Chapter by Chapter review of Hushed
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I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book.  I heard all the hype, and I thought to myself...is this going to live up to my expectations after everything I saw from fellow bloggers?  It did, and more!  This book was surprisingly addicting, and truely lived up to it's hype.
 After reading just the first few paragraphs, I was already hooked.  To read Archer's thoughts as he talks Brody through the steps on killing himself.  Is this guy good?  Is this a dream?  What's going on?  I had to keep reading.
Kelley York weaves such an intriguing story.  I went through so many different emotions, as I progessed through the book.  There were parts where I was literally too scared to turn the page, to see what was going to happen next.  There were also other parts where I just couldn't read fast enough.
 York has put so much depth and personality into Archer, Evan, Vivian as well as other characters in Hushed.  I couldn't help but fall in love with the relationship that is Archer and Evan.  It was so interesting to watch their relationship grow and unfold right before my eyes.  To read the parts that made my heart thump just alittle bit faster, to feel the corners of my mouth turn up into a smile as they came to know each other.
I was surprised at how emotionally involved I was while reading Hushed.  Angry at Archer's mother, annoyed with Vivian's antics, awww'd by Evan's patience and understanding, sadness and sympathy for Archer, for his life and the things he has to live through.  York does such a fantastic job building this story, and by providing even just the littlest details that made everything seem more real.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to step away from stories of monsters and beasts, and into a world of heartache, self-discovery, love and a dash of murder and vengence.
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Title: Drawing Breath

Author: Laurie Boris

Genre: Young Adult, Realistic

Length: 137 pages

THE RUNDOWN

Not often do you find a coming-of-age story that takes you by surprise. Drawing Breath by Laurie Boris does just that. With her delicate, thoughtful prose, Boris weaves a world of discovery, love and illness that is both heartbreaking and full of depth.

The story follows Caitlin, a down-on-her-luck teenager and her art teacher, Daniel. Daniel lives upstairs from Caitlin and her mother and is the talented, thoughtful artist that Caitlin longs to be. Not only does Caitlin enjoy Daniel's artistic talent, she imagines them in a romantic relationship. However, Daniel is eighteen years her senior and thinks of Caitlin as a pupil and friend.  Together, the two of them explore art, but in the end learn more about life and love along the way.

Daniel has cystic fibrosis, a lung disease that keeps him from truly trusting any adult relationship. Though this book is not just about a patient with cystic fibrosis, it does an excellent job of showing this disease and its impact on those that suffer from it. It is heartbreaking when Daniel finally confesses to the woman he's involved with about his disease. When she leaves him, it just confirms what he's suspected: he's unlovable. It's even more heartbreaking when you think of the thousands of people who actually suffer from cystic fibrosis. Boris does a fantastic job of highlighting Daniel's plight without making a spectacle of him, something not easily done.

The thing that really elevates this book is Boris' fantastic prose. The novel reads like a seasoned veteran's work. Her descriptions and comparisons are worth the price of the ebook alone. The characters feel like living and breathing people; there's not stereotype in sight. And the emotion is so raw and palpable I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen to these character I grew to care deeply about. I was genuinely impressed, especially considering this was Boris' second novel. The one drawback is the cover, which needs an overhaul in my opinion. But for those readers who know not to judge a book by its cover, they will find a hidden gem in Drawing Breath. I see only great things for Boris' future.

THE RECOMMENDATION

I highly recommend this read. I do think that it appeals more to adults than teenagers, however. Though sixteen-year-old Caitlin is one of the main characters, the whole book reads like an adult novel. Don't let that dissuade you, however. For adults, this is a fantastic book from beginning to end.

4.5 out of 5 stars

If you liked this review, you can find others like it at [...]
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It took about 7 chapters for the author to really hit her stride and for the bulk of the characters to be introduced, but once there the book took off and I found myself staying up well past my bedtime to keep reading. Very enjoyable read!
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Veiled was a muchly anticipated read for me. I am huge fan of Miss Rourke's Legends Saga and could wait to get my hands on this book. It has been a long while since a unique vampire book has come our way.

What I loved about Veiled:

 - Firstly....the cover. It is stunning, instantly drawing a potential reader to the book. Stacey Rourke has some of the best cover art in the business.
- I enjoyed how the story moved back and forth between past and present. It gives the reader a chance to live through Vinx and understand her better.
- The overall plot of Veiled was distinct and unparalleled to any other vampire novel. . Definitely a different take on the paranormal world than we has readers are normally used to.

What I didn't like:

- Any passion, romance or sexual tension between Vinx and Carter was very lacking. I really would have like to have "felt" more between those 2 characters. There seemed to be more tension between her and Finn. I was left almost feeling like Finn would become the love interest
- I wasn't kept engaged in the storyline. I found myself stopping frequently or skipping over parts. I think for me it was too political.

Favourite Line in the Book:

This is where the boy I thought I loved attacked me. He leaned over my crumpled body to lick my blood off another vampires face. I invited him into my life, and he destroyed it.

Overall I rate Veiled 3.5*. I will continue to read this series as I would like to see the outcome of all characters involved and I a most curious to see how the romantic aspect of the book plays out.
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This is one of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to. It had characters that kept my interest. The storyline was fast paced and never boring. The reader was superb. I highly recommend. I will listen to this more than once. This book is a keeper in my book.
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I listened to the audiobook for the narrator is one of my all time favorites. It was beautifully done and I loved the story. It was dark at points and lots of mature issues to deal with. Jessica deals with an ailment that isn't common, having nightmares about judgments by angels. For years she has suffered from this and can't live a normal life. When some new people enter her life, it all goes for a whirlwind ride and things must change if she's to keep herself and her family safe.

I absolutely loved the concept of this story and I am looking forward to reading or listening to book 2. I'm not sure what direction it'll go, but there seems to be some unfinished situations in this one and I can't wait to see how they turn out.
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A much awaited conclusion to the Kingwood Duet, Savior had a lot of ups and downs, emotions all over,  suspenseful, full of deceit not knowing who is ally or not. You are kept wondering what is next. The strong romance is maintained throughout the chaos.

The start was fitting after what happened last, it centered more about the love story and profusing of undying love. Yes it's heartfelt and great but after awhile of that I want the plot to move on. There was a lot happening and I wanted to get to it.
I felt like there was secrets upon secrets waiting to be uncovered. The revelations left you still unsure of what it means.  also wondered the role the other players had in it. Would Alexander like what he finds, is it what he really wants. There was much deceit and violence going on that overpowers the light. Through it all Sara Jane and Alexander remain true to one another and steadfast.

Suddenly things take a twist, I was at glued to the pages not wanting to miss anything trying to figure it out. The author did a good job keeping you engrossed till the end. I admit some parts were frustrating even if it's exciting there was a lot going on. I hope some other answers to questions will be Jason's upcoming book.

 I must say this is different from anything SL Scott has written before but it was done well. The momentum is kept up.
Nothing was ever is a as it seemed. As we reach the conclusion and the culmination of it all. The jealousy, hate, revenge and healing. I enjoyed this duet and look forward to the next.
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Title: Beneath the Skin
Author:  Carolyn Hill
Publisher and Copyright: Venus Ascending, 2017 Carolyn Hill
Price:  $3.99 (Kindle) $15.00 (Paperback)
Cathbads Rating: 8.5 of 10
A Review by, Cathbad

  Beneath the Skin

 Well, I have to admit, reading reviews and seeing what others have said about this book, I had a preconceived idea about it  and I was sure it wasn't a book I was going to like, no matter how well written.

 Color me chagrined.

  Well, let me start by telling you a bit about how the book begins:

  Aleta Graham is an empathic healer, in service to the Dagarro family  enslaved by a powerful drug called sand (or pearl, in its more concentrated form).

  Her body was developing a bit of a tolerance for the drug, and Aleta decides she must escape, while she has the chance.  She determines to escape or die.

  Aleta finds a surprising ally in her escape attempt in a computer wiz called Merlin, in whom she sees comparisons to (in her drug-addled brain, at least) Darcavon, the ruthless new Seneschal of Family Dagarro, her enslavers.

  Not trusting her new ally, she escapes him, too, and makes it back to her birth home, Gypsum, where she is both needed - and not wanted.

  This is a great story, with all the elements of  great story  political intrigue, murder, good versus evil factions, class warfare, exciting action, and, above all, a love story.  There are even elements of fantasy in this science-fiction story.

  Heck, no matter your favorite genre, youll love this book!

  So, now Ill have to justify my rating.

  I rarely give a 10 to any novel, but this book was clearly a contender for a 9.5 rating  if not for one major factor.  One glaring problem that I felt deserved a full point drop.

EXTREME SPOILER ALERT!

  I can think of no reason at all that this empathic healer couldn't recognize that Merlin and Darcavon were, indeed, one and the same person.  Even after touching him and acknowledging the same sense of being in each, and knowing Merlins ability to look like someone else, Aleta still seemed convinced they were two different people.

  This, from an otherwise strong and intelligent woman, I found beyond my ability to believe.

  But Aleta is a strong person, and one of the best female protagonists to fill the pages of a novel in quite a while!

  I have no doubt that anyone who reads this novel will have a delightful experience.

  So don't be like me.  Stow away your preconceived notions, sit back, and enter the well-designed universe Carolyn Hill has given us.

  Enjoy!

  I rate this novel 8.5 out of 10.
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I received an e-copy of The Fire Unseen in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own, and thank you to Andrew C. Jaxson for sending this my way.
This book intrigued from the very first page, as it starts with a horrifying tragedy which hooks the reader, keeps us wanting to know more and to feel sympathy for what the main character, Ari, suffered through. Andrew C. Jaxsons writing is easy to read, and flows quite nicely together. His writing is descriptive, helping to create vivid images in out imaginations.
I liked Aris voice, and related to her in terms of her social life, i.e. when shes with her friends, she feels as if shes looking outside in, and she finds it difficult to make new friends. Ari is stubborn and curious, which gets her into trouble a lot. However, she has clear morals, and she knows what she wants, though she faces many obstacles which waver her morals. Ari definitely grew as a person, becoming mentally and physically stronger to protect those she loves, but the trauma she faced also severed many of her relationship ties.
I loved Aris relationship with Skye, her younger sister. They seemed to be very close and it was clear that they loved each other dearly. Though the last few chapters challenge this notion, hopefully everything can be resolved in the next book. I also liked her friendship with Noah and Josh, who are both wonderful people and are supportive of Ari. Although it seems Ari already has feelings for just one of them, I hope this doesnt turn out to be a love triangle, because I dislike those.
I found it interesting how the history of the Kindred and the Unseen were intertwined with our history, the history we are familiar with, such as the World Wars. I had read the prequel to this, The Dark Unseen, which had the same shadow that appeared in this book, well I assume its the same one. The shadow is very haunting and Im intrigued by it and want to know more about it. Hopefully the origins of the shadow are explained in the sequel.
There were many plot twists that I saw coming, so it didn't really surprise me much. This caused the plot to be predictable and the pacing changed a lot, sometimes is was slow, other times it was quick, making it hard to stay interested in the book. However, the last couple of chapters were thrilling, tense and action-packed, holding my attention for longer and making me not want to put the book down because I NEEDED to know more.
Yes, the plot was a little predictable, but there was so much death and darkness that I had no idea what to really expect, or who was going to die and such. The next book will probably be even more intense than this one, with the war between the Kindred and Unseen continuing, and the Agenda drawing closer (you gotta read it if you want to know what the Agenda is, hehe).
Overall, Id definitely recommend The Fire Unseen because it is a short, quick read with fun characters to get to know and mysteries to solve. Its not too scary, but reading it can give you chills at times.
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What I liked the most about this book was the alternating chapters. The author switches back and forth between the point of view of Lena and that of Hana. I feel like this was really well done, and I say this as someone who typically doesn't care for multiple narrations within a single story. It gave me the sense that the author was really in control of the plot, especially as the book neared its conclusion and the alternating chapters became shorter and shorter to compensate for the fast-paced nature of the final event and the (minor spoiler) convergence of the two characters' storylines (end minor spoiler).

As far as the characters themselves go, I found myself the most interested in Hana and her story. I have not read the author's novella that focuses on Hana, but reading this book makes me want to. I had a bit of trouble keeping up with or caring about most of the members of the resistance, perhaps in part because it had been so long since I had read the second book. But I think, as well, there is not much time spent on their development, with the exception of Coral. I got the impression that the author expected their impact to carry over from the second book...but for me, it didn't work. I had dim memories, at best, of people like Raven and Tack, and there was nothing in this book to rekindle any feelings I had about them after reading Pandemonium. This is forgivable with relatively minor characters, but a real shortcoming of the book when it comes to an important character like Julian. As another reader has commented, his character in this book is flat, which is such a shame, as he was a really interesting character in Pandemonium. I think that, overall, there is so much action in this book (particularly in Lena's chapters) that there is little room left for character development.

Regarding the ending, I think that whether or not you like it just comes down to personal taste. I can understand why some readers desired a more conclusive ending. As for me, I was fine with the open nature of it, as I thought it was very much in keeping with the series (that is, it's more about the journey, and the right to make one's own choices, than it is about the choices that are actually made). So, yes, there is a distinct lack of resolution at the end of the book, and if you are expecting all of your questions to be answered, you will be disappointed. Perhaps this is the kind of series that merits a "Gratuitous Epilogue" (in the tradition of Andrea K. Host's Touchstone series). Failing that, I am content to draw my own conclusions about the ultimate fates of the characters and their world.
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Pre-reading Thoughts:

First I would like to say thank to Jonathan Ball Publishers for sending me this book to review. And secondly, this synopsis is was different from the one that I got on my book. Nonetheless, I am still excited to see where this story will take me. I am not known to be a huge fan of contemporaries but I have a feeling that this one might be up my alley. I am ready to see who this anonymous texted is as well as what secrets the other characters in this book have. Please note that in no way has receiving this book affected my opinion. All thoughts are my own.

Writing Thoughts:

The pace in this book was slow particularly in the beginning. I am generally a fast reader but it took me an hour to get through less than fifty pages. However as we reached the 100 page mark, the book sped up because more was happening and the main character and her friends actually started to solve the problem that was at hand. I applaud the author for recovering from the slow pace in the beginning of the book.

Plot Thoughts:

There was so much that I didn't like in the beginning of the book. It was almost enough for me to put the book down and never pick it up again. However I decided that I would give the book a chance because it is one that I have received for review. The plot and the problems that were brought forth in the beginning defiantly got better. The plot became clearer and fast paced. The problems that I had faced in the beginning faded away almost immediately once the true plot began to unfold.

Character Thoughts:

I did not like our main character at all. There were just so many things that I didn't agree with. Kara seemed whiny and spoiled. I was happy that things sort of calmed down once our main character met her new friend Alex. I liked Alex because she was everything our main character wasn't. Which might seem a bit rough but it was true. Alex just spoke to me more than what our main character did.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, the book wasn't too bad. I enjoyed the ending more than the beginning and honestly, I won't be reading this book up any time soon. There were a lot of things that counted towards my negative perception of this book, however there were a few things that redeemed this book. Once again, I would like to thank Jonathan Ball Publishers for sending me this book to review. Whilst I may not have liked it all too much, I am still incredibly grateful to receive this book.
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Title: A thrilling new series.
Mel Comley and Lisa Prather have done it again; they've hooked me, and I'm dying for another installment. I quickly read the first half, then I slowed down, reading it so slowly. I was sad when Sinful Deception ended. I'm dying to know what happens next to Foxy and the Escape Artist.
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Only a Whisper by Gayle Wilson
Harlequin Intrigue # 376 - June 1996
Harlequin Special Release - February 2006

Rae is a Federal Agent and she's called in the night to go to a warehouse and take the deposition from a dying man. She's not allowed to see his face, and his voice is but a whisper from the torture his enemies have put him through. This deposition takes hours and Rae is horribly aware that the man is suffering. She's been told the man died later that night. As time passes, they use the information to bring down the kingpins in the Colombian drug cartel. And now two years later the members of that special task force are disappearing. Rae is taken into captivity by a man who wants details of that night so long ago. She's never allowed to see her captor, but there is something about him that draws her.

I think it's obvious who the mystery captor is pretty much from the beginning. Rae mistakes her captor as being from the cartel and so she torn between her growing love for him and her sense of justice. Her captor's identity isn't revealed until almost the end of the book, but we do get a very good sense of him. His code of honor is strong, and it's obvious how much he comes to care for Rae.

This is a very good book. One you won't want to put down until the very last page!
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Book Review Blog: themacabremasquerade.blogspot.com

It's always hard to make reviews, because I want to tell the plot, and who did what, and who all the characters are and just give everything away--but I will restrain myself. I'll keep it a secret! I was sent Through A Glass Darkly eBook form by the author. It was advertised as a horror novel, so obviously, I agreed to read it and give it an honest review.

Through A Glass Darkly was a fast paced, enticing read. One thing I loved about this book was that there were never any parts left hanging. I felt that every question was answered, and all the information wasn't crammed together. The opening scene honestly made me want to read more, it was just the right amount of mystery to keep you flipping the pages. Sometimes books can pull you in and promise you a thrilling journey, but they don't always come through in the end. Through A Glass Darkly totally followed through. The writing is clear and concise and the descriptions are so scary good. The story is full of creepy images, suspense and a bit of sadness as well.

I won't give away too much, but I want to say that my favorite character was definitely Indrid Night.  He practically knew the answer to everything, and didn't have much fear when scary things started happening. I would certainly want him around me, I get frightened of everything! Each character was strong in their own way and each one complemented the other, but Indrid was the best--my opinion.

I have to admit I was a bit disappointed with the ending, only because I felt it was typical and predictable. Also, even though I made sense of everything in the end, I was a bit confused toward the middle of the book. As I kept reading things started to make sense and the light bulb clicked on, but I wish everything would have clicked right away. Regardless, I still had a fun time with this book. I have plenty of time to read at work, so I was nice and entertained.
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*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.

Amelia has moved to Brighten to escape her crazy father, obsessed with her learning to control herself and her powers, to go to college and try to live a life of her own experiencing things. Her older brother, Cole, lives near and helps her with anything she needs, even to calm her when her powers start to escalate. Trying to live a 'normal' life, before the Queen calls on her to fulfill her betrothal to the Prince, Amelia finds she wants other things in life. And one of them is a young man named Aidan. Amelia has to decide between protecting her mage kind and accepting she could be used for no good by the Queen, of who whispers say she killed off the other Elders, by marrying the Prince. Or do as she wants, putting herself and others in danger.

Kristin is the narrator for this story. She fits right in to Amelia's part and all the emotions the poor girl feels. Amelia's attitude when she's angered, even if unintentional, comes out in Kristin's voice. All the characters become beyond four-dimensional with Kristin as the voice (three dimensional for the character development, fourth for the voice we hear). Kristin even has a different sound for Amelia when she's thinking in her head, a slight echo-y sound of an empty room. I like it as I know when Amelia is talking or thinking with easy differentiating. Kristin also gives each character a different tone or accent, making listening so easy.

We start with a prologue that gives us a taste of Queen Julia and the Hunter. She is looking for something, some information. Then we learn of the prophecy. I like this book starts right off with telling us the prophecy given and how it's come to be seen. We don't have to figure it out or wait for it. We know, now to see the story of how it'll unfold. Or not.

Amelia does her best at staying her path, to keep Aidan at a distance and do as she's to do. To continue waiting for her betrothal to come to pass. Amelia has high hopes that she could use good with her power as married to the Prince. But the more Amelia learns of the history that's not taught or talked of, held deep as a secret of those who know, Amelia is angered at what has happened to her people. The lose of the Elders and other Mages. Also, the more Amelia spends time with Aidan and her powers call to him, the more she falls for him.

Amelia is divided between what to do. Do what she wants, love who she wants? Or do as she's told to do, follow as she's to do as betrothed to the Prince and let them lead her on? Or...is she strong enough to stand up to the cruel Queen Julia? And help her people come out of the isolation age they've been living in.

The world of the mages has been torn apart, and the young don't know exactly what was done to their kind. The older are keeping the secrets quiet. What Amelia learns of a Mage that was all but destroyed is heartbreaking to learn what happened to the Elders and Mages by Queen Julia. It's interesting the Mages present in the world and their powers, but how they are all isolated as well.

Between Kristin's acting and the story, I was drawn into the story and wanted the words to go by faster. I would have wanted the same as reading, and I know listening is much faster than my reading. I couldn't wait to get more and more. I will be looking for the next book!
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Would have been 5 stars because I like the storyline thus far, but I wasn't as impressed with the narrator. The amount of story building and world mapping in this book is immense to say the least. I've only just started the 3rd book and am already blown away. Looking forward to the rest of the series
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Review: (for the book not the audio) 4 stars
for the audio: 3 stars
General: I got into the series after watching the movie and falling in love with the world an the characters.  I will admit to not having read book one. However, while there are massive differences, it did not in anyway impede my ability to read this book. I found the world was fantastically developed and the movie so well done that despite the differences I could tell what was going on based on the knowledge of the world I gained.

Overall I thought this was an amazing book. The story line itself was fantastic. There were so many beautiful moments - especially between Simon and Clary- and high stakes action scenes. It was so easy to slip inside the book and never want to stop reading. I am in the love with the world building as well, for it is the strongest part of the novel. I think it did a great job of moving all the sub stories forward while keeping them separate. Each and every move in the book was deliberate and tied to another which is a favorite writing device of mine. I think having so many main characters was perfectly balanced with their differences in personalities.

This book was a fast paced story at times and extremely slow at others. I loved all the details to one extent, but on the other hand they are part of the lower review. I love good details, I think they are mandatory. However this book uses them in excess. Everything felt like it was being described with a metaphor or simile and after awhile it became almost boring. Cassandra Clare creates stunning images and phrases but it came to a point where I just wanted her to say what she meant. Another thing is the language. This book was deemed YA and yet many of the words are far to large for the age range - not a problem for the older readers but something that struck me as strange considering the supposed target audience.

One final point (I know how can she love the book so much but have this issues with it? The answer is because I loved it so much the things that bugged me really stood out) is the narration. There were a ton of narrators in the book starting with the dark and fantastic Valentine, Alec, Simon, Jace, Clary and Maya. All were justified to me except Maya. I get that she's going to be important, probably to Simon, but there didn't seem to be any reason in having so much back story on her/ having her narrate rather than just get to know her through others.

Characters: Clary- Ironically, Clary is not my favorite. I do enjoy her and I know she was sheltered by her mother and that is my biggest problem with her. Her "actions" match that of a much older and mature girl. But her inner thoughts are extremely young and naive. It matched what you'd expect but I didn't find it endearing given

Jace- Jace is the most intriguing narrator me in this book. He undergoes a ton form the inquisitor to the Lightwoods. I don't want to give anything away but in my opinion we see Jace grow into a man in this book. He goes from whiney and petulant to a real Shadow Hunter.

Simon- Simon got on my nerves - in a good way and a bad way. He's another extremely whiny character with no real sense of the world (or anyone else) around him. He has every right in some instances and in others it was time to grow up. By the end of the book you can tell he's in for some drastic changes in his personality and I can't  wait.