Immortal Review

IMMORTAL:LOVE STORIES WITH BITE

Short Stories Written by: Cynthia Leitich Smith, Kristin Cast, Rachel Caine,Tanith Lee, Richelle Mead, Nancy Holder, Rachel Vincent and Claudia Gray

Edited by:  P.C. Cast

Publication date: October 6, 2009 (first published August 1, 2008)

4 stars

Synopsis: find full synopsis at here at Goodreads.com

How I Came to Read This:  When I picked it up in the store, I saw that most of the contributing authors were some of my faves!

My Review:  Haunted Love by Cynthia Leitich Smith - This story was good - and it turned out to be pretty sweet.  It was like a whole novel in 30 pages; it had all the components.  You had your main character, new friendship/possible love interest, action and happy ending. What else do you need?

Amber Smoke by Kristin Cast - This one surprised me. It was something completely different. I quickly fell in love with the characters and when it finally sunk in that there wasn't going to be anymore, I was sad.  Spin-off??

Dead Man Stalking: A Morganville Vampires Story by Rachel Caine - If you're already reading the Morganville Vampires series, then you know who Shane is ad his relationship with his father. If you're not up on it, don't worry, this is still a story you can enjoy. It's about the last two surviving members of the same family - father and son - on opposite sides of a war.  Having to choose between the family you were given and the family you've made.

Table Manners by Tanith Lee - I didn't exactly enjoy this story.  It was a little difficult to want to continue.  For too long in the beginning, it was too vague.  The suspense was held for so long, it frustrated me.  I think it had potential, it was just a little too sloppy - and I really do hate to use that word; I'm sorry. I liked the ending though!

Blue Moon by Richelle Mead - Ladies and gentlemen, she does it again! Richelle Mead, in my book, is flawless. Even in a short story she can create a world that sucks you right in. I would have loved a whole book on these characters. I love everything Mead does - she can't miss!

Changed by Nancy Holder - This story had a great concept. A post-apocalyptic, overrun by vampires world.  It had a great main character that you wanted good things to happen to. I'm happy to have read this story. Maybe I'll even look for other stories by Nancy Holder.

Binge by Rachel Vincent - This is what I like about Rachel Vincent: she doesn't do it like anybody else.  She doesn't write about vampires or werewolves or even fairies. She focuses on beings we never read about, that we know nothing about. That was, when you're reading, there's no way you can stop. No way you can predict what's going to happen.

Free: A Story of Evernight by Claudia Gray - I absolutely love Evernight! This story had a pretty rough start for me. But shortly thereafter, it really took off and there was no longer any doubt i y mind that this was going to be good. You think it's going one way but the Gray switches it up on you! Strong ending.

Who Should Read This: If you're already familiar with these authors, it's a fun way to get a little more from them. However, I wouldn't use this book as a way to get into these authors. I don't think an author can really shine, really show her all, in a short story.

BLOOD OATH

Blood Oath (The President's Vampire, #1)

Written by: Christopher Farnsworth

Publication date: May 18, 2010

Released in Hardcover

5 stars

Synopsis: Zach Barrows is an ambitions young White House staffer whose career takes an unexpected turn when he's partnered with Nathaniel Cade, a secret agent sworn to protect the president. But Cade is no ordinary civil servant. A vampire bound by a special blood oath. Cade has spent more than 140 years in service to the president, battling nightmares before they can break into the daylight world of the American dream.

Immediately Zach and Cade receive their first joint assignment; one that uncovers a shadowy government conspiracy and a plot to attack the United States with a gruesome new biological weapon. Zach soon learns that the world is far stranger, and far more dangerous, than he ever imagined...and that his partner is the least of his problems.

How I Came to Read This: I came across this book on Goodreads.com and saw the originality of it and knew I had to have it!

My Review: Sometimes when I switch books too quickly, it's hard to adjust to the different type of narration. That's what happened when I started reading Blood Oath - I went from first person to third - but it only took a few chapters and I was in it.

I read this book and saw the whole thing in my head like a movie. After the first night I started reading, I went to bed and woke up the next day with the feeling that I'd watched a really good movie the night before. I kept trying to remember the name of it. It was kind of like watching one of those movies where you meet several different people, seemingly unconnected, right in the beginning. You know eventually they cross paths with each other, but you're never given enough information to figure out how.

This was no young adult vampire love story...it was historical and modern, witty, and fun. I couldn't put it down. The central character, Cade, is more in tune with the nature of his kind, than he is to humanity. However, he's not a monster and he has his "human moments". He's a great character to follow and different than all the rest in a non-indulgent kind of way. Let me explain what I mean. He's a vampire, he's got all this amazing strength and ability but yet, he doesn't abuse it - oath or no oath. He doesn't try to break or bend the rules. He has duty and he respects it. One hundred and forty years serving Americas presidents and he didn't seem the least bit bitter. I think it gives him a purpose he doesn't exactly revel in, but he doesn't despise either.

The other main character, Zach, was the one of the best things about this book. The humor he brought to the story really made it fun, kept it grounded. Zach's found himself in a very unique, very strange situation and the way he handled it, the way he coped was really believable.

Blood Oath had action, excitement, humor and that stuff books are made of when you can't put them down. Yeah, that. I just realized  a few minutes ago that Blood Oath is a series! I don't know how I missed that. Well, I won't be missing the sequel, because when the whispers start - I'll be waiting!

Who Should Read This: Definitely mature teen to adult. A great distraction from faeries and pixies falling in love. This was fast-action, fast-paced hardcore good stuff!

BALLAD by MAGGIE STIEFVATER

BALLAD: The Gathering of Faerie (Books of Faerie, #2)
Written by: Maggie Stiefvater
Publication date: October 1, 2009
Released in Paperback

5 stars - Both books are great!

Synopsis:  In this mesmerizing sequel to Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception, music prodigy James Morgan and his best friend, Deirdre, join a private conservatory for musicians. James' musical talent attracts Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. Composing beautiful music together unexpectedly leads to mutual admiration and love. Haunted by fiery visions of death, James realizes that Deirdre and Nuala are being hunted by the Fey and plunges into a soul-scorching battle with the Queen of the Fey to save their lives.

My Review: In this sequel, I wasn't expecting a change in narrators, and it was kind of a hard transition since I read Lament and Ballad back to back. It went from Deirdre and Luke to James and his new friend Nuala. Initially, I thought I was going to be mad about the change in narrators, but it turned out much better than I could have hoped for.

I love James' sarcasm, his quick-witted quips and his unique way of viewing the world. He's wise beyond his years, which is probably why the supernatural gods chose him to be a seer! When reading James' interactions with his teachers and superiors, I always felt like they were the ones who could learn something from him.

Nuala is a fascinating creature. She has well within her full power to force James into submission, but I believe his strength, will power and courage to refuse her, draws her to him. My favorite thing about Nuala are the things she gets into when she's invisible!

For the longest time, neither of then ever see what's between them. They're little kids in the sandbox picking on each other. Translating snarky remarks as jabs instead of what they really are: flirting!

At first, the little unsent text messages from Deirdre irked me. I felt like, "Why can't we just let her narrate? A little? Once in a while?" But that was just me stuck in the way Lament was told. Ballad is James and Nuala's story and the texts turned out to be a pretty cool way f keeping tabs on Deirdre. Taking a peek at what she's up to without leaving the true narrators.

By the time I finished this book, I was in love with James and Nuala - and I felt kinda bad for Dee. She was a bit of a jerk but she was pitiful too. Without Luke she was just a mess.

The big finale was good. I read with a smile on my face the whole time. But the very end, during the play, when Sullivan and James see each other - that was the highlight of the ending for me.

Does this mean sequel?? Book Gods, I hope so!!

Who Should Read This: Any fan of Maggie Stiefvater will be able to truly appreciate this series. It was beautifully written and saddening when it ended.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a topic brought to life by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. With Waiting on Wednesday you get to introduce to everyone upcoming books you're excited about!!

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner - An Eclipse Novella

Written by: Stephenie Meyer

Coming to a store near you on June 5, 2010!!!

Synopsis: Fans of the Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

The release of this was such a shock to a lot of people - and I think that's exactly how Stephenie Meyer intended to be! She knows we're all heartbroken over the leak of Midnight Sun and the possibility of it never being released. So, it's almost like she felt bad and wanted to give us something - so she gave us this very exciting in between novella!

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading in which one grabs her current read, opens to a random page, and gives two "teaser" sentences from that page.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!! You don't want to ruin the book for others!

Share the title and author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

MY FIRST TEASER TUESDAY COMES FROM

BLOOD OATH by CHRISTOPHER FARNSWORTH

Inside, hanging on hooks, like a cannibal's meat locker, were rows and rows of body parts. Legs. Arms. Torsos. A chain full of hands, another of feet.

A Fair Trade

Because I was in the middle of Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater when Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead was released, I decided to let my bestie read my copy of Spirit Bound first. Since she won't be done by the time I finish, I'll be able to start Blood Oath by Christopher Farnsworth! So it all works out.

I'm on my way to get started now! Happy reading!

The possibilities are endless!

Today I checked the inbox of my Goodreads account and found that CYN BALOG, author of Fairy Tale and Sleepless (coming out July 13, 2010), responded to an email I sent her inviting her to take a look at my blog - this blog!

A response, in and of itself, was enough to make me glow, but then she offered me an interview and I almost blinded myself! 

I can't say when this interview will happen - but it would be my first and I'm already nervous about it! When the time is right for this interview, I'll be posting notices, so stay tuned!

Books by Cyn Balog

Morgan Sparks and Cam Browne are a match made in heaven. They've been best friends since birth, they tell each other everything, and oh yeah - they're totally hot for each other.

But a week before their joint sweet sixteen bash, everything changes. Cam's awkward cousin Pip comes to stay, and Cam starts acting distant. Morgan is stunned when her formerly perfect boyfriend seems to be drifting away.

When Morgan demands answers, shes shocked to discover the reason for Cam's distance. It isn't another girl - it's another world. Pip claims that Cam is a fairy. No, seriously. A fairy. And now his people want Cam to return to their world and take his rightful place as Fairy King.

Determined to keep Cam with her, Morgan plots to fool the fairies. But as Cam continues to change, she has to decide once and for all if  he really is her destiny, and if their "perfect" love can weather and uncertain future.

Witty, original and unexpectedly touching, FAIRY TALE will captivate fans of TWILIGHT and WICKED LOVELY.

Eron De Marchelle isn't supposed to feel a connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce human charges to sleep. While he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to--after all, getting too involved in one human's life would prevent him helping his other charges get their needed rest.

But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia. Julia, with her fiery red hair and her sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. Eron has always felt protective of Julia...  but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't seem to reach her...

Sandmen are forbidden from communicating with humans outside their dreams. But will Eron be willing to risk everything for a chance to be with the person he loves?

Also Out Today

Written by: Christopher Farsnworth

Release date: May 18, 2010

Hardcover

Zach Barrows is an ambitious young White House staffer whose career takes an unexpected turn when he's partnered with Nathaniel Cade, a secret agent sworn to protect the President. But Cade is no ordinary civil servant. Bound 140 years ago by a special blood oath, Nathaniel Cade is a vampire. He battles nightmares before they can break into the daylight world of the American dream, enemies far stranger - and far more dangeorus - than civilians have ever imagined.

This amazingly cool sounding book was released today for all to enjoy! I went and got my copy! And how cool is it that the author, Christopher Farsnworth, friend requested me on Goodreads, right out the blue! I felt so special! I can't wait to get to this book!!!

The wait is over! Almost.

For those of us not lucky enough to have already read an ARC copy - Are you ready? Spirit Bound can be ours in just one more day!

My pre-ordered copy from Borders will be in tomorrow and I can't wait to get my hands on it! Enjoy everyone!

LAMENT by MAGGIE STIEFVATER

LAMENT: THE FAERIE QUEEN'S DECEPTION (Books of Faeries, #1)

Written by: Maggie Stiefvater

Titles in Series: Lament and Ballad

Publication date: October 1, 2008

4 stars

Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand - one who can see faeries.

Unexpectedly, Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy named Luke who enters her ordinary life, seemingly out of thin air. But his interest in her might be something darker than summer romance. When a sinister faerie named Aodhan shows up with deadly orders from the Faerie Queen, it forces Dee right into the midst of Faerie. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend.

Deirdre had been wishing her summer weren't so dull, but taking on a centuries-old Faerie Queen isn't exactly what she had in mind.

How I Came to Read This: I read Shiver and knew that I wanted to read everything Stiefvater has already written and all her future work. Everyone was talking about this series and I felt so out of the loop. I found the sequel Ballad first and had to wait and wait until I found this one.

My Review: WARNING: Some strong language, which I don't mind but some of you might.

There's something about the way Maggie Stiefvater writes that I just love. To me it feels relaxed and easy-going. It seems I can always just fall into her books and nuzzle up, get all cozy and enjoy the story. I've read a lot of reviews that refer to her style of writing as lyrical and after this book, I think I finally understand what they mean.

When strange things start happening to Deirdre Monaghan, she doesn't just chalk it up to an overactive imagination. She doesn't exactly freak out (like I would) but she doesn't ignore it either and that's what I like about her. Instead of pretending nothing is going on, she keeps a cool head and very carefully snipes out the information she needs.

Luke steals the show. In my mind's eye, I'm mesmerized when he speaks. All I want to do is hear what he has to say to see what he reveals next.  Even what he doesn't say - or can't say - says a lot too!

Somewhere around the middle of the book was when it really took off for me. There is so much unknown in this book that you are compelled to keep reading.  Stiefvater keeps throwing little tidbits your way that make you think, "Okay, maybe now I can figure out what's going on." But you can't - because it's just a tease! The lure on the end of the hook.

Who Should Read This: A fun read for anyone!

Shopping Trip

I wanted to mention that I own all the books I read and review. I go to the store and purchase them, I don't receive them free from anyone, no ARC copies, just good 'ol fashioned Borders!

Today my wonderful mother treated me to two new books today. In return, I saved her a bunch of money thanks to coupons and Borders Rewards!

Anyway, I finally have Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris and Beastly by Alex Flinn.

Don't forget to look out for Beastly the movie coming out July 30, 2010!

Look What I Found

Thanks to a new blogger friend Jess at The Tales Compendium, I found out about a great looking book titled Halo by Alexandra Adornetto coming out September 14, 2010.  First of all, the cover is gorgeous and if that doesn't grab your attention right away, then the storyline should. Check it out:

Three angels are sent down to bring food to the world: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. But she is the most human, and when she is romantically drawn to a mortal boy, the angels fear she will be not be strong enough to save anyone - especially herself from the Dark Forces.

Is love a great enough power against evil?

If you want to know a little more about it, you should check out Jess' review at thetalescompendium.blogspot.com.

Review of Midnight Cravings

MIDNIGHT CRAVINGS

Writers: Michele Hauf, Karen Whiddon, Lori Devoti, Anna Leonard and Bonnie Vanak
Publication date: April 1, 2009
Released in Paperback

4 1/2 stars

Synopsis: A COLLECTION OF SIX SEXY BITES

Under the cover of night exists the dark and sensuous world of Midnight Cravings - a world conjured up in six seductive tales of paranormal passion. Follow some of the genre's best writers, including Michele Hauf, Karen Whiddon and Lori Devoti, on a mesmerizing journey where the extraordinary comes breathtakingly close with every turn of the page.

So, please, come on in. The first bite won't hurt, and its likely that you will crave another...and another...and...

How I Came to Read This: It was just something on the shelf I saw, picked up and took home because it looked like a good read.

My Review: I was half right. The first 3-4 stories were really good where the last three seemed to get too involved to just be short stories. To review this book, I actually ended up reading it all over again!

WARNING: This book is seriously sexy!! So yeah, adults only!!

Racing the Moon by Michele Hauf: This was my favorite of all the short stories. I loved this cheeky little tale about two shapeshifters; the female, a cat and the male, a wolf. Come on, really, what's sexier than a wolf?? They try to fight the strong attraction to each other because a cat and wolf aren't exactly buddy buddy. But a rainstorm and a full moon only means trouble, and by trouble I mean the hot, sexy kind!

Both characters have a great sense of humor but they also have their own little background stories of troubled pasts and loneliness. Dean is so hot! He's such a man's man who goes after what he wants - and needs - with a bad boy kick to him. Sunday has her own "demons" to deal with, making it harder for her to give into the temptation that is, Dean Maverick!

Mate of the Wolf Karen Whiddon: This was a very sweet story with a happy ending. I liked the switch of narrators, getting both views of the same story.

Kane Webster. A sexy vampire with a british accent? Sounds like Edward Pattinson or Robert Cullen! Either way sounds pretty yummy to me!! He's kind, thoughtful, patient and giving.

I didn't care for Allie's use of dog phrases, like, "Hellhounds" and "Oh my Dog". It made me think of her living in an actual dog world; where everything is made for and all about dogs.

I enjoyed reading this story a second time so much, I forgot to stop and take notes! I wish I could have more of Kane and Allie. A whole novel - a whole series!

Captured by Lori Devoti: This is a tragic story. Trapped in a breeding mill against your will. It's an interesting concept; a way we don't often see shapeshifters.

Leve is not your usual damsel in distress. She's determined to protect herself, even if it means fighting to the death. She won't let it happen again. Both she and Gray are strong characters. They both want their freedom, no matter the cost. I sympathize for Leve; she's had it pretty rough. But her determination and strength are what define her, not the tragedies that scar her. Gray is an alpha male - no way he's going to let a few punk elves keep him prisoner.

I think this connection between Gray and Leve is the kind of bond you feel after you've been through a traumatic experience with someone. It probably didn't last for too long!

Dreamcatcher by Anna Leonard: When I first read this story, I really didn't care for Emma. I felt she was overly stubborn, pig-headed. However, the second time around I took notice to details I didn't see before. In her life, everyone wants and expects her to be able to handle anything thrown her way. When people have expectations of you, you try to live up to them. But sometimes, the weight of the world becomes too much for just one person's shoulders. You get to see Emma's vulnerable side and it becomes easier to relate to her.

Matthew struggles with his inner demon. His profession is caring for people, in a way to compensate for putting them in need in the first place.

I really liked the beginning ad middle of this story, but I felt the ending became too difficult to visualize ad that's where I got lost. Even the second time around! I did appreciate the fact that Emma and Matthew got to know each for a little while before deciding that they had to spend forever, together. They actually had conversations and learned things about each other. But hey, sometimes a fly-by fling or love-at-first-sight can be fun too, right?

Mahina's Storm by Vivi Anna: This is a story of two colleagues, knowing each other and working together several times, through the years.

Mahina, police captain and lycanm is strong-minded and independent. She doesn't get involved with men for too long and feels the need to have control over everything in her life.

Ren has been harboring feelings for Mahina for years asher fellow officer and lycan. This is red hot! He's strong, gorgeous (in my head, anyway) and dominating, in the sexy way. Mahina won't admit to their mutual attraction to each other but he won't take no for an answer.

This story has a touch of danger and excitement, suspense and more than one steamy moment. This was one of my favorites stories in the book. It was a little too short. I would have enjoyed another chapter or two.

It was a fun game of cat and mouse.

Broken Storm by Bonnie Vanak: Didn't read.

Who Should Read This: Mature audience! Sexual content and all that good stuff...*ahem*, that is, of course, if you're into that *ahem* kind of stuff... The whole book is about finding The One in someone - or something - you never thought to look.

Great read!

BIBLIOPHOBIA - Definition: 1. (n) a dread of books

NEED (Need, #1) 
Titles in Series: Need, Captivate and Need #3 to be released January 3, 2011
Written by: Carrie Jones
Publication date: December 23, 2008

Released in Paperback and Hardcover

3 1/2 stars because I did really enjoy it but I don't feel it was a must read

Synopsis: Pain shoots through my head. Fireworks. Explosions. All inside my brain. The white world goes dark and I know what's about to happen.

Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.

She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.

How I Came to Read This: My bestie read this and loved it. Not only that but the premise sounded good and I was curious.

My Review: Bibliophobia. I definitely did not dread this book. Before I'd even read the first 20 pages, I knew I was going to like it. Main character, Zara, uses such a casual, nonchalant kind of tone in her narration. The book is told so matter-of-factly, it felt more like listening to a friend tell you about this crazy story than actually reading a novel. It sounds like how I would write a book, were I ever brave enough to write one!

I really like Zara. She's very personable and she doesn't fake it for anyone! She's also sarcastic and practical. She is absolutely distraught over the death of her stepfather - who was nothing less than her dad. She is literally empty, hollow inside. More than halfway through the book, I started to get a little annoyed by her semi-frequent pity parties; but I had to remind myself of her loss and the fact that she was in the process of building herself back up from the inside out. Once I remembered to take that into consideration, it didn't bother me anymore. I imagine myself in her shoes and I personally would be far worse than she.

Anywho...The relationship between Zara and her man, (whom I shall not name so as not to spoil anything) is different than most YA novels I've read. It develops more slowly, as opposed to instant infatuation. It starts with a friendship and even after realizing their feelings, they still take it slow.

There isn't much build-up to the big moments - and a lot of people think that made it anti-climatic - but I was still shocked and surprised. There were certain secrects I was able to figure out, but i still wouldn't have all the pieces. Still, there was plenty left to keep me guessing and wanting to read more.

There isn't too much I can tell you about Need without spoiling the fun! Carrie Jones definitely keeps you guessing: who's who; who's what and what's gonna happen next? Just when you think you know something...boom! PLOT TWIST!!!

***CONTAINS SPOILERS***

CAPTIVATE (Need, #2)
Written by: Carrie Jones
Publication date: January 5, 2010
Released in Hardcover

3 stars

Synopsis: He smiles. It's a wicked smile. Kind but not kind. Handsome but dangerous. Feral almost. I can see why Nick nearly killed him. Nick...I ask again, "Why were you in the road?"

"I was waiting for you."

Zara and her friends thought they'd solved the pixie problem. And they did - sort of. The pixies are all locked away, deep in the woods. But the king's needs grow stronger each day that he is in captivity, while his control over his people weakens. And it's enough to draw a new king into town. Astley claims he is different. He claims there are pixies who can live peacefully with humans, that it doesn't have to be all violence and nastiness all the time. Zara wants to believe him...until Astley also claims that she is fated to be his queen.

There is no way Zara would ever turn pixie. And she's got good friends who will make sure of that. Besides, she and Nick are so in love they're practically inseparable. But when the very thing Zara wants to protect most is exactly what's at risk, she is forced to make choices she never imagined.

My Review: This book is all about kicking pixie butt!

It threw me off a little that Zara - after only a few months of learning that pixies even existed - that she was able to man-handle a full grown male pixie and actually haul him around. She is in high school, right?

Before I read this sequel, I was warned about Nick's overuse of the pet name "Baby" that he uses on Zara. I think I agree. He used it when it wasn't necessary. But the bottom line is that it doesn't add to the story and it doesn't take away from it either. Therefore, it doesn't really matter. It's just a little annoying.

There was one thing that bothered me. Zara was way too naive. I mean, didn't she learn anything in the last one?  Her super-humanitarian crap got old too. We got it, you want to save the world.

I haven't talk about Nick yet. I think he's the best. He's got that whole alpha-male thing going, the mighty protector! But he has a great soft-side too. I love when Zara teases him about being a "dog"! Dog breath and drool! Devyn and Issie are great supporting characters. The relationships between these four are great. When I was in high school I had three other best friends. We were inseparable and always getting into trouble together. Zara, Nick, Devyn and Issie remind me of those times and I love it!

Okay, let's talk about Astley. I actually like this guy, uh, pixie. He totally comes off as telling the truth. I want to believe so badly that he is what he claims to be. I believe that Zara was meant to "turn pixie" regardless. If Nick didn't exist, I'd love Zara and Astley ending up together - she is his queen now. But Nick does exist. So, now the question is: who will Zara end up with? And how? She's fated to be Astley's Pixie Queen, but she's in love with a shapeshifting/were-wolf. Will Nick even accept her as Pixie Zara even if she is mostly like her old self (and can glamour herself to look human). Would Astley release her to Nick? I'm thinking no, not likely.

I enjoyed this series so far, and now I'm definitely on watch for #3, but there was one thing that was on my mind the whole time. I feel like this was originally a vampire story. As if Jones wrote it first, then decided that the whole vampire thing has been overdone, so she changed her vamps into pixies. They drink blood (sometimes from the neck), only the really powerful ones can fly. One exception, the pixie kings have some magical ability. But vampires with magical abilities is not unheard of. Here's how I feel about it: I don't care. I love all paranormal creatures!

Who Should Read This: I wouldn't say this is for everyone. I don't really know who specifically should read this book, so my advice is this: no reason why you shouldn't. Give it a chance and you might really get into it!

Wake Series by Lisa McMann

WAKE (Dream Catcher,#1)
Written by: Lisa McMann
Titles in Series: Wake, Fade and Gone

Publication date: March 4, 2008
Released in Paperback
4 stars

Synopsis: NOT ALL DREAMS ARE SWEET.

For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.

She can't tell anybody about what she does - they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she was a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can't control.

Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant....

How I Came to Read This: I saw online that everyone was talking about this series. I saw it in the store and the premise was intriguing .

My Review: This series was so down-to-earth. It had the supernatural touch, but the characters stayed real. They had real-life problems and dealt with them the way a real person would. With an alcoholic mother, Janie knows that life isn't always pretty. This one was my favorite out of the three.

FADE (Dream Catcher, #2) 
Publication date: February 10, 2009
Released in Paperback and Hardcover

Synopsis: SOME NIGHTMARES NEVER END.

For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck.

Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open - but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both.

Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability - and it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a dream catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd even feared.

My Review: I felt this sequel had a lot of potential. The whole time I was imagining great things, all the different directions this story could go and it kinda just didn't. I think I understand why. McMann kept this story as real as possible...

 

GONE (Dream Catcher, #3)
Publication date: February 9, 2010
Released in Hardcover


Synopsis: OPEN YOUR EYES.


Janie thought she knew what her future held. And she thought she'd made her peace with it. But she can't handle dragging Cabel down with her.


She knows he will stay with her, despite what she sees in his dreams. He's amazing. And she's a train wreck. Janie sees only one way to give him the life he deserves: She has to disappear. And it's going to kill them both.


Then a stranger enters her life - and everything unravels. The future Janie once faced now has an ominous twist, and her choices are more dire than she'd ever thought possible. She alone must decide between the lesser of two evils. And time is running out....


My Reivew: One factor I appreciated in this series was that Janie and Cabel deal with realtionship problems the way some of us might. Avoiding the elephant in the room. I thought Janie got kind of a crap deal in this book and the ending makes me wonder if there's another one on its way out.

Who Should Read This: I admit, it's not for everyone. It's not quite supernatural but its no Chick-Lit either.