What's in my Mailbox? (3/6/11)

It's been quite a while, I know!

 In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren! 

 

 

 

Elixir by Hilary Duff

Afterlife by Claudia Gray

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

Haunted by Joy Preble*

Ruined bindup by Simone Elkeles

The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries by LJ Smith (&CW)

The Back Door of Midnight by Elizabeth Chandler

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

*I was contacted by Joy Preble through Goodreads. She had seen my review of Dreaming Anastasia on Youtube and her publishers took my suggestion that the diary text was hard to read and changed it in the reprinting of the book. Joy was sweet enough to send me a signed copy of Haunted as a thank you. How awesome is that?!

 

Afterlife by Claudia Gray

I've been a fan of the Evernight series from day one. Claudia Gray is a great author and really knows how to throw a reader around, in a good way! The writing was really good and kept me wanting to keep reading. One thing I did find annoying, was she continued to say 'this would've been funny if it wasn't so serious' and wording it in about a dozen different ways. I found that a little tiresome to read, but other than that it was very enjoyable.

I really loved the twists in the plot and I appreciated it very much. The ending wasn't very good for me, as an ending to a four book series it felt a little weak. It fixed things a little too much. I know that there are still going to be complications, but I still felt everything worked out too perfectly.

I will always be team Balthazar. <3 I can't wait to hear about his story coming in 2012 (way too long!)

4/5

Long time no see...

Hey guys! So sorry it's been so long since I've made a post, been really busy and also haven't been much into reading. My love and obsession however, is back and bigger than ever. Hopefully I'll be caught up with video reviews this weekend!

[not posting summary to avoid spoiling others]

I have really enjoyed the Touch series and this novel is no exception. There were some things I didn't care for, but overall, this book is a must read if you like paranormal romances.

The writing was great, as it always has been. I feel like the characters got a little more depth with them as they mature in the series. I have to say though, Wes and Kimmie totally stole the show away from Camelia and Ben in my opinion. They are SO funny and so imperfectly perfect that I want to put them in my pocket.

The suspense was really good as well. Though I did have an inkling as to whodunit, I thought the audio transcriptions and crosswords were very clever and a good way to keep the reader going.

The ending was a little cheesy for me, and predictable, but I still am looking forward to Deadly Little Voices, due to come in November of 2011.

4/5

The Ghost and the Goth - Stacey Kade

I really enjoyed this book! It was a very fast and fun read, a nice break after something as serious and action-packed as Nightshade. I was a little worried about how I'd like Alona, but she didn't bother me too much. As the novel progressed, I began to like her more. Will was another story - I loved him from the beginning and want him to be mine. ;]

The end was great and not what I was expecting at all, which was a very pleasant surprise. I thought the writing was great and the characters all added something. I didn't know how I felt about Joonie though, I'm still working my feelings out on her.

Great book overall, I also didn't know Stacey was an 'older' author. She knows the whole teen speak and what's going on in latest times very well. I'm impressed! I'm looking forward to reading Queen of the Dead, which is supposed to come out June 7th, 2011!

4/5

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

I thought this novel was great! I was a little disappointed in the ending, but that didn't deter me from giving it a solid 5 stars! I loved the characters in this story, and I loved the solid plot. As I read, I could truly tell that the author knew everything but was only telling me what she wanted me to know.

The writing style was great and I thought all the characters were strong and very independent personalities. Nothing is worse when the characters blend in with each other and make for just background. I didn't love Ren's character but I complete understood him and appreciated him at the end. I think my favorites were Nev, Mason, Bryn, and Ansel...they were so sweet and amazing. Calla was a great character too, but I wasn't a fan of how she really played up on the emotions of the two boys.

Overall, the plot was great, fast-paced, and I sped through the book because I couldn't put it down! Grab this one as fast as you can!

5/5