Review: Clarity by Kim Harrington

Title: Clarity

Series: Clarity #1

Author: Kim Harrington

Genre: YA, paranormal, mystery

Publication date: March 2011

Published by: Scholastic Point

Source: Borrowed from library, then bought my own paperback copy :)

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon| Book Depository

Synopsis:

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?
This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case--but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother--who has supernatural gifts of his own--becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

My rating: ★★★★★
I will admit, I was a little hesitant about reading this book at first. I don’t even know why! It was great! :D

I really liked this book, its sooo unique! You know how in most (well, most of the ones I’ve read at least) books when a character has some sort of supernatural ability, and it’s usually kept a secret? Well, not in this book! Clare Fern and her family each have a special ability and they actually entertain tourists with them.

Review: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Title: Paranormalcy

Series: Paranormalcy #1

Author: Kiersten White

Genre: YA, paranormal

Publication date: August 2010

Published by: HarperTeen

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.

But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.

My rating: ★★★★★
OMFG I LOVED this book!! It was amazing!! Can someone please tell me why I didn’t read this book sooner?! Lol

Review: Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Title: Nevermore

Series: Nevermore #1

Author: Kelly Creagh

Genre: YA, paranormal

Publication date: August 2010

Published by: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Source: Borrowed from Library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.

Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.

His life depends on it.

My rating: ★★★★☆
This book is a little hard to explain, but it was really good!! It was quite lengthy, but I somehow managed to finish it in 2 days :)

Instead of going into what the book is about, ‘cause frankly if I tried to explain I’d probably end up talking about trees or something, lol . Anyway, instead of that I think I’m just going list off the things I liked and didn’t like about this book..

Review: Shift (Shifters #5) by Rachel Vincent

Title: Shift

Series: Shifters #5

Previous Books in this series: Stray (#1) | Rogue (#2) | Pride (#3) | Prey (#4)

Author: Rachel Vincent

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: Feb. 2010

Published by: MIRA Books

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

Being the first female werecat enforcer isn't easy. Scars accumulate, but I'm stronger in so many ways.

As for my personal life? It's complicated. Choices worth making always are. Ever since my brother's death and my father's impeachment, it's all I can do to prevent more blood from spilling. Now our Pride is under attack by a flight of vicious thunderbirds. And making peace with our new enemies may be the only way to get the best of our old foe.

With the body count rising and treachery everywhere, my instincts tell me to look before I leap. But sometimes a leap of faith is the only real option...

My rating: ★★★★★
Gah!! I love this series!! And I know, I pretty much repeat this over and over in every review of every book in the series…but it’s the truth! I think this is probably another of my favorite books in the series as well :) Rachel, you are a genius!!!!

Review: Prey (Shifters #4) by Rachel Vincent

Title: Prey

Series: Shifters #4

Previous Books in this series: Stray (#1) | Rogue (#2) | Pride (#3)

Author: Rachel Vincent

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: July 2009

Published by: MIRA Books

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

Sometimes playing cat and mouse is no game...Play? Right. My Pride is under fire from all sides, my father's authority is in question and my lover is in exile. Which means I haven't laid eyes on Marc's gorgeous face in months. And with a new mother and an I-know-everything teenager under my protection, I don't exactly have time to fantasize about ever seeing him again.

Then our long-awaited reunion is ruined by a vicious ambush by strays. Now our group is under attack, Marc is missing and I will need every bit of skill and smarts to keep my family from being torn apart. Forever.

My rating: ★★★★☆

Major Spoilers! So before you click on 'View Spoiler' think about it...do you really want this book ruined? Unless you've already read the book, then go ahead :)lol

I think this book is a perfect example of an emotional rollercoaster.  There were parts where I was LMAO, others where I was pissed off, others where I was very excited, and others where I was just crying my eyeballs out (which of course, is anatomically impossible, lol).  Not that this is a bad thing…I love a book with emotion! It’s what makes it great :D

Review: Pride (Shifters #3) by Rachel Vincent

Title: Pride

Series: Shifters #3

Previous Books in this series: Stray (#1) | Rogue (#2)

Author: Rachel Vincent

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: Feb. 2009

Published by: MIRA Books

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

I'm on trial for my life. Falsely accused of infecting my human ex-boyfriend--and killing him to cover up the crime. Infecting a human is one of three capital offenses recognized by the Pride--along with murder and disclosure of our existence to a human.I'm two for three. A goner.

Now we've discovered a rogue stray terrorizing the mountainside, hunting a wild teenage tabbycat. It's up to us to find and stop him before a human discovers us. With my lover Marc's help, I think I can protect the vulnerable girl from both the ambitious rogue and the scheming of the territorial council.

If I survive my own trial...

My rating: ★★★★★
Assuming you have read the other 2 books, we all know that Faythe has huge trouble!! God, there’s so much going on I don’t even know how to put it on paper…err, internet paper?? Lol

Review: Rogue (Shifters #2) by Rachel Vincent

Title: Rogue

Series: Shifters #2

Previous Book in this Series: Stray

Author: Rachel Vincent

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: April 2008

Published by: MIRA Books

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

Okay, so cats don't always land on their feet.

I know that better than most. Since rejoining the Pride, I've made big decisions and even bigger mistakes: the kind paid for with innocent lives. As the first and only female enforcer, I have plenty to prove to my father, the Pride, and myself. And with murdered toms turning up in our territory, I'm working harder than ever, though I always find the energy for a little after-hours recreation with Marc, my partner both on- and off-duty.

But not all of my mistakes are behind me. We're beginning to suspect that the dead are connected to a rash of missing human women and that they can all be laid at my feet--two or four, take your pick. And one horrible indiscretion may yet cost me more than I can bear...

My rating: ★★★★★
(Q & A format...kinda, lol)

Oh. My. God. This has officially become one of my favorite series!! I ABSOFREAKENLUTELY LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D Rachel is such an amazing writer! I love both her series (the other being Soul Screamers). She is one of my favorite authors!! And can I say that I love this cover! Its just gorgeous!!

Review: Stray (Shifters #1) by Rachel Vincent

Title: Stray

Series: Shifters #1

Author: Rachel Vincent

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: June 2007

Published by: MIRA Books

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

There are only eight breeding female werecats left . . .
And I'm one of them.
I look like an all-American grad student. But I am a werecat, a shape-shifter, and I live in two worlds.

Despite reservations from my family and my Pride, I escaped the pressure to continue my species and carved out a normal life for myself. Until the night a Stray attacked.

I'd been warned about Strays -- werecats without a Pride, constantly on the lookout for someone like me: attractive, female, and fertile. I fought him off, but then learned two of my fellow tabbies had disappeared.

This brush with danger was all my Pride needed to summon me back . . . for my own protection. Yeah, right. But I'm no meek kitty. I'll take on whatever -- and whoever -- I have to in order to find my friends. Watch out, Strays -- 'cause I got claws, and I'm not afraid to use them . . .

My rating: ★★★★☆
I think I want to start off by saying that werecats are way awesomer (yes, I said awesomer :P) than werewolves! I would choose a werecat over a werewolf any day!! The idea of werecats is so unique that I love it! Maybe there’s more books out there about werecats, but this is the only book I’ve heard about them. I really liked how Rachel said in this book how Hollywood got  the transformation right but got the species completely wrong!! I was LMAO! Ha ha werewolves, ha ha :)

Okay, so the review…

Review: Unraveled (Intertwined #2) by Gena Showalter

Title: Unraveled

Series: Intertwined #2

Previous book in this series: Intertwined

Author: Gena Showalter

Genre: YA, paranormal

Publication date: August 2010

Published by: HarequinTEEN

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Synopsis:

Since coming to Crossroads, Oklahoma, former outcast Aden Stone has been living the good life. Never mind that one of his best friends is a werewolf, his girlfriend is a vampire princess who hungers for his blood, and he's supposed to be crowned Vampire King—while still a human! Well, kind of.
With four—oops, three now—human souls living inside his head, Aden has always been "different" himself. These souls can time-travel, raise the dead, possess another's mind and, his least favorite these days, tell the future.

The forecast for Aden? A knife through the heart.

Because a war is brewing between the creatures of the dark, and Aden is somehow at the center of it all. But he isn't about to lie down and accept his destiny without a fight. Not when his new friends have his back, not when Victoria has risked her own future to be with him, and not when he has a reason to live for the first time in his life….

My rating: ★★☆☆☆
(Q & A format)

Lets see if I can put my jumbled thoughts into a coherent review.

Q: Why? Did you not like this book?

A: Hmmm, how do I explain… AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There :) Its not coherent, just like I suspected lol

Q: Is that a good or bad ahhhhhhhh?

Review: Intertwined by Gena Showalter

Title: Intertwined

Series: Intertwined #1

Author: Gena Showalter

Genre: YA, paranormal

Publication date: Sept. 2009

Published by: HarlequinTEEN

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Synopsis:

There’s something about the new guy at Crossroads High…

Most sixteen-year-olds have friends. Aden Stone has four human souls living inside him:

One can time travel.
One can raise the dead.
One can possess another human.
One can tell the future.

Everyone thinks he’s crazy, which is why he’s spent his entire life shuffled between mental institutions and juvie. All of that is about to change, however. For months Aden has been having visions of a beautiful girl—a girl who carries centuries-old secrets. A girl who will either save him or destroy him.

Together they’ll enter a dark world of intrigue and danger... but not everyone will come out alive.

My rating: ★★★☆☆
I was sooooo excited to read this book. I mean, this kid (Aden) has four souls trapped inside his head. How awesome does that sound? Well, not awesome (for him), but its certainly sounded different than any other book I've come across, which made it awesome. Plus, these four souls each have a special gift: Eve can time travel, Julian can raise the dead, Elijah can see the future, and Caleb can posses another body.

Now tell me that doesn't sound like an amazing book?

Review: The Lost Hero (The Heroes of Olympus #1) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Lost Hero

Series: The Heroes of Olympus #1

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Greek mythology, Roman mythology

Publication date: Oct. 2010

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own Hardcover

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

Jason has a problem. He doesn’t remember anything before waking up in a bus full of kids on a field trip. Apparently he has a girlfriend named Piper and a best friend named Leo. They’re all students at a boarding school for “bad kids.” What did Jason do to end up here? And where is here, exactly?

Piper has a secret. Her father has been missing for three days, ever since she had that terrifying nightmare. Piper doesn’t understand her dream, or why her boyfriend suddenly doesn’t recognize her. When a freak storm hits, unleashing strange creatures and whisking her, Jason, and Leo away to someplace called Camp Half-Blood, she has a feeling she’s going to find out.

Leo has a way with tools. When he sees his cabin at Camp Half-Blood, filled with power tools and machine parts, he feels right at home. But there’s weird stuff, too—like the curse everyone keeps talking about. Weirdest of all, his bunkmates insist that each of them—including Leo—is related to a god.

My rating: ★★★★★
Warning: This review contains major spoilers...so do not click th spoiler tags if you don't want to the book to get spoiled for you! That's a big duh! lol

Oh. My. Gods. This book had me anxious from start to finish! Why? Well because Percy was missing! I was ready to tear my hair out! This was me the whole time (well, most of it anyway :P): WHERE THE HECK IS PERCY?!?! HE CANT JUST DISAPPEAR LIKE THAT! SOMEONE TELL ME WHERE HE IS!!!!

Now that that's out of my system, lets get to the real review :)

Review: The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #5) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Last Olympian

Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #5

Previous books in this series: The Lightning Thief (#1) | The Sea of Monsters (#2) | The Titan's Curse (#3) | The Battle of the Labyrinth (#4)

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Greek mythology

Publication date: May 2009

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own hardcover

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of victory are grim. Kronos’s army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan’s power only grows.

While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it’s up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time. In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy’s sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate.

My rating: ★★★★★
I completely loved the ending! It was very satisfying, even though its a little sad that the series has come to an end.

Review: The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #4) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Battle of the Labyrinth

Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #4

Previous books in this series: The Lightning Thief (#1) | The Sea of Monsters (#2) | The Titan's Curse (#3)

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Greek mythology

Publication date: May 2008

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own paperback

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

Percy Jackson isn’t expecting freshman orientation to be any fun, but when a mysterious mortal acquaintance appears, pursued by demon cheerleaders, things quickly go from bad to worse.

Time is running out for Percy. War between the gods and the Titans is drawing near. Even Camp Half-Blood isn’t safe, as Kronos’ army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop them, Percy and his friends must set out on a quest through the Labyrinth — a sprawling underground world with surprises and danger at every turn.

Along the way Percy will confront powerful enemies, find out the truth about the lost god Pan, and face the Titan lord Kronos’ most terrible secret. The final war begins . . . with the Battle of the Labyrinth.

My rating: ★★★★★
Percy is finally going to start high school... that is, if he doesn't get killed first.

Review: The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #3) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Titan's Curse

Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #3

Previous books in this series: The Lightning Thief (#1) | The Sea of Monsters (#2)

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Greek mythology

Publication date: May 2007

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own Paperback

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

When Percy Jackson receives an urgent distress call from his friend Grover, he immediately prepares for battle. He knows he'll need his powerful demigod allies at his side; his trusty bronze sword, Riptide; and . . . a ride from his mom.

The demigods reace to the rescue to find that Grover has made an important discovery: two new powerful half-bloods, whose parentage is unknown. But that's not all that awaits them. The Titan lord, Kronos, has set up a devious trap, and the young heroes have just fallen prey.

Hilarious and action-packed, this third adventure in the series finds Percy faced with his most dangerous challenge yet—the chilling prophecy of the Titan's curse.

My rating: ★★★★★
OMG the Titan Kronos is rising! Yes, that is a bad thing... since he's practically trying to take over the world and what not. Okay, maybe I was exaggerating a bit. But isn't that just as bad as overthrowing Zeus and the rest of the gods and replacing them with a whole bunch of demigods (including Luke the evil, lol) and having Kronos as the leader? Well it is, since Olympus moves around and happens to be over New York.

Review: The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Sea of Monsters

Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2

Previous book in this series: The Lightning Thief

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Greek mythology

Publication date: April 2006

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own Paperback

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

The heroic son of Poseidon makes an action-packed comeback in the second must-read installment of Rick Riordan's amazing young readers series. Starring Percy Jackson, a "half blood" whose mother is human and whose father is the God of the Sea, Riordan's series combines cliffhanger adventure and Greek mythology lessons that results in true page-turners that get better with each installment. In this episode, The Sea of Monsters, Percy sets out to retrieve the Golden Fleece before his summer camp is destroyed, surpassing the first book's drama and setting the stage for more thrills to come.

My rating: ★★★★★
It all started when Percy Jackson, now 13, had a nightmare about his best friend Grover. He was in trouble and this was something he couldn't shrug off. Then Annabeth met up with him and told him that the magical borders that protected Camp Half-Blood were poisoned.

Review: The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Lightning Thief

Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Greek mythology

Publication date: June 2005

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own paperback

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school... again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he's angered a few of them. Zeus' master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.

Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus' stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.

My rating: ★★★★★
Before I read this book I saw the movie. I thought the movie was AWESOME! I had forgotten how much I loved Greek Mythology, even though I've never actually studied it. As we were watching the movie my cousin’s girlfriend told me that there were books… I was like “I have to read them!”

Review: My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison

Title: My Fair Godmother

Series: My Fair Godmother #1

Author: Janette Rallison

Genre: YA, fantasy, fairy tale retelling

Publication date: Jan. 2009

Published by: Walker Childrens

Source: Own Paperback

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

Finding your one true love can be a Grimm experience!

After her boyfriend dumps her for her older sister, sophomore Savannah Delano wishes she could find a true prince to take her to the prom. Enter Chrissy (Chrysanthemum) Everstar: Savannah’s gum-chewing, cell phone–carrying, high heel-wearing Fair Godmother. Showing why she’s only Fair—because she’s not a very good fairy student—Chrissy mistakenly sends Savannah back in time to the Middle Ages, first as Cinderella, then as Snow White. Finally she sends Tristan, a boy in Savannah’s class, back instead to turn him into her prom-worthy prince. When Savannah returns to the Middle Ages to save Tristan, they must team up to defeat a troll, a dragon, and the mysterious and undeniably sexy Black Knight. Laughs abound in this clever fairy tale twist from a master of romantic comedy.

My rating: ★★★★★
I grew up watching Cinderella, Snow white, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, and the rest of the princesses. So when I ran into this book it reminded me of my childhood. I remember those days *has flashback*

First of all, I want to say that I would NOT like to have Chrissy as my fairy godmother, lol. Why? Well because when she granted the wishes she messed them ALL up!

Review: Radiance (Riley Bloom #1) by Alyson Noel

Title: Radiance

Series: Riley Bloom #1

Author: Alyson Noel

Genre: Middle Grade, paranormal

Publication date: August 2010

Published by: Square Fish

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon| Book Depository

Synopsis:

Riley has crossed the bridge into the afterlife—a place called Here, where time is always Now. She has picked up life where she left off when she was alive, living with her parents and dog in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. When she’s summoned before The Council, she learns that the afterlife isn’t just an eternity of leisure. She’s been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a possibly cute, seemingly nerdy boy who’s definitely hiding something. They return to earth together for Riley’s first assignment, a Radiant Boy who’s been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But all of that was before he met Riley . . .

My rating: ★★★★☆
I have to say, this was a very quick read. Very simple, yet entertaining.

Review: The Mark by Jen Nadol

Title: The Mark

Series: The Mark #1

Author: Jen Nadol

Genre: YA, paranormal

Publication date: January 2010

Published by: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon| Book Depository

Synopsis:

Sixteen year old Cassandra Renfield has seen the mark since forever: a glow around certain people as if a candle were held behind their back.

The one time she mentioned it to someone else, the mark was dismissed as a trick of the light. So Cassie has kept quiet, considering its rare appearances odd, but insignificant. Until the day she watches a man die. Mining her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person's imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.

Cassie searches her past, her philosophy lessons, even her new boyfriend for answers, answers, always careful to hide her secret. How does the mark work? Why her?

Most importantly: if you know today is someone's last, should you tell them?

My rating: ★★★☆☆
This book was great! But I have to admit, these were my thoughts about the first half of the book as I read it:

-“Whoa! That is so interesting! Cassie knows when people are going to die? Weird.”

-“Oh man, that is sad. Its horrible that her only living relative (her grandmother, Nan) just died. But that guy Jack is really nice ;)”

-“Cassie has an aunt she never knew about and now she has to move with her for 3 months? Weird.”

-“Hmm. A philosophy obsessed boyfriend (Lucas)? I‘m still liking Jack better ;)”

-“And who goes and has sex with a guy (Lucas) you talked to like 4 times before?!?! Tsk tsk, I disapprove.”

-“Okay, this is getting boring…”

-“Seriously? Where is this story going? Where‘s the action?!”

Review - Twilight: The Graphic Novel (Volume 1) by Stephenie Meyer

Title: Twilight

Series: The Graphic Novel (Volume 1)

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Genre: YA, paranormal romance

Art/Adaptation: Young Kim

Publication date: March 2010

Published by: Yen Press

Source: Own hardcover

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon| Book Depository

Synopsis:

When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret...

Beautifully rendered, this first installment of Twilight: The Graphic Novel.

My rating: ★★★★★
Never before this was I interested in graphic novels. But what i realized was that this was only another way of reading!

The illustrations are amazing! They captured the characters completely well... especially Edward and Bella, they were almost exactly how I imagined when I 1st read the series.

Review: Midnight Sun (Twilight Saga #1.5) by Stephenie Meyer

Title: Midnight Sun

Series: Twilight Saga #1.5

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Genre: YA, paranormal romance

Publication date: N/A

Published by: N/A

Source: Online

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Read it for FREE here!

Synopsis:

Midnight Sun is the much anticipated retelling of Twilight from Edward Cullen's perspective. An unedited partial draft was illegally leaked onto the internet in 2008; consequently, author Stephenie Meyer put the project on indefinite hold.

Shortly afterward, she posted a letter to her fans on her website including a link to the entire partial draft of the book so that those who wanted to read it could do so legally and with her consent.

My rating: ★★★★★
If Stephenie Meyer finally decided to finish writing this book and publish it, it would be my favorite of the whole Twilight Saga!

Basically what Midnight Sun is is Twilight all over again, but in Edward's point of view.

Review: Cabel's Story (Dream Catchers #1.1) by Lisa McMann

Title: Cabel's Story

Series: Dream Catchers #1.1

Books in this series: Wake (#1) | Fade (#2) | Gone (#3)

Author: Lisa McMann

Genre: YA, paranormal

Publication date: 2010

Published by: Simon and Schuster Publishing

Source: own e-book

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Read it for FREE here!

Synopsis:

A free online story by Lisa McMann. A companion to the first Dream Catcher novel, Wake, this is Cabel's perspective of the field trip that Janie and he took with their English class.

My rating: ★★★★★
It took me like 20 minutes to read this :P But it was interesting. I liked getting inside Cabel's head and knowing what was going through it.

Review: Gone (Dream Catchers #3) by Lisa McMann

Title: Gone

Series: Dream Catchers #3

Previous books in this series: Wake (#1) | Fade (#2)

Author: Lisa McMann

Genre: YA, paranormal

Publication date: February 2010

Published by: Simon Pulse

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

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 rating: ★★★★☆
Through out the book, this is what was on my mind most of the time: WHAT DESCISION IS SHE TALKING ABOUT?! AHHHHHHH! That and: WHAT THE F**K ARE YOU THINKING?!?!?!? YOU ARE GOING TO LEAVE CABEL? WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!?!?!?
*Takes deep breath*

Review: Fade (Dream Catchers #2) by Lisa McMann

Title: Fade

Series: Dream Catchers #2

Previous book in this series: Wake

Author: Lisa McMann

Genre: YA, paranormal

Publication date: February 2009

Published by: Simon Pulse

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

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 feared....

My rating: ★★★★★
Wow... I loved this book! Man, I don't know what else to say besides that. Oh wait: I read this book in one day... 5 hours to be exact :D It was just great! Plus, its an easy read.

Review: Wake (Dream Catchers #1) by Lisa McMann

Title: Wake

Series: Dream Catchers #1

Companion short story: Cabel's Story

Author: Lisa McMann

Genre: YA, paranormal

Publication date: March 2008

Published by: Simon Pulse

Source: Borrowed from the library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

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's 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.

My rating: ★★★★☆
Overall I thought this was a very good book. However, the style of writing, I thought, was a little weird....

Review: First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson #1) by Darynda Jones

Title: First Grave on the Right

Series: Charley Davidson #1

Author: Darynda Jones

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy, paranormal

Publication date: February 2011

Published by: St. Martin's Press

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Synopsis:

A smashing, award-winning debut novel that introduces Charley Davidson: part-time private investigator and full-time Grim Reaper

Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an Entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely.

My rating: ★★★☆☆
(Q & A format)

I have to say, this book was nothing like I expected it to be.

Q: Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Review: Once Dead, Twice Shy (Madison Avery #1) by Kim Harrison

Title: Once Dead, Twice Shy

Series: Madison Avery #1

Prequel story: Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper

Author: Kim Harrison

Genre: YA, urban fantasy, paranormal

Publication date: May 2009

Published by: HarperCollins

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon| Book Depository

Synopsis:

My name is Madison Avery, and I'm here to tell you that there's more out there than you can see, hear, or touch. Because I'm there. Seeing it. Touching it. Living it.

Madison's prom was killer—literally. For some reason she's been targeted by a dark reaper—yeah, that kind of reaper—intent on getting rid of her, body and soul. But before the reaper could finish the job, Madison was able to snag his strange, glowing amulet and get away.

Now she's stuck on Earth—dead but not gone. Somehow the amulet gives her the illusion of a body, allowing her to toe the line between life and death. She still doesn't know why the dark reaper is after her, but she's not about to just sit around and let fate take its course.

With a little ingenuity, some light-bending, and the help of a light reaper (one of the good guys! Maybe...), her cute crush, and oh yeah, her guardian angel, Madison's ready to take control of her own destiny once and for all, before it takes control of her.

Well, if she believed in that stuff.

My rating: ★★★★★
A while ago I read the book Prom Nights from Hell, which is just a collection of short stories. There was one story in particular, Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper, that I wish would’ve continued. It was about a girl, Madison (hence the title of the short story, duh! lol), who was going to prom (hence the title of the book, double duh! :P). It was also the same night of her 17th birthday. It was supposed to be great, right?

Wrong!

Review: Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

Title: Like Water for Chocolate

Author: Laura Esquivel

Genre: Adult, magical realism

Publication date: October 1995

Published by: Anchor

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon| Book Depository

Blurb:

Earthy, magical, and utterly charming, this tale of family life in turn-of-the-century Mexico became a best-selling phenomenon with its winning blend of poignant romance and bittersweet wit.

The number one bestseller in Mexico and America for almost two years, and subsequently a bestseller around the world, "Like Water For Chocolate" is a romantic, poignant tale, touched with moments of magic, graphic earthiness, bittersweet wit - and recipes.

A sumptuous feast of a novel, it relates the bizarre history of the all-female De La Garza family. Tita, the youngest daughter of the house, has been forbidden to marry, condemned by Mexican tradition to look after her mother until she dies. But Tita falls in love with Pedro, and he is seduced by the magical food she cooks. In desperation, Pedro marries her sister Rosaura so that he can stay close to her. For the next twenty-two years, Tita and Pedro are forced to circle each other in unconsummated passion. Only a freakish chain of tragedies, bad luck and fate finally reunite them against all the odds.

My rating: ★★★★☆
I originally picked up this book for an English paper. Its usually not a book I would pick up on my own. But to tell the truth I loved it!

Review: Give up the Ghost by Megan Crewe

Title: Give up the Ghost

Author: Megan Crewe

Genre: YA, paranormal

Publication date: September 2009

Published by: Henry Holt and Co.

Source: Borrowed from the library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

Cass McKenna much prefers ghosts over “breathers.” Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable, and they know the dirt on everybody…and Cass loves dirt. She’s on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of the poseurs in her school.

But when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass’s whole scheme hangs in the balance. Tim wants her to help him contact his recently deceased mother, and Cass reluctantly agrees.

As Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim’s life, she’s surprised to realize he’s not so bad—and he needs help more desperately than anyone else suspects. Maybe it’s time to give the living another chance...

My rating: ★★★★☆
Ever since the night her sister died, Cass has had the ability to see ghosts. Why? She has no idea. But the fact is the she gets along better with the dead then she does with the live people, which she likes to call “breathers.” I mean, what’s not to love about ghosts when they can find out everyone’s dirty little secrets!

Review: Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Angel

Series: The Infernal Devices #1

Author: Cassandra Clare

Genre: YA, urban fantasy, historical

Publication date: August 2010

Published by: Margaret K. McElderry

Source: Own Hardcover

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

My rating: ★★★★★
So I put off this book for a loooong time. I love Cassandra Clare's work (The Mortal Instruments) so I bought Clockwork Angel the very day it was released. However, I've had this book for a few months now. I think the reason why I put it off is because I know Cassandra's books always leave me wanting for more, and Clockwork Prince (Book 2) comes out until the Fall of 2011! So I knew the wait after I read Clockwork Angel would be agonizing.

Review: Prom Nights From Hell

Title: Prom Nights From Hell

Series: Madison Avery #0.5

Author: Various authors

Genre: YA, anthology, paranormal

Publication date: April 2007

Published by: HarperTeen

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

In this exciting collection, bestselling authors Meg Cabot ("How to Be Popular"), Kim Harrison ("A Fistful of Charms"), Michele Jaffe ("Bad Kitty"), Stephenie Meyer ("Twilight"), and Lauren Myracle ("ttyl") take bad prom nights to a whole new level--a paranormally bad level. Wardrobe malfunctions and two left feet don't hold a candle to discovering your date is the Grim Reaper--and he isn't here to tell you how hot you look.

From angels fighting demons to a creepy take on getting what you wish for, these five stories will entertain better than any DJ in a bad tux. No corsage or limo rental necessary. Just good, scary fun.

My rating: ★★★★☆
I picked up this book because I noticed that one of my favorite authors who wrote one of my favorite series (Stephanie Meyer, Twilight) was involved. Plus, it was supposed to be a horror novel... so i immediately gave it a shot. And i don't regret it! Not only was her story great, but the other 4 authors did a fantastic job as well. I've never heard of them, but i am willing to give their other pieces of work a shot as well.

Review: Vacations From Hell

Title: Vacations From Hell

Authors: Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Claudia Gray, Maureen Johnson, Sarah Mlynowski

Genre: YA, anthology, paranormal

Publication date: May 2009

Published by: HarperTeen

Source: Borrowed from library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon

Synopsis:

Life's a beach . . . and then you're undead?

In this must-have collection, five of today's hottest writers—Libba Bray (A Great and Terrible Beauty), Cassandra Clare (City of Bones), Claudia Gray (Evernight), Maureen Johnson (13 Little Blue Envelopes), and Sarah Mlynowski (Bras & Broomsticks)—tell supernatural tales of vacations gone awry. Lost luggage is only mildly unpleasant compared to bunking with a witch who holds a grudge. And a sunburn might be embarrassing and painful, but it doesn't last as long as a curse. Of course, even in the most hellish of situations, love can thrive. . . .

From light and funny to dark and creepy, these stories have something for everyone. You definitely won't want to leave this collection at home!

My rating: ★★★★☆
I will admit that the reason behind my picking up this book is because I noticed that Cassandra Clare (one of my favorite authors…TMI, duh!) wrote a story for this. And overall, the book did not disappoint!!

Review: Jenny Pox (The Paranormals #1) by J.L. Bryan

Title: Jenny Pox

Series: The Paranormals #1

Author: J.L. Bryan

Genre: YA, paranormal

Publication date: July 2012

Published by: J.L. Bryan

Source: Won in a giveaway, from author (thanks!)

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon

Synopsis:

Eighteen-year-old Jenny Morton has a horrific secret: her touch spreads a deadly supernatural plague, the "Jenny pox." She lives by a single rule: Never touch anyone. A lifetime of avoiding any physical contact with others has made her isolated and painfully lonely in her small rural town.

Then she meets the one boy she can touch. Jenny feels herself falling for Seth...but if she's going to be with him, Jenny must learn to use the deadly pox inside her to confront his ruthless and manipulative girlfriend Ashleigh, who secretly wields the most dangerous power of all.

My rating: ★★★★☆
1st off, I won this book in a giveaway, so I want to thank the author for sending me a copy :)

This book was...wow! Its not your typical YA novel, that's for sure. Not that its a bad thing. I really liked how unique this book was, the way Jenny and Seth's relationship came to be.

Review: The Reckoning (Darkest Powers #3) by Kelley Armstrong

Title: The Reckoning

Series: Darkest Powers #3

Previous book in this series: The Summoning (#1) | The Awakening (#2)

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Genre: YA, urban fantasy, paranormal

Publication date: April 2011

Published by: HarperCollins

Source: Borrowed from public library

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon| Book Depository

Synopsis:

Chloe Saunders is fifteen and would love to be normal. Unfortunately, Chloe happens to be a genetically engineered necromancer who can raise the dead without even trying. She and her equally gifted (or should that be 'cursed'?) friends are now running for their lives from the evil corporation that created them.

As if that's not enough, Chloe is struggling with her feelings for Simon, a sweet-tempered sorcerer, and his brother Derek, a not so sweet-tempered werewolf. And she has a horrible feeling she's leaning towards the werewolf...

Definitely not normal.

My rating: ★★★★★
After finishing up this book I was like: "Wait, that's all? I want more!" This book in the Trilogy wraps up the story with Chloe and the rest of her supernatural friends.

Review: The Awakening (Darkest Powers #2) by Kelley Armstrong

Title: The Awakening

Series: Darkest Powers #2

Previous book in this series: The Summoning

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Genre: YA, urban fantasy, paranormal

Publication date: March 2010

Published by: HarperCollins

Source: Own Hardcover

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon| Book Depository

Synopsis:

If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl—someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I’m as far away from normal as it gets. I’m a living science experiment—not only can I see ghosts, but I can raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever. I’m running for my life with three of my supernatural friends and we have to find someone who can help us gain our freedom back before the Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying.

My rating: ★★★★☆
I was so anxious to start this book! This one started off where the last one ended... duh! lol

Chloe was locked up by her own aunt in a research facility along with her friend Rae. Now, with the help of another ghost, she and another friend from the group home , Tori, escape from that place. Soon they reunite with their friends Simon and Derek in pursuit to find the guys' father. He is the only one who can keep them safe, a sorcerer, werewolf, necromancer, and witch. All experimental subjects of the Edison Group, gone wrong. They're powers too powerful, so now the Edison group wants them back to "fix" things.

Review: The Summoning (Darkest Powers #1) by Kelley Armstrong

Title: The Summoning

Series: Darkest Powers #1

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Genre: YA, urban fantasy, paranormal

Publication date: March 2009

Published by: HarperCollins

Source: Own Paperback

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon| Book Depository

Synopsis:

After years of frequent moves following her mother’s death, Chloe Saunders’s life is finally settling down. She is attending art school, pursuing her dreams of becoming a director, making friends, and meeting boys. Her biggest concern is that she’s not developing as fast as her friends are. But when puberty does hit, it brings more than hormone surges. Chloe starts seeing ghosts–everywhere, demanding her attention. After she suffers a breakdown, her devoted aunt Lauren gets her into a highly recommended group home.

At first, Lyle House seems a pretty okay place, except for Chloe’s small problem of fearing she might be facing a lifetime of mental illness. But as she gradually gets to know the other kids at the home–charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek, obnoxious Tori, and Rae, who has a “thing” for fire–Chloe begins to realize that there is something that binds them all together, and it isn’t your usual “problem kid” behaviour. And together they discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home either…

My rating: ★★★★☆
I picked up this book when i saw it was about a girl (Chloe) who could see ghosts and eventually raise the dead. I really like ghost stories... basically anything having to do with the paranormal, so this book seemed like a good option.