Review: Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Supernaturally
(Paranormalcy #2)
by Kiersten White
Publication Date: July 26th, 2002
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
ISBN: 9780061985867
Source: ATW Arc Tours

Where to Buy:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.

So much for normal. -Goodreads

I really enjoyed reading Paranormalcy last year; it was such a good read! I was really excited to finally get the chance to read Supernaturally. 

Evie is such a great character. We do see a bit of a different side of her in this book. While she still has her funny moments, she doesn’t really have a lot of spark this time around. I can totally understand this, however. She’s confused and trying to figure out her place in the world. She did do some things that had me rolling though, so I was glad to see that all of her personality hadn’t disappeared.

Unfortunately, we don’t get to see Lend nearly as much in this book. I have to say; I missed him, and really wanted to see more from his and Evie’s relationship. The parts were they were together were great, but I was really hoping to see more. We see all the previous characters again as well: Raquel, David, and Arianna, to name a few. I really liked Arianna’s character more in this book; we see a different side of her as well.

We are also introduced to a new character, Jack. I really liked Jack, he was super funny. After that ending, I’m really looking forward to seeing where the author takes his character.

The writing started off a bit slow in the beginning, but quickly picked up close to the middle. There were some things in the story that were left unanswered, and I’m hoping we will find out what happens in the next book.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think I liked Paranormalcy a bit more, but this was still a good read. I’m really looking forward to the next book, Endlessly, to see what happens next!

Happy Reading!

In My Mailbox #26

** In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free. **

Red Riding Hood - Sarah Blakley-Cartwright
My Soul to Keep - Rachel Vincent
Crusade - Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguié
Once In a Full Moon - Ellen Schreiber

Supernaturally - Kiersten White
Jessica Rules the Dark Side - Beth Fantaskey
**Courtesy ATW Arc Tours**
Review coming soon for these two books!

The Demon Trappers Daughter - Jana Oliver
E-book available for 2.99 Nook | Kindle

Waterfall  - Lisa T. Bergren
E-book FREE for Nook | Kindle


I am so excited to read all the books I got this week. They all sound amazing! My kiddo's start back to school Wednesday, and I'm hoping to get in some major reading time in the next few weeks. (That's the plan anyways, we will see if it actually happens.)

What's in your mailbox this week??? Leave a link so I can check it out!

Friday Hops 8/5

Follow Friday! #25

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends!

This weeks question is:

Q. Talk about the book that most changed or influenced your life (was it a book that turned you from an average to avid reader, did it help you deal with a particularly difficult situation, does it bring you comfort every time you read it?

A. I was a big reader as a kid, but got out of the habit of reading the older I got.  There were quite a few books that got me back into reading.

The Mortal Instrument Series by Cassandra Clare
Wake Series by Lisa McMann
The Darkest Powers Trilogy by Kelley Armstrong

These are the books that really drew me back into reading, made me become an avid reader, and got me to love the YA genre. I'm so glad to have read these books, and am so glad to be reading again. :)


Book Blogger Hop #23

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy-For-Books.com. It's a great way to meet new people and friends around the blogworld!

Q. “What is the one ARC you would love to get your hands on right now?”

A. Hmmm... That would probably be The Pledge by Kimberly Derting. OMG, I am dying to read that book!

Thanks for stopping by everyone! Please leave a comment with your link so I can follow you back!

Review: Always a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Always a Witch
by Carolyn MacCullough
Publication Date: August 1st, 2011
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9780547224855
Source: e-ARC

Where to Buy:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

The adventures of Tam and Gabriel continue with more time travel, Talents, spy work, and of course, the evil Knights.

Since the gripping conclusion of Once A Witch, Tamsin Greene has been haunted by her grandmother's prophecy that she will soon be forced to make a crucial decision—one so terrible that it could harm her family forever. When she discovers that her enemy, Alistair Knight, went back in time to Victorian-era New York in order to destroy her family, Tamsin is forced to follow him into the past. Stranded all alone in the nineteenth century, Tamsin soon finds herself disguised as a lady's maid in the terrifying mansion of the evil Knight family, avoiding the watchful eye of the vicious matron, La Spider, and fending off the advances of Liam Knight. As time runs out, both families square off in a thrilling display of magic. And to her horror, Tamsin finally understands the nature of her fateful choice. -Goodreads

Always a Witch is the second book in the ‘Witch’ series by Carolyn MacCullough. I absolutely loved reading Once a Witch, and couldn’t wait to get my hands on Always a Witch. This series is so very awesome; it’s definitely one of my favorite series.

In the book, we follow Tamsin and her hunky boyfriend, Gabriel, as they travel back in time to save the Greene Family from destruction at the hands of the evil Knight Family. Tamsin is just an awesome character. I love her. She's very courageous, and will do whatever it takes to make sure her family is safe. I love her family as well, they are so great. Gabriel is very swoon-worthy. He is totally devoted to Tam, and you can tell her cares for her deeply. I missed him a lot in the first half of the book though. Even the villains are well thought out and very interesting.

This book is very fast paced, and the storyline is engrossing. Mrs. MacCullough's writing definitely kept me interested in the story, and I had a really hard time putting the book down.

Overall, this book was great. This series is great! I love the characters, I love the storyline. I love it all, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Happy Reading!

See my review on: Goodreads | LibraryThing

Waiting on Wednesday #26

***"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.***

Jessica Rules The Dark Side
by Beth Fantaskey
Publication Date: January 10th, 2012
Publisher:  Harcourt Children's Books

Available for Pre-Order:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

The highly anticipated sequel to Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side.

It’s one thing to find out you’re a vampire princess. It’s a whole other thing to actually rule. Newly married Jessica Packwood is having a hard enough time feeling regal with her husband, Lucius, at her side. But when evidence in the murder of a powerful elder points to Lucius, sending him into solitary confinement, Jessica is suddenly on her own. Determined to clear her husband’s name, Jessica launches into a full-scale investigation, but hallucinations and nightmares of betrayal keep getting in her way. Jessica knows that with no blood to drink, Lucius’s time is running out. Can she figure out who the real killer is—and whom she can trust—before it’s too late? -Goodreads

I actually just got this book in the mail yesterday! I am so looking forward to reading this it. I really enjoyed Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, and I can't wait to see where the author goes with this book!

What are you WoWing for this week?? Leave a comment with your link so I can check it out!

Review: Dark Souls by Paula Morris

Dark Souls
by Paula Morris
Publication Date: August 1st, 2011
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 292
ISBN: 9780545251327
Source: Publisher

Where to Buy:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

Welcome to York, England.

Mist lingers in the streets.

Narrow buildings cast long shadows.

This is the most haunted city in the world. . . .

Miranda Tennant arrives in York with a terrible, tragic secret. She is eager to lose herself amid the quaint cobblestones, hoping she won’t run into the countless ghosts who supposedly roam the city. . . .

Then she meets Nick, an intense, dark-eyed boy who knows all of York’s hidden places and histories. Miranda wonders if Nick is falling for her, but she is distracted by another boy — one even more handsome and mysterious than Nick. He lives in the house across from Miranda and seems desperate to send her some sort of message. Could this boy be one of York’s haunted souls?

Soon, Miranda realizes that something dangerous — and deadly — is being planned. And she may have to face the darkest part of herself in order to unravel the mystery — and find redemption. -Goodreads

Dark Souls is the second book that I’ve read and enjoyed by Paula Morris. I had been eyeing this book for a quite some time, and I was so very excited to be able to read and review the book. I haven’t read many ghost stories; and I found this one to be a very interesting read.

The main character in the story is Miranda. I found her to be a very likeable character. She was far from perfect; she has issues and is a bit of an introvert. I was able to connect with her character, because I am the same way. Her and her brother, Rob, who also had issues, go through a very traumatic event early in the book. This event deeply affects each of them, but each in a different way. While in York, Miranda meets Nick. I’m still on the fence about Nick. He was a very troubled soul. I didn’t really connect with him, but I think it was because we really didn’t see him enough in the book. I did find myself feeling a bit bad for him towards the end of the book.

I enjoyed the setting in the book very much. I thought the author did a good job in describing York and the places in it. All of the background information about the town was very interesting as well, and I was very glad the author included it in the book. It made the setting feel more real to me. The plot was very intriguing, and the writing was easy to follow. The book had me guessing in quite a few areas.

Overall, this was a really interesting, quick read that I really enjoyed! I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by Ms. Morris, she’s a great storyteller.

Happy Reading!

See my review on: Goodreads | LibraryThing

Review: Frost by Marianna Baer

Frost
by Marianna Baer
Publication Date: September 13th, 2011
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9780061799495
Source: Around the World Arc Tours

Available for Pre-Order:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

Leena Thomas’s senior year at boarding school begins with a shock: Frost House, her cozy dorm of close friends, has been assigned an unexpected roommate: confrontational, eccentric Celeste Lazar. But while Leena’s anxiety about a threat to her sanctuary proves valid, it becomes less and less clear whether the threat lies with her new roommate, within Leena’s own mind, or within the very nature of Frost House itself. Mysterious happenings in the dorm, an intense triangle between Leena, Celeste, and Celeste’s brother, and the reawakening of childhood fears, all push Leena to take increasingly desperate measures to feel safe. Frost is the story of a haunting. As to whether the demons are supernatural or psychological . . . well, which answer would let you sleep at night? -Goodreads

I was really looking forward to reading Frost. The cover for the book is amazing, and when I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read the book. The book was really different from a lot of what I have read so far, and I found it to be quite an interesting read.

The main character in the book is Leena. It’s Leena’s senior year, and all she wants to do is live in Frost House, and focus on her last year at the boarding school, which she’s attended since freshman year. I found Leena’s character at the beginning of the book to be very outgoing and caring. She loved to help other people, and seemed to have everything going for her. However, after moving into Frost House, getting a roommate that she didn’t want, and seeing weird things start to happen, we see Leena become a completely different person. We find that she has some major issues, and we find out exactly why she has these issues.

There are quite a few secondary characters in the book. Leena’s roommate, Celeste, definitely had me guessing throughout the book. I didn’t know what was going on with that girl. Celeste and her brother, David, have a really close relationship, in a way it almost seemed too close. Leena also has two other friends that are roommates in the house with her, Viv and Abby. I really liked Viv, and I liked Abby at the beginning of the book, but not so much at the end.

The storyline of the book is very eerie. At some points I was a little freaked out. The book is very quick paced; I flew through the book in very little time. I expected a little bit more of a climax at the end of the book, but thought it ended well enough.

Overall, if you like creepy books, you’ll like this book. I thought it was a good book; it was quite a different read for me. I’m really looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

Happy Reading!

See my review on: Goodreads | LibraryThing

In My Mailbox #25

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free.

Juliet Immortal - Stacey Jay
(courtesy Random House)

Only one book in my mailbox this week, (I've been good!), but it's an awesome one! The wonderful people at Random House sent me a hardback of Juliet Immortal! I can't wait to get started on it, it sounds amazing.

What's in your mailbox this week?? I'd love to know! Leave a comment with your link so I can check it out!

Happy Reading!

Review: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Forever
{Wolves of Mercy Falls #3}
by Maggie Stiefvater
Publication Date: July 12th, 2011
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 386
ISBN: 9780545259088

Where to Buy:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stievater.

In Maggie Stiefvater's SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in. -Goodreads.com

I am so glad to have finally read Forever. I had been waiting a while to read it, and I’m both glad to have read the book, but also sad that the series is over. I’m definitely going to miss these characters, but I’m excited to see what journey Ms. Stiefvater will take us on next.

Sam. I love Sam. He’s such a wonderful character. Kind and caring, he’s probably the most unselfish character I’ve ever read. He is amazing, and his love for Grace is beautiful. I do love Sam. However, I felt that in this book, he just did, well, nothing. I spent a good chunk of the book waiting for him to come up with a plan, waiting for him to do something, anything. But he really didn’t deliver. I liked the alternating viewpoints between the characters, which gave us a chance to see Grace’s life as a wolf. I thought it was interesting to see what she went through, and she handled it a lot better than I expected her to. I love the times Sam and Grace were together. They are an amazing couple.

Cole surprises me more and more. I’ve grown quite fond of him, and also of Isabelle as well. We see a completely different side of Cole in this book, and I like this side much more than the one we were first introduced to in Linger. Isabelle is another character that grows on me the more I read about her. I really like the relationship between Cole and Isabelle. I loved watching it blossom and grow between them. If Ms. Stiefvater would write a series about them, I would totally buy it.

I thought the plot was well thought out, and the writing was lovely, as always. I do wish that there had been more activity going on in the book, at least in the first half. I needed something to be going on, and it wasn’t. That’s probably my biggest complaint.

I felt Forever is a good ending to the series, although I would have loved to have the book keep going, and going. But, all things must come to an end.

Friday Hops 7/29

Follow Friday! #24

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends!

This weeks question is:

Q. Let's step away from books for a second and get personal. What T-Shirt slogan best describes you?

A.
Enough said. :)


Book Blogger Hop #22

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy-For-Books.com. It's a great way to meet new people and friends around the blogworld!

Q.

A.

Thanks for stopping by everyone! Please leave a comment with your link so I can follow you back!