Betrayal's Shadow Review

Title:Betrayal's Shadow

Author: KH LeMoyne

Series: The Guardians of Eden #1

Publisher: Digital Crystal Press

Release date: February 1, 2012

RATING

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

What would you do to save your people from extinction? What if your race held the key to mankind's future? One Guardian will risk hell to change the future. Descended from the race of Guardians, Turen's people have survived the last two hundred years, quarantined and isolated. Living in secrecy with no mates and no offspring, they fail to deliver on their ability to replenish and heal human souls through the birth of their Guardian children. Risking his life, Turen chooses capture at the hands of a comrade-turned-enemy to seek answers to change the future. Mia Bowman has no knowledge of the secret Guardian race. Yet, her uncontrollable, nocturnal summons to Turen's prison cell and her strong sense of justice leave her with little choice but to help him. She can heed his warning and stay clear of his people's problems or she can ferret out the lies and unravel an ancient tale of murder and deceit.

My Thoughts: 

LOVED LOVED LOVED the story.  VERY WELL WRITTEN!
The book's recipe which makes it a fantastic book:
1. Great writing style that just kept me captivated throughout the book.
2. Great storyline with full of mystery and suspense which kept me at the edge of my seat.
3. Very sensual romance that made me blush here and there.
4. Great characters that the readers will grow to love and hate
5. Great concept about the Guardian Race, their Mates, and their special abilities

This book is highly recommended!!!.  I can't wait to read the next installment.  

Elfin Review

Title: Elfin

Author: Quinn Loftis

Series: The Elfin #1

Publisher: Quinn Loftis

Release date: December 23, 2012

RATING

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

Before tonight Cassie Tate’s biggest concerns were whether she could pass Algebra and how she was going to keep Elora, her best friend, from dressing her in a skimpy fairy costume for Halloween. Her feet were firmly planted in suburban reality and she had no reason to believe her life would be anything but that of a typical teenager. That is until tonight, when Cassie saw something that no human was ever supposed to see; in the blink of an eye she was thrown into the world of the Light and Dark Elves.

He comes from a realm where light and dark have fought for millennia. He is of a race known to humans only in myths and legends. The darkness that lives inside him is a part of both who and what he is and it makes him the most gifted spy and assassin in the history of his time. His life is not his own; he lives in the service of the Dark Elf King. He slays who he must, has mercy on no one, is relentless in his hunt, and never tires of seeing his prey fall. He is Triktapic, assassin, spy, most feared of the Dark Elves.

Now, in the midst of his King’s complicated plans to expand the Dark Elves’ holdings into the mortal realm, for the first time, Trik finds his loyalties divided. For no Elf, Dark or Light, can turn away from their Chosen.

Unbeknownst to the mortal realm, the battle between Light and Dark is being brought to their doorstep. The only one who can keep it at bay holds darkness in his heart like a lover, and the one who can sway that heart must decide if she can look beyond his black past, beyond his evil nature and see the man he is destined to be.

The question must be asked, does love really cover a multitude of sins? Can true love actually conquer all or will his darkness consume those around him until all that stands is an assassin with the blood of the mortal realm on his hands?

My Thoughts:

I would say that the rating is more of a 4.5/5.  It was almost a 5 but I found some grammatical errors and a bit of cheesiness at the end of the story.  Aside from that, I thoroughly enjoyed Elfin.  The writing style was great with vivid descriptions of the world that the author created.  I loved the characterization.  The author really put  some thought about describing most of the characters especially their actions, routines, habits, and etc.  The romance part of the story was fantastic.  There were some moments that were heart wrenching, a lot of humorous scenes, action packed, and swoon worthy romantic scenes that I wished I was the CHOSEN one.  I loved Elora's character (Heroine's friend).  She's got great spunk and I'm hoping that she'll have her own book.  Looking forward to reading the next book.

Flee Review

Title: Flee

Author: Miranda Kavi

Series:

Publisher: Midnight Blackbird LLC

Release date: November 29, 2012

RATING:

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

I can fly.

I have to keep it a secret.

Everything was fine, until I met him.

I can’t stay away…

Aurora Lockette has a supernatural ability she hides from the world. Dhaval is a newly famous actor that shies away from the spotlight. When Aurora and Gavyn literally collide in a fender bender on her first day of law school, they are irresistibly drawn to each other.

When Aurora’s secret is revealed, she has no choice but to abandon Gavyn to go into hiding to escape the media frenzy. A secret society of gifted humans contacts her to warn of dark forces that seek to destroy her and everyone she loves.

Aurora must try to understand who and what she is while she fights to protect herself and her loved ones from a hidden, sinister force

My thoughts:

So I was really hoping to like this book because of the rave reviews that I've been seeing.  The synopsis was very interesting and different from what I've read before.  Sadly, I have to give this book a rating of 3 out of 5.  The story was enjoyable enough to keep me interested and the writing style was good that it wasn't choppy to read.  What I found was that the book didn't put me at the edge of my seat.  I wish that the book had more action and suspense.  I like a story that gives you clues about the mysteries that surrounds the story but not giving enough for the readers to predict it.  In this book, I found that the clues were very minimal then once the revelation comes, everything is served to you all at once that it's so overwhelming.  Another factor that I found was that I couldn't relate or connect to the characters.  I feel that the characterization lacked depth.  For example, midway the story, one of the characters stated that the heroine she was a "sharp little thing".  For me, the character didn't act like she was sharp until after the comment was made.  Lastly, I found that there were too many description of anything and everything that the main character was doing and observing, weirdly enough, the book didn't give any vivid imagery.  

    

The Moon Dwellers Review

Title: The Moon Dwellers

Author: David Estes

Series: The Dwellers #1

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Release date: July 17, 2012

Rating:

 

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

In a desperate attempt to escape destruction decades earlier, humankind was forced underground, into the depths of the earth, creating a new society called the Tri-Realms.

After her parents and sister are abducted by the Enforcers, seventeen-year-old Adele, a member of the middle-class moon dwellers, is unjustly sentenced to life in prison for her parents' crimes of treason.

Against all odds, Adele must escape from the Pen and find her family, while being hunted by a deranged, killing machine named Rivet, who works for the President. She is helped by two other inmates, Tawni and Cole, each of whom have dark secrets that are better left undiscovered. Other than her friends, the only thing she has going for her is a wicked roundhouse kick and two fists that have been well-trained for combat by her father.

At the other end of the social spectrum is Tristan, the son of the President and a sun dweller. His mother is gone. He hates his father. Backed by only his servant and best friend, Roc, he leaves his lavish lifestyle in the Sun Realm, seeking to make something good out of his troubled life.

When a war breaks out within the Tri-Realms, Tristan is thrust into the middle of a conflict that seems to mysteriously follow Adele as she seeks to find her family and uncover her parents true past.

In their world, someone must die.

My Thoughts:

Two thumbs up! Such an amazing and unique story. The whole concept about humanity living " in " earth is very different but refreshing. Through the author's wonderful description of the world he created, I was able to imagine myself being there. Some of the travels made by the characters actually made me claustrophobic because the imagery is so vivid. This book was well written and I was completely engrossed from start to finish. The characters have great dimensions that makes the reader feel like you really know them and can really connect with them. I love Adele's character with her courageousness, resiliency, and undying love for her family that she is willing to risk her life to save them all. I love Tristan with the fact that he stood up with what he knows is right and for following his instincts. I love Tawni for her honesty and loyalty towards Adele. I love Cole, with his heartbreaking story and his role as Tawni's and Adele's protector.
I love that there are two POV's so I can actually experience 2 of the character's feelings, emotions, and adventures. I love the mystery that surrounds Adele and Tristan's connection. Lastly, I loved the action packed scenes that kept me captivated with the story. I can't wait to read the next installment.  

Gravity Review

Title: Gravity

Author: Melissa West

Series: The Taking #1

Publisher: Entangled Teed

Release date: December 18, 2012




Synopsis from Goodreads.com

Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed — arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.
Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she’s been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she’s falling for him. But Ari isn’t just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She’s a military legacy who’s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know — especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.

My thoughts:

HOLY FUDGECAKES (replace last word with an uncensored word) was my last thought when I finished the book.  Why?...because I could not believe that the book ended like that....Why?... because it's such a cliffhanger and I can't wait until the next book gets released...I WANT IT NOW

LOVED IT..

First, the author's writing style was great....everything flowed so well....and I have to say, the way the author writes makes or breaks the book for me.  Like what I usually say with the books that I love...It's like watching a movie in my head while reading the book...Through the author's descriptive words, i can imagine the world that she created.  I hope that the next book would have more of the alien world because it just sounds wonderful....

The characters....Ari is one of the most kick ass characters that I've ever read.  She's so tough, brave, and open minded.  I loved the way that she struggled with staying loyal to her family and race versus saving her world.  In the end, she did what she thought was best for all, or did she.....hmmm...I guess we'll find out soon...I hope...Next is Jackson....although arrogant at first, readers will learn to love him.  He is such a perfect match for Ari with his skills and concern for his own race.  Gretchen and Lawrence...readers will love them too for the wonderful friendship they share with Ari...

The storyline was great.  Enough twists and turns and action to keep the readers captivated.  And it did captivate me because I almost screamed when I reached the end.  MORE...I WANT MORE....

I am giving this book a rating of...

RATING: 5/5

Point of Retreat

Title: Point of Retreat

Author: Colleen Hoover

Series: Slammed # 2

Publisher: Atria Books

Release date: August 10, 2012



Synopsis from Goodreads.com

Hardships and heartache brought them together…now it will tear them apart.

Layken and Will have proved their love can get them through anything; until someone from Will’s past re-emerges, leaving Layken questioning the very foundation on which their relationship was built. Will is forced to face the ultimate challenge…how to prove his love for a girl who refuses to stop ‘carving pumpkins.’

My thoughts:
 
After reading Slammed, I just had to follow it up with this book right away.  I was craving for more of  Layken, Will, and the other lovely characters. This book helped me quench that craving.  Inspiring as usual, this book continues to tell their story.  Here they will experience new friendship, heartbreaks, sadness, and happiness where the readers will feel the emotions that each characters are feeling.  Just beware of one thing....you might find yourself wanting to make origami stars....

I am giving this book a rating of...

Rating: 5/5

 

Slammed Review

Title: Slammed

Author: Colleen Hoover

Series: Slammed #1

Publisher: Colleen Hoover

Release date: January 4, 2012



Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope.
 
Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.
Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the secret that keeps them apart.

My thoughts:

Loved, loved, loved the book.  The author just captivates me with her words.  Her writing is so beautiful...I just feel so connected with the characters.  This is one emotional roller coaster of a book.  One minute I am teary eyed, next thing, I am laughing my a** out, then next, I am just so giddy with the romance between Layken and Will.  All the characters are so loveable.  This book is not just about the romance but about friendship, families, and the ups and downs of life. 

I give this book a rating of:

Rating: 5/5