Saturday, June 28, 2014

Quick Thought Reviews

Sometimes I read a book where I just don't have a lot to say about it. Hence the name quick thought reviews. These will be short and sweet.

Scala
Release Date: October 14, 2014
Publisher: Monster LLC
Angelbound Book #2
ISBN13:  9780989405041
Genre: Young Adult
Review Copy Source: NetGalley

Nineteen-year-old Myla Lewis has transformed into Great Scala, the only being with the power to move souls out of Purgatory and into Heaven or Hell. Trouble is, a magical object called Lucifer’s Orb is limiting Myla’s abilities. If she tries to move a soul, the Orb’s forcing her to send that spirit straight to Hell.

So, what’s a girl to do? Send innocents to the fiery down-under?

No way. Myla’s gone on a supernatural strike. No souls go anywhere until the Orb’s history. It’s the right thing to do, but Purgatory’s Soul Storage buildings are turning into time bombs. No spirits are moving out, while millions keep coming in. Myla’s determined to find the Orb and send the innocent to Heaven, but she’s running out of time. Soon, the containment fields will burst, releasing a mob of homicidal ghosts.

With Soul Storage ready to explode, Myla’s got enough on her plate without her old enemy, Lady Adair, causing problems. Adair is launching an ingenious campaign to take away everything that Myla holds dear, including Myla’s Angelbound love, Prince Lincoln.

Between their clever ideas and toe-curling kisses, Myla and Lincoln are fighting back. But will they beat the clock or lose everything to Adair’s devious schemes?

ANGELBOUND wrapped up the current storyline really well with only a slight conflict with the distance between Myla and Lincoln going into book 2 (as in where they lived) so I was excited to see what could possibly happen. The new conflict didn't surprise me at all but I enjoyed the buildup and wrap up as the story went along.

I could have sworn with the ending that this was the last book in the series but I was informed that book 3 is already available for pre-order so YAY! I wish we could get more from the series but it did a good job of closing all the loose ends and giving the characters a great ending. I enjoyed the overall storyline and character development from the whole series. Nice fast paced read.

I gave it 4/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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The Revealed
Release Date: June 17, 2014
Publisher: Spark Press
ISBN:  1940716004
ISBN13: 9781940716008
Genre: Dystopian
Review Copy Source: NetGalley

Lily Atwood lives in what used to be called Washington, D.C. Her father is one of the most powerful men in the world, having been a vital part of rebuilding and reuniting humanity after the war that killed over five billion people. Now he’s running to be one of its leaders.

But in the rediscovered peace on Earth, a new enemy has risen. They call themselves the Revealed – a powerful underground organization that has been kidnapping 18 year olds across the globe without reservation. No one knows why they are kidnapping these teens, but it’s clear something is different about these people. They can set fires with a snap of their fingers and create a wind strong enough to barrel over a tree with a flick of their wrist. No one has been able to stop them, and they have targeted Lily as their next victim.

But Lily has waited too long to break free from her father’s shadow to let some rebel organization just ruin everything. Not without a fight.
 

I wasn't sure what to expect with THE REVEALED. I would say the book is split up between 3 parts, the buildup and catch up to the big kidnapping, the revealing of the organization and training, and lastly the mission that leads Lily to realize her life is forever changed. 

There is a great amount of smoke and mirrors and conflict in THE REVEALED. I enjoyed the characters. Lily hated her caged life and did everything possible to get a little freedom. The world building was done really well and the action was heart pounding. I would read more.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Contact
Release Date: June 23, 2014
Publisher: Hallowed Ink Press
ISBN13: 9780985848019
Genre: Young Adult
Review Copy Source: NetGalley

 It takes only half a second…

…Like those commercials where a crash test dummy rockets forward at high speed and slams into a wall.
…In that instant, every thought in Emma Lynn Walsh’s head collides with mine—every thought, memory, hope, disappointment and dream.
…I open my eyes to see Dr. Walsh peering at me, a puzzled expression on her face.

“Let—go—of—me,” I order though clenched teeth.

Mira wants to die. She’s attempted suicide twice already, and failed. Every time she comes in contact with another person, skin to skin, that person’s psyche uploads into hers. While her psychologist considers this a gift, for Mira, it’s a curse from which she cannot escape.

To make matters worse, Mira’s father is being investigated in the deaths of several volunteer test subjects of a miracle drug. Shortly after Mira’s mother starts asking questions, she ends up in a coma. Although her father claims it was an accident, thanks to her “condition” Mira knows the truth…but proving it just might get her killed!

 My thoughts were pretty thin after reading CONTACT. I liked it. Mira can not touch anyone without downloading their life's story. She hates it, tries to commit suicide multiple times and has to work through her feelings as she discovers that she isn't who she always thought she was. The book kinda just WAS if that makes sense. It really amazed me that no one would believe that Mira even had her gift and that she had to fight so hard to get anyone to believe her. I liked Mira, she was interesting and I was not bored reading about her but, I wasn't falling all over the book either. Would I recommend it? Probably it was interesting and passed the time nicely.

I gave it 3/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Past My Defenses
Release Date: June 23, 2014
Publisher: Entangled: Ignite
ASIN:   B00KP8FDPY
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: NetGalley


Vanessa is the fastest Lycan around. In wolf form, the only threat she can’t outrun is her allergies. After a feline dander-bomb takes her down, she wakes up naked in a cage staring at a hot park ranger who had no idea what he’d trapped. But ooooh, he smells so good. Mine.

Dane hoped to tame the silver wolf in his kennel, but all bets are off with the deliciously sweet Vanessa on two legs. Her temper makes his pulse race, and he can’t escape the feeling they belong together.

They’re hot as a forest fire even before they scent-match, but Glacier Peak’s Alpha considers Dane a danger to the pack. Meanwhile, Lycans are being poached, and Vanessa has been targeted. Dane will have to keep her close to protect her, but with Vanessa in heat and mad to mate, who will protect him?

I loved PAST MY DEFENSES. Vanessa was witty and likable. Dane was surprisingly understanding and resilient and the supporting characters and storyline did a great job in keeping my attention. The attraction between Vanessa and Dane was instant and the romance had a nice build up to it. The pack atmosphere was a nice addition to the storyline. 

Sparrow did a great job introducing us to her new paranormal romance series. There is non stop conflict and danger. The mystery stayed a mystery to the very end and The couple had a nice wrap up of their storyline when the book ended. I look forward to seeing which character will be featured next.

I gave it 4/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.