YA review: The Death Catchers

On her fourteenth Halloween, Lizzy Mortimer sees her first death-specter.

Confused at first, Lizzy soon learns from her grandmother Bizzy that as Death Catchers, they must prevent fate from taking its course when an unjust death is planned-a mission that has been passed down from their ancestor, Morgan le Fay. Only, Lizzy doesn't expect one of her first cases to land her in the middle of a feud older than time between Morgan le Fay and her sister Vivienne le Mort. Vivienne hopes to hasten the end of the world by preventing Lizzy from saving King Arthur's last descendant-humanity's greatest hope for survival. It's up to Lizzy, as Morgan's earthly advocate, to outwit fate before it's too late.

With its unique spin on Arthurian legend, this fresh, smartly written story will stand out in the paranormal genre. (goodreads)

My thoughts...The Death Catchers was an unexpected surprise for me for several reasons. First, I did not read the summary prior to reading, so I did not know this was a tale based on an old story. Secondly, I really enjoyed the characters. Lizzy, the heroine finds herself in a few precarious situations and her emotions felt very real. I understood what she was feeling and sympathized with her often. Bizzy, her grandmother, had great character and added a hint of humor the the story. This memorable character was written so vividly, I could imagine meeting her.

The Death Catchers was a fast-paced story. It was not overrun with subplots, dialogue, or endless rambling. I enjoyed Kogler's writing style. She used vivid language and kept me engaged.  I enjoyed the romance that brewed between Lizzy and Drake. It was written in an innocent way that built-up, allowing the reader to be part of the relationship. Another aspect of the story worth mentioning is the method of storytelling. The format is done letter form (Lizzy addressing her teacher, Mrs. Tweedy).  Overall, the whole story was very well done. I will be looking for more from this author!

For more information, visit Jennifer at her official website.

*ARC provided by publisher for review.

Review: Soul Born

All Opal wanted was to be respected as a wielder of magic, but her teachers passed her over time and time again. When a mysterious warlord embarks on a conquest to destroy the lands of Illyia Opal seizes an opportunity to step out from the shadows of her instructors and take her rightful spot among them.
Tala, an alluring young elf, was banished from her tribe, hunted and nearly killed by the beasts that dwell in the deep forests, but more than anything else she is a survivor. Joining forces with an ancient elemental power Tala finds herself in the center of an unrelenting human war. She never wanted any of this.
 
Flesh like leather and bone as strong as steel Karn, a veteran from the first kingdom to fall, is fueled by vengeance. While pushing ever headlong into battle Karn
 
Through death of soul, their world is born. (goodreads)

My thoughts... Welcome to a world of good and evil, right and wrong, dark and light. Kevin James Breaux has created a high fantasy world full of mystery, action, violence, love, and deceit.


Readers are introduced to the characters, Opal and Karn in the beginning of the story. Opal is a powerful mage and Karn is a warrior. They seem to be the perfect pair, in love, with a deep respect and passion for each other. However things are not always what they seem to be. When the enchanting elf Tala comes into the picture many paths change course. Another memorable character in the story was Zian, a powerful creature with an iron will and a soft side. The characters were very unpredictable. I found myself switching allegiances often and frequently angered by their actions.


Soul Born takes readers on an animated adventure. The pages of this 306 page novel are packed with action. There is something for everyone. The battle scenes are violent and bloody. The romance is steamy and sultry. The plot is mysterious and will leave you guessing. Breaux did a phenomenal job of world building. I could vividly imagine the lands these characters explore.


I could not end this review without mentioning the end of the story. I was shocked and overwhelmed by the actions of the characters and the results it produced. Hang on to your seats readers, it's gonna be a wild ride.

For more information, visit Kevin James Breaux at his official website.

YA review: The Frenzy

Liv has a secret.
 
Something happened to her when she was thirteen. Something that changed everything. Liv knows she doesn’t belong anymore—not in her own skin, not in her family . . . not anywhere. The only time she truly feels like herself is when she’s with her boyfriend, Corey, and in the woods that surround her town.
 
But in the woods, a mysterious woman watches Liv. In the woods, a pack of wild boys lurks. In the woods, Liv learns about the curse that will haunt her forever. The curse that caused the frenzy four years ago. And that may cause it again, all too soon.
 
While Corey and Liv’s love binds them together, Liv’s dark secret threatens to tear them apart as she struggles to understand who—or what—she really is. And by the light of the full moon, the most dangerous secrets bare their claws. . . . (goodreads)

My thoughts... Wow, what a surprising read. I was not expecting this much POW out of this novel. I went in not knowing what the story was about. What I found was a lot of themes and characters that had quite a bit to offer. The heroine, Liv, is far from perfect. She struggles internally with emotional issues and insecurities that make her relatable, but set he apart from others. The other characters in the story keep it interesting, they too have traits that set them apart from their community.

This story moved at a great pace; I finished it in just over a day. The writing is very smooth and has a great rhythm that keeps the reader engaged. The plot was interesting. It had elements common to other paranormal series, however the characters kept it fresh and exciting. I will be watching for more from this author!  

For more information, visit Francesca at her official website.

 

Melting Pot Monday

Sarah should have left Montgomery County when she had the chance, but now it's too late. She is trapped on the rooftop of her family home which is almost completely submerged by dark flood waters. The air smells of a mixture of sewage and mold and it’s still raining. Alone with only her thoughts Sarah is mad she did not leave town years ago when she was right out of high school, before she became the one things she dreaded most; her mother.

Haunted by the reoccurrence of an eerie thumping sound, Sarah is startled when she discovers a large hairy animal, almost the size of a cow, brushing against the corner of her house. What is it? Where did it come from? What other horrors are hiding in the dark water? (image & summary from Amazon.com)

Check it out, only $2.99 on Amazon.

Kevin Breaux James is the author of the Soul Born Saga. For more information, visit him at his official website.

YA review: Hades

Heaven Help Her.

Bethany Church is an angel sent to Earth to keep dark forces at bay. Falling in love was never part of her mission, but the bond between Beth and her mortal boyfriend, Xavier Woods, is undeniably strong. But even Xavier’s love, and the care of her archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, can’t keep Beth from being tricked into a motorcycle ride that ends up in Hell. There, the demon Jake Thorn bargains for Beth’s release back to Earth. But what he asks of her will destroy her, and quite possibly, her loved ones, as well.

The story that Alexandra Adornetto built in her New York Times-bestselling debut, Halo, comes alive in action-packed and unexpected ways, as angels battle demons, and the power of love is put to the test. (goodreads)

My thoughts...This is the second book by the young, but talented Alexandra Adornetto. If you have not read Halo yet, you can read my review here. In this second installment, I could see a lot of growth in the author. The book seems more focused, the action comes quicker, and the characters are more developed.

Readers will enjoy following Bethany in her adventure. Jake Thorn, gone but not forgotten, makes a startling appearance. Parts of the story were so shocking that it made me want to run to church. Some of the characters did some things that left me shaking my head, but they are young adults left in some pretty intense situations. Overall, I really enjoyed Hades. I am looking forward to more in this series.

For more information, visit Alexandra at her official website.

*ARC provided for review from publisher.

Read Pink

PENGUIN GROUP (USA) IS IN THE PINK FOR

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

It’s time to think pink to shrink cancer

What’s black and white and pink all over? The initiative by the Penguin Group (USA) called Read Pink™ in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This literary embrace of a life-saving cause last year resulted in nearly 400,000 best-selling romances shipped with Read Pink seals and information about the charity it supports – the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. In 2010 and 2011, some 12,000 floor displays also carried the Read Pink message. The result raised awareness for BCRF, the only cancer organization to receive A+ from the Institute for Philanthropy.

“We are delighted to be able to continue this initiative in support of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation for a second time.  We hope that awareness for the Foundation’s work will only grow by bringing more attention to this important cause,” said Leslie Gelbman, President of Mass Market Publishing, Penguin Group (USA). To mark the occasion, Penguin Group (USA) is again making a $25,000 donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

“The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is very grateful to be part of Penguin’s Read Pink program again this year,” said Myra J. Biblowit, President, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  “This visible initiative will certainly raise awareness about BCRF.”

The donation provides vital funds to support the mission of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.   As Dr. Laura J. Esserman, director of the Carole Franc Buck Breast Cancer Center at the University of California at San Francisco said,. “[BCRF] awards support leaders in translational science and assume that they will be able to best dispense the funds. This is invaluable. Most grants require a year’s lead time before ideas can be funded. The BCRF funds allow you to plan ideas a few months ahead, and are flexible in support. The awards also come with the promise of continuity to explore new ideas as they arise. I also really appreciate the annual awards ceremony and the expression of thanks to the scientists. We don’t often get that and it really is rewarding and inspiring to see that people appreciate us, even if we don’t come up with all of the answers. It is an expression of thanks for the efforts we put forward to try to find answers.”

The novels chosen for Read Pink 2011 are eight bestselling mass market titles by some of Penguin Group (USA)’s most beloved female authors. Included this year are Nora Roberts, Catherine Anderson, Christina Dodd, Jillian Hunter, Lynn Kurland, Amanda Quick, Bertrice Small and Lauren Willig.  More than 300,000 copies of the special editions will be printed featuring Read Pink seals on the covers.  In addition, Penguin Group (USA) is including information in the back of each book in an effort to make readers aware of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and encourage them to become actively involved in supporting the organization.

For more details about the Read Pink initiative and to view a complete list of the participating retail outlets, please visit www.penguin.com/readpink.

About The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research. In October 2011, BCRF will award $36.5 million to 186 scientists across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and China. Currently, more than 90 cents of every dollar donated is directed to breast cancer research and awareness programs. With exceptionally low administrative costs, BCRF continues to be one of the most efficient organizations in the country. BCRF has received an“A+” from The American Institute of Philanthropy.  For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

About Penguin Group (USA)

Penguin Group (USA) Inc. is the U.S. member of the internationally renowned Penguin Group.  Penguin Group (USA) is one of the leading U.S. adult and children's trade book publishers, owning a wide range of imprints and trademarks, including Viking, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, The Penguin Press, Riverhead Books, Dutton, Penguin Books, Berkley Books, Gotham Books, Portfolio, New American Library, Plume, Tarcher, Philomel, Grosset & Dunlap, Puffin, and Frederick Warne, among others. The Penguin Group (http://draft.blogger.com/) is part of Pearson plc, the international media company.