Review: Crescendo (hush hush #2) by Becca Fitzpatrick

Description (from Goodreads)

Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but atleast she got a guardian angel out of it: a mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But, despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever and even worse, he's started spending time with Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Millar.
Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Path hadnt been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feeling that he's hiding something.
Haunted by images of her murdered father, and questioning whether her nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death, Nora puts herself increasingly in dangerous situations as she desperatly searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.

I'm not sure why I hadn't read this before now. I think that maybe I was distracted by other series. I remember I really liked Hush Hush, and I remember looking for reviews for Crescendo. I just never got round to it I suppose.

I only remembered about it now because I'd just finished just finished Torment. I just hoped would be better.

I found it a little difficult to get into a first. I couldn't remember why I liked it, and nothing much about the characters at all.

I had to read up on it just to get everything straight in my head. I shouldn't have bothered. Nora is the stupidest person I've ever read about, and Vee is just a pain in the arse. She has to be the worst excuse of a friend ever. I can't believe I ever liked these people. Reading this gave me a headache. I don't even know where to start... oh wait, how about the fact that I just wanted to punch them all in the face all the way through? I've never swore so much reading a book in my life.

The ending was only slightly better as I didn't see it coming (forgive me I had a headache). Although I think the plot was written for 5 year olds who wouldn't question or even notice that nothing made sense.

I could go on about patch, or about the worse love triangle in the history of love triangles but I can't really be bothered. I've had enough frustration for one day.

Rating: 2/6 - Struggled to Finish

Review: The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

Description (from Goodreads)

Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood. And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?

I love the cover of this book. The synopsis was good as well so it went straight on my TBR list, where it stayed for a good few weeks. It wasn't until I'd flew through the first 3 books of The Hollows series that I thought it best to stop, take a breath, and read something else before I devoured the rest of the series.

The POV confused me at first so it took me a while to get the gist of what was what. The story is told in 3rd person, with the pov switching from Riley to Beck throughout.

The inner dialogue wasn't needed and made my eyes roll. Worst of all it was scattered throughout the whole book. A look or a sigh could have conveyed the same message but in a less obvious way. It was just so cheesy.

I found Riley a little whiny and too emotional at the start (before her dad died), but she wasn't annoying enough to irritate me... at first (I'm pretending the conversation with her reflection didn't happen).

I wish I knew why Riley was so pissed off at Beck. Okay, she'd had a crush on him that wasn't reciprocated, but I'd have thought she'd be more likely to be embarrassed about it than angry. If I knew why maybe I'd have some sympathy but as it was the constant attitude towards him got on my nerves a little.

I skim read the funeral. I don't care for them (funerals) unless it's for a character I actually care about. Paul B may be a great man but I met him only briefly and devoting the first 30% of the book to him, and his funeral, was a bit much. I almost gave up but I kept reminding myself that I can dislike a beginning of a book before growing to love it. So onwards I read, hoping for the best.

I really don't know what to say. I can't not mention simon and his smooth talking. Really?! Where did he pull that line from? Who said romance was dead?!

It got a bit juvenile towards the end, but it is what it is. I knew that going in but Riley acts 13 not 17. The plot is simple and predictable, and the characters are very two dimensional, especially Riley. Simon is wet behind the ears. I had no clue what Riley ever saw in him. Beck was the only character that seemed to be a little more fleshed out than the others, but not by much. The action, when there was some, was lacklustre at best, and the main plot was lame, and I can't believe it ended where it did. I think half of the problem is that the Demons are not scary, like not at all.

I wouldn't read it again and I doubt I'll read the next instalment when that comes out, but I've read worse. If I could I'd give it 2.5 out of 6 I would, but I'm not going there with the half points -maybe I should though, sometimes lately they feel warranted.

I kinda wish I felt more strongly about this book, either way, but I don't. It was dull, readable but dull. Even though Nightwalker was Rubbish and frustrating like hell, at least I felt something. Not so with this one. I'm sad, I LOVED the cover.

Rating: 3/6 - It Was Okay

Review: For a Few Demons More (Rachel Morgan/The Hollows #5) by Kim Harrison

Witch and independent bounty hunter Rachel Morgan has always managed to stay just ahead of trouble… until now. So she's dating a vampire, lives with another one, and is hiding a deadly ancient artifact that could change Inderland society forever--so what? But now her past has caught up with her. A serial killer stalks the Hollows, claiming victims across society and igniting a vicious Inderland gang war, while the vampire master Piscary is set free, and Rachel's demonic nemesis Algaliarept has discovered a way to move freely in the Hollows and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. To stop the deadly battle for supremacy that follows, Rachel faces a terrible choice, and a bitter price almost too steep to pay.

*I'm aware that the cover above is for the hardback. I just like it way more than the other.*

****SPOILERS****

SERIOUSLY, look away now...

Wow we were really dumped into the middle of it at the start there, weren't we!

I found it a difficult to settle into Rachel this time round. I don't know why. She seemed a little whiney and purposely difficult during the dramatics with Ceri and Newt. Why was she being so awkward? She knows that Ceri is capable so why all the arsing around? I think my problem was that I'd come straight from reading justine (the disillusionist trilogy), and she's a bit more 'together' than Rachel. Actually, a lot more.

Rachel was still on Ivy's case. It's kinda lost its heat with all the toing and froing. I know they're trying to find balance, but GAH, do it already.

You still here? You probably need to look away for this next sentence...

Okay, I fess up. This isn't really a biggy. I just don't want to ruin it for anyone in case it spoils the emotional impact, if you're inclined to have one that is. I totally felt her utter dispare when she was told Brett had been killed. It was so sad. We didn't really know much about him, but come on, he only wanted a pack; to belong to someone :( I was just shocked.

I actually had tears in my eyes when rachel kicked Jenks out of the car, telling him to look after his family. I think it was because I kinda knew what was coming (YES, I refused to look away when I was told to!)

The second half of this book is by far the best of this series so far. I just couldn't put it down, every thing was just spiralling out of control and I couldn't drag my eyes away.

I think this one might be my fave of the series.

Rating: 6/6 - It Was Amazing

Review: Dead Witch Walking (Rachel Morgan/The Hollows #1) by Kim Harrison

Description (from Goodreads)

The underground population of witches, vampires, werewolves—creatures of dreams and nightmares—has lived beside humans for centuries, hiding their powers. But after a genetically engineered virus wipes out a large part of humanity, many of the "Inderlanders" reveal themselves, changing everything.

Rachel Morgan, witch and bounty hunter with the Inderland Runner Services, is one of the best at apprehending supernatural lawbreakers throughout Cincinnati, but when it comes to following the rules, she falls desperately short. Determined to buck the system, she quits and takes off on the run with an I.S. contract on her head and is reluctantly forced to team up with Ivy, Inderland's best runner . . . and a living vampire. But this witch is way out of her league, and to clear her name, Rachel must evade shape-changing assassins, outwit a powerful businessman/crime lord, and survive a vicious underground fight-to-the-death . . . not to mention her own roommate.

I first started reading this late 2010 but for some reason (I think it had something to do with the annoying pixy) I couldn't get into it so only after a few pages I'd leave it and read something else. I'd pick it up every once and a while but I'd read maybe a page then, again, I would looked for something else. It was only when I started to read Shiver (and looking for something else to read in order to avoid it) that I picked it up again and managed to stick with it.

Actually the pixy isn't that annoying. I can't really tell you why I thought he was in the first place, but once I got used to him buzzing round, it was like meh, whatever. Around halfway through I started to like him. I was just really prejudiced against pixies I guess. Maybe I was just sceptical since this was my first time with fairyland characters. I found Ivy really dark and intriguing. The incident with Rachel when they first moved into the church was creepy. I like creepy.

The characters felt well rounded and were easy to like. Rachel wasn't annoying like some heroines I've read recently, and her actions felt real. Above all else though, it's just really well written. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Rating: 5/6 - I Really liked It

Review: Wild Rain (Leopards #2) by Christine Feehan

Humm. There isn't a description as such on Goodreads. I guess even they had trouble trying to describe what happens in this book. I'll try... A woman on a aid mission in a rain forest fakes her own death. She is attacked by a leopard after finding a deserted hut. However it is not deserted. She is helped by the owner of the hut. Things get sensual... No, I wont give up my day job :)

Straight away I knew I liked this slightly more than the first book in this series, The Awakening. Although the quantity of different names in the first 2 pages felt like a roll call. But when a breast presses against a chest on the 2nd page I had to groan. I have to admit, though, it did surprise me a little. Yes it has more story than the novella, but only just. It held slightly more promise at the beginning but then slipped and I got bored. I began getting annoyed that I'd started reading it at the weekend when I could've been reading something worthwhile, so I stopped with the attention of picking it back up at some point later that week.

6 months later... I was sick of seeing it sitting, or rather lying, on my bedside table, so decided it was finally time to finish it. It wasn't too bad. The story wasn't great, it was a slow first half, actually it was all slow. Slow and sensual. Rachael was a quite whiny. She'd constantly refuse to talk about some things in her past when Rio was for the most part, open with her.

The lack plot wasn't too annoying, but the one thing that irritated me the most was the constant repetition of their names; Rachael, Rio, Rachael, Rio. Rio? Rachael? Rio! Rachael? UGH! SHUT UP! People don't talk like that.

Random thought; a mango. Really?!

Apart from a couple of instances, most of the story centres around Rio's hut/house in a rainforest and nothing much happens at all. Like AT ALL.

It was boring as hell but I could read it. Not like Nightwalker, or The Turning, where the writing/character development/dialogue was so bad that I had to stop reading before I tore my hair out, because Wild Rain has no character development, or plot for that matter. But at least I've learnt something useful; sensual = boring. If I read sensual in a books description I'll know not to read it :)

Rating: 3/6 - It Was Okay (boring but okay)

Review: Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Description (from Goodreads)

Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding.

I couldn't wait to get stuck in to this book. I started it as soon as I finished Catching Fire, which I read right after the Hunger Games. So now it feels like one book not three. I have no idea how I'm going to review it. I can't seem to gather my thoughts. I was left speechless. My boyfriend kept asking me what the matter was, as I was unusually quiet. I tried to explain that I'd just finished reading an intense trilogy, but how to explain something you can't explain, to someone who doesn't read so has no understanding of how it can affect you?

I was kinda detached throughout this book though. I think I realised early on that anything was possible and to not to become too attached to the characters. I had to really try hard to not go over to Goodreads and read some reviews just to find out if everything was going to be okay. I think at some point I didn't even believe katniss was safe.

I wish that katniss was a little more involved in the fighting, but as it was she was usually knocked out, waking up in hospital. We found out what happened through someone else retelling it. But then again she was only a tool in the rebels war. Yeah, ok she was old enough to be sent into the games, but I don't think the leaders of the rebellion (well at least those from district 13) ever took her seriously. She was just a tool to manipulate the common people. Propaganda can win wars people and Katniss was the Rebels mascot. I was amazed she managed to stay alive after she outlived her usefulness.

Spolierish so scroll if you dare...

I don't think that katniss should have been allowed to 'not' choose between Gale and Peeta. She should have had to chose one or the other. I was really disappointed that Gale just drifted out of her life. They were really close, and he apparently loved her so why would he desert her when she needed her friends the most? Also it just felt like she and Peeta slipped into a relationship only because he was the only one to stick around. It was an easy way out. Then again, after everything else maybe she deserved to take the easy choice, but I was left a little unsatisfied by the ending and epilogue.

This book ends a great trilogy. I'm so glad I read them, and I can't wait for the film :)

Rating: 6/6 - It Was Amazing

Review: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games Trilogy #2) by Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster boys for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol.

Wow just wow. I loved this book. So intense. Slight spoiler coming, look away now.... (highlight to see)

...I kinda knew that Gale wouldn't be the victor of katniss's heart. After everything she and peeta went through the Games it would have been impossible for her to have the same kind of bonds with Gale.

I think I'm secretly hoping that mockingjay would enable them to share something that could bring their relationship back on tract (whatever that relationship may be).

A fantastic read.

Rating: 6/6 - It Was Amazing

Play for Passion (Psy-Changeling #9) by Naini Singh

Description (from Goodreads)

In his position as Tracker for the SnowDancer pack, Drew Kincaid must rein in rogue changelings who've lost control of their animal halves- even if it means killing those who've gone too far. But nothing in his life has prepared him for the battle he must now wage-to win the heart of a woman who makes his body ignite...and who threatens to enslave his wolf.

I needed to read this. It'd been on my radar since Bonds of justice, and I have other books I wanted to read first (curse of the charlion for one), but I needed to read something I knew would be well written after reading the disappointing and frustrating book Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick.

And it didn't disappoint. I love drew and the relationship he has with other characters so it was great to finally read his story. I also loved the way Singh teases us with Hawk and Sierra (is it June yet?)

The tension is really starting to build now. The Phy are getting ready for something big!

Rating: 5/6 -Really Liked It

Review: Torment by Kate Lauren

Description (from Goodreads)

Hell on earth. That's what it's like for Luce to be apart from her fallen angel boyfriend, Daniel. It took them an eternity to find one another, but now he has told her he must go away. Just long enough to hunt down the Outcasts - immortals who want to kill Luce. Daniel hides Luce at Shoreline, a school on the rocky California coast with unusually gifted students -Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans.

At Shoreline, Luce learns what the Shadows are, and how she can use them as windows to her previous lives. Yet the more Luce learns, the more she suspects that Daniel hasn't told her everything. He's hiding something - something dangerous. What if Daniel's version of the past isn't actually true? What if Luce is really meant to be with someone else? The second novel in the addictive FALLEN series . . . where love never dies.

I'm not going to lie, my hopes where high for this book. Even though I knew it was going to be different from its predecessor due to the 'mystery' being solved. I just hoped that it wouldn't lose it's edge.

It did. It lost everything that made me like it in the first place. I didn't like Luce for most of this book. She was annoyingly brat-like. All she did was moan and whine and she just did too many things unexpectedly. I didn't get her. I didn't understand her motivations. I tried I really did.

I never really bought into Cam in Fallen, but it was Daniel who I felt let me down the most here. There didn't seem to be anything left of him that I liked. He seemed as desperate and as needy as Cam had been in book 1. Luce's friendship with Callie seemed pointless as well. We didn't 'know' who Callie was, we hadn't 'met' her so why have Luce talking about her all the time. Miles and Shelby were annoying replacements for those at sword and cross. Miles was annoying, and Shelby, well she was just dull.

I started to struggle halfway through. I was bored but then Luce fenced. It wasn't a spectacular fight scene but it was enough to suck me back in -It really helped that one of my twitter friends encouraged me to keep going for the twist at the end, so I began reading with more interest. It was slightly better second half than first, but I was not impressed with the ending; how Luce-like. It didn't feel like the end of a book, it felt more like an end to chapter. I feel that the story could have been told in half the amount of pages it actually took. In fact, torment and passion should have been one book. I'll still read passion. I have to, I'm already 2 books in and Daniel has to redeem himself, because seriously, he so didn't drop to the ground and bury his head in the grass, did he?

Rating: 3/4 - It Was Okay

Review: Stormwalker by Allyson James

Janet Begay is a Stormwalker, capable of wielding the raw elemental power of nature, a power that threatens to overwhelm her. Only her lover, Mick, is able to calm the storm within her-even as their passion reaches unimaginable heights of ecstasy. 

But when an Arizona police chief's daughter is taken by a paranormal evil, they find themselves venturing where no human can survive-for only together can they overcome the greatest danger they've ever faced.

I'd just finished Archangel's Consort and was looking through my To-Read List trying to decide which book to go for next. Then one of the con's of having a To-Read List/Pile bit me on the ass; I always forget how a book ends up on the list or what caught my attention about it in the first place. I managed to whittle my choice down the 3. Darkfever, Stormwalker, and Fallen. Finally I settled on Stormwalker.

I loved the cover and I think it was that which ultimately made up my mind for me.

Janet is half Navajo (fathers side), and more importantly, a Stormwalker. She is able to draw magic from a storm. We are placed immediately into the action as Janet battles with a Skinwalker (no not the loveable Jane Yellowrock!). Calling on a nearby storm to aid her she wins the fight, which she suffers for afterwards. It's an impressive start, and one I don't instantly dislike! We learn straight away that like Allie Beckstrom, Janet has parent issues, but it's Mother issues this time. By chapter 2 we've also met Nash, an annoying Unbeliever who has it in for Janet right from the off.

As much as I thought the first half of this was an enjoyable, easy read, there were elements that stopped me from enjoying it too much; I didn't like the flashback style at all, surely this information could have been slipped in some other way? I also really disliked the original meeting between Janet and Mick. It didn't do anything to make me like the characters, in fact I think I liked them less after reading it. I started losing interest around chapter 11 but thankfully it picked up again around chapter 15, but by then I'd stopped caring. I had to force myself to keep reading, and to be truthful I skim-read the rest.

All the way through it just felt as if I was being told a story. I don't like being told, I want to see. I couldn't connect with the characters at all. I was slightly disappointed after what was a promising first couple of chapters.

Saying all that, it was okay. The beginning and the end were better than the middle which kinda dragged. I didn't really dislike it I just stopped caring. The action towards the end was good but I don't know whether or not I'd read the next book, Firewalker. I have it already on my kindle. I most probably will at some point seeing as I have it already.

Rating: 3/6 - It Was Okay

Review: Bonds of Justice (phy-changling #8) by Nalini Singh

Description (from Goodreads)

Max Shannon is a good cop, one of the best in New York Enforcement. Born with a natural shield that protects him against Psy mental invasions, he knows he has little chance of advancement within the Psy- dominated power structure. The last case he expects to be assigned to is that of a murderer targeting a Psy Councilor's closest advisors. And the last woman he expects to compel him in the most sensual of ways is a Psy on the verge of catastrophic mental fracture.

I had a hunger for a Phy-Changeling book after reading an excerpt of Hawk's story at the end of Singh's third book in the Guild Hunter series Archangel's Consort, and I just so happened to have Bonds of Justice in my To Read Pile :) I've been reading on my kindle non stop since christmas, so it was good to finally have a real book in my hands.

I'd forgotten how much I liked reading this series. I had the book for ages but held off reading it because the main two characters weren't changelings. I've always preferred them, and their story, to the phy. So it ended up getting pushed to the bottom of the pile and was then forgotten about.

Well I was wrong. I really liked it. This series just gets better and better (despite my prejudice towards the phy). The story had more depth to it than usual, and that was because of the fact that changeling's weren't the only focus of the story. Oh there's always the two sides; phy and changeling, but usually that pairing takes centre stage. And although Sasha (phy) and lucas (changeling) were very much apart of this story, it's very much Max (human) and sophie's (phy) story.

I really enjoyed it and I regret that I left it so long. I can not wait for the next book!

Rating: 5/6 - Really Like It

Monthly Round Up: February

Another good reading month! My favourites being Bitten and Hunger Games. As usual there are some re-reads (7) which won't count towards my 150 goal, so are not numbered. 15 a new so they DO go towards my goal :D I'm a little annoyed that I've only been able to link 5 reviews though. However I do have another 9 to write up when I stop being so lazy.

13. Stormwalker, Allyson James
14. Bonds of Justice, Nalini Singh
15. Fallen, Lauren Kate
16. Torment, Lauren Kate
17. Crescendo, Becca Fitzpatrick
18. Play for Passion, Nalini Singh
Half way to the Grave, Jeaniene Frost (RR)
One foot in the grave, Jeaniene Frost (RR)
At Grave's End, Jeaniene Frost (RR)
19. Some Girls Bite, Chloe Neill
20. Friday Night Bites, Chloe Neill
21. Twice Bitten, Chloe Neill
Moon Called, Patricia Briggs (RR)
Blood Bound, Patricia Briggs (RR)
Iron Kissed, Patricia Briggs (RR)
Bone Crossed, Patricia Briggs (RR)
22. Rebirth, Kelley Armstrong
23. This Side of the Grave, Jeaniene Frost
24. Bitten, Kelley Armstrong
25. Stolen, Kelley Armstrong
26. Dark Lover, JK Ward
27. Hunger Games

Total: 22

(RR = re-read)

Review: Archangel's Consort (Guild Hunter #3) by Nalini Singh

Description (from Goodreads)

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new evil…

A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer, vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders.


The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.

An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed

A

rchangel's Contort is the 3rd book in the Guild Hunter series. I read the first 2 early last year and really enjoyed them so I was eagerly waiting for this instalment to be released.

I seemed to get a little lost during reading. I found that I was reading it and then suddenly I would be confused and didn't know what was going on so had to re-read a page to see if I missed anything. I didn't connect with this book as much as I did with the others. I enjoyed it though. I love the relationship between Elena and Raphael. Is all consuming and kinda dangerous for them both, just my kind of thing :)

The first 1/3 is quiet slow going but it didn't feel like it dragged too much. There were plenty of sex scenes to keep you going until the plot rolled forwards. The world building continues to be spectacular, and in this instalment we learn some of Raphael's past which I enjoyed.

All in all a good installment. Only a another year to wait for book 4! Luckily Kiss of Snow -the next book in the Psy-Changeling series, is out in June. Clink on the link to read an unedited excerpt of chapter 1.

From the author's website: I'm currently at work on the next Guild Hunter book, titled Archangel's Blade. This book will focus on Dmitri and has a tentative release date of September 2011. :D :D :D

Rating: 4/6 - Liked It

Review: Magic at the Gate (Allie Beckstrom #5) by Devon Monk

Description (from Goodreads)

Allie Beckstrom's lover, Zayvion Jones, is a Guardian of the Gate, imbued with both light and dark magic and responsible for ensuring that those energies don't mix. But Zayvion lies in a coma, his soul trapped in death's realm. And when Allie discovers that the only way to save Zayvion is to sacrifice her very own magical essence, she makes a decision that may have grave consequences for the entire world.

Before I go on I have to just say, in case you get the wrong idea, that I'm still very much invested in this series. I'm just finding it easier to say what I don't like about it than what I do.

Magic at the Gate is book 5 of the Allie Beckstrom series. Again it's Allies inability to trust or listen to her dad that grated a little in the first 1/3 of this book. It slowly got worse as the story unfolded. Yes I know she could end up being right eventually; that daddy dearest could very well end up hurting her and her friends, but there has been tender moments from his part, yet she doesn't even acknowledge them. Even when she has memories of him missing meetings to be with her on her birthday (there were a few other memories that proves this point but i forget), yet she pays them no attention. I rolled my eyes for most of the first 1/3 of the book. I was hoping she'd have learnt to listen a bit more or at least get her priorities right (particularly at the end of chapter 17. I was praying that Shame would flip her off) but even though my frustration made me pause many times, it didn't stop me putting it down for good. I'm still interested. I just wish she'd stop pissing me off so much. I devoured books 2,3, and 4, and this one has been great in parts but if I'm being completely honest, she's kinda ruining it a little for me now. And as much as I love Shame (including his history and relationship with Terric) , I found I was missing Zay. He was absent for the majority of this book and for that I was a little sad.

Saying that, I would really really enjoy reading a Shame/Terric/Stone spin-off :D

Rating: 4/6 - liked it

Review: Magic on the storm (Allie Beckstrom #4) by Devon Monk

Description (from Goodreads)

Allison Beckstrom is committed to her work tracing illegal spells. Now, there's an apocalyptic storm bearing down on Portland, and when it hits, all the magic in the area will turn unstable and destructive. To stop it from taking out the entire city, Allie and her lover, the mysterious Zayvion Jones, must work with the Authority-the enigmatic arbiters of all things magic-and take a stand against a magical wildstorm that will obliterate all in its path.

Magic on the Storm has a kick ass ending, but let me start at the beginning :) Book 4 is nearly as good as book 3, not quite but nearly. The continued history of Magic is really fascinating, and the world building still vivid. The on-coming storm keeps the pace moving along quite nicely although I found it a little anti climatic towards the end, and although I could see the ending coming a mile off, it didn't dampen my enjoyment of it at all. Not my favourite in the series but not the least either.

Rating: 4/6 - Liked It

Review: Magic in the Shadows (Allie Beckstrom #3) by Devon Monk

Description (from Goodreads)

Allison Beckstrom's magic has taken its toll on her, physically marking her and erasing her memories-including those of the man she supposedly loves. But lost memories aren't the only things preying on Allie's thoughts.

Her late father, the prominent businessman-and sorcerer-Daniel Beckstrom, has somehow channeled himself into her very mind. With the help of The Authority, a secret organization of magic users, she hopes to gain better control over her own abilities-and find a way to deal with her father.

Magic in the Shadows is my favourite book in this series. The world building is fantastic and I'm loving all the history of Magic. The secondary characters are more prominent and fleshed out a little more than in books 1 and 2, although there are lots of them, and they all have different roles, it doesn't make it too confusing. I loves Shamus. He is definitely my favourite and I really do hope to see more of him in future books. However, Allie is still grating on my nerves. Her attitude sometimes is damn right annoying, acting like a stroppy 13 year old instead of a young woman in her early twenties. She still listens to no one, putting people in danger because "how dare they tell/advise/suggest her to do anything that might keep her alive". Don't get me wrong, I'm still enjoying this series I just hope (again) that she grows/learns in the future... and soon.

Rating: 5/6 - Really Liked it

Monthly round up: January

I've managed to read quite a few books this month, although 7 are re-reads so won't count towards my 150 reading goal. I blame my kindle... Blame?! I thank my kindle :) Links to reviews for the last 3 books once I've posted them. The titles I've not reviewed are linked to Amazon.co.uk, where you'll find reviews and can purchase the book if you so wish.

1. Unholy Magic, stacia Kane
2. City of Ghosts, stacia Kane
3. The Replacement, Brenna Yovanof
4. Kitty goes to war, Carry Vaughn
5. Mercy Blade, Faith Hunter
Skinwalker, Faith Hunter (re-read)
Blood Cross, Faith Hunter (re-read)
Mercy Blade, Faith Hunter (re-read
Magic Bites, Iiona Andrews (re-read)
Magic Burns, Iiona Andrews (re-read)
Magic Strikes, Iiona Andrews (re-read)
Magic Bleeds, Iiona Andrews (re-read)
6. Fledgling, Octavia E. Butler
7. The Awakening, Christine Feehan
8. Magic to the Bone, Devon Monk
9. Magic in the Blood, Devon Monk
10. Magic in the shadows, Devon Monk
11. Magic on the Storm, Devon Monk
12. Magic at the Gate, Devon Monk
13. Archangel's Consort, Nalini Singh

Review: Magic to the Bone (Allie Beckstrom #1) by Devon Monk

Description (from Goodreads)

Using magic meant it used you back. Forget the fairy-tale, hocus-pocus, wave a wand and bling-o, sparkles and pixie dust crap. Magic, like booze, sex, and drugs, gave as good as it got.

Everything has a cost. And every act of magic exacts a price from its user - maybe a two-day migraine, or losing the memory of your first kiss. But some people want to use magic without paying, and they Offload the cost onto innocents. When that happens, it falls to a Hound to identify the spell's caster - and Allison Beckstrom's the best there is.

Daughter of a prominent Portland businessman, Allie would rather moonlight as a Hound than accept the family fortune - and the strings that come with it. But when she discovers a little boy dying from a magic Offload that has her father's signature all over it, Allie is thrown into the high-stakes world of corporate espionage and black magic.

Now Allie's out for the truth - and must call upon forces that will challenge everything she knows, change her in ways she could never imagine ... and make her capable of things that powerful people will do anything to control.

I started Magic to the Bone last week but was distracted by the sheer amount of books I had around me. I really didn't know which one to choose and kept flitting from one to another. I picked it up again a few days later.

The first 6 chapters didn't light my fire, although it was nowhere as near as frustrating as Nightwalker. I'd read a review somewhere which described it as dark but to be honest I found it a bit fluffy (I'm still talking about the first few chapters). I prefer my stories/series a little dark and gritty but I didn't dislike this enough to stop reading, but then again I'm renowned for disliking the first half of the first book in every series I read -I almost stopped reading Halfway to the Grave because Bones' accent was getting on my nerves and now that's my favourite series EVER.

Chapter 7 is where things take a turn for the better. Then that was it, I couldn't put it down. Everything just got better. I enjoyed the relationship between Allie and Zay. I have to admit though that Allie frustrates me a little, but I'm hoping that she's grow over the next few books. I have now read the first 3 books and it is now on my favourite series list.

Rating: 4/6 - Liked It