Tag Archives: Paranormal

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A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

I have been on the fence for over a year about reading A Discovery of Witches. It sounded interesting, but people were so divided on how much or how little they liked it. People either loved it or hated it and that made me worry a little bit. Usually, if a book is that polarizing, I tend to agree with the group that doesn’t like the book at all. But I finally decided to sit down and read and I’m now kicking myself for waiting so long.

A Discovery of Witches has a bit of everything. There’s a romance with a vampire, there’s science and history, there’s mystery and magic, there’s heroic knights; you think of something, and I’d be willing to bet it’s somewhere in this book. Somehow Harkness manages to fit all of this into one book without making it seem heavy and overdone. The beginning of the novel felt a little heavy and slow, and there was quite a bit of info dumping and description, but getting past that is so worth it.

The story is set up with the discovery of a manuscript important to so many different groups, but that only sets up the fight that is the rest of the novel. The manuscript opens Pandora’s Box, in a way, and the rest of the novel is Diana and Matthew fighting forces that are bigger than themselves. They must overcome everything set in front of them and work together to try and find the secrets the world has hidden away with time. Harkness has told this story beautifully. I actually slowed my reading pace down so I could drink in every word on the page, not wanting to miss a thing.

A Discovery of Witches is a fantastic, beautiful novel that drew me in and hasn’t let go. The world of witches, vampires and daemons has me enchanted and I’ll definitely be reading what’s to come in Diana’s story.

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Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen

Recently, I’ve been a sucker for a good angel story. Not necessarily a good angel, but a good story. Dark Kiss gave me a little of both.

Good and bad are blurred in this book and while they still have the titles of “angel” and “demon,” one side is not completely bad, just as the other side is not completely good. It’s hard to know who to trust and who is telling the truth and who is lying. It keeps the suspense up right to the end. I was holding my breath the last few chapters, knowing what I wanted to happen and being afraid to see what would actually happen.

Sam was a strong female character and that was nice to see. She didn’t settle for no and worked to get the answers she needed. She used the powers she had when she needed to and put up a fight for what she thought was right and wrong. Bishop was tough, but had to push aside his pride and ask for help in maintaining any sanity he could. The slow build of their romance was sweet and torture at the same time.

Rowen has a wonderful writing style that drew me right in. It was easy to picture the world she had created and follow along through every action of the story. I was fully drawn into the novel and felt my heart race and stop more times than I can count.

Dark Kiss was a fabulous start to a new angel series and I can’t wait to see what happens next. This is the first of Rowen’s books I’ve read, but it definitely won’t be the last.

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Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

At first glance, Silence had me annoyed. Was it really necessary to erase Nora’s mind to move the story along? Was it really going to make for an interesting novel when I already knew everything Nora forgot? Was this just going to be a gimmick to get readers from the second novel to the fourth?

Was the amnesia really needed? Yes. Nora had learned too much in the first two novels, meaning a lot of what she had to relearn and go through in Silence wouldn’t have happened. It made her more vulnerable, which is exactly what was needed to set up the ending of the novel. It makes Nora come across as a little weaker than in the previous two novels; however, I don’t see it completely that way. She fights back to regain her memory, all the while fighting against forces she can’t help but get wrapped up in.

Was the recapping out of control? Not really. Fitzpatrick didn’t spend half the novel condensing the first two novels; rather she left most of it untouched, only reintroducing information when it was necessary. It was never information heavy and when things were brought up that I already knew and Nora didn’t, Fitzpatrick didn’t draw it out.

Was this just a filler novel? Not even a little bit. Yes, it was set up for the final book, but it was also its own story. It had Nora growing as a character and Patch coming to terms with his decisions, as well as finding a way to move past them and create the future he wants. Yes, it was set up for the fourth novel, but it was also its own interesting story.

Silence didn’t wow me quite as much as Hush, Hush and Crescendo did, but it was still a fantastic novel and I can’t wait to see how Nora and Patch’s story ends.

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Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

I loved Hush, Hush. I was excited to be able to read more Nora and Patch. And then I read the book description for Crescendo and felt disappointed before even reading a word. I was worried there’d be a mostly pointless love triangle (or possibly quadrangle) introduced and I’d spend the majority of the novel annoyed and wishing I could fast forward to the end.

Instead what I got was a slow build up (I see what you did there with the Crescendo, Ms. Fitzpatrick) of emotions and history until it all comes crashing down.

Nora learns a little bit more about who she is and what she is made of in this book. She’s not sure who she’s able to trust, even Patch. Because of this, she has to rely more on herself for the answers she needs. She trusts her instincts more and lets the blood that runs through her help guide her. Of course, this means sometimes she makes decisions that made me shake my head at her, all the while loving that she’s starting to stand on her own more.

The relationship between Nora and Patch hits turbulence in this one and even though it gets rough, it’s very easy to see that everything ripping them apart in Crescendo is also driving them closer together. They can’t be torn apart, even when forces outside their control are trying their hardest. Even when it is them doing the ripping, they still find a way to be together.

The twists and turns in Crescendo had be guessing at every page. Just when I thought I’d have something figured out, the road would turn and I’d be just as clueless as I started. It kept me focused and on my toes.

Crescendo is a fabulous sequel to a great book, and certainly didn’t let me down like I thought it might. The story fits its name and I can’t wait to read what happens next.

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Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

I’ve wavered on reading Hush, Hush for a while now. The thing that finally pushed me into reading it was discovering Fitzpatrick is a Colorado girl, like me. I went into Hush, Hush with low expectations. I had seen reviews that absolutely loved it and ones that ripped it apart. To err on the side of caution, I tried to not think too much about how I thought it would go. Hush, Hush had a bit of a slow start, but it definitely sucked me in by the end.

The story itself wasn’t overly confusing, but it wasn’t simple either. There are a lot of players and a lot of suspicion going around. It makes for an intense read that I didn’t want to put down. I didn’t want to have to break up any part of the novel, afraid I’d miss some little detail when I started reading again.

Fitzpatrick dove right into the story, but the beginning still felt a little slow. I wasn’t able to understand the Nora-Patch connection and for a little while, it felt more awkward than anything else. But eventually, the story falls into a groove and things started to make sense. I could see the Patch that was hidden for the first part of the novel and I started to really like him. I’m not completely head over heels for him yet, but he’s definitely on my list.

I was able to connect with Nora right away. She’s a very likable girl, even though she has a couple moments of teen stupidity. I liked that she had those moments. It made her the 16 year old girl she’s supposed to be. I think that’s what I liked best about her. She wasn’t overly mature, but she wasn’t the complete opposite and dumber than a doorknob. She’s a 16 year old girl, through and through.

I’m very happy I finally gave in and gave Hush, Hush a read. It was an enticing fallen angel story and I’m greatly looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

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Arise by Tara Hudson

I had a couple problems with Hereafter when I first read it. It was good, but the writing felt a little new and I wasn’t completely on board with Amelia and Joshua’s relationship. Both of these issues weren’t even a thought as I read Arise, the only thing going through my head was how amazing this book is.

Arise had a different feel to it. Maybe it was the story taking place in New Orleans, allegedly one of the most haunted cities in the United States. Maybe it was the introduction of new “types” of ghosts. I’m not really sure what it was, but Arise felt more mature and dangerous than Hereafter.

I like to be able to understand character decisions, even if I don’t agree with them. I need actions to make sense, and a lot of the time in Young Adult novels, I’m left a little confused by way a character makes one choice versus another. Thankfully, I didn’t feel this way about Arise. The choices made sense. I wasn’t a big fan of a couple decisions, but they made sense for the character and that was more important than me being 100% on board. Thank you, thank you, thank you Tara Hudson, for being able to write choices that made sense.

Amelia and Joshua’s relationship was the only other problem I had with Hereafter, but in Arise, I was in love with it. They aren’t completely losing themselves to the other person. Sure, they might have to make a bit of an effort, but they are trying to be together without losing their individual selves. And yet, it was easy to see how much they love and care for one another. This is the way relationships in books should be.

Arise is a simply stunning book, and a fabulous summer read. It’s got the romance and the action, all mixed together in a dark, rich location. This is definitely a book everyone should pick up and read.

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Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Anna Dressed in Blood has been on my to read list for a while now. I put it off for the sole reason that I knew I’d love it and didn’t want to have long to wait before reading the second book.

Blake jumps right into the story and wastes no time in introducing Cas’ life to us. He hunts the ghosts that terrorize people and spends most of his life in moving boxes. His life is all about move, hunt, kill, repeat. Then, for the first time ever, a ghost presents a challenge like he’s never known and his system is thrown a little off balance.

I loved Cas. He was a real guy, and I applaud Blake for being able to write a guy that doesn’t sound like a girl in disguise. The relationship with his mother isn’t strained like a lot of parent/child relationships in Young Adult books today, and I really liked that. Cas and his mother don’t have many secrets and it was nice seeing a book hero rely on his parent when he needed just a little help.

Blake’s writing made this book stand out. She didn’t gloss over anything in an attempt to make it less frightening or disturbing. She tells it like it is when it comes to the ghosts. If they have skin hanging, she tells you. If their head isn’t on quite right, she tells you. She lets the gore speak for itself and that adds a level of tension to the story that made it amazing.

The one thing that held this book back from being five stars was how easily Cas’ new friends believed anything he told them. I wish there had been a little bit more convincing when it came to his friends. After one incident, they all take Cas’ word, and I would have liked just a little bit more conflict there.

Anna Dressed in Blood is a terrifically written ghost story that will have you holding your breath and checking over your shoulder for phantom eyes as you read. It’s got a little something for everyone and I can’t wait to read what happens in Girl of Nightmares.

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Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

I was really worried when I started reading Dreamless. I loved Starcrossed and was extremely worried Angelini would fall victim to the book sophomore slump and I’d be left disappointed. I’m so incredibly happy that this did not happen, and I’m just as in love with Dreamless as I was Starcrossed.

Dreamless was not about the romance. Yes, it’s there and it’s absolutely wonderful, but I think what I loved most about this book was Angelini allowed the love triangle to develop slowly, without being in-your-face, and it was done quietly in the background as the rest of the story happened. It made sense given everything else happening in the story.

As for the rest of the story, holy cow was it amazing. I was holding my breath through most of the novel. There is so much happening, but it all works somehow. Helen descending, her starting to fall apart, the act of the Gods on her…it all somehow manages to fit together perfectly. There’s action where there should be and as soon as I was able to catch my breath after one problem, I was holding it again because Helen was facing something new.

The ending is definitely not the worst cliffhanger I’ve ever read, but it definitely had me growling and grumbling over reaching the end of the book. There is so much possibility and potential for the next book, and I really can’t wait until I can get my hands on it.

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Until I Die by Amy Plum

I’ve spent the past several minutes, sitting in stunned silence, with my mouth gaping, and strange inhuman sounds occasionally coming out of me. That is what Plum has reduced me to.

Until I Die has managed to be a tie-together for the first and second books, while still being its own, amazing story. It not only avoided the “second book sinkhole” that plagues some trilogies, but it built a wonderful, fantastic, gold encrusted, jeweled bridge over it.

Everything that I loved in Die For Me was here in Until I Die, and somehow Plum added elements I didn’t even know I wanted. There’s romance, supernatural and regular human problems, Paris, action…it’s all in there and Plum has found the magical formula to make it great.

There’s no shortage of romance between Kate and Vincent, although the tone has changed just slightly. They’re no longer trying to figure each other and their situation out; they’ve come to a workable solution that works for everyone and I really loved that. There’s just a little something different about their relationship that I love. Vincent is still there to sweep everyone away with his words and actions, but there’s more between them than just that.

The story builds on the action of Die For Me and adds even more layers to the already complex plot. It makes for an extremely interesting novel that never feels slow or like Plum was simply writing this book to get to the action of the third book. It seamlessly ties in the story of the first book with the setup for the third, and leaves such a cliffhanger that I’m more anxious and excited for the next book than most normal humans should be.

Until I Die was a fantastic, amazing book that has me hanging on the edge of my seat for the next book and in love with Amy Plum and her words. It’s definitely a must read for anyone that wants a book with love and action with a supernatural twist.

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Rippler by Cidney Swanson

I wanted to like this book, I really did. It has an interesting idea behind it and I was really hopeful, even after the first few chapters being a little slow. But something held me back and I just didn’t enjoy it as much I had hoped I would.

Sam is a typical teen with an interesting ability. I did like Swanson’s ability to blend these two pieces in a way that was believable and made Sam into a very real person. She has to deal with the typical teen problems with friends, parents and relationships. But she also has to deal with her ability to turn invisible, or ripple. She learns more about her ability and starts to work on controlling it as she goes along. I did enjoy that aspect of the book.

However, I felt like the romance side fell a little flat and usually I wouldn’t have a huge problem with this, but within the book it seemed that Swanson was trying to make something happen that just wouldn’t happen. I didn’t understand Sam’s love for Will and where it came from. I didn’t swoon and I don’t really have an opinion of Will either way.

I was also a little put off by the Nazi tie-in. I’m not sure why, but I do feel like it wasn’t necessary. I was fine with the idea of secret tests being done sometime in the past, but for some reason, the idea that the experiments the Nazis conducted during World War Two were tied to the rippling ability kind of squicked me a little bit.

All in all, I’m not very invested in this series. Maybe if I get bored with my usual books and feel like finding out the rest of this story, I’ll pick up the next books, but I was a little disappointed by this first book and don’t really have the desire to find out what happens next.