Title: Ghost House
Author: Alexandra Adornetto (Twitter)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: August 26, 2014
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

After the loss of her mother, Chloe Kennedy starts seeing the ghosts that haunted her as a young girl again. Spending time at her grandmother's country estate in the south of England is her chance to get away from her grief and the spirits that haunt her. Until she meets a mysterious stranger…

Alexander Reade is 157 years dead, with secrets darker than the lake surrounding Grange Hall and a lifelike presence that draws Chloe more strongly than any ghost before. But the bond between them awakens the vengeful spirit of Alexander's past love, Isobel. And she will stop at nothing to destroy anyone who threatens to take him from her.

To stop Isobel, Chloe must push her developing abilities to their most dangerous limits, even if it means losing Alex forever… and giving the hungry dead a chance to claim her for their own.

It's been a long while since I fell for a ghost story - or a paranormal story for that matter - so I figured it was high time I actually read a book like Ghost House again. It must be said before I review this book that I knew going in it would follow the somewhat stereotypical young adult paranormal formula. Why? Simply because it's far too seldom that I read a ghost story that scares the crap out of me but manages to charm me at the same time. So, I knew that we would see love, we would see drama and I was certain there would be a plethora of cliches, as well. Alexandra Adornetto is now a veteran author though, and with an avid fan base, I wanted to give this new series a chance.

Ghost House starts strong, developing a strong bond between readers and our protagonist Chloe, who can see ghosts. Though she's managed to turn them off and away for years, they're back in full force since the death of her mother, and she sees them everywhere. I liked that there was a delicate balance between the naiveté of Chloe, and this deep-seeded pain that ruled her actions, as well. She's torn between two worlds - the one she lives in, and the one that haunts her all the time. I understood her desire to escape it all. Furthermore, I was impressed to see that Chloe does develop through the story, and we get to see her mature and come into her own. Her explorations of her abilities and her desire to help Alex were definitely intriguing, and it was that degree of empathy that really hooked me on her persona.

In terms of secondary characters, Alex was a bit more tedious for me through Ghost House. I felt like he offered pretty much the standard insta-love connection to the story, and though I was intrigued by his backstory and his tragic past, I wanted to see more of a rich and layered personality from him. I also struggled a little with the budding relationship between Alex and Chloe, simply because I didn't see as strong of a connection from both sides. So, in the case of this novel, I was actually happy to see a love triangle develop - if only because it offered us a human counterpart to our ghostly lover. All that said though, I must admit that I felt the romance overshadowed the actual plot, which was a shame. What could have been a really strong ghost story about a girl coming into her own and helping the other side did, unfortunately, fall prey to a few too many cliches for me in the end.

Overall though, I must say that Ms. Adornetto's writing is much stronger this time around, in my opinion. I wasn't the biggest fan of the Halo series, and I think that she's learned to develop her characters better, which is a huge plus for me. That being said, I liked Ghost House, but I didn't fall absolutely, madly in love with it. I give it a strong 3 out of 5, and I definitely recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy lighter paranormal dramas.

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: Liv, Forever
Author: Amy Talkington (Twitter)
Publisher: Soho Teen
Publish Date: March 11, 2014
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Mystery
Pages: 280
Source: Publisher

When Liv Bloom lands an art scholarship at Wickham Hall, it’s her ticket out of the foster system. Liv isn’t sure what to make of the school’s weird traditions and rituals, but she couldn’t be happier. For the first time ever, she has her own studio, her own supply of paints. Everything she could want.

Then she meets Malcolm Astor, a legacy student, a fellow artist, and the one person who’s ever been able to melt her defenses. Liv’s only friend at Wickham, fellow scholarship kid Gabe Nichols, warns her not to get involved, but life is finally going Liv’s way, and all she wants to do is enjoy the ride.

But Liv’s bliss is doomed. Weeks after arriving, she is viciously murdered and, in death, she discovers that she’s the latest victim of a dark conspiracy that has claimed many lives. Cursed with the ability to see the many ghosts on Wickham’s campus, Gabe is now Liv’s only link to the world of the living. To Malcolm.

Liv, Forever is the perfect example of a novel that should, but doesn't, have a lot of hype surrounding it. I first fell in love with the cover of the book months ago, but the cover pales in comparison to the meat of the story, which is thrilling, dramatic, heartbreaking and beautiful. There's a certain aura about murder mysteries that often seems so very cut and dried. This singular book, however, proves that there can be so much more to such a story. Quirky and endearing, we're offered a story that's equal parts mystery and romance, giving us characters to believe in, a murder plot to unravel and a story that will easily sweep us along in its haunting embrace.

There's a subtle beauty to this story that goes hand in hand with the gothic darkness that creeps up slowly, alluring and deceiving. The fact that Ms. Talkington was able to give us a tale that's romantic, as well as dark and mysterious, tells a lot about her ability as a writer, as neither element seemed to circumvent the other. Rather, the two seemed to go hand in hand. Just when something seemed too dark, or too messy to be appropriate, the romantic interludes would creep in, giving us a beautiful, albeit sad, shoulder to rest on. As such, I think that the romance between Liv and Malcom was really well done. In some ways, I could see it as an insta-love scenario, but the connection between two very well-developed characters made it much more appropriate and tangible. Their love is what makes Liv, Forever such a masterpiece, as it seems to be that overarching storyline that gives us hope and provides us with a touch of lightness when surrounded by such despair.

Liv was a tricky character. She kept to herself, and as such, I felt like a fellow wallflower reading the novel. She knew she didn't belong at Wickham, but at the same time, she is what made the school bearable. At times, I felt as though she was too accepting of her death in the immediate tense. I would have expected far more dismay and alarm, but she seemed to take her demise in stride. Malcolm, on the other hand, felt it very deeply and, as such, I felt more drawn to his character. Though a Wickham student through and through, he had a sensitive soul that made it easy to fall for him. Likewise, Gabe offered us touches of humour, as well as a snide, derisive persona that worked well to offset the personalities of various ghosts and their agendas.

The plot of Liv, Forever was fast-paced and thrilling. Ms. Talkington gave us a depth and complexity that I'll readily admit I did not expect from such a slim novel. I was surprised and pleased to see that this story is actually multi-layered, giving us a rich, formative history that unfurls as the plot progresses, numerous secondary characters, each of whom plays a significant role in the story and a mystery that I didn't actually manage to solve by myself. Cleverly crafted, it's a novel that exudes a sense of familiarity, as these are characters that we've all known at some point in our lives, but still an air of emotional, heart-stopping, draw-dropping drama. Plus, with a love story that's fully engaged and front and center, we can't help but be completely invested.

I was really, completely surprised and pleased with Liv, Forever. It's a beautiful story that transcends the genre norms and really asks us to think and feel as we follow along Liv, Gabe and Malcolm's journey. Needless to say, it's not a story I'll soon forget. I give it a very high 4.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy gothic mysteries and paranormal romances.

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: Ink
Author: Amanda Sun (Twitter)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: June 25, 2013
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 377
Source: Publisher

On the heels of a family tragedy, the last thing Katie Greene wants to do is move halfway across the world. Stuck with her aunt in Shizuoka, Japan, Katie feels lost. Alone. She doesn’t know the language, she can barely hold a pair of chopsticks, and she can’t seem to get the hang of taking her shoes off whenever she enters a building.

Then there’s gorgeous but aloof Tomohiro, star of the school’s kendo team. How did he really get the scar on his arm? Katie isn’t prepared for the answer. But when she sees the things he draws start moving, there’s no denying the truth: Tomo has a connection to the ancient gods of Japan, and being near Katie is causing his abilities to spiral out of control. If the wrong people notice, they'll both be targets.

Just when Katie is certain that her life can't get any worse...it does. After her mother's death, Katie has no choice but to give up her hometown, her friends, her customs and move in with her aunt, an English teacher in Japan. Not only does Katie need to learn the new customs of this foreign country, but she can't speak the language, the culture is entirely different and her entire life has been turned upside down. But Katie's new life in Japan is just beginning - and she may never be able to leave.

When I first received Ink for review, I wasn't sure if it would be the right sort of fit for me. I've yet to read a surprising paranormal story in a while and, for the most part, the genre seems a bit burned out. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the world that Amanda Sun has created within the pages of this novel. Bringing a vivid country alive through meticulous descriptions, careful research and a very clear and apparent love of the culture, Ink draws you in from the very first page. The prose is as finely-crafted as the artwork of Ink, itself, and you're certain to be mesmerized by this delightful and completely foreign world. 

If you look around the blogosphere, the reviews of Ink are kind of a mixed bag. They seem to sway to opposite ends of the spectrum - either really good, or really poor. After reading it though, I can definitely understand why this seems to have happened. Ink is a rich and extremely descriptive novel, and it must be said that the true power of the novel lies within the incredibly detailed world that the author has created. The writing style is fluid and accessible, and Japan almost feels tangible, as the words envelop us in a culture that is so vastly different from our own. I can't tell you how many times I was pleasantly surprised to see that the foods, sights, vernacular and general life of the Japanese culture were so true to real life...and yes, I had to research it myself to see that it did. There was a definitive insta-love vibe to Ink though, and that definitely rubbed me the wrong way at first. Don't get me wrong, I can definitely see why she falls for Tomohiro, as he's a definitive heartthrob, but still - we all know how I feel about insta-love. However, upon further research, Ink seems to follow in the vein of lots of manga and such cultural dramas, in which such love stories are more commonplace. Because of that, I could reconcile myself with it a bit. I'll be honest and say that I was left with a lot of questions at the end of Ink, but they're the sort that make me want to read on, and the author's writing style is wonderful enough for me to want to do so, as well.

Overall, Ink was a refreshing take on the genre. While, yes, it won't work for everyone, and some parts didn't necessarily work for me, I quite enjoyed this book. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal and paranormal romance. Fans of Korean and Japanese dramas, as well as manga will probably enjoy this one, as well.

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: Some Quiet Place
Author: Kelsey Sutton (Twitter)
Publisher: Flux
Publish Date: July 8, 2013
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 350
Source: Publisher

Elizabeth Caldwell doesn’t feel emotions...she sees them. Longing, Shame, and Courage materialize around her classmates. Fury and Resentment appear in her dysfunctional home. They’ve all given up on Elizabeth because she doesn’t succumb to their touch. All, that is, save one - Fear. He’s intrigued by her, as desperate to understand the accident that changed Elizabeth’s life as she is herself.

Elizabeth and Fear both sense that the key to her past is hidden in the dream paintings she hides in the family barn. But a shadowy menace has begun to stalk her, and try as she might, Elizabeth can barely avoid the brutality of her life long enough to uncover the truth about herself. When it matters most, will she be able to rely on Fear to save her?

Once a normal child, Elizabeth now possesses a very unique gift. Rather than feeling the emotions that people experience from day to day life, she can see them. Carefully guarded though, Elizabeth has always managed to ward off these emotions by keeping them at arm's length. But these emotions are tangible and, as is the case with Fear, they can be relentless. Something wants to know the truth about Elizabeth though, and she's not as safe as she might think. Will she discover the truth about her past in time, or will her past come back to haunt her?

There are very few books that enter the YA market today that truly capture me with the sheer originality of their premise, but Some Quiet Place was definitely one of those few. Author, Kelsey Sutton, has crafted a haunting debut novel in which a girl is lost in the deadly throes of an unimaginable power and emotions are every bit as tangible as you and I. With a deft hand, evocative prose and overflowing originality, Some Quiet Place carves a spot for itself in the YA market, promising readers a powerful journey of self-discovery and rich, heartfelt emotion.

I have to say, I was completely blown away (and, admittedly, somewhat confused) by the premise of Some Quiet Place. Elizabeth sees emotions as personified beings that meddle and tinker with people's lives. Rather than just feelings, the emotions within the story are actual entities, which took me a while to wrap my head around, though I loved the concept. I thought I'd have a very difficult time getting into Elizabeth's head because of her inability to feel, but we're provided a well-rounded, deep and highly accessible character, mostly through her, often times, painful interactions with others, as well as her stark and honest voice. I also really loved how emotions were actually portrayed in the novel. They skulk around in the shadows, only intervening when they want to be felt, and it's both a complex and fascinating idea to ponder. I really, really loved the relationship between Elizabeth and Fear. It wasn't so cut-and-dried as many paranormal romances that I've seen before. Naturally, the two characters have significant hurdles to overcome simply to relate with one another properly. Their interactions are complex and profound, and Fear is an unlikely, but extremely swoon-worthy, love interest. On the flip side though, I was a bit disappointed that Some Quiet Place presented a love triangle, too. Personally, I thought the relationships already established presented enough of a challenge to Elizabeth as it was, and it seemed like a touch of an afterthought to pacify some of the YA romance crowd. I also felt that there was so much put into the illustrative prose and fantastic primary characters that the secondary characters felt like mere stereotypes of what they represented. 

Overall though, I really enjoyed the originality that Some Quiet Place brings to the YA market. This book can easily stand alone, which is a treat, however, I think it would also serve as a strong stepping stone to a great series. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal and paranormal romance stories.

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

Title: Harbinger
Author: Sara Wilson Etienne (Twitter)
Publisher: Putnam
Publish Date: February 2, 2012
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 320
Source: Author

When sixteen-year-old Faye arrives at Holbrook Academy, she doesn't expect to find herself exactly where she needs to be. After years of strange waking visions and nightmares, her only comfort the bones of dead animals, Faye is afraid she's going crazy. Fast.

But her first night at Holbrook, she feels strangely connected to the school and the island it sits on, like she's come home. She's even made her first real friends, but odd things keep happening to them. Every morning they wake on the floors of their dorm rooms with their hands stained red.

Faye knows she's the reason, but what does it all mean? The handsome Kel tries to help her unravel the mystery, but Faye is certain she can't trust him; in fact, he may be trying to kill her - and the rest of the world too.

Faye doesn't really know what her place is in the world. Holbrook Academy is meant to rehabilitate her, and when her father drops her off, she's even more unsure then before. She feels drawn to Holbrook and her surroundings, but there's an odd sort of charisma on the island, too. It's dark and terrifying. and though Faye feels at home for the first time in her life, weird things keep happening, and she knows it has to be because of her. To top it all off, Faye feels drawn to Kel, but there's something different about Kel, too. He's good, but there's a touch of darkness around him. Can she figure out the mysteries of her existence, Holbrook and Kel before it's too late?

Now, it's no secret that I love me some straight horror stories, but there's something to be said about stories that are silent and deadly. Harbinger is very much one of those. Twisting in an ever-churning maze of darkness and unease, the story winds and writhes, spinning the reader into its deadly web. Sara Wilson Etienne has crafted a one of a kind story that is equal parts psychological thriller and drama. There is a rich, vivid starkness to the pages that, though complex, envelops you into a world that smothers you with an incredible tale from which you both long to remain within and break free. Nothing and everything in Harbinger is real, and by the time you close the last page, you'll be questioning your reality, too.

Gosh, I've been dying to read Harbinger for so long! I love it when stories teeter on the edge of insanity, just seconds from spilling over, but walk that line with precarious ease. Harbinger perfectly portrays the lost teen in Faye that wants so desperately to be normal, and yet wants to be herself, as well. Her internal battle is mimicked quite fluidly in her surroundings within Holbrook Academy. The vividness of the details of Faye's visions was incredible. Harbinger paints a scene of an overwhelming, smothering tidal wave that very nearly envelops the reader, too. Every character, whether primary or secondary, is fleshed out with intricate detail to create a multifaceted mystery. Touches of romance enhance the plot with a rich sweetness, but it's never cloying or overpowering. Rather, the story of Faye and Kel merely serves to strengthen the overall plot of Harbinger. Most of all though, Harbinger is non-stop action from start to finish. Whereas many stories within the genre span months, this one takes place in one week. It's a lot to push into a single novel, but Harbinger bears the burden easily, presented a vivid and haunting story.

I was thoroughly impressed by Harbinger and the author's incredible story-telling, and I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to read it. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal and dark stories.

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.

Title: Brightest Kind of Darkness
Author: P.T. Michelle
Publisher: Self-Published
Publish Date: June 27, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 248
Source: Author

Nara Collins is an average sixteen-year-old, with one exception: every night she dreams the events of the following day. Due to an incident in her past, Nara avoids using her special gift to change fate…until she dreams a future she can’t ignore.

After Nara prevents a bombing at Blue Ridge High, her ability to see the future starts to fade, while people at school are suddenly being injured at an unusually high rate.

Grappling with her diminishing powers and the need to prevent another disaster, Nara meets Ethan Harris, a mysterious loner who seems to understand her better than anyone. Ethan and Nara forge an irresistible connection, but as their relationship heats up, so do her questions about his dark past.

Nara lives each and every day twice. She lives them in her dreams before she ever lives in them in real life, so she always knows what to expect. It's predictable. It's monotonous. And it can be incredibly boring. When Nara dreams about a bomb going off at school, she knows that she has to stop it, or all that death will be on her hands. So, she calls in an anonymous tip about the bomb to stop it in time. Little does she know that that one action opened an inevitable Pandora's box for herself. People begin suffering from mysterious ailments, and the dangerous and rebellious Ethan seems to be the only one she can suddenly depend on when her powers suddenly stop. What's the cause of the change, and can Nara fix it in time?

I'm incredibly selective with the self-published books I choose to review these days, and it must be said that I've been entirely certain as of late that I've heard every spin on the paranormal young adult genre that there could possibly be. Brightest Kind of Darkness proved me wrong in the best possible way. The story was solid and strong, alive with fast-paced action, heart-pounding suspense and a plot that grips you from start to finish. Author P.T. Michelle has proven her merit with an incredibly well-written novel that's rife with tension, rich with full-bodied and relatable characters and a story that is so original that it's certain to make a name for itself in the genre.

I kid you not when I say that Brightest Kind of Darkness is one of the best reads I've had thus far this year. Nara was a true heroine - honest and brave, strong and fierce and incredibly passionate about life and holding fast to her gift. She wasn't popular, but she wasn't a loner. She was resilient, and she was kind; very much the type of person you would want to be friends with. Likewise, Ethan was every bit the dangerously delicious bad-boy, however, he wasn't a cliche. There was a darkness around his character, but the same could be said for Nara, and when the two connected, there became light. Their love is power, but it's also beautiful and pure, which is a rarity in a genre overrun by insta-love. It took time to develop and grow, and the plot served to foster it throughout. Brightest Kind of Darkness used two very powerful and very tangible characters to shine through a fast-paced plot. Nara's actions set the stage for a runaway train of suspense and mystery, but the twists and turns kept the story and characters fresh and alive throughout. Brightest Kind of Darkness plays off the idea that every action must have an equal and opposite reaction, which is terrifying and utterly mesmerizing. In essence, the book proves to us that Fate is real, and it is not to be tampered with.

All in all, Brightest Kind of Darkness absolutely blew me away. Fresh and alluring, it's sure to find a place in every book lover's TBR. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I can't recommend it enough to all fans of YA fiction, especially those who enjoy paranormal and paranormal romance stories.

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.

Title: A Beautiful Dark
Author: Jocelyn Davies
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publish Date: September 27, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

Skye never questioned the story of her life. Her Aunt Jo adopted her after the death of her parents when she was just a child, and together they flip through memories the way some people flip through photo albums. She never questioned if the stories were true.

Until the night of her 17th birthday, when the arrival of two strangers intrudes on her cozy life. Polar opposites, like fire and ice, Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair, cold, and aloof. Skye has no idea what they want—only that their presence coincides with the beginning of some shockingly strange events. Events that Skye, if she dares to think it, might be responsible for causing.

High up in the mountains of Boulder, Colorado, Skye finds herself caught in the middle of an ancient battle, one that began untold millennia ago. Torn between unpredictable Asher, whom she loves, and the infuriating Devin, who she can’t stay away from, her fate is murky as a starless night. And as the secrets of her true identity are revealed, Skye realizes that her destiny may reside in the Heavens—or somewhere darker.

Skye lives in a beautiful town under a gorgeous sky with her Aunt Jo. She's lived this way since her parents died when she was six, and she's never questioned a thing. It's life. There is loss and there is tragedy, but she overcame it. When two boys, Devin and Asher, show up in her sleepy town, mysteries begin to unfold. There's a darkness that follows one of the boys, but there's an aura of calm and peace with the other. Most of all though, she feels torn into two, and she's unsure why. The boys are a catalyst, and Skye will learn the secrets of her parents that she was never meant to know...and what they mean for her future.

Let me preface my review by saying that I've said it time and again - I hate love triangles. Good Lord. At least give me a square, or a love pentagon. Please. Rant over. A Beautiful Dark is the brainchild of debut author, Jocelyn Davies. Providing three dynamic and engaging characters, the novel thrusts the reader into a world where dark and light are as different as night and day, and the truth within oneself might be more powerful than one could ever know. Engrossing and entertaining, A Beautiful Dark takes angels and spins an entirely new story of good and evil and how the line can blur between the two.

There were elements about A Beautiful Dark that I just adored, and there were parts that left me craving for more, so bear with me while I explain. Skye, as a main character, was strong. She was well-developed and relatable. There was an energy about her that was a smidge reckless, but altogether fun and infectious, which made it an easy feat to access her motives. I will also admit that both Devin and Asher are pretty fleshed out, making them real and as clear as can be. Having a trio of completely dynamic characters is quite a feat, and the author navigated it with ease. Having said that, I also must admit that I felt the love element was a bit too forced on me. I knew going into A Beautiful Dark that there was a triangle, but I was a bit disappointed to see that it didn't break that common love triangle hook. I wanted to see a different sort of twist, and it just didn't happen. Now, that said, the idea behind good versus bad in this book was wholeheartedly refreshing. So, like I said, there was a fairly even balance, though a few of the weaknesses were a bit taxing. I must, however, make note of the awesomely brilliant ending. Seriously? A Beautiful Dark nailed that one. I was riveted and left begging for just one more page.

All in all, while I'm not entirely certain that A Beautiful Dark sets itself completely apart from the competition in the genre, it will definitely find a hearty following. I give it a very strong 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy YA, especially stories about angels and paranormal romance.

I received this ARC 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: Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Publisher: Little, Brown BYR
Publish Date: September 27, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 432
Source: Publisher

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low. And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherworldly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

Karou is, for all intents and purposes, your average art student living life in Prague. She has an ex boyfriend that treads daily into her life and messes things up, an eccentric best friend and a penchant for drawing wildly daring artwork that seems unimaginably alive. When classmates ask where her inspiration comes from, she smiles and says it's all true. Karou lives a little on the edge behind closed doors though. Her life in secret is one of mystery. Raised by demons, knowing magic and the depth of the realm of possibilities the world has to offer is a beautiful and dangerous gift. So dangerous that meeting Akiva could be both the greatest and worst thing that could have ever happened to Karou.

Before I say anything else, I have to say that no matter what I write in this review, I will never be able to adequately put into words the sheer ingenuity that is Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I've read twists on the paranormal. Heck, I've read at least fifty books claiming they're the next big thing. It's when a book like Daughter of Smoke and Bone creeps up and takes your breath away that you realize there is still room to grow in the young adult genre - there are still ways to dazzle readers and enthrall them with a world beyond our own. Laini Taylor has written a book I want to lose myself in forever. Fabulously original, richly engrossing and utterly refreshing, she's created a world within Daughter of Smoke and Bone that is unlike anything I've ever read and that somehow manages to make me feel both mesmerized and uneasy all at the same time. Lyrical and imaginative, you too will forget where the real world ends and Daughter of Smoke and Bone begins.

The story begins with two lines that could very well serve as the entire synopsis of Daughter of Smoke and Bone: "Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love. It did not end well." If you're thinking of cliches and time-tested angels/demon stories, think again. Daughter of Smoke and Bone is nothing if not original. Whereas so many books regarding good versus evil lapse into a world that pacifies readers with physical beauty and little to no twists on time-honoured tales, Daughter of Smoke and Bone pushes the boundaries. Rather than settling with what we think we know about angels and devils, the book creates a haunting and brilliant backstory that throws every caution and preconceived notion to the wind. Daughter of Smoke and Bone seamlessly merges character development, a brutal, bloody feud and breathtaking imagery into a story that packs a punch throughout. Karou was never overdone. Her confusion and willingness to learn and grow was believable. She wasn't weak, but she wasn't overtly strong either, which made her a character that truly resonated. Then there's the love element. Don't be alarmed though - there is no insta-love in Daughter of Smoke and Bone. Rather, the romance begins to bud far into the story, searing through tense moments and making the events and emotions smolder that much more, making them so much more powerful. Furthermore, it must be said that the verbiage, the tone, the imagery and the setting, in general, were impeccable. Every word in this lengthy story had a purpose, and that is a feat in and of itself.

Like I said though, nothing I can say will do this book justice. You'll simply have to read it to understand the beauty of it for yourself. As one who aspires to someday (hopefully) be an author myself, I have to say I seriously covet the author's writing talents. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to both YA and adult audiences, especially those who enjoy paranormal and paranormal romance.

I received this ARC 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: Tris & Izzie
Author: Mette Ivie Harrison
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Publish Date: October 11, 2011
Genre: YA, PNR
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher

A modern retelling of the German fairytale "Tristan and Isolde", Tris and Izzie is about a young witch named Izzie who is dating Mark King, the captain of the basketball team and thinks her life is going swimmingly well.

Until -- she makes a love potion for her best friend Brangane and then ends up taking it herself accidentally, and falling in love with Tristan, the new guy at school.

Izzie is on top of the world. The only daughter of magical parents, Izzie apparently has inherited absolutely no magical powers, and her life, instead, is one of comfort, luxury and wanting for nothing. She's popular, she's gorgeous, and she has the most athletic guy in school falling all over himself for her. What more could a girl want? But when she and her best friend Branna have a fight, she goes out of her way to set her up with the new boy, Tristan. Unfortunately, Izzie underestimated herself and her place in the world of magic. As her plan backfires and she finds herself falling more in love with Tristan by the day, she must come to terms with her abilities and her new life, or lose it all forever.

Tris and Izzie is touted as the modern retelling of Tristan and Isolde, two ill-fated lovers caught in a deadly and tragic love triangle. So, naturally, my inner sob-story fiend shouted with glee and absolutely had to have this one. Plus, please take note of the stunning cover - haunting, beautiful and breathtakingly romantic, is it not? Mette Ivie Harrison is a renowned author for her ability to spin heartbreakingly lovely romantic tales with ease, all the while captivating the readers with intriguing characters, a great premise and a wonderful follow-through. Tris and Izzie has, by all accounts, all the set-up for a wonderful novel.

Unfortunately, however, I have to be honest and say that Tris and Izzie didn't work for me on many levels. First of all, characterization is key in a remake of a classic. Whether deviating from the original plot or not, should you choose to model the characters after the originals, there should be some semblance of humanity to them. I felt that Izzie, especially, was exceptionally immature. Never once did a get a grasp on any sense of true character from her and, furthermore, she was only hindered further by mere shadows of characters in the supporting cast, including Tris, Mark and Brangane. Honestly, none of them felt real in any way, shape or form. Tris and Izzie also presented a unique challenge with the love story. The classic is a tale of true love which, yes, is a bit of an insta-love scenario. However, Tris and Izzie amps it up yet another notch by adding a love potion that not only created instantaneous true love for Tristan and Izzie, but also obliterated the true love between Mark and Izzie from mere days before. The ultimate and fatal flaw for me with Tris and Izzie was simply that the premise offers us glimmers of magic and the paranormal. However, all facets of those elements felt rushed, thrown about haphazardly and never truly explained. It felt as though Tris and Izzie had elements that could have made for a great book had they been executed better, but they were simply placed in the novel with no true backstory or sense of direction.

I hate giving bad reviews to authors and their books, and I hate to give my readers a review that might leave a sour taste in their mouths, but I have to be honest and say that Tris and Izzie simply did not work for me at all. I give it a 1 out of 5, and I would recommend it to those who enjoy YA and the paranormal who want to make their own decision about this one.

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.

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In the spirit of giving all readers and bloggers the opportunity to form their own opinions about Tris and Izzie, I am giving away my ARC of the novel. The rules are simple: You do NOT have to be a follower to enter, but it is always appreciated! This giveaway is open internationally and will end promptly at midnight EST on September 16, 2011.

Click HERE to enter.

Title: Mercy
Author: Rebecca Lim
Publisher: Hyperion
Published: May 17, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 288
Source: Publisher

Mercy has lost herself. She can’t count how many times she’s “woken up” in a new body, and assumed a new life, only to move on again and again. During the day she survives in the human world on instinct and at night her dreams are haunted by him. Mercy’s heart would know him anywhere. But her memory refuses to cooperate.

But this time is different. When Mercy wakes up she meets Ryan, an eighteen year old reeling from the loss of his twin sister who was kidnapped two years ago. Everyone else has given up hope, but Ryan believes his sister is still alive. Using a power she doesn’t fully comprehend, Mercy realizes that Ryan is right. His sister is alive and together they can find her. For the first time since she can remember, Mercy has a purpose; she can help. So she doesn’t understand why the man in her dreams cautions her not to interfere. But as Ryan and Mercy come closer to solving the dark mystery of his sister’s disappearance, danger looms just one step behind.

Mercy's new body is as unfamiliar as the world around her, but it's the same as it's always been for her. She doesn't quite remember her lives before, but in short instants, she'll have flashes of memories of a past she can't recall. Her new body is a teenage girl with a voice so gorgeous it could make grown men cry, but she's your average, awkward teenager, attempting to meddle through this thing called life while on a music exchange program. The family hosting her is struggling with their own loss - their daughter, and Ryan's sister, disappeared almost two years ago. Ryan is the only one still holding out hope that she's alive, and Mercy can sense he's right. To help him though, she must face the unknown and the dangers with it. Can they find Lauren in time, or will Mercy lose herself in the process?

I'm just going to throw this out there...I'm pretty sure there's something in the water in Australia that makes these authors such geniuses (and I'd like some of it, please). Author Rebecca Lim has created a breathtaking start to a new saga series with Mercy that is brimming with tangible characters, sweet romance and a teasing mystery that sends the reader in circles of self-discovery. Blending a powerful theme of free will and the nature of humanity, the author has seamlessly woven an intricate story that transcends the YA genre and provides both a meaning and purpose for the reader.

Mercy was a very multi-faceted character. There were so many layers to her that I felt the entire book was a maze of revelations. She began as a bit of a shadow. You saw her talent and her current "host," but you didn't really get to see who she was as a person. Part of the beauty of Mercy was that the exploration of Mercy's character was hidden in layers throughout the plot points, the mystery and the romance. Ryan was the perfect complement to her character. Too often I see whiny female protags. To see a male character with true vulnerability and purpose finding comfort and hope in a strong female protag was utterly refreshing. Another highlight of Mercy for me was the story of music that was enmeshed in the overall plot. Partially metaphorical and wholeheartedly beautiful, the music added an element of pure, unadulterated beauty to Mercy. The only issue (though not really an issue) I had with Mercy was that the romance was hinted at but never really fulfilled. In the same breath though, one might make a case for that being great for the next book.

Overall, Mercy was an outstanding paranormal read with a great new take on a pretty popular concept now. I give it a very strong 4.5 out of 5, and I'd highly recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal stories involving angels. It's also great for those who enjoy a sweet romance and a mystery.

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.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Dearly, Departed
Author: Lia Habel
Publisher: Del Rey Books
Published: October 18, 2011
Genre: YA, Steampunk, PNR
Pages: 544

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune, and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead.

Ummmm...yes. Steampunk? Zombies? Romance? Sold on all accounts! Dearly, Departed is a blend of a whole mess of my favourite things, plus it sounds so bloody original that I'd be sold on that alone. There's something about the blend of past and future in steampunk that totally speaks to me, and I haven't seen enough such books in the YA market lately. It doesn't hurt that that's one gorgeous cover, too. I'm such a cover slut. I'd apologise, but it would be entirely insincere. Anyway, despite the doozy of a page count, it sounds fabulous! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: Forsaken
Author: Keary Taylor
Publisher: CreateSpace
Published: January 11, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 330
Source: Author

It’s been four months since Alex gave everything to save Jessica. Life should be perfect; she has Alex, she’s been freed of the nightmares, and most of all- she’s alive. But some things have changed, some things haven’t. That’s the problem. Alex still hasn’t asked “the question”. Jessica can’t see the reason why and it’s tearing her apart. He’s keeping something from her.

Alex isn’t the only one who has changed though. Something is different about Jessica but she doesn’t understand what’s happened. She just knows something’s wrong, that she feels different than she used to, on a skin deep level. And it may keep her and Alex apart. Forever.

Jessica's life should be perfect. Alex gave up everything to save her life, and her troubles are over...but are they really? In a world where her reality has been turned on its end, secrets are coming into the open and Cole is determined to show her that these secrets mean something but the past and just how they might change her future. And, despite the hope that Jessica and Alex might just be together forever, something dark is brewing beneath the surface, and it's almost like destiny is coming into play and overriding it all.

Forsaken is the second installment in author, Keary Taylor's, Fall of Angel series. As the sequel to the promising first book, Branded, I went in with high but measured hopes for Forsaken because, let's be honest, series seem to be the way every single author in just about every single genre goes these days. Luckily for us, Forsaken continues its unique twist and take on the angel trend, giving life to a dark and haunting world where angels are every bit as badass as your run-of-the-mill vampire or werewolf, and perhaps moreso than them, too.

What I enjoyed most about Forsaken was the deeper look we got into Cole's past, which I felt was lacking in book one, and was one of the only reasons I lowered my rating for the first book. Delving into the past and seeing how it affected Jessica's future, as well as the future in general, engaged all the characters into this perfectly enmeshed struggle that was exhilarating and nervewracking at the same time. Yes, there were a few grammatical and punctuation errors, but the only real qualm I had with Forsaken was the cliffhanger ending. While yes, the Forsaken read well, it couldn't stand alone, and I have a hard time with that.

Overall though, Forsaken was a great read with a plot that's well-executed with engaging and dynamic characters, as well as a fabulous voice. I give it a strong 4 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all YA fans, especially those who enjoy paranormal tales involving angels.

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.

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Get excited, guys! It's day 5 of The Long Weekend Blog Tour, and we have yet another amazing stop for you to visit today! Be sure to check out Jen's blog, Makeshift Bookmark, for her take on the book, as well as an author interview and international giveaway!

Title: Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale
Author: Ramona Wray
Publisher: CreateSpace
Published: February 1, 2011
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 254
Source: Author

Like most girls at Rosemound High School, seventeen-year-old Lily Crane is acutely aware of Ryder Kingscott. Hands down the cutest guy in school, Ryder is cool, mysterious, and utterly untouchable…especially for Lily. 

For when she touches someone, Lily instantly learns all about their lives. And while such a skill might seem nifty, in truth it is wrecking Lily’s life. So she is shocked when Ryder asks her out — and even more shocked to discover he has a rival. 

Lucian Bell is the gorgeous new kid who can’t take his eyes off of Lily. Being pursued by two hotties should make a girl happy, but Lily is skeptical. The boys act as if they’ve met before, hating each other with a passion that could only be rooted in a dark, dangerous past. A past full of terrible secrets. The kind of secrets that could get a girl killed.

Lily is pretty much your everyday teenage girl, unless you take into account her incredible psychic abilities. With a single touch, Lily can learn everything about a person, including their entire past and present. This, unfortunately, leaves Lily crippled in the realm of a social life, so she pines over the handsome Ryder from a distance. When he asks her out one day though, Lily is floored, and even more so when she’s asked out by a second, equally good-looking guy, Lucian. But when Lily discovers the truth about her own past, she’s forced to confront the truth about these two cute boys, a dangerous hex, and a past life that continues to haunt her to this day.

I was expecting Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale to be cutesy, if I’m being honest. I think I was expecting fluff and fun, based purely on the cover (I’m not really a cartoon cover person), but I was certainly not expecting the depth of the story to be so rich. Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale is the third English book by author, Ramona Wray, a Romanian-born writer now living in Plymouth. Blending the fantastic stories from her youth with a fresh take on fantasy and paranormal in the YA genre, Ramona has created an adventure-filled whirlwind sure to keep you riveted to the very end.

While I’m not into the whole love-triangle shebang, Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale truly is a refreshing take on the age-old premise. Lily is an empowering protagonist despite her crippling gift, and both Lucian and Ryder had strong motives and great character-building. I loved how Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale carefully wove the past and present into an intricately woven web that was designed to determine all three characters’ futures. And yet, in the midst of a story of destiny, fate and curses, Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale shows Lily, Ryder and Lucian making choices to determine their own fate. Furthermore, the self-discovery within the story, was rich and powerful, fueling the strong premise.

Overall, I was really, really surprised by just how good and interesting Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale was. I definitely had a few questions lingering after it was done, but when done right, that leaves me with a lasting impression of a book. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and I’d recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy fantasy and paranormal stories, as well as a bit of romance.

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.

Title: The Mind Readers
Author: Lori Brighton
Publisher: Smashwords
Published: December 7, 2010
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 170 Pages (eARC)
Source: Author

Cameron Winters is a freak. Fortunately, no one but her family knows that Cameron can read minds. When Lewis Douglas arrives, he tempts her with possibilities of freedom. Determined to embrace her hidden talents, Cameron heads to a place where she meets other Mind Readers. But when the Mind Readers realize the extent of Cameron’s abilities, they want to use her powers for their own needs.

Cam is your typical small-town girl living in Maine, but she has a dark secret. She can read minds. Trained from a young age to shove her gift aside rather than draw attention, Cam knows she can never use her gift to help people in danger - even if she desperately wants to. Then, unbeknown to Cam, she discovers other mind readers and the possibility to be herself for the first time in her life. There's only one problem. Cam is powerful, and perhaps more powerful than any of the other mind readers. Is she finally finding acceptance, or is she being used?

I've never read anything by Lori Brighton before, but I know she's a fairly prominent adult author, so I figured I would check this one out when the author sent eARC to me. The Mind Readers is a fast-paced paranormal story blending romance, intrigue, and a secret dangerous threat that fuels the story throughout. With strong dialogue and a balance of descriptiveness, strong characterization and clear plot points, The Mind Readers easily sends the reader on a journey into a world within the story.

I have to say that while I enjoyed The Mind Readers, I had a really difficult time with Cam at first. She has this incredible gift with amazing power, and she seemed so...whiny...and annoying. However, she began to progress through the story, and she grew as a character, becoming strong and more self-aware. Lewis, one of the secondary characters and the love interest, is a character I would love to meet. (Seriously. Can I meet him?) He's sweet, well-rounded, and the perfect balance to offset Cam's personality and keep things balanced. Some of the other secondary characters, namely Annabeth, threw things off for me though, which made things a little bit more difficult.

All in all, The Mind Readers is a fast-paced and intriguing story, despite the few flaws that irked me. I give it a very strong 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all those who enjoy Lori Brighton's writing and the YA genre, especially those who enjoy paranormal romance stories.

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