Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Title: Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
ISBN: 9781611137743
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Released: October 12, 2011
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1
Duration: 12 Hours, 32 Minutes
Source: eAudio from my public library

Summary: 

"Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?"

________________________________________________
First Lines:

"Walking to school over the snow-muffled cobbles, Karou had no sinister premonitions about the day. It seemed like just another Monday, innocent but for its essential Mondayness, not to mention its Januaryness."
Page
________________________________________________
Review:

There are about three or four people in my life who have been waiting for me to get to this book. They loved it so hardcore that it was mentioned constantly. And now I sort of see what they were talking about. This is quite the epic love story.

Karou doesn't know much about her past - just that it wasn't normal. She was raised in another world, where teeth are currency and people have all manner of animal characteristics. She now lives in the human world and continues to run errands for her adoptive family. Until one day, all of the portals to the other world are destroyed and she is left abandoned. She goes out looking for answers and comes across them in the most unsuspecting places.

This is a pretty intense romance. I mean, it's almost less about the setting, less about the situation... more about the relationship. This isn't something you realize until at least halfway through the book. As I said - epic love story. And it's taken beyond anything you can imagine. It's not a simple demon-meets-angel book. There's a ton of back story that totally changes the course of everything.

I sort of loved the whole concept of a girl being raised by demons and living in the normal world. With her blue hair. And crazy tattoos. It's just a cool idea and I think it reads really well. Uhm, also... Akiva? Hello. I don't even want to tell you which celebrity I was picturing in that roll. Let's just say that if this becomes a movie, he better be hot.

There was a point in the story that I really got worried that I was going to get lost. The whole perspective changes. Things get really backtracked and you are learning about Karou's life before. It's all necessary information, but the setting of the whole thing is different from where you were originally. It's an interesting way to tell a story. And it really makes me curious about where the second book will take place. And how much of that backtracking will be a part of it.

Huge bonus: The audiobook was awesome. The reader did a wonderful job with all of the various accents and crazy creatures. There was a ton going on and it could have totally fallen flat. But it didn't. And I truly recommend that you listen to this one. I don't often get so pulled into the story that I just have to listen to it all in one sitting (which I didn't, but it was close!). It was truly good enough that I am looking up that narrator to listen to other things she has done.

I believe all of those people who told me to read this book were right. It's an awesomely told story that many teens already are in love with. I will definitely be working on getting my hands on the audio of the second book.
________________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

Whispering Words...
Never Ending Stories
Sparkles and Lightning
Book Hooked Blog
Cece's Steaming Mug of Books
Book. Blog. Bake.
Book Brats
YA Love
Confessions of a Bookaholic
Abnormally Paranormal Reviews

Forgiven by Jana Oliver

Title: Forgiven
Author: Jana Oliver
ISBN: 9780312614805
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Released: March 27, 2012
Series: Demon Trappers #3
Page #: 354
Source: My own copy

Summary:
"The days are growing darker for seventeen-year-old demon trapper Riley Blackthorne. With her father's reanimated body back safely, Beck barely speaking to her because of a certain hunky fallen angel, and a freshly made deal with Lucifer, she has enough on her hands to last a normal teenage lifetime. Though she bargained with Haven to save his life, her ex-boyfriend, Simon, has told the Vatican's Demon Hunters that she's working with Hell. So now she's in hiding, at the top of everyone's most-wanted list.

But it's becoming clear that this is bigger than Riley, and rapidly getting out of control: Something sinister is happening in Atlanta... or someone. Caught between her bargain with Heaven and her promise to Lucifer, Riley fears the final war is coming - and it may be closer than anyone thinks...."
_______________________________________________
First Lines:

"Riley Blackthorne's tears were no more. She'd cried herself dry, yet she still lingered in the arms of a dead man. If given the chance, she would remain in her father's arms for the rest of her life."
Page 1
_______________________________________________
Review:

I'm not sure what has drawn me to these books so hard, but I absolutely love the Demon Trappers series. They don't seem to be written like other YA novels, but I really have a hard time putting them down - this book included.

Riley has gone through a lot in the first two books. Crazy demon attacks, her father becoming a reanimated corpse, Beck acting odder and odder, angels making demands and promises, and the Italian demon trapping force coming to town to take over. And in this third book, things just get worse. The demons are starting to work together and the end of the world is coming. Too bad Riley has to figure out how to stop that. And the Vatican thinks she has something to do with all of the bad things that are happening.

Oh, Riley... how do you get in these messes? I have mentioned before how much I love these books - and I still think it's awesome that they're set in Atlanta. It's just one of the few things that really sets this series apart. I also think that having her as our first female trapper gives the story an edge of hard-ass-ness. :)

The love interest has grown even more in this latest installment. Denver Beck has become a force to be reckoned with. He's been hurt by Riley's actions - especially with the fallen angel.. and I was a little worried that things would fall through. I'm not going to spoil it for you, but he's still in Riley's life. And has a few issues on the side. Darn other women!

These books are seriously action-packed. You can't go a few chapters without some crazy demon attacking - and the cover up and the drama the ensues. It's a lot of fun and I find myself fearing for all of my favorite characters. Lots of, "No! Don't die!" and such :). But all of that really makes it an easier sell for boy readers - even though your protag is a girl. There are some universal survival things going on that makes it for everyone.

I almost threw this book across the room when I realized it wasn't the last one. I was hoping for some conclusion to a few story lines. You do get a little bit of that, but there's more to come. Which I guess I'm excited for... but man! This is one of the few series' that I have actually purchased. I don't typically purchase books (because I would be more broke than I already am), but this one just seemed worth it. And I haven't been disappointed yet.

I sort of feel like this series is under the radar of many teen readers. I'm not sure why, but that makes it easy to recommend. Which I do so... often. It's a worthwhile story and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book - which comes out in December. I'm sure it will be epic and amazing - just like the rest of them. If you haven't read the first book, I highly recommend it.
_______________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

Geek Girl's Book Blog
Katie's Amazing Book Reviews
Feeling Fictional
Realm of Fiction
Down the Rabbit Hole
A Night's Dream of Books
Amy's Book Den
Cheezyfeet Books
Sassy Book Lovers

Immortal City by Scott Speer

Title: Immortal City
Author: Scott Speer
ISBN: 9781595145062
Publisher: Razorbill
Released: April 3, 2012
Page #: 368
Series: Immortal City
Source: My public library


Summary:
"Jackson Godspeed is the hottest Angel in a city that revolves around idolizing Immortals like him. He great up in the spotlight, and in less than a week he'll become the youngest full-fledged Guardian ever. People around the world are lining up to pay for him to keep them safe. His lifelong dream of becoming a hero is finally within his grasp - and he can't afford to let the parties, paparazzi, or red carpets distract him.

But Jackson's high-profile life takes an unexpected turn when he meets seventeen-year-old Maddy. She's smart and down-to-earth, and sees Jackson for who he is and not for his celebrity. They forge an instant - and electric - connection. Their vastly different backgrounds seem like the only obstacle in their path to being together... until something much more dangerous threatens to destroy their chance at love.

Because not everyone worships the Angels: a bitter killer is murdering the Guardians one by one. And it's up to Maddy to save Jackson - he's next in the killer's sights. Set in a reimagined Los Angeles that sparkles with glamour and celebrity worship, Scott Speer's Immortal City is charged with passion and haunted by themes of power and idolatry."
___________________________________________________
First Lines:

"At 3a.m., the Pacific Coast Highway was nothing more than a gray ribbon winding through the ocean fog. Despite being more than a little buzzed, Brad downshifted, smashed the gas pedal, and sent his BMW M5 surging forward."
Page 1
___________________________________________________
Review:

In all honesty, I thought I was going to hate this book after the first few chapters. I was really worried it was going to be totally vapid and carbon copy-like. I'm happy to report I was wrong. It turned out much better than I expected.

Maddy is your typical teen - she goes to school, she works at her uncle's diner, she has friends who push her to be more social, and she sees visions moments before something bad is going to happen. Okay, so maybe she's not 100% normal. She meets a new guy named Ethan who she could fall for in a heartbeat... that's just not her thing. And then there's Jackson - the most famous Angle-of-the-moment who is constantly being watched, being talked about, and having girls swoon all over him. And on top of it all - there's something killing Guardian Angels. Oh the drama!

As I said in the beginning, I was worried the book would suck x10 after the first few chapters. There's an intense amount of brand name dropping, super obvious characters, and a little Twilight-like lurve action. I found myself thinking, "oh, Twihards are gonna love this." There's even a scene where he watches her sleep. I mean, come on! Ahem, anyway... the book gets tons better after that. Things start falling into place and the mystery really picks up. So don't give up! It'll get better. I promise.

I think one of the things that really drove this story for me was the mystery around the Angel deaths. Without it, the book might sink. But there's rampant speculation about who could pull these murders off and how it would have to be someone in the Angel community. Everyone starts getting nervous and pointing fingers and the NAS fails to do much of anything. While it broke up the story a bit, I enjoyed getting the perspective from the detective - his background and his knowledge really helped me get a better handle on the world they live in.

The whole idea of Angels being used for protection - to the highest bidder - seemed a bit... blasphemous (I think that's the right use of that word). I really had to put my whole idea of what Angels are on the back burner for the length of this book. There's really very little mention of the divine - just that the archangels are connected to something bigger, but now they're a governing power on earth. As opposed to answering to any higher authority. I mean, the idea that they would be rich and famous sort of stretches my idea of what an Angel is all about.

That being said, I thought the idea was really clever. And it really brings to light the craziness around celebrity and people's focus on the things around them. So I thought that was well done and I'm sure that comes from the author being based in LA. And if you just take Angel to mean Immortal Life Saver, then you're good to go. But putting all that aside, I pretty much read this book in one day. So, take what you will from that.

I will definitely recommend this book along to all of those paranormal romance lovers :). I think it's a great addition to the genre - and I love that it's just different enough to pique interest. I'll absolutely pick up the second book whenever that is published. I can only imagine the story from here... there's plenty more drama to be had. Just as a note: I'm going to start a rumor that the cover model is the author. I mean, have you seen pictures? Yes, please, and thank you. All in all, while it's not in the running for best book of the year, I'm a fan.
__________________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

whnbstihosoft
Just Add Water and Blog
Zoey's Uncreatively Titled Blog
The Book Faery
WhatchYA Reading?
The Flutterby Room
whY.A. Not?
Catching Books
Literary Exploration

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

Title: Embrace

Author: Jessica Shirvington

ISBN: 9781402268403
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Released: March 6, 2012
Page #: 369

Source: My Public Library

Summary:

"It starts with a whisper. "It's time for you to know who you are..."

Strange dreams leave her with very real injuries and there's a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arms. The guy she thought she could fall in love with just told her he's only half-human - oh, and same goes for her. And she keeps hearing a distant fluttering of wings.

Violet Eden is having a very bad 17th birthday.

But if angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden..."

__________________________________________________

First Lines:

"Birthdays aren't my thing.

It's hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother's death. It's not that I blame myself for her not being here. No one could have known she wouldn't survive childbirth."

Page 1

__________________________________________________

Review:

I have noticed in the last couple of months that I've started backing away from urban fantasy... paranormal romance... stuff. I've been doing a ton more of dystopian/post-apocalyptic books. I've got a few series that I still follow, but I haven't picked up anything new. Until this book. And it definitely proved that I'm still a fan of the genre!

Violet Eden is half-human. She is one of many who were given a gift from an angel to become a guardian of sorts. To keep humans safe from rogue exile angels. She will have the ability to send them back for judgement or to make them human altogether. But she finds out from someone she has known for years - that he lied to her. Then she has to deal with what it means to be part of the Grigori... does she even want to do it? Then Phoenix comes into her life and turns things on their head. And she begins to realize she might be even less normal.... even as an exiled angel guardian.

I always enjoy stories about kick ass women. Violet is tough, mentally and physically, and focuses on staying in control of her life. She's also an artist and loves everything about it. That gave her a bit more of a softer edge - so she's not just warrior all the time. I think that might have been what endeared her to me. You know... even if she apparently thinks nothing of throwing herself off a cliff. Ahem. I also thought it was interesting that the reason someone is chosen for being a Grigori is totally based on losing a parent near the time of your birth. A very interesting twist, I think.

I don't think one could talk about this book without mentioning the boys. I mean, they pretty much run the story. On one hand, you have Lincoln who has been her friend for years and now her partner. She really can't help but love him... not that anything has ever happened. And on the other hand you have Phoenix. He's an exiled angel and clearly has fallen for Violet. I ended up being on both of their sides at some point during this book. Maybe that just makes me wishy washy... but I loved the different ways these guys were important to her and how they interacted with each other.

Truly, if you're a fan of paranormal romance, definitely give this one a shot. I think you'll be happy you did. I know I am. It's a well written story that totally transports you into a place where you can imagine these exiled angels could be around. Apparently they're all super-attractive, so that helps :). Not to mention that the cover is gorgeous... is it weird that I almost want to frame it? I'm now really excited for the second book - which I think has already been released in other countries. So jealous. I'll just have to wait for September!

__________________________________________________

Other Blog Reviews:

Maji Bookshelf

Geek Girl's Book Blog

A Bookworm's World

There's a Book

Reading Rock Books

Refracted Light Reviews

What's Your Story

Justin's Book Blog

SpadesHighReviews

The Book Life

Mercy by Rebecca Lim

Title: Mercy
Author: Rebecca Lim
ISBN: 9781423145172
Publisher: Hyperion
Page #: 269
Source: ARC from the publisher (To be released May 17, 2011 in US)

Summary:
"Mercy is an exile from heaven with shattered memories of who and what she used to be. She's doomed to 'wake' repeatedly on earth in a new body, assuming a new life each time, only to move on again and again. During the day she survives in the human world on instinct, and at night her dreams are haunted by her lost love, who pleads with her to find him. But her memory refuses to cooperate.

But this time is different. When Mercy wakes up she meets Ryan, an eighteen-year-old reeling from the loss of his twin sister, Lauren, who was kidnapped two years ago. Only Mercy and Ryan believe his sister is still alive. For the first time since she can remember, Mercy has a purpose: she can help. So she doesn't understand why the man in her dreams cautions her not to interfere. But as Ryan and Mercy come closer to solving the mystery of Lauren's disappearance, danger looms just one step behind. When another girl goes missing, Mercy knows they must act before time runs out. Will she be able to harness her extraordinary power in time?"
___________________________________________
First Lines:

"There's something very wrong with me.
I can't remember who I am or how old I am, or even how I got here. All I know is that when I wake up, I could be any age and anyone, all over again. It is always this way."
Page 1
___________________________________________
Review:

This book was recommended to me by one of my coworkers. She and I share a very similar taste in books, so I knew this would be one I'd love. I got the ARC a month or two ago, but just got around to reading it. And I'm pretty sure it's already out in Australia - so I feel like I'm behind the times. Alas...

When I picked up the book, I don't think I fully understood the premise. It's about an exiled angel (which isn't fully mentioned in the story) who inhabits humans bodies for unknown reasons. Then she's forced from that person to a new one. Honestly, I'm still not sure I fully understand... but I'm hoping the future books will help explain what is going on - to us and to Mercy.

One thing I really enjoyed about this story was the emphasis on music. I used to do chorus in high school and college - I remember sitting in these massive rehearsals that seemed to never end. I guess that made the setting a bit more real to me. We also used to stay in host family houses, so I get that whole uncomfortable thing. It was also interesting to see Mercy grow because of the music thing - it somehow tapped into her past. Very cool.

I guess I spent a lot of this story trying to figure out what was going on. I got the music thing... I got the finding-the-missing-girl thing... but I had trouble with the whole angel and past-lives thing. There wasn't a lot of explanation for it because the main character isn't supposed to understand either. There's a little clarity toward the end about how things are going to be, but I was definitely wishing for more of that.

I think many teens will love this book - and hopefully the rest of the books in the series. There's a huge sense of empowerment in the ending that gives you hope for the people Mercy has been in contact with. She seems to try to better each person she inhabits... and I hope to see more of the people she's influenced.

I will absolutely be recommending this book to my teens as soon as it comes out in May. I know they will love the themes and concept. I mean, anything angel-related these days seems to be perfect. I think people who loved Halo by Adornetto will really get into this one. I look forward to the next book (I think it's called Exile), but I haven't seen a date yet for a US release. But I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for it! I gotta find out what happens :).
___________________________________________
Other Blog Reviews:

Small Town Book Blog
Face Books, not Facebook
BookieMonster
Mercys World
YA Reads
Wicked Walker