Review #15: Iron Traitor

 

Title: The Iron Traitor

Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: Call of the Forgotten #2
Released Date: October 29, 2013
Type: Romance, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

In the real world, when you vanish into thin air for a week, people tend to notice. 

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as "normal" as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he's forbidden to see her again. 

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, "normal" simply isn't to be. For Ethan's nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan's and Keirran's fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan's next choice may decide the fate of them all.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Not in the MOOD!!!!.

I don't what's wrong, boredom? hungry? I don't know but when I read this it was kind of a downer for me. I really liked the first book though, but this time...No idea what's wrong, maybe its Keirran and his hard-headed stubborn ways, sucky moments, really-want-to-reach-in-and-strangle-you moments or something, but the time I reached the middle part, it kind of got redundant and meh-ish. But fortunately, it got interesting again by the end. But never did I expect for THAT to happen so soon int he series. I really expected for that to happen by the next book or something, not this soon. 

Maybe, the author has bigger plans for Ethan and the others or something  but for in my opinion, its kind of going too fast for my taste. 

Rate:

Sadly 3/5 (but the Nekos' are kawaii right?? ^@^)

Review #13: Black and Blue

Title: Black and Blue

Author: Gena Showalter
Series: Otherworld Assassins #2
Released Date: October 22, 2013
Type: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Otherworld, Futuristic

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

He is every woman’s fantasy…

Corbin Blue is a man of many talents. One of the most powerful otherworlders ever born, he is wealthy, a professional football star, and a legend in the bedroom. But only a select few know he is also a black ops agent…and there is no better killer. When he and his crew are attacked and separated, he’s forced to turn to his boss’s daughter for help—a woman with even more secrets than Blue.

She becomes his only obsession…

Evangaline Black has always been wary, guarded. No man has ever breeched her walls. Until Blue. He has never been denied something he wants, and now, he’s decided he wants her. As he sweeps her into his double life of seduction, intrigue, and danger, he helps her see beyond the darkness of her own past. But as an enemy closes in, Blue will have to let Evie go to keep her safe—even though he'd rather die than live without her

 

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

Well, a nice turn about for this series. Read the first one, and loved the depth of the plot and each unique character. After reading that one, I now know that words like "he-slut" and other terms like that existed. It was a fun read, especially with Evie playing the hard-to-get REALLY tough girl.

This clearly was a case of first impressions and judging a book by its cover. I think its not nice to assume quickly of a person just because of hi/her appearance, personalities or what they've done in the past. For me, the true self in every person lies deep, deep down every one that makes them utter unique in this chaotic world of ours.Although it was understandable because the guy's true character wasn't revealed until you read the rest of the book, and Evie being a jaded person. Still, I liked how the story progressed with them becoming like any couple; though conventional couple, they are not.

Anywho...as the writer of the Lords of the Underworld, Gena Showalter didn't disappoint with this one. Too-hot-to-handle guys, action, wickedly heated love scenes(though mostly oral ones), and lots and lots of good bits that made my imagination soar into their world.

Oh! The reunion! Love that one. Knowing that Solo and Vika were fine and seeing their story continue with the second book is definitely okay in my book. Especially with all the gruesome things done to John. I feel really sorry for him. Can't even imagine the pain he'd gone through. But it was expected I guess, especially coming from the creator of demon-possessed warriors.

I can't wait for the next book!! I really want to know more about John No Last Name...and what kind of woman his lady-love will be ^.^

Rate!!!
5/5

 (Flames for the fire that burns inside of them(surprised they didn't spontaneously combust) and for Evie's fiery personalty; and blue for well, Blue)

By the way ....
I'm not done with Through the Zombie Glass. Almost done, so sit tight and I'll post it soon. :)

Review #12: House of Hades

Title: House of Hades
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Heroes of Olympus
Released Date: October 8, 2013
Type: Romance, Adventure, Mythology, Young Adult, Fantasy

* * * * * 
At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy’s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea’s forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?

They have no choice. If the demigods don’t succeed, Gaea’s armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.

* * * * *

Hmm, after waiting for this book for over a year, keeping calm, reading and rereading  Lost Hero, Son of Neptune and Mark of Athena....Do I think that it was worth the wait?? HELL YES!!

I bought it on the first day of its release, had to wait for a couple of hours for my classes to finish before really immersing myself in House of Hades. The whole reading process was stop over stop over when I could've finished it by 2-3 days. I blame a lot of things for this. By the time I finished, it felt like I was suffering from a major hangover.

Anyway, on to the review.

First, really cool on the challenges, new gods and goddess that some even never heard from, bringing out the big guns in the bad guy reputation, bringing some of the old characters from the previous series and all that. Hate some of the gods and goddess, a few mortals that I'd like to strangle and shoved into Tartarus's ass(*cough*Octavian*cough*), few former baddies I'd like to cheer(and ultimately feel really sad about) and a lot of funny stuff mostly coming from Leo.

I think that some of the parts in this whole adventure, some may really learn something from it because (though not applicable with us normal mortals) those lessons may have some people relate to them. And as the characters go through each of their own challenges, they grew stronger, more confident and continually find their true selves.

Its kind of cool how Riordan keeps us on our toes in this one, with numerous twists that you wouldn't expect after reading Mark of Athena. He messed with my head with a few parts, made me think really deep on revelations and like be with the crew as they grew and matured to be real A-class demigod heroes. Ooh! I especially like how the seventh wheel finally, finally, found someone; though stupid circumstances kept them apart. For now. Fingers crossed he'll keep his promise(with a final breath >o* ). Just wishing happy endings for everyone, especially a certain lonely child of Hades. Hang in there, man. You'll get your own beloved, soon. Really hope Riordan would NOT keep them apart for long, or I would not be responsible if I suddenly pull an empousai on unsuspecting mortals.

 

Sigh. Now the grueling, agonizing, depressingly, LONG wait for Blood of Olympus. For the time being, KEEP CALM and JUST KEEP FANGIRLING!!! >o<

* * * *
Rate: 5/5

Review #4: Undead in My Bed

Title: Undead in My Bed
Author: Katie MacAlister, Molly Harper, Jessica Sims
Series: N/A
Released Date: September 25, 2012
Type: Vampire, Paranormal Romance, Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Humor

****
A sizzling vampire romance anthology featuring enticing novellas from beloved and bestselling authors Katie MacAlister, Jessica Sims, and Molly Harper.

In “Shades of Gray” by Katie MacAlister, Noelle is a Guardian: a demon-wrangler, imp-banisher, and all-round secret protector of humans from the Otherworld. While working on the set of a ghost-busting reality show in a haunted castle, she meets a sexy vampire, and together they prevent a Master Demon from killing everyone in the castle.

In “Undead Sublet” by Molly Harper, executive chef Tess Maitland is banned from her five-star kitchen in Chicago to recover from “exhaustion.” Choosing a random rental house in Half-Moon Hollow to spend time in, she’s unaware that the house comes with a strange man. Even though Sam Masden’s ex-wife has rented the house out from under him, the divorce settlement allows him access to it for another ninety days. With Tess unable to go anywhere else, and Sam unwilling, a war of epic proportions is declared—and romantic sparks and heavy pots fly.

Jessica Sims’s “Out With a Fang” features Ruby Sommers, a lonely were-jaguar who signs up for a blind date through the paranormal dating agency Midnight Liaisons. When she arrives, she finds out that her date, a vampire, was the human she’d been in love with four years ago but was forced to dump.

*****

Shades of Gray - As a lover of the Dark Ones series, let me just say that, again, another good story. Katie MacAlister again applies characteristics to the leading lady here just like the others from past works in the series. Noelle, the leading lady, becomes the Knight or in this case, Lady in shining armor who comes to the rescue of the damsel--lad--in distress. Sorry, Man in distress. With her unwavering faith, determination and confidence in herself, Noelle truly not only one heck of a Guardian, but also a true Beloved. 

Undead Sublet - All I can say is that Molly accomplish something past novels failed to do. It made me want to cry, laugh and be in awe when I was reading this short story. Tess and Sam's journey was rocky at first and I agree with Tess on some things that I think I can relate to. Though I have no current love interest as of now, I too want to strangle Sam for the friend's comment. If he really likes Tess, why can't he just make it obvious?? Not making some insane comment like "...I thought we were friends..." 

Out with a Fang - Like the previous story, this too has the friends-with-benefits assumptions. A shifter with a sweet, somewhat-innocent name like Ruby...the name just doesn't go with the kick-ass-ask-questions-later personality, in my opinion. But I think it adds to her appeal because, as portrayed in the story, looks are definitely deceiving. The guy, Michael, is kinda coming off weak here despite its strong moments compared to the were-jaguar. For me, this story comes off bland, okay maybe a little okay but it just isn't for me. 

Overall rate: 3/5