Review ~ Embody by Jamie Magee

TITLE: Embody

AUTHOR: Jamie Magee
COPYRIGHT: 2011
TYPE: fantasy
SERIES: yes book 2

REASON FOR READ:
Offered on BLB tour thought it sounded interesting

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Not many Scorpio’s are known for their patience, and Willow Haywood is no different. Her only desire is to love Landen Chambers and redeem the lost souls of Esterious, but the path to that desire is long, dark and dangerous...
Before Willow’s life had a chance to balance the sudden revelations and grief she had to endure to get to Chara a disturbing discovery is made. A photo, one that shows Willow blissfully embracing the flawless image of Drake Blakeshire; giving her not only proof that she had lived before, but that she had loved him.
Running away from the memory of Drake’s hypnotizing touch, and the prophecy set before her seemed like the logical thing to do. That is, until a dark dream reignites her passion to save the hopeless dimension of Esterious. Willow struggles to find patience – to learn everything she needs to know before she faces Drake again, but her eagerness is dangerous and one step in the wrong direction takes everything and everyone away from her – the only way to survive this trial is for Willow to remember who she is and what she really wants out of this life. The question is….can she do that

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

First and foremost this book rocks… Secondly you MUST read the first book to understand what in the world is going on. I made the mistake of diving head first into this book without reading the first and was completely lost. Yes it did make sense and yes I caught on but whew I think reading the first would’ve helped me struggle less.

I did enjoy the overall story, the world building, and the characters. Ms. Magee has written a very engaging story and world that makes you feel sympathy to all characters. I enjoyed watching Willow grow and understand what was going on and figure out what she needed in order to survive. She was a fantastic character! The story line kept me hooked and had me wanting more.

This is definitely a series I would like to continue after of course reading the first.

Challenges:
Out do Yourself
E-book challenge

Additional Links: Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours


Disclaimer:
Disclosure of Material Connection: i am a member of the Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours and a copy was provided to me by the author. although payment may have been received by Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review nor was there an obligation to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Review ~ Darwin's Children by Natasha Larry

TITLE: Darwin’s Children
AUTHOR: Natasha Larry
COPYRIGHT: 2011
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES: 138 E-book

REASON FOR READ:
BLB tours had it up and I thought it looked very interesting!

SUMMARY:
Life can get pretty complicated for any seventeen-year-old girl, but for a home-schooled telepathic black girl trying to survive in a prestigious private school in small-town Jonesborough, Tennessee, it can be maddening - especially when her telepathic father keeps eavesdropping on her thoughts!
Jaycie Lerner's family isn't the usual mom-dad-kid setup. Jaycie's mom's MIA, but Allison, her personal live-in 'trainer,' is more than a mom, with her own special abilities, like being able to lift cars and run incredibly fast. And Jaycie's godfather John is more than persuasive - he can literally convince anyone to do anything.
As far as the rest of the world's concerned, Jaycie's on the outside looking in. The townsfolk love Jaycie's pediatrician father, but she doesn't fit in with 'normal' kids, and she doesn't really want to. Most of her free time is spent training to keep her telekinetic and telepathic powers under control. But there's one thing she can't control - and that's her feelings, especially when her best friend Matt is nearby. If only he knew what she was truly capable of...
Everything seems to be status quo for Jaycie until she receives a cryptic message from a stranger and meets a very unusual girl new to Jonesborough. Then all hell breaks loose!

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I thought this was a really interesting book. It took a while for me to get into the book but once I did it was hard to put down. I have to admit that while I enjoyed all the characters I loved me some Allison I wanted to learn and know as much about her as I could. Add to it that I wanted her as my training LOL.

Jaycie is a pretty cool kid and would be someone I wouldn't mind being around. I thought the superpowers were cool I would've liked to see more of the weaknesses in those that had a lot of power or super powers that were SO STRONG which made me a tad upset. Otherwise this was a fun romp with a cool cast of characters, a nice plot line, and something that once you got hooked you were there through it all.
If you like superpowers and young adult novels this is one I highly recommend.



Challenges:
Out Do Yourself Challenge
E-book Tour

Additional Links: Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours


Disclaimer:
Disclosure of Material Connection: i am a member of the Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours and a copy was provided to me by the author. although payment may have been received by Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review nor was there an obligation to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Review~ Frost Moon by Anthony Francis

TITLE: Frost Moon

AUTHOR: Anthony Francis

COPYRIGHT: 3/1/10

TYPE: Urban Fantasy

PAGES: 284

SERIES: Yes book 1

REASON FOR READING: Offered on NetGalley and it looked really interesting!

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
In an alternate Atlanta where magic is practiced openly, where witches sip coffee at local cafes, shapeshifters party at urban clubs, vampires rule the southern night like gangsters, and mysterious creatures command dark caverns beneath the city, Dakota Frost's talents are coveted by all. She's the best magical tattooist in the southeast, a Skindancer, able to bring her amazing tats to life. When a serial killer begins stalking Atlanta's tattooed elite, the police and the Feds seek Dakota's help. Can she find the killer on the dark fringe of the city's Edgeworld? Among its powerful outcasts and tortured loners, what kind of enemies and allies will she attract? Will they see her as an invader, as a seducer, as an unexpected champion ... or as delicious prey

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Overall I really enjoyed this book which kind of surprises me. At first I wasn't so sure the main character is a 6 foot tall woman with magical tats, a Mohawk and a I'm going to kick your ass mentality that was a little off putting. That is until you get to know her. Dakota Frost is a well known magical tat artist her designs are for lack of a better word incredible. How do I know Mr. Francis describes them in such a way you actually can see them and if his words are any indication I would love a frost bite tat ;)
Dakota is a character that once you get to know you fall in love with her. She only pretends to be tough but has a heart of gold. She is a good artist and can't stand the thought of someone stealing tats on her clients so she is going to do everything she can to help. Even when that gets here sucked in too far.
The plot was fast moving, the world was very creative, and the characters are unforgettable. There is a mystery here and I thought the ending/killer was done very nicely in fact I couldn't see it coming which was a nice twist for me.


THINGS I LIKED:
- I loved the characters I thought they were not only interesting but fun. They all had quirks and flaws which was very interesting. I also liked that Dakota was tough but not so tough to realize that she could be knocked down a peg or too.
- The plot was very interesting and kept my attention through out. I love the idea of magical tattoos in society and people are okay with that. The underground was interesting. Mr. Francis has made a world where magic exist and people are okay with it. The rules are followed throughout and nothing breaks them.
- There were a couple of times I was struck with "how in the hell is she going to get out of this one" moments and yet she did but in a believable way. Nothing happened that I didn't sit back and go huh well that does make sense I mean I would hope I thought of that...

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- The only real issue I had with this book was the constant lovers and attraction Dakota had to everyone she had her ex-lover a vampire leader (female), she thought the FBI guy was hawt, she thought the werewolf was hawt etc.... I'm glad she didn't turn into a screw everyone in sight kind of girl or the review would be different.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping I really enjoyed the writing style and characters I can’t wait to see what will happen next for Dakota

Would you recommend this book? YES if you enjoy Urban Fantasy this is the book for you

Challenges:

Out Do Yourself

E-book

NetGalley

Reviewing Next:

Unquiet Dreams by Mark Del Franco