Fallen Crest High 6 - Fallen Crest Home by Tijan

Review:

This is an unexpected read.
I didn't realize that there will be a next book after Fallen Crest University. I don't religiously follow Tijan's website, however, Tijan's one of the authors I have on my to-read list automatically. If it is Tijan, no questions ask, I have to read it.

The awesome threesome are back home, and it is nostalgic to see them go at it again with the fallen crest high gang. It's like fallen crest high all over again, but this time, they have matured a bit -- Sam's and Mason's love is indestructible, there won't by anything separating this two (i think so?? ) and Logan is settled with Taylor. Still, there's that family bond that will never go away between the three, or four if you add Nate, or five now, adding Matteo?

Fallen Crest and Roussou rivalry is back as well, with Budd in Prison and Brett gone somewhere ( i am quite disappointed on Brett's absence, i really love his character). But this time, it's not 

just about the rivalry, there's too much going on, and you don't know who the real friends and the real enemies are.

For the past books, it is clear who the bad guys are, who to hate and who to love, but this time, it's so much complicated. Sam's mother is back, did she really changed? I finished this book and still I'm not sure. Same goes for James Kade I might say. And the other characters? There's a very thin line between being the good guy and the bad guy. Even Cass, I'm serious here.

There's too much hate in Sam now, from all what she's been through, and there are times that she's being the bad guy in the story, which I sort of love. It's just shows that Sam's character is not perfect. There's doubt in her heart, her inability to easily trust and forgive, which is so understandable after everything that has happened. But what I love most is what Mason has become. He became the loving and supportive boyfriend. He was always mature, He's more expressive now on how much she loves Sam and how he's willing to protect Sam:

"Do you realize the lengths I'll go for you? he asked softly

"I scare even myself Sam. There's nothing I won't do for you"

Yeah, no more explanations needed. Mic drop.

With all the complications, I am expecting more on the next book (ih yes! there would be - Fallen Crest Forever - expected publication, May 16, 2017)

Crystal Crowned by Elise Kova - Cover Reveal

The Cover

Crystal Crowned Synopsis

One bloodthirsty ruler has been overthrown by another, casting the shadow of death over the Solaris Empire. Vhalla Yarl stands upon the stage of fate, prepared to do battle one final time. Fragile alliances will be tested and new bonds will be formed as the world reshaped. She fights as the champion of peace, but when the night is darkest will she be able to pay the price of a new dawn?

Release Date: July 12, 2016

Preorder Now!

About the Author

Elise Kova has always had a passion for storytelling. She wrote her first novella, a high-fantasy, in sixth grade. Over the years she’s honed her love of literature with everything from fantasy to romance, science fiction to mystery, and whatever else catches her eye.

Elise lives in Saint Petersburg, Florida, where she’s currently working on the next installment in her debut YA fantasy series: Air Awakens. She enjoys video games, anime, table-top role playing games, and many other forms of “geekdom.” She loves talking with fans on Twitter (@EliseKova) and Facebook.

Crystal Crowned Covers by  Merilliza Chan

 

#AirAwakens #CrystalCrowned#AmReading #YA #Fantasy #YAFantasy #YoungAdult #Romance #Fiction #Reading #Books #BookCover #CoverReveal #Bookish #Bibliophile #TBR #ToBeRead #BookLove #Bookstagram

ARC: Black Diamond by Ali Dean

Summary from Goodreads:

It’s not a place for the weak.

No one here tolerates wimps.

If you can’t handle it, leave.

Welcome to Stark Springs, Colorado, home to the most talented young athletes in the world. 

When Roxie Slade snaps into a pair of skis, there’s no one on Sugarville Mountain in Vermont who can keep up with her. Not even the boys. Still, Roxie was shocked when she received a scholarship to Stark Springs Academy, a boarding school that churns out Olympians in each graduating class. Entering as a high school junior, Roxie can’t wait to learn from renowned coaches and train with the fastest ski racers from all over the globe. But, upon arrival, Roxie discovers that Stark Springs lives under its own set of rules, and it appears one boy plays dictator. 

Ryker Black is not friendly and Roxie cannot fathom why everyone wants to be his friend. Sure, he’s gorgeous and rides a snowboard like it’s his fifth limb, but he’s cold, ruthless, and holds way too much power over the Stark Springs population. Roxie won’t put up with it. She’s here to train, and she doesn’t care about impressing anyone off the slopes. The only problem? Ryker Black doesn’t permit defiance. Not without consequences.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27354942-black-diamond?from_search=true&search_version=service

My Review

I am not that particular on my books, but I usually prefer those with characters that are strong, independent and outspoken compared to damsel-in-distress-I-need-to-be-saved kind of girls. And Roxanne Slade is definitely the former – a fighter! That just makes this story more enjoyable. It’s a kind of book you would want to read on a cold winter day, with hot chocolate on your hand. The story has a relaxing vibe into it yet each word strikes me with emotions of each scenes effectively. Emotions are portrayed well through each words and the story seems to be playing live in front of me. I guess Ali Dean has that knack of making her characters feel so alive. 

I like Roxanne’s spirit, and Ryker lack of it in a way(?), making them a really good couple. There’s this chemistry in them like Brangelina. Haha! Seriously, they’re the first couple that came out of my mind to compare. But there’s something more to it. After reading, it feels like I know Roxanne her whole life, and Ryker, I have accepted, will always be a mystery.

 

“Ryker Black cannot have dimples. It’s wrong. And right. Too right.”

I guess knowing more about him will be too much for both my heart and Roxie. Haha!

Roxanne’s actions are consistent with what her character is, same goes with Ryker I guess. What I’m saying here is as a whole story, all bases are covered for their characters. But honestly, I feel like I haven’t gotten the whole story yet. I am just about to put my feet crossed up in the table saying “this is going tooo beeee gooooooood” when I realized I’m already 80 percent done, and I really started panicking! It feels like the story has just started and I’m nearing the end? I wanted to know more how Roxie and Ryker’s relationship will go, know more about Ryker and all the mysteries behind him and read a lot more! So what’s the worst about this book? It’s that is has to end so soon.

As for other characters, I want to frankly say that I do not like Monica. She’s been too afraid and can’t even stand up for Roxie. Ingrid is okay and the Vermont friends are much cooler. I am not sure how the second book will go but if it is a sequel, I hope their characters will develop more especially Brad. Cody and Player didn’t had the limelight as well, for the few scenes they have, I could see them as supporting and loyal friends, and I hope to hear or rather read more about them. 

Everealm by J.D Wright

Summary Plot

After the death of his father, the King of Junacave, Breestlin is crowned the new queen. Trying hard to be the good monarch for the kingdom, just like her father, Breestlin has her hands full. But with the return of her past love -- Rowan, the search for a new wizard for her kingdom’s protection and his father’s half-brother trying to take the kingdom away from her, Breestlin seems to need more than a pair of hands.

Review

A captivating story with the perfect touch of humor.

Honestly speaking, I got intrigued by its title, Everealm. It reminds me of a certain book I love (Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta.) As the story goes, I grew enjoying it. Bree and Rowan‘s story is interesting. A princess and the knight growing up together. However, I find the side stories distracting. Don’t get me wrong, I love Sid, Dagan, and Finn. But I just feel like their stories should be written separately as they are taking the spotlight away from Bree and Rowan. I like Bree and Rowan’s story, but with everything else going on (even the Queen Mother’s love life!) side stories became a bit distracting and it feels like Bree and Rowan’s story was not fully developed. Regardless of this, I still find the whole book enjoyable, especially Bree and Finn’s banter. I am team Browan of course, but I just find the camaraderie of these two very entertaining. 

It’s a new world the author have successfully portrayed. And with the characters in it, it became real for the readers in the period of time that we are reading it. I know there’s so much more that is going to happen in the Junacave (how do you even pronounce this???) and I am sensing a big secret is about to be revealed… oh my, there will be more trouble in paradise I guess. I am excited to read the next books. :D

The Vampire Diaries 1 - The Awakening

Summary from Goodreads

 Love Triangle of Unspeakable Horror...

Elena
Searching for the ultimate thrill, she vowed to have Stefan.

Stefan
Haunted by his tragic past, he struggled to resist her passion.

Damon
Driven by revenge, he hunted the brother who betrayed him.

The terrifying story of two vampire brothers and the beautiful girl torn between them.

My Review

This will be the first time that I'll say that the TV adaptation turned out better than the book. I have read this long ago, even before I started watching the series and obviously, I preferred the TV series. But to be fair and all, I'll try to make this review unbiased by not comparing it from the TV series. (*crossfingers)

Being cliche as it is, the story is unusual among my common reads -- Queen bee meets the cool vampire. Well, firstly, the leading lady usually is the tame one, the one no one notices or hates to be noticed. But her character here is exactly the opposite -- she's the most popular one and loves the attention. Then there's Stefan, he's so handssooommmmeeee..Paul Wesley portrays Stefan soooo weeelll... (ok ok! I am sorry.. I'm comparing...I'll stop now) Well, back to book-Stefan. He was portrayed here as weak. burdened by guilt and misery that he can't see what's already in front of him. The two are quite an unusual pair, Elena's the one doing the chasing making her looks like a self-centered b*tch. She ends up being selfish in this book and her love for Stefan seems to be just an infatuation. As for Stefan, though this is told in a third person POV, I haven't gotten much about him. Fortunately, it helped in his mysterious character. And Damon, Ian Sommerhalder's character is a better Damon! (I'm sorry! I am trying here... but isn't Ian the best vampire ever?) For this book -- Ian, oh I mean Damon, is purely the bad guy, simple as it is :( and his character wasn't developed much.

Since I have finished reading the first 3 books of this series, I want to base my judgment as a whole story. It's a really good story, but as a single book, it's not. A reader has to know the full picture and know what is really going on before he/she gets hooked up with it. 

With regards to the cover, it's not really enticing. In my opinion, this book deserves a better cover.

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover did it again! A new love story that surpasses other love stories. With books like this, it’s hard to look for the next book to top it up. This book made me feel like I’ve been reading lots of boring love stories. It amazes me how Ms. Hoover could create such a heart wrenching and super romantic love story. She’s one of the few authors who could write a book, put the title in the cover, with plane background and could still capture tons of readers. I think, being a “Hoover book” is enough.

The title is so perfect for the story.

When Tate decided to temporarily leave with his older brother, he met Miles Archer. Even starting on the wrong foot, Tate can’t deny the attraction she feels for Miles. The mystery, the silence and the man who never had a woman beside him for 6 years got Tate want him more. But when Miles showed the same attraction towards her, everything gets complicated.

Miles don’t want anything other than the physical contact. 2 rules, no questions about his past and no expectations in the future. And Tate would get anything she could get even if agreeing with this rules, even if she’s seeing a tragedy in the making.

“Love isn’t always pretty, Tate”

It’s not a typical love story. It won’t give butterflies in the stomach and make you giddy with love. It’s not really a light reading, it contains heavy emotions and a very hot and strong attraction. It’s not a teen love story, instead, a very mature one with heavy emotional baggage on the side.

I find Tate a strong and independent woman. A woman with her own career and can stand on her own, so I’m quite surprised to see her agreeing with Miles. I believe she deserves better than that. But I guess the saying is true “You deserve what you think you deserve.” I guess Tate is expecting for more, there’s this hope deep inside her that it could be more between her and Miles.

What made a very successful man close out? Honestly speaking, I got frustrated with Miles with all the drama in his life. I can’t imagine how dark his past is to deny love like what’s Tate is offering! It’s just that, I can see for myself how good they are together, he can see it too but he keeps pushing Tate away. It came to a point where I would rather Tate leave him be and find someone better. But as I keep reading and found out how Rachel broke him (I was starting to hate Rachel,) I realize Miles has a good reason. Uhmm, not really good but good as it can be. I think I can’t judge Miles after finding out his past.

Other than these two, I enjoyed Cap’s character as well. He’s like the wisdom in this book. The parent figure that gives rationality in their story. He always has the “quotable quotes”

An emotional story about grief, forgiveness, moving on, second chances and moving on. It would make you admire people who have experienced and survive this kind of love. 

R2R - Divine Vices by Melissa Parkin

This book clawed its way in my heart page by page. It started slow, really slow. But it never got boring. There’s a lot happening in the story that there’s no time for me to feel any boredom. Though I was kind of getting frustrated waiting for the climax of the story. I’m already halfway and it’s still about the chase of Jackson Matthews to Cassie. I could feel the looming danger ahead, the dark mystery of Cassie’s past and Jackson as well, but it seems like I can’t reach it. But when the climatic event came, boy, did it came. It’s so full, intense and breath taking that I’m getting tired just reading all of it. Ms. Parkin defined plot twist into a whole new level! I would like to talk more about this twist, but I would like the reader to enjoy it themselves. Haha!

Cassie’s character is the typical heroine. A beautiful girl who thinks of herself as ordinary. Had a sad life due to what happened in the past. She has her sidekicks, which are Gwen and Ian which are equally unique and entertaining to read. They both gave life in this book as well. I even thought Gwen would make this whole story into a Nancy Drew mystery novel with her bubbly detective character. I enjoyed the banter of Cassie and Jack. Jack successfully brought Cassie out of her shell but in a really annoying way.  I was torn between loving and getting annoyed with him! Seriously! He’s a knight in shining armor in the making but we can’t deny that he’s sort of a jerk! Haha! Sorry Jackson, but that’s the way you are made. Well, when everything were cleared, when the real motivations were revealed, and all else came to the open, how the characters are, were justified. Sadly, I feel like half of the book was wasted with minor things and for me, the book actually started on the second half so the 2^nd half became overwhelming with information. But still it’s just a matter or arranging the plot and events, but in general, the book came out really good.

This book is a perfect blend of mystery, fantasy, horror, some drama, comedy and love story. What I enjoyed most in this story is how the story was fitted to some biblical events. It shows how much research was made in the book. It’s a story that tells about demons, angels, nephilims and urban legends. It’s like Dan Brown meets Stephenie Meyer and Cassandra Clare type of book.

It’s the first book of Meliisa Parkin and I was requested to write a review for it. I’ve seen the plot and it’s really good so I accepted. I haven’t seen much review form this book other than those given with ARC same as me. This book reminded me why I started book blogging. It gave me the opportunity to introduce good books like this one but are not that popular. I highly recommend this book, I’m sure for those who love this kind of genre, it’s something you shouldn’t miss. Actually, it’s something you should anticipate reading. J