you know how much I adore this series.

Two Ravens and One Crow is a novella set six years after the events of Tricked and six years before the events of Trapped.  I don't know how much I can say about it without spoilers but I'll give it a go.  Still in Arizona Atticus is still training Granuaile while fighting a growing attraction to her.  Oberon, pal that he is helps by distracting Atticus and letting him know when he is being too obvious which Atticus rewards with treats of course.  Things have been quiet when the Morrigan shows up and informs Atticus he must go with her.  She gives no explanation but does say that she will finally get around to repairing Atticus's healing tattoo that was damaged in Tricked.  Leaving with the Morrigan Atticus gets his tattoo fixed and then is pulled into a meeting that will shape his future.

This is a quick read and a nice bite to tide us over until Trapped comes out.
2489581
This is the fourth book in the Cainsville series and I absolutely adored it.  There are supposed to be five books in this series.  The fifth book, Rituals, is expected to release in August of 2017.

This series just blends together so many story elements that I love.  There is some great mystery in here, some wonderful urban fantasy elements, some thriller aspects, and a bit of romance.  This is very much an investigative type of urban fantasy.  I love the fae theme that flows throughout this book as well.

This book reveals a lot more about the ancient Fae past that Gabriel, Olivia, and Ricky are tied in with.  We see a lot more flashbacks to their past lives and the way this triangle of love and friendship played out in past generations.

Some more of Cainsvilles secrets are slowly exposed and I really enjoy the mystery behind this small town of Fae.  I also always enjoy watching Olivia and Gabriel working together to unravel a mystery and there is a very well done mystery in this book that ties into the overall story nicely.

My favorite part of the book was the changing dynamic between Olivia and Gabriel.  There are some scenes between those two that will practically stop your heart with their intensity, beauty and pain.  I loved Ricky all the more for consideration he gives to the happiness of everyone involved in this crazy ancient fey triangle of love and hate.

The writing is amazing and flows very nicely.  This book is incredibly engaging and very very hard to put down.  Its one of those books that I didn't want to end and when it did end I immediately found myself wishing for the next book.

Overall this was an absolutely amazing read.  I am loving this series so much more than anything Armstrong has written.  Its got an amazing world, excellent mysteries, and engaging characters; its just such a wonderful balance of so many story elements.  I would highly recommend to urban fantasy fans who love investigative stories.  I have also really been enjoying Armstrongs Casey Duncan series; City of the Lost was amazing (although no fantasy elements in that one).  So if you enjoy this series check out the Casey Duncan series too!
3407651
Awesome read!  This is the second item I've read by Robin Raven.  I love her flair and style. I totally recommend this!
3619091
You have to love Raven and you fall in love with how the characters are brought to life. I am someone who reads and if it is well written it is like watching a movie. Mr. Poe is hot and I cant wait to see where the other story lines are headed.
3409679
I liked the protagonist and was rooting for her love interest even though it felt wrong. The mystery was a good one, Raven was pretty indestructible. I like those kind of stories even though the are very unbelievable. Her partner was more than met the eye and I will be waiting impatiently for the next in the series.
3449340
When I read White Raven by JL Weil last year, I immediately needed Book 2  only to find out no such book existed.  I mean, how could this be?  Clearly the author would want me to have all the books simultaneously so that my needs were fulfilled.  Its all about me, right?

Wrong.

I have been nagging poor Jen Weil for this book.  I was bordering on stalker because I wanted to find out what happened to Piper and Zane.  (I mean, really I wanted more of the Hunter boys who am I kidding?)

But I loved Piper too.  Shes relatable and real and she doesnt spend her whole time inner-monologing belligerence.

So what happens?  Well, honestly, not a lot for a while.  Piper is trying to figure out her place in this new society and in her own life.  Shes also working her way through her feelings with Zane. However, if were being honest, there isn't much resolution in this book initially.

The big change is that there are some shifts in main characters.  Do they die?  Do they move?  Do they start a new fishing company?  I cant tell you that.  But I can tell you that it causes unexpected pain, and complicates the storyline considerably.

I will say that a secondary character takes a more pronounced role in person and changes the dynamic of the Raven Hollow folks.

Also and Ill warn you first







Someone will die.

That really shocked me.  Though someone died in White Raven, I think that was expected throughout the story.  This is different.  I doubt youll see it coming and youll be tempted to throw a book  you may even cry.

I understand the reasoning based on the storyline, but let me tell you, it doesnt make the loss any easier to take.

Im hopeful the sorrow is softened later somehow.  (You hear me, Jen?)

I will say that we see less of the fun Hunter tribe in this book and their overall antics  or at least it feels like it  and I missed them.  The twins, in particular, brought a lightness to the first story and I missed that in this one.  But maybe the point was to feel the tension, and if thats the plan, mission accomplished.

So what did I think?

I really enjoyed it.  I finished it in 2 days because I was traveling for work, but still stayed up until 3am to finish because I wanted to see if Piper and Zane finally admit their feelings and jump in.

The story does end somewhat abruptly so be prepared to feel like you need the next book NOW, which, you know, isn't written yet.

But its a great truly interesting and unique plot and I truly look forward to where this is going!

~~This review in its entirety appears on lit.buzz.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review.~~
3424780
This is my second erotica series I've read and she has me hooked. I hurt for Talon. I want me to heal and the men to pay. I love an author who can make me fall in love with the characters and she's done just that.
3849089
I am a HUGE fan of KL Shandwick, she is one of my favourite authors, so I couldn't wait to get this. Unfortunately life has got in the way and I have only just got round to reading it. Oh Boy this is not to be missed, it's certainly an emotional journey .
There was times I didn't know if I wanted to kiss KL or hit her for the way she was making me feel. The characters are fantastic I really connected with them. I have a new bbf now by the name of Kane Exeter he is a dream! He is a rock star and he knows it, but he's not an arrogant sod like most rock stars, you can't help but love him. He re connects with his childhood best friend Josie after 12 yrs of not seeing each other and that's when the roller coaster journey begins! I wish it hadn't ended I wanted to stay on and never get off!
I really do recommend this book, and I can't wait to read more from KL, she is one author I won't hesitate to one click.
1286878
The first of two Ravenborn books, Shades of Darkness is a tale of Kaira Winters, a visual art senior at a boarding school in north Michigan. She, along with her best friend Ethan Davis, a pretty visual arts student, his boyfriend Oliver, a dark-skinned musician, and Kaira's roomate Elisa, a theatre girl through and through, lead normal lives as art students in an intensive boarding school. Their theses, romances, friendships, and classes all go along nicely. And then the crows come.

The beautiful cover art and premise, as well as my bias towards fantasy and corvids, drew me to Shades of Darkness and didn't let me go. I've finished the book and I'm still hooked. A warning to the reader: this book is the first of two, and so the ending may leave something to be desired. The beginning sets up the characters, the setting, and the circumstances. The reader learns to love Kaira and her friends, and when the awful things start to happen, they sympathize with the teenagers' lives and struggles. These moments also bring out the darkness in Kaira's past, as well as insight into a new character, Chris, and the pasts of a few other characters. There are a few light moments with Ethan's humor and Kaira's snark, but Kahler is not about to let the reader forget the sinister undertones of the crows and ravens surrounding Kaira.

Intrigue, mystery, and unanswered questions flow through the novel right up to the very end, and may be answered in the sequel. Shades of Darkness by A.R. Kahler is a masterpiece of gods, corvids, and an art school in the middle of nowhere and if you enjoy the arcane, the pagan, or the mythological, you need to read it. This first book whets my appetite and makes me want so much more from A.R. Kahler and the Ravenborn series. All in all, I loved this book and cannot wait to see what comes from Ravenborn Book Two. The stage is set, the events put in motion, and the characters emotionally tied to my soul. Yggdrasil may never be the same.
2012732
Title: The Raven Boys

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Age Group: Teen/Young Adult

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Raven Cycle, book one

Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

I borrowed this book from my local library and reviewed it.

Okay, so I'll start this review by being honest: I read this book when it first came out in 2012, and I didn't really like it. But with the publication of the final book, The Raven King, and a lot of my Tumblr followers urging me to give it another chance... I couldn't resist it. (Darn you peer pressure!) So I ordered The Raven King and checked out the first three books from my local library. As it had been quite a while since reading it, I could remember some of it it, but only vaguely. Honestly, it was the plot that did me in.

I'm so glad that I gave this book another chance. I loved the uniqueness of the plot, that was what sold me initially, but what really drove it home for me were two things: Stiefvater's simple but hypnotic, snappy prose, and the characters that she so lovingly crafted. Frankly, everything after that was just gravy. (I know, I know, I don't sound the most impartial, but I loved it!)

Blue Sargent has been told her entire life that if she kisses her true love, he will die. Blue is the 'normal' girl in a family of powerful psychics. When she discovers a young man in the cemetery where she and her mother, Maura, do their annual St. Mark's Eve vigil, she is drawn, however reluctantly, into a quest to find a dead Welsh king, and with it, she befriends four boys: the charismatic, sensitive Gansey, quiet, mild Noah, angry, rough-around-the edges Ronan, and Adam, the boy from the other side of the tracks. And despite herself, Blue and her new friends discover that magic might be so much closer than they could've ever imagined.

Where do I start? I loved the prose--it was so simple and hypnotic and so incredibly funny! I was constantly running the gamut of emotions: happy, sad, full of laughter. And the characters were definitely my favorite part of the book--honestly, it sold me to read the other three, by the time I finished with it. I especially loved the chemistry between all of them, particularly Blue and the boys. The pacing was breakneck, and I was constantly scratching my head at every turn, trying to figure out the twists and turns as the book went on. (I think I drove my husband a little crazy with that... Sorry, honey!)

Stiefvater definitely gets brownie points for originality, too--I didn't know what to expect, exactly, when I first began, but the finished story is definitely something new and fresh, especially considering the young adult market these days. And that ending! God, if I didn't have the next three books waiting for me on my coffee table, I would die! I loved it. Wholly, totally, completely. The Raven Boys has my heart and I simply can't wait to see what's in store! The bottom line: A series debut that I decided to give another chance, The Raven Boys has something for everyone: Magic, diehard friendship, excitement, twists and turns--highly recommended to all! Next on deck: The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater!
2687520
Have you ever finished a book or maybe a series where at the end you knew that you could reread it ll over again and not only enjoy it just as much but you would see things in a new way each time, The Raven Cycle series is that series for me. There was so much about this series that I did not see coming. And I love each of these characters on such a deep level. I don't think I could ever get enough of Blue or her Raven Boys. This book also contains the only first kiss that I can think of that made me cry while reading it. I won't spoil it but it was all very unexpected but beautiful to me.

Posting SPOILER WARNING because below are some of my favorite quotes.

"Trees in your eyes" Calla added more gently than usual. "Stars in your heart."

"Blue's smile - crooked, wry, ridiculous, flustered. There was a lot of happiness tucked in the corner of that smile, and even though her face was several inches from Gansey, some of it spilled out and got on him."

"Ronan would start wars and burn cities for that true smile"

"Even at the last minute, as he heard the rain pounding the grass flat, he just stood there. He closed his eyes and let the storm soak him.
That was this kiss"

"How do I know I love her? Because I can sleep after I talk to her."