Title: Half-Blood
Author: Jennifer Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Publish Date: October 18, 2011
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal
Pages: 281
Source: Publisher

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway.

There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1: Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden.

Alex has every chance in the world at having the very world at her feet, but her three years in hiding with her pure-blood mother in the mortal world might just jeopardize that. In fact, there's a strong possibility she might become a servant if she can't catch up three years of training to her classmates at Covenant by the end of the summer. But the world in which Alex lives is far more dangerous than she could have anticipated. With Daimons lurking around the corner, training to keep her ever-vigilant and prepared and a pure-blood who very well might knock her off her game, she has to keep at the top of her abilities, or the world might come crashing down around her.

I've been hearing the praise for Half-Blood since I received my ARC, so trust me, my expectations were high going into this book. It's not too often that I read a book from a smaller press that, simply put, shocks me with the incredible ingenue and sheer originality within its pages. I'm happy to say, however, that Half-Blood very literally did so for me. Honestly, I saw mythology and thought it was going to be the same-old, same-old. Don't make the same mistake I did. Do not assume this book will be the same as any other you have ever read. Jennifer Armentrout has created a vivid and breathtakingly original world full of monsters, mythology and action that will stun you with its imagery and leave you spellbound and wanting more.

I've often complained that the YA genre does nothing for young girls. Often presenting heroines that are meek and sit idly by waiting to be rescued by some stud on horseback, I long for the heroine that takes charge. Half-Blood does more than that for us, providing a lovable, relatable and quirky heroine in Alex. She's headstrong and determined, but she has a sense of vulnerability that makes her accessible to us. Then there's Aiden. First of all, let me say that the premise is misleading and made me think this would be a straight insta-love book. I was wrong. Half-Blood presents two characters that grow as friends and, eventually, into the possibility of something more. Aiden was patient and kind; nurturing and challenging. He didn't let Alex rest on her laurels, but rather challenged her to live to her full potential. And, despite the fact that their relationship is doomed from the get-go (half-bloods and pure-bloods can never be together), I was rooting for them from the start. I have to mention the daimons, as well. They're a whole new breed of monster that were once pure-bloods but who became dark creatures from taking the essence of another pure-blood. They were brutal and ruthless, adding a dark and unsettling element to the story that was both fascinating and intriguing. Perfectly merging quiet, emotional moments with pulse-pounding action, Half-Blood delivers it all and leaves you craving more.

From fantastic imagery to the true ability to weave an entirely original story, Half-Blood succeeds on all accounts. If you're looking for a book that lives and breathes cross-genre success, this one's for you. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of both YA and adult books, especially to those who enjoy paranormal and fantasy novels.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Raw Blue
Author: Kirsty Eagar
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia
Published: June 29, 2009
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 274
Source: Tour/Bibliophile Brouhaha

Carly has dropped out of uni to spend her days surfing and her nights working as a cook in a Manly café. Surfing is the one thing she loves doing ... and the only thing that helps her stop thinking about what happened two years ago.

Then she meets Ryan and Carly has to decide ... Will she let the past bury her? Or can she let go of her anger and shame, and find the courage to be happy?

Carly believes that if there's a black sheep in her family, she fits the bill. She followed her family's path until she decided to do something fun one night and everything changed. She lost the love of her father, lost her faith in herself and found her feet ripped out from under her with one horrific act that haunts her every day. She hides from reality in a bubble of surfing and cooking, but she knows the darkness of her past is lurking under the surface, just waiting to leer its ugly head. And above all else, there's a chance she might be falling for Ryan, but can she put the past behind her and learn to love herself and find the faith to trust again?

Remember how I said contemporary fiction wasn't my thing? After reading Raw Blue, I can honestly say that this is the epitome of what the genre should be. I've read a lot of books, but Raw Blue is in a league of its own. Raw and real, Kirsty Eagar bottled heartache and let it spill over into the pages of her book, letting the words spin a story that's mesmerizing, heartbreaking and wholeheartedly touching. Raw Blue is definitely a tearjerker, but not in the melodramatic way where the girl is trying to decide between two boys or find the perfect summer love. It's the story of an internal struggle that becomes external as the main character, Carly, tries to piece her life back together.

At first, I had no idea what happened to Carly, so while I could relate to her confusion and self-induced isolation, I wasn't sure I could put myself in her shoes. I could, however, feel her peace that she feels with the ocean, which definitely made Raw Blue that much more real for me. Carly doesn't know who did those things to her that night, but she does remember what happened, and so she built armour around herself. Ryan isn't your glittering love interest, but he's solid, and real and he has a past of his own. The fact that he was flawed and wanted to know Carly on her terms made him the ultimate YA love interest. Raw Blue delicately walked a fine line between character and plot-driven, and it did it well. It was equal parts, and it led to an ending that was fitting, but made me long for more.

I've heard a lot of good things about Raw Blue, but it's so much better to have read it myself. I give it a firm 5 out of 5, hands down, and I have to say it's probably the best contemporary fiction I've ever read. I would recommend this to all fans of YA, as well as adult readers, especially those who enjoy the contemporary genre.

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It's day 7 of The Long Weekend Blog Tour! Be sure to check out today's stop over at Sarah's blog, That Bookish Girl! She's got another fabulous review, interview and international giveaway, so be sure to indulge!

Title: The Pace
Author: Shelena Shorts
Publisher: Lands Atlantic Publishing
Published: August 19, 2009
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Pages: 302
Source: Personal Copy

Nineteen-year-old Weston has everything. He's super hot, mysterious, dangerous, sincere, and vulnerable. He’s also a one-of-a-kind evolution that will change the idea of immortality forever. Anyone would be drawn to him, even without fate's intervention, and when eighteen-year-old Sophie crashes into him, there's no turning back.

All that remains is figuring out who, or what, he is, and with a little perseverance, she'll find out the indelible truth—right along with a century-old secret...and a threat for which neither of them are prepared.

Intensely fascinating and rich with determination, The Pace brings together romance, mystery, and suspense in a compelling bond that will have readers asking for more.

Sophie knows that Weston has a secret. Somehow, he’s different from other boys his age, and she wants to know why. She’s new to California, and there’s something about Wes that resonates, and it’s something she’s drawn to discover. He’s attractive, yes, but there’s more. As Sophie gets to know Wes, she starts to realize that Wes doesn’t have a singular secret, but several. As Sophie discovers more about Wes, she grows closer to him, and a relationship begins to bloom, but the secrets might be too much to conquer. And time might be to twisted to keep their budding romance alive.

The Pace was completely and utterly refreshing in a sea of YA that is so formulaic. Usually, we get these “Boy meets girl. Boy and girl fall madly in love. Boy and girl can’t live without one another.” Blah. Yawn. The Pace, however, took your average YA formula, turned it on its end, added two dynamic and powerful characters, and threw science, destiny, love and time into a beautiful and haunting story. Author Shelena Shorts has redeemed your YA love story with a rich plot, endearing characters and a powerful message that stays with you.

Sophie was truly a fantastic character. I loved that she was strong and independent, and she wasn’t the least bit wishy-washy! Her voice was honest and had hints of vulnerability, but she never seemed weak – just approachable. Wes was your handsome YA male, but he had depth (thank the Lord!). He had this honest demeanor despite his secrets, and I loved watching the actual relationship between the two characters develop. Most of all though, time was a character, and single action in The Pace had a legitimate reaction. I could actually see the first events in the novel lead to the last, twirling the characters on this mysterious and tumultuous roller-coaster ride.

I am absolutely blown away by The Pace. I expected a pretty good read from the premise, but I didn’t expect it to be that good, and the ending just killed me. I can’t wait to read book two, The Broken Lake. I give The Pace a 4.5 out of 5 (the only deduction being the mildly average premise), and I’d recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy fantasy and sci-fi.

Title: The Liar Society
Author: Lisa & Laura Roecker
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Published: March 1, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemps, Mystery
Pages: 361
Source: Publisher

Kate Lowry didn't think dead best friends could send e-mails. But when she gets an e-mail from Grace, she’s not so sure.

To: KateLowry@pemberlybrown.edu

Sent: Sun 9/14 11:59 PM

From: GraceLee@pemberlybrown.edu

Subject: (no subject)

Kate,

I'm here…

sort of.

Find Cameron.

He knows.

I shouldn't be writing.

Don't tell.

They'll hurt you.

Now Kate has no choice but to prove once and for all that Grace’s death was more than just a tragic accident. But secrets haunt the halls of her elite private school. Secrets people will do anything to protect. Even if it means getting rid of the girl trying to solve a murder...

The Liar Society follow Kate Lowry, living in a prestigious boarding school in the aftermath of her best friend Grace’s death. Kate is confused and lost, wondering what could possibly have turned life so horribly upside down when she receives an email from Grace, saying that she needs Kate to figure out what happened to her – and to be careful. Up until now, Kate was certain that dead girls didn’t send emails, but now Kate has the chance to prove that Grace’s death was more than the accident it seemed. Teaming up with the cute and nerdy neighbor, Seth, and the ultimate bad boy at school, Liam, Kate is determined to find the truth once and for all.

I’ve been stalking reading Lisa and Laura Roecker’s blog forever, and when I say forever, I mean since the day I started my blog. Literally. Debut authors, Lisa and Laura are a sister duo, self-described as “The Hilton sisters – spray tans + brains – 4 inches + 20 (ok, 30) pounds / Cleveland, OH.” Seriously witty and original, the sisters have created a mystery story in The Liar Society that’s equal parts adventure, mystery and intrigue. Throw a little pinch of oh-so-cute romance into the mix, and The Liar Society is, essentially the epitome of a slam-dunk debut.

The Liar Society presents one of the most likeable heroines I’ve ever read. Kate has these hilarious one-liners that are so fresh and fantastic that I want to slap myself for ever having read books with whiny little female MCs. Kate, Liam and Seth perfectly complement one another and add a dynamic of intrigue and fun to their already-developed personalities. Furthermore, I am pleased to say that, though set in a boarding school, The Liar Society is NOT rife with your stereotypical mean girls/rich students with all their baggage. Rather, the mystery fuels the plot, and the flashbacks that let us experience the friendship between Kate and Grace give us even more depth. You know what? Kate is like Veronica Mars – full of snark and sass, but with a mushy marshmallow interior hiding beneath her resilient personality.

I am going to sing the praises of The Liar Society from here until the sequel, so help me God. A twist between Nancy Drew and Veronica Mars, The Liar Society is fresh and fabulous, leaving us hanging just a little with an ending I truly did not expect. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I want the sequel. Now. I would recommend this books to all YA fans, especially those who like mysteries and contemporary fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Alex Sawyer and his mates should have known there was no way out of Furnace Penitentiary. Their escape attempt only lands them deeper in the guts of this prison for young offenders, and then into solitary confinement.

And that's where a whole new struggle begins—a struggle not to let the hellish conditions overwhelm them. Because before another escape attempt is even possible, they must first survive the nightmare that now haunts their endless nights.
Taken from Goodreads.

Solitary follows the story of Alex and his friends, still trapped in Furnace Prison and losing hope every day. Alex knows he deserves a punishment for what has happened, but nobody deserves to be in the horror that is Furnace. After a successful escape from gen. pop, those who survived are now stuck in solitary confinement, and just when they think things can’t get worse, they do. Alex is desperate to escape, but the horrors of solitary confinement are nothing compared to the living nightmare right beyond their cell doors. Can Alex and his friends escape without losing their minds…or their lives?

If you remember, I read the first book in the series, Lockdown , just a little while back, and I was stunned by just how dark, complex, and intricate the story was. After the cliffhanger ending kept me desperate for more, I was so excited to pick up Solitary to figure out what happens next. I am so happy that this book didn’t disappoint. Once again, Alexander Gordon Smith transports the reader to a hellish world that makes real-life prisons look like resort clubs. Eerie, unsettling, and filled with twists and turns that keep you rooting for the characters and begging for a way out, Solitary is an intense thrill ride.

The main strength of Solitary lies in the characters, in my opinion. Alex isn’t perfect. He’s flawed, and the prison is gradually taking its toll on his conscience, which is perfectly detailed with every chapter. Despite his downfalls though, I was cheering for him throughout, and I could barely put this book down. Furthermore, it’s rare for me to see a book where the setting is as much a character as the characters themselves. Solitary presents a world that’s alive with terror and rich with details that kept me white-knuckling the book.

Sequels don’t always live up to the first book, but Solitary is an incredible follow-up. In fact, I’d be so bold as to say it’s even better than the first. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I would definitely recommend this to those who love YA mysteries, thrillers, and just a touch of sci-fi to keep you guessing. This book is also perfect for boys (not those with weak stomachs!)

I received this book free of charge from the publisher, Farrar, Strauss & Giroux, in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Sam knows that he and his friend Lloyd made a colossal mistake when they accepted the ride home. They have ended up in a dark mansion in the middle of nowhere with man who means to harm them. But Sam doesn't know how to get them out. They were trapped, then separated. Now they are alone. Will either of them get out alive? This gripping and hypnotic thriller will have you reading late into the night.

Taken from GoodReads.

The Long Weekend follows the story of Sam and Lloyd, two friends who find themselves in a very scary and very dangerous situation. Sam just started at a new school and was fortunate to find a good friend in Lloyd – someone he can joke around with and not feel like the new kid. One weekend, when their plans go awry, the two make the mistake of getting in a car with a stranger without thinking and the longest weekend of their lives begins. They’re taken to an old secluded mansion and separated from one another, left to the mercy of the sinister stranger. Can they make it out alive, or even in one piece?

I was invited to review The Long Weekend by author, Savita Kalhan, and I couldn’t resist. I have a penchant for mysteries and thrillers, and when they’re in the YA genre, I’m sold from the get-go. Despite being written for a young adult audience, the author tackles an extremely sensitive and chaotic topic, merging it with beautiful prose and vivid imagery to keep the story and madness alive. I’m not lying when I say this book gave me the chills more than once. Though Kalhan is delicate in her wording for the audience, it’s no less scary or creepy.

What I found most amazing about The Long Weekend was how perfect the voice of 11-year-old Sam sounded. It felt very tangible and both Sam and Lloyd’s fear was perfectly depicted. Nothing was overdone or overplayed, so the subtleties in the story really rang through and heightened the suspense. The boys go through a range of emotions from worry, to surprise, to potential excitement, to downright fear, matched well with the pacing to keep the flow of The Long Weekend going throughout the slim book (it's a quick read). I was on the edge of my seat throughout, rooting for both Sam and Lloyd because I really got inside their heads.

All in all, The Long Weekend was a fabulous read. I give it a firm 5 out of 5, and I’d have to say this is one of the most underrated books I’ve heard of in a while, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it. I would recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who like horror, realistic fiction, and contemporary fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Vampire predators run wild in this exciting steampunk adventure, the first in an alternate history trilogy that is already attracting attention. In 1870, monsters rise up and conquer the northern lands, As great cities are swallowed up by carnage and disease, landowners and other elite flee south to escape their blood-thirsty wrath.

One hundred fifty years later, the great divide still exists; fangs on one side of the border, worried defenders on the other. This fragile equilibrium is threatened, then crumbles after a single young princess becomes almost hopelessly lost in the hostile territory. At first, she has only one defender: a mysterious Greyfriar who roams freely in dangerous vampire regions.
Taken from GoodReads.

Vampire Empire: The Greyfriar is the story of an alternate world history for humans here on Earth. Vampires roam freely, mercilessly killing, maiming, torturing, and taking hold of every inch of land available. Those few humans that did survive are either enslaved or have fled to the relative safety of the South. Now, in a world dominated by various cunning and intense Vampire Empires, the world conquests are fought between vampires, rather than men, and Adele, heir to Equatoria, is about to meet the mysterious and complex Greyfriar.

Wow! Ok, when I received The Greyfriar for review, I wasn't expecting too much because, frankly, I've never heard anything about it before, and vampires usually bore the crap heck out of me. Finally! It was so nice to read about non-glittering vampires who stay true to their nature! Using rich prose, an incredibly steampunk atmosphere and a blooming and contagious romance, husband and wife author duo, Susan and Clay Griffith have created an incredible masterpiece of a story that is intense, exhilarating, and completely delicious.

There are too many high points in The Greyfriar for me to name them all, so I'll be general. The characterization was enthralling. Adele and the Greyfriar were so clearly defined, their actions and motives so well-pronounced, that it is impossible not to fall in love with their story as their relationship blooms. The amazing mythology that creeps its way into every aspect of the story heightens the sinister nature of the vampires and makes the story all that more gripping and enticing. Honestly, I'm surprised this book was as slim as it was because the story was well-rounded and truly captivating to read.

I give The Greyfriar a 5 out of 5, hands down. In fact, I'd probably give it more if I could. I recommend that everyone buy this book as soon as it releases (I believe on November 18th) because it is a definite must-read. I would recommend this book to fans of YA and adult fiction, particularly those who enjoy steampunk, vampires, fantasy, and mythology. Due to the violence, I do think an upper YA audience is probably best.

I received this book free of charge for review from the publisher, PYR, in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my review or opinion of this book.

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?
Taken from GoodReads.

Nightshade follows the story of Calla, a teenage girl with the heart of a wolf - literally. Born to be at the front of the pack, Calla knows her path in life. It's been set for her since she was a baby. What Calla didn't plan on was finding the one person in the world who could help her see another path, another future, or maybe just a hint of another possibility. She's born to lead, but can she control her own heart first?

I'm not going to lie to any of you. Nightshade has had more than its fair share of publicity which, yet again, is part of the reason that I've put off reading it for a while. I don't like getting swept up in the hype. Now, with all that said, let me just take the time to say...the hype was right! Nightshade is such a fun, refreshing, and fantasy-ful world that I didn't want to put it down! Andrea Cremer has created a magical world that was already well put-together from the first page. Rather than being inundated with an unrealistic world and character transformation, Andrea Cremer treats us to a tongue-tying, spellbinding, artfully woven story of truth, love, and destiny.

The enigmatic nature of Calla, as well as the two male leads, Ren and Shay, in Nightshade is both tangible and electric. The characters are clearly defined with their true natures at the forefront of their personality. There are no wishy-washy MCs in Nightshade. Calla is strong, Ren is raw power, and Shay exudes gorgeous from every pore of his being. The interaction, chemistry, and dynamic between the characters is also artfully-spun, giving us a trio that drives the already fast-paced plot along.

Nightshade is one of the best reads I have sunk my teeth into in a while. Taking the all-too-popular werewolf trend and spinning it on its heel, Nightshade creates a new world that any reader would love to be lost in. I give it a 5 out of 5, hands down, and I'd recommend it to fans of YA, paranormal and fantasy stories, as well as anyone who loves werewolf lore.