The Lost Prince Summary!!

Hey Everyone!

Are you guys just as excited about The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa as I am? The Iron Fey is by far my favorite "faery tale" so when I heard that Kagawa was continuing the story with Ethan Chase, happy was just not a strong enough word to describe how I felt!

Before I share the summary for The Lost Prince, I just wanted to say how much I love when an author creates a spin-off from one of their original series. To me this says a lot about an author; that they can see how much their fans loved the story and heard our cries for more, therefore giving it to us! That is an author who truly cares about her readers! Thank you!

I'll shut up now :D...here's the back flap summary for The Lost Prince coming October 23rd!

Don't look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

That is Ethan Chase's unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he's dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister's world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myths and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

My name is Ethan Chase. And I may not live to see my eighteenth birthday.

 

This sounds SO exciting and all kinds of wonderful! Julie Kagawa hints at the reappearance of some of favorite characters, like Grimalkin and of course, ASH!!!!! Oh the chills I get just thinking about it!

Tuesday Review Day!

Tempestuous (Wondrous Strange, #3)

Written by: Lesley Livingston

Publication date: December 21, 2010 by HarperTeen

Released in Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, ebook

368pgs

5 Stars

Synopsis: "I don't love Sonny Flannery." 

That's the lie Kelley Winslow told to protect the boy she loves from a power he doesn't know he possesses. Devastated, Sonny retreats—to a haven for Lost Fae that's hidden deep underneath New York City.

But Kelley's not about to let things end in heartbreak. To get Sonny back, she's got to find out who's after his magick—and how to use her own. She's got to uncover who's recruiting Janus Guards to murderously hunt innocent Faerie. She's got to help rebuild the shattered theater company she called family. And she's got to do it all without getting dangerously distracted by the Fennrys Wolf, whose legendary heart of stone seems to melt whenever he's around Kelley.

The intrigue and romance that began with Wondrous Strange and Darklight come to a stormy head in Tempestuous, the breathtaking conclusion to Lesley Livingston's ravishing urban Faerie trilogy.

My Review: Once again, Sonny and Kelley are not with each other; Kelley lied and said she didn't love Sonny at the end of Darklight in order to get Sonny to leave. This was supposed to protect him from his inner Green Magick to which Kelley seems to trigger. So now Sonny's in one place and Kelley in another. She won't tell anyone what's going on in fear that his secret will get out and someone will try to kill him. It was kind of annoying that I had to wait for the recap in the next book to fully understand what happened in the previous one. I found that sometimes in this series when things would come to light, mostly at the end of the book, it wasn't really laid out or explained well enough that I was absolutely sure what happened. Maybe it's just me, but Kelley seems to be overreacting about Sonny's...uh...outburst in the Avalon Theater. I mean, he killed that bad guys. It's what he does for a living. Where's the problem?

There's a lot of temptation going on in this book directed at both Sonny and Kelley. Their physical separation and Sonny believing Kelley really never loved him; is creating room for others to slip in between them. With little struggle, they have to often remind themselves of their love for each other. You know I love a good love-triangle, but this guy, The Fennrys Wolf, is just WRONG! He's so sneaky! Here's what I'm wondering: Why did Sonny Flannery get such a weak name and Fennrys got such a bad boy name like the Wolf? Yeah, yeah, I know, the whole Irish background and all. Speaking of which, I really need to work on my Irish brogue because I think it was coming out (in my head, of course) kind of Scottish.

This was a tricky, twisty plot and everywhere you turn, you don't know who to trust! Or you know who you can't trust and you're screaming at the pages wishing you could warn the characters. There was a surprise at the end that I REALLY didn't see coming. I don't think I liked it. But I loved the book as a whole; the people, the places, all of it.

Overall: Tons of romance, lots of faerie magick wielding and twists and turns. If you like faeries mixed in with humans, as they so often are, this is a must read!

 

Tuesday Review Day!

Hey guys; this review was accidentally erased when I tried to publish it from my iPad - which I will never attempt to do again, grrr - so it's a little short since I had to rewrite it unexpectedly. Sorry about that. Still, don't let that take away from the book, because it was awesome!

WONDROUS STRANGE (Wondrous Strange #1)

Written by: Lesley Livingston

Publication date: September 20, 2008

Released in Paperback, hardcover, Kindle, ebook by HarperTrophyCanada

336pgs

5 Stars

Synopsis: 17 year-old Kelley Winslow doesn’t believe in Faeries. Not unless they’re the kind that you find in a theatre, spouting Shakespeare—the kind that Kelley so desperately wishes she could be: onstage, under lights, with a pair of sparkly wings strapped to her shoulders. But as the understudy in a two-bit, hopelessly off-off-Broadway production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, wishing is probably the closest she’s going to get to becoming a Faerie Queen. At least, that’s what she thinks... 

In this fun, urban fantasy, Kelley's off-stage life suddenly becomes as complicated as one of Shakespeare’s plot twists when a nighttime trip to Central Park holds more than meets the mortal eye

My Review: I love that Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream is incorporated into this story because that includes Puck - which reminds me of the Iron Fey! That makes me happy =] Then I find out that the main character Kelley, moved to New York City from the Catskills - which is where I live! So even though I hate that her name is Kelley and think she should've been named Emma instead of her Aunt; I forgive that because of her hometown. Lol. I hate Sonny's name even more though.

I really like Kelley. No, I mean really like her. She is completely believable; so much so that she reminds me a lot of myself - outspoken and sarcastic. What I liked most about her is that it didn't take long for her to accept the whole faerie thing. We didn't have to waste a lot of time trying to convince her of their existence and her being one of them.

Sonny is a very likeable character as well. He struggles to fulfill his duty as a Janus Guard and stay away from the puzzle of a read head he just happened to come across in Central Park.

I'm not really sure I know the storyline exactly. I get what's going on but the intricacies are confusing. The whos, the whats and the whys. I kept getting mixed up.

Overall: The climax was so suspenseful, nail-biting! The book is full of great characters who's whole story you can't wait to find out!

Tuesday Review Day!

Darkest Mercy (Wicked Lovey #5)

Written by: Melissa Marr

Publication date: February 22, 2011

Released in Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, ebook, Audio CD

327pgs

5 stars

Synopsis: The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.

Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.

Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose "everything." 

The thrilling conclusion to Melissa Marr's "New York Times" bestselling Wicked Lovely series will leave readers breathless.

My Review: I was so anxious to get to this book because I knew all the stories would be told at once and we would get to hear from everyone; like Donia, whom we haven't seen since Fragile Eternity. At this point in the story, everything is a mess! War is threatening all the courts, Keenan is missing, things are looking pretty bad - to say the least. And Niall? All I can say about Niall is, "Niall, Niall, Niall." SMH. If I said more than that I'd spoil it for you.

Okay, maaybe I shouldn't have jumped on the "Team Seth" band wagon so quickly because I am completely on Keenan's side. The last couple of books I began to feel the pull toward the other side but this one really did me in! Maybe I connect with Keenan or feel for him more because I a Summer baby and I love everything Summer - or perhaps that's me just trying to justify me switching teams. And it's not that I like Seth any less but I do agree he gets in the way of the court.

Even though I give this book a high rating, it did not have the ending I would have preferred. I knew by book 2 or 3 that it wasn't going to but I guess for many others it ended perfectly.

the mortals that get involved with these faeries  become so inducted into that world that it's as if they were never mortals. For example, Donia and Aislinn. They didn't just become faeries and then sent on their merry way to go frolic in the fields or have snowball fights. No, they were made into faeries that held important positions - Winter Girl and Summer Queen. There are more examples but I won't ruin the surprise!

Overall: I laughed, I cringed, I was shocked and I cried. Literally. I absolutely adore this series! Plus, I cannot wait to read Melissa Marr's Faery Tales & Nightmares!

Dangerous promises and beguiling threats swirl together in a dozen stories of enchantments dark and light by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr. Uncanny and unexpected creatures appear from behind bushes, rise from beneath the seas, or manifest from seasonal storms to pursue the objects of their attention—with amorous or sinister intent—relentlessly.

From the gentle tones of a storyteller’s cadences to the terror of a blood sacrifice, tales of favorite characters from Marr’s Wicked Lovely novels mix with accounts of new characters for readers to fall in love with...or to fear.

Lush, seductive, and chilling, Melissa Marr’s stories revel in the unseen magic that infuses the world as we know it.

Tuesday Review Day!

FRAGILE ETERNITY (WONDROUS STRANGE #3)

Written by: Melissa Marr

Publication date: April 21, 2009 by HarperCollins

Released in Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, ebook

389pgs

5 Stars

Synopsis: Aislinn never expected to rule in Faerie--but that was before Keenan stole her mortality to make her a monarch. Now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever dreamed of.

Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone--but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he's ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on a new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.

My Review: I wasn't sure if I was going to like the rotating of the stories; each book focusing on different members of the same tale. However, everything is so intricately connected, as well as the characters, that each book is more like a different side, a different perspective and point of view from the story. Had it been written any other way, I would have felt cheated.

This time around we get to see things through the eyes of the only one to remain 100% mortal and who willingly stays with the faeries - Seth Morgan. If you haven't read my review of Wicked Lovely, let me inform you that I love Seth. Always with the right words at the right time. The only mortal to not only freely move throughout a few of the Faerie Courts, Summer, Winter and Dark; but to also have close relationships with all of the Courts' kings and queens! Seth sometimes has a hard time being around faeries all the time, even Aislinn now that she's immortal. She's his forever girl, but, he's the only one that won't last that long. Spending time with her reminds him of how different she's become and how fragile he is as a human.

The problem in this book is that Seth has become a little too popular among the fey for his own good. So popular, that Bananach in particular has become quite interested in him. We all know that in the wake of Bananach is nothing but death and destruction. One thing I've learned about the raven-haried faery is how she likes to get what she wants and to do so, she whispers into the ears of others, recruiting them to unwittingly do her bidding.

The High Court is another one of the Faery Courts, whose Queen is Sorcha. She is mentioned in the earlier books but never discussed in depth or introduced in the actual story (unless you read Old Habits). Sorcha's role is to maintain order; not like faery police but her mere existence keeps all of Faerie balanced. Yet, Sorcha begins to have feelings and emotions that are irrational and therefore are disrupting the balance and there is only one unexpected person that can fix everything. As if all that wasn't enough - the problems between Aislinn and Seth, Seth and Bananach, Seth and the other courts - things between Keenan and Donia get even more complex. Loving each other and it being impossible to be together makes it hard to cope. There is tension between the courts and Seth is right in the middle of it all. The tension comes directly from Nial, Keenan, Aislinn and Bananach; each of them trying to remind the other of their own strength.

Okay, even though I've already sworn my fealty to Seth, there's a large part of me that really wants Keenan and Aislinn to be together, I would hate for Seth to be dumped but I'm sure there a nice Summer Girl out there that could serve as a pleasant distraction.

Overall: There are unbelievable twists, turns and surprises. You can't stop reading this series, you have to know what's going to happen next. Right now everything is a mess and I need to know how we're going to fix it so that everyone gets what they want, everyone is where they want to be and with the one they want to be with? I need my happily ever after here! If I didn't have the whole series and was unable to read them back to back, I would go mad!

 

Caster Chronicle Movie News!!!

If you've been a little busy like me, you might be a little behind, so allow me to share some amazing news with you if you haven't heard. We finally have a release date for Beautiful Creatures the movie!!! Warner Bros. has officially announced that the film is set to release February 1, 2013!!!

Not only do we have a release date, but apparently last week, actors have been cast to play Ethan and Lena!!! Let's see who they are and then discuss...

 Jack O'Connell as Ethan Wate

 Alice Englert as Lena Duchannes

 Viola Davis as Amma

 Emma Thompson as Mrs. Lincoln/Seraphine

Okay, discussion. I don't like the actor for Ethan. I don't see myself melting over him anytime soon but I guess I can hold out hope that he looks a little better for the movie. I think they picked a very good actress for Lena - I believe she really looks the part. Viola Davis for Amma I think is a mistake; she's a great actress, I just never pictured Amma looking like her. For Mrs. Lincoln, I'm not sure if I had a picture of her character in my head but Emma Thompson is a phenomenal actress and I believe she will play the part very well.

Richard LaGravenese, director and screenplay writer for movies such as P.S. I Love You and Water for Elephants, will be both for the Beautiful Creatures film. I'm liking the sound of this so far. Fingers crossed Casters!Whoo Hoo!

Cover Reveal!!

FINALLY!

It’s all-out war (and no-holds-barred romance) in the climactic conclusion to Carrie Jones’s bestselling series.

Zara is at the center of an impending apocalypse. True, she’s successfully rescued Nick from Valhalla, but it simply isn’t enough. Evil pixies are ravaging Bedford, and they need much more than one great warrior; they need an army. Zara isn’t sure what her role is anymore. She’s not just fighting for her friends; she’s also a pixie queen. And to align her team of pixies with the humans she loves will be one of her greatest battles yet. Especially since she can’t even reconcile her growing feelings for her pixie king . . .

Unexpected turns, surprising revelations, and one utterly satisfying romantic finale make Endure a thrilling end to this series of bestsellers.

I feel like this cover reveal took forever! Was it worth the wait? Maybe. I think it might have been. I'll be honest, I wasn't a fan of Captivate so I still haven't read Entice, but the promise of "one utterly satisfying romantic finale" sounds like something I would enjoy!

 Help me out here:

Worth putting back on my TBR list; or 

something that can wait or not add on at all??

Double Tuesday Review Day!

So happy to finally be on board with the Iron Fey, I read The Iron Daughter and The Iron Queen back to back - which is a big deal for me these days that I even have the time to read one book, let alone two! However, with SIX WEEKS of winter break I plan to spend it doing fun things with my daughter and reading once she's all worn out and fast asleep!

Being that I was so into these two books, I mean I just couldn't get enough; all wrapped up in this crazy love triangle between Meghan, Ash and Puck, I couldn't out them down. Therefore, I didn't write down my review as I read and I've been noticing a difference between my reviews when I've written them while I read and when I don't. The written ones are more detailed and specific to the qualities of the book I liked or didn't like. My freestyle reviews are kind of just all over the place. You ever read an amazing book and when you try to tell your friend why it was so good and why they should read it, all you can say is, "Omg, it was just..so good. It's like..omg..idk how to..it was just so good, you have to read it!" Well, yeah, they're kinda like that. So I've decided to spare you two all-over-the-place type reviews and post them into just one sporadic mess! Enjoy :)

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. 

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

5 STARS

My Review: In the Iron Daughter, the love triangle between Meghan, Puck and Ash really comes to a head in this sequel. So many things come to light as we learn more and more about the Iron Fey and who among the Winter Court are their allies.

There are countless twists and turns constantly throwing you in a different direction just when you think you're beginning to put things together. Meghan is a prisoner of the Winter Court and Mab has sealed off her powers. Meghan spends what she considers to be more than enough time in this frozen palace among the Winter fey, foul and murderous creatures. All but her Winter Prince, Ash - who is nowhere to be found. Upon return to the Winter Court he disappears and Meghan is unsure of his departure; did he leave because of her or was he sent away?

During a celebration of the exchange of the scepter from the Summer Court to Winter marking the change of the seasons, the Iron Fey attack and kill an important member of the royal winter family and Meghan is (again) the only eyewitness. The only problem is that no one believes her about the Iron Fey, especially Mab. After miraculously making it out of the Winter Court alive - and with her Ice Prince in tow - they are joined by Puck in one of those grand entrances he loves to make so much. And of course the return of Grimalkin - my favorite character of all.

Now this is the point where I start to mix the stories up, remembering which events took place in which book. So to avoid blurting all the juicy parts out, I'll try to keep it vague. A traitor is discovered in the Winter Court, one that Ash will feel conflicted about facing. And while Winter faeries begin to take sides with the Iron fey, there are those in the Iron realm that are taking sides with those that are supposed to be their enemies; the enemy of my enemy is my friend, and all that.

We venture into plenty of new territory, always exploring the endless borders of the Nevernever and everywhere in between where Meghan finds someone she didn't even know she was looking for.

Now moving more into the Iron Queen, Meghan learns to defend herself, to be part of the battle instead of playing the role of bench-warmer any time there's trouble. There is that tricky part of having two kinds of glamour at her disposal, ones that cancel each other out with most inconvenient side-effects. I have to say, this installment is probably the most riveting, so far. There was so much going on, so many secrets being revealed and the ante on the romance has just been raised! Meghan goes through a lot of internal back and forth with her feelings about Puck and Ash. She has her moments with both of them but she holds a very bright light for only one of them and a special gesture made between them is heart-wrenching. Again, more twists and turns and surprises you probably weren't expecting but never, not once, a disappointment!

Overall: LOVE LOVE LOVE! I WANT MORE! CAN'T PUT DOWN AND CAN'T GET ENOUGH!

Plus, if you have access to ebooks, don't forget about these two:

 

Great fillers between books 1 & 2 and 3 & 4!

Tuesday Review Day!

The Iron King (Iron Fey#1)

Written by: Julie Kagawa

Publication date: February 1, 2010

Released in Paperback by Harlequin Teen

363 pages

4 1/2 STARS

Synopsis: Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home. 

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

My Review: I'm going to be honest. I don't know what kind of review this is going to be. I have some things to say about this book and I'll probably spoil something so I wouldn't continue any further if you haven't read it yet.

I have no idea what A Midsummer Night's Dream is. Not a clue. Now, both reading and writing have been my hobbies my whole life; is it bad that I don't know my classic literature? Whatever. THIS book, I DID read!

I'm not sure how I feel about Meghan. I have a hard time remembering her name; not many call her by it. They like to use more fitting names like princess or half-breed. I admire her courage, which sounds corny but I don't think it has another name. She's not well-off, lives on a farm and is tormented at school, yet she makes the best out of it. I'm never fair when it comes to how I feel when the main character first encounters the paranormal. I always want them to accept it right away and not question what they thought they saw - just believe. Of course, it never happens that way and that's okay because when Meghan finds out that her brother has been kidnapped and a changling left in his place, she sets out on a mission to find him and never - and I mean never - backs down. Each character stood out uniquely enough in their own way that it was easy to remember who-was-who and who-was-what. Each action scene was intense but a little hard to play out in my head, but maybe that was just me. I noticed that Kagawa liked to use the same words too closely together, a paragraph or two after the other. I like variety. Impress me with your extended vocabulary and visually stimulating metaphors! 

I've read a lot of reviews on the Iron Fey series because everyone is talking about how great they were and everyone was either Team Puck or Team Ash and...and I wanted to be on a team so I knew I had to read them. I anticipated the next Twilight-type romanticism and that by the end, I would know where I stood. However, I didn't get that at all. Puck has always been there for Meghan and it sounds like he expects her to be with him. He's very much the big brother/protector to her as well as playful and cheerful. It wasn't until one very awkward moment when Puck is preparing to fight (someone I don't remember - maybe Ash), he asked Meghan for a kiss. Even she was confused! Never before had Puck showed that he was into her like that. But watching him get jealous over Meghan and Ash's flirting was pretty amusing, which brings me to my next point.

The Ice Prince and Meghan have an odd "relationship". It consists of very little, if any, emotional sharing but more lingering looks and close encounters. Um, and he's trying to kill Meghan and Puck in the beginning and by the end I think he still would. When Meghan and Ash venture into the Iron Kingdom to stop the Iron King, they grow closer and discover intense feelings they have for each other. But with them being fey of opposite courts, Summer and Winter, it seems it will be impossible for them to be together. Of course there are still those lingering yet confusing feelings she has for Puck!

Grimalkin is by far my favorite character. A cat that knows just about everything, is impressed by nothing yet is utterly entertained by Meghan and the precarious situations she finds herself in. He tends to disappear when the going gets tough (he's not a fighter) yet reappears when Meghan needs him most.

In the midst of all this is the discovery that the man she knew as her father, is not but instead the king of the Summer Fey, Oberon. He speaks of her as his daughter but doesn't treat her like one which only increases my wonder as to why I've always wondered why fey were not more kind and loving. Why do they have to be so...feral, all the time? Speaking of which, Oberon's wife and Summer Queen, Titiana as well as the Winter Queen, Mab, are not friends of Meghan or her antics in the Nevernever.

Overall: The combination of all these characters and the danger that faces them all make for a very exciting read! Action, light romance and a can't-put-down adventure!

Tuesday Review Day! And More...

Welcome to my late night, late (as in overdue) Tuesday Review Day! As I've mentioned, homework is ridiculous; papers, essays, textbook readings, discussion posts, more reading, online assignments and more papers and essays. It's only the first week of OCTOBER! I'm doing all this reading and none of it is any fun. Not one fairy! Hmph.

In the midst of all that, I found some time to read a short book...uh, a dirty book, you might say. Okay, you'd definitely say it was a dirty book :-) From time to time I like to indulge in an adult read. Plus they're often short and therefore a great selection to squeeze in between assignments!

But please remember! 18 and over only! I'm not even sure 18 is old enough. I know I wouldn't want my daughter reading it at 18, so 21. 21 and over.

I have a little more than just dirty talk for you. A couple of new titles and what's new on my shelf and I'll even mention some big releases this coming this month.

First, a quick review:

Double Punch 
Written by: Tilly Greene
Publication date: February 22, 2010 by Tease Publishing, LLC
Released in paperback and ebook
222 pages - (somebody had a thing for 2's - check the pub date and pg count)

3 stars


Synopsis: Mount Olympus is buzzing with activity - the challenge for immortality is on! Castor and Pollux, universally known as the twins who aren't really twins, have been existing amongst the stars as the Gemini constellation for years. Without any warning, Zeus pulls them from the sky, and offers both men a second chance at immortality. The challenge is simple: they have one year on Earth to find their true mates. Every type of woman crosses their paths and while they make up for lost time when it comes to seeking sexual gratification, none of their partners complete them. None, that is, until they meet the stunning woman who they both claim as a mate. 

Anissa George knows how lucky she was to be adopted as a child from a Bhutanese orphanage. Her family heaped love, an understanding that there was nothing wrong with being different, and to always live life to the fullest. To do that, she put an educational computer game concept together, and the company she wants to work with, took on her project. Once she settled the work issue, it was time to pay attention to her non-existent love life. Before she can look for a date, two men who fit her perfectly arrive at her side, asking her to choose one. Impossible. WARNING: The fire starts with one on one loving and then the flames rage out of control when they become three.

My Review: I found this little number during my last trip to Borders, days before they closed. I've always love Greek mythology, so when my best friend pointed it out, I  didn't see a reason not to take it home. She bought a copy too.

Right off the bat, the first thing that grabs you, and not the frisky way, is the way Zeus speaks. He preaches to his sons Pollux and Castor not to belittle his infinite existence by calling him "Dad", yet he himself talks like some hoodlum off the street. As though he lives in New York City as opposed to Mount Olympus. Then there are no descriptions of the twins for a really long time. They keep telling you that they're twins but not twins, yet the author never really goes into detail about it.

So the not-twins get a chance to live on Mount Olympus again IF they both find their true mate. They get one year. Well they spend this whole time "playing the field", if you will, instead of looking for love. With two weeks left they finally meet "the one". Only it's "the same one" for both of them. So the games begin as they both try to win her over via seduction. Twins...but not twins. Consider this: they have been side-by-side in the sky (as stars but every bit conscious, watching people on Earth) for centuries, and centuries as men before that. Essentially they are brothers but they are not identical.

Pollux is smooth, charming, gentlemanly. No rush with this one, he takes his time.

Castor is straight to the point. Just as much the gentleman with the right amount of bad.

In contrast to the way Zeus speaks, when the twins and Anissa speak, it's far more proper. Much of the dialog was corny and hard to read and the editing was really bad. Tons of typos. On the bright side, there were clever parts of the book, quips and play-on-words, and such.

The crazy part of the storyline was the alternative to what would happen if the DIDN'T find their true mate within the year: they were sentenced to live in Hades in the underworld! It's as if they were on trial for committing a crime! Why couldn't they just go back to the stars if they couldn't find love? I don't know.


Overall: A fun, quick read. Not a "can't miss". But fun. Perfect for just three bucks! I wouldn't have paid more for it.

Who else is desperately waiting for Wings 4?? April 28, 2012 is waaaay too far! At least we don't have to call it Wings 4 anymore, the title of the next installment is....

DESTINED!

Yes, Aprilynne Pike is aware that the new House of Night sequel is also titled Destined, but she really wanted that to be the title because she said it was really fitting. I hope that means Laurel gets her act together and chooses Tamani and goes to live in Avalon. Because THAT is what is destined! The books are also released months apart, so there should be little confusion. House of Night #9 comes out October 25th, 2011 for those that would like to know.

Did you know that Miley Cyrus was picked to play Laurel in the Wings movie?? I came across this on some website that will remain nameless because it's obvious they didn't know what they were talking about. They were announcing that Miley Cyrus was going to "grow wings" for her next movie; Laurel doesn't have wings, she has a giant flower that grows out of her back! Big Difference!! I think Miley is the wrong choice for this part. I love Miley, but she's not Laurel.

The next Firelight novel has been titled as well: HIDDEN!

I can't wait to see the cover for this one! According to goodreads.com, it is due out in 2012 but does not yet have an exact release date.

I think I've ranted long enough. I'll save the October new releases and my new additions for next time. Time to call it a night. Happy endings!

Tuesday Review Day!

THIRST NO. 4, The Shadow of Death (Tortured Soul. Final Judgment. The Last Vampire #4)

Written by: Christopher Pike

Publication date: August 9, 2011

Released in Paperback, Kindle and ebook by Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing

496 pages

Given to me by my special someone :)

5 stars - This series is a must read!

Synopsis: The conclusion to the phenomenally successful Thirst series follows five-thousand-year-old vampire Alisa Perne as she battles a new race of immortals: the Telar. The Telar are a challenging threat. But Alisa is hungry for blood - and thirsty for revenge.

My Review: This is no longer a story about a vampire. Sita has gone from human to the oldest "living" vampire to spiritual being, back to human, then vampire again, back to being a vampire/spiritual being that transcends all planes of the universe. She is truly remarkable. I mean really, what other book has a character like this? Christopher Pike is nothing short of remarkable himself; the thought and detail he has put into Sita's life and story. She's over 5,000 years old, she's done and seen everything (twice), been everywhere and she battles the most complex enemies.

Just a quick note: The synopsis may refer to her as Alisa Perne, but she will always be Sita to me - and that is how I will refer to her! Hmph.

Waking up in Teri's body is disorienting for Sita, feeling as though both she and Teri occupy the same body and mind. Her powers are limited; her psychic abilities are only a shadow of what they used to be, but her thirst has increased to nothing she's experienced since she was first turned. On top of all that, she's got Matt to deal with. She's hiding in his lover's body without him knowing and since he tried to kill her when he found out Sita was turning Teri into a vampire, she's in no rush to tell him! Seymour isn't too happy with it either. We all know how he feels about Sita and watching her with Matt is maddening, even if he doesn't show it.

With the ancient Telar threatening to destroy the human population by releasing an incurable, therefore deadly, virus - Sita and all her friends, Seymour, Matt and Shanti are scrambling for a cure and a way to kill the Telar. It looks like the only way to win this war, will be to team up with their other biggest enemy - the IIC. You know the saying, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend"? Yeah, it's something like that. There's one problem - well there are many problems, but one of them is that Sita's group of friends, has a mole. After much consideration, she's pretty sure she knows who it is and is ready to make them pay - but she could be wrong, and too late.

Sita will meet (and introduce to us) another amazing character she finds along her journey. She will also travel to the beyond and back and acquire a new "angel" on her shoulder, so to speak. But is this new attachment helping or hurting her? She can feel it's presence but isn't sure of the true nature of its influence.

When it comes time for Judgment Day, Sita has a lot to be weighed. Literally. After 5,000 years can her good deeds outweigh the bad or is it her heart that will truly be judged?

Overall: If this is a series you are not familiar with, please give it a try. This is not what I would consider a "light" read. It is deep, spiritual (not religious and preachy - just has a spiritual foundation) and really makes your mind work for the story. It's like one of those movies where you really have to pay attention or you won't get it - but if you do, it's totally worth it! Action, love, action, memorable characters and more action!

Back In Business

Well, my birthday is officially over *sad face* Sooo, you wanna know what I got?? My family is very good with getting me essentials for my home and things I will make good use out of, like bathroom furnishings and storage units but also things like the Easy A dvd (which is hilarious if you haven't seen it) and gifts cards for gas, HomeGoods, the movie theater (which I already used to watch the final Harry Potter - awesome) and Wendy's!

My special someone on the other hand, is good at spoiling me with books and an amazing new laptop, a Gateway Netbook. You wouldn't believe the list of books he bought. First he handed me the following six books:

As if that wasn't enough, he then hands me a receipt for six more books he ordered off of my Borders wishlist!

Isn't he amazing! Jealous? Oh, you should be :p

Come back tomorrow for book news, cover reveals, and TwiCon information!!! Don't miss it!