Review: Water (Elements of Power #2) by Heather James

Fantasy

Get the book here: Amazon | Smashwords

Interested? Check it out on Goodreads!

Blurb:

Water pooled around my feet, rising at an alarming rate. I stared - panicked - at the palms of my hands, willing the water gushing out of them to stop as miraculously as it had begun.

I only sneezed!

Jasmine is struggling to control her new powers, causing floods and fires with an accidental flick of her wrist. In a desperate attempt to master at least one aspect of them, she travels to the Brizan Realm, where she comes closer to discovering the truth about her parents than ever before. But not everyone wants their secrets revealed.

Alone, powerless and, for the first time in her life, afraid, Roxy has only one thought occupying her mind: escaping Cinaer's clutches before it's too late. Her flight will take her across the ocean, but not in the direction she is expecting. Before she can try and get back to Brae, she needs to rescue herself.

Despite being on opposite sides of the world, the girls soon find themselves closer than ever.

My thoughts:

**This book was given to me by the author for a "Read-to-Review".
This hasn't affected my review in any way.**

Second book of the Elements of power series.
Water cannot be read as a standalone. If you haven't read Fire, I wrote a spoiler-free review here.

The following paragraphs will contain minor spoilers.

Water was too short for my liking. Not only because of the number of pages, but also because I really got into the story.
Similar to the first book, Water was narrated by Jasmine and Roxy. Only this time, the story was more focused on Jasmine, which I didn't mind at all, since I like her better than Roxy.
I learned a lot about the other Realms. Namely the Brizan and Sephan Realm. Who knew the Sephans would be so peaceful yet angsty competitive at the same time?

Interesting characters were introduced. They made me wonder who are to be trusted and who are not. Especially Tristan, who is shady as heck.
With new characters comes new love interests! I personally ship Roxy with Tristan. But the question is who will Brae choose?
With everything happening, uncertainty is evident.
All I know is that there's a storm named Jasmine brewing and it's gonna be good! Anticipating the third book! :)

Rating: 4.5/5 hearts

About the Author

Heather James is a young-adult author who writes about heroines with amazing powers, heroes who will break your heart and fantasy realms that you will want to move to. 

She works as a librarian in a school and spends her school holidays writing, reading, playing flag-American football and baking.

You can find out more about Heather here:

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Review: Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Contemporary Romance

Get the book here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Check it out on Goodreads!

Blurb:

The Pre-Sloane Emily didn't go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn't do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell.But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just... disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try... unless they could lead back to her best friend. Apple Picking at Night? Ok, easy enough. Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not? Kiss a Stranger? Wait... what?

Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she’ll find?

Go Skinny Dipping? Um...

My thoughts (spoiler-free):

I totally loved this book! The first few chapters were kinda slow, but halfway through I was already engrossed in the story. 

Since this was my first Morgan Matson book, I didn't know what to expect. This book went beyond my expectations.

The story was about a 'wallflower' named Emily, she had an outgoing life-of-the-party best friend named Sloane. One day Sloane just disappeared, but she left her a to-do list for the summer. And everything just beautifully falls into place.

I thought that the transition between 'tasks' will end up being jumpy and that the tasks have no relation to each other, but it was flawless. 

Emily and I literally have the same anxiety level. This book made me want to be more daring and brave. 

It was overall a nice summer read! :)

Rating: 5/5 hearts

Review: Midnight Star by Danielle Ward

Fantasy, Romance & Mythology

Get the book here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

Check it out on Goodreads!

Blurb:

Vegas Hart is walking a thin line between fact and fiction, only she doesn't know it yet. A star-gazing freak, musician and songwriter, a typical day in Vegas' life revolves around her music, her perfect boyfriend, Gage and trying hard not to take her mother's lack of parenting skills personally. But when a sexy professor subs for her astronomy class, the facts of Vegas' life turn into a twisted work of fiction, as sultry visions of him and her lead her to uncover she's not who she thought she was...not even close.

Vegas is forced to embrace her hidden identity as the physical embodiment of the Vega star, an immortal constellation and granddaughter of the gods. And although that would have been spectacular, especially considering that totally explained why she'd always felt spiritually connected to the stars, she discovers her destiny is to imprison a sinister predator threatening the immortal family she never knew existed.

If that isn't enough, add in an undying and passionate past love that threatens her current relationship, a serious bout with memory loss, three wicked sisters spinning a future Vegas yearns to change, and a moody Oracle and you've got a twisted romantic tale of epic proportions. In order to save her family, Vegas must accept her divinity and make gut-wrenching sacrifices that leave her questioning everything she's ever known.

My thoughts (spoiler-free):

This book was given to me by the author for a "Read-to-Review".
This hasn't affected my review in any way. 

Mythology is one of my favorite things in the world. Not that big into constellations though.

But this book made me want to know more about constellations and galaxies.

Oh yeah, this book has a Love Triangle. DUN DUN DUN!

Now, now. Before you get discouraged, hear me out first.

Up until this book, I thought ALL love triangles were unnecessary. That it was just to make the MC (Main Character) suffer. But Midnight Star proved me wrong. This book actually needed the love triangle to make the whole thing work.

Unbelievable, right? 

Read it to believe it. haha! :P

I loved Vegas as a character. She was always so determined and strong-willed despite the struggles, not to mention the freaking memory loss she experienced.

I mentioned that there was a love triangle, right? And what "team" am I? 

I'm rooting for Leo, although I really liked Gage. Yes, Vegas will be loved either way. The problem is, she can't choose. And I quote "I cannot choose between my soul and my heart."

What will you do if you were to choose between two perfect- and I mean really perfect- guys?

I honestly don't know either. I am quite fickle, unfortunately.

The writing was poetic and structured. Danielle Ward did an awesome job integrating humor, fantasy, drama and romance into one book.

Rating: 4.5/5 hearts

About the Author

Danielle is a National Board Certified teacher who does what she loves. She reads obsessively, writes constantly, and hangs out with teenagers to get great ideas for her books (under the guise of being their English teacher). She has a degree in English and Technical Writing and a Masters in Teaching, but all she ever really wanted to be was a writer…and maybe the person who gets to create cool names for Cabbage Patch Kids. She lives in Kentucky with her husband, two sons, two leopard geckos, six beagles, one cat, one corn snake, and a mouse that recently escaped its cage!

You can find out more about Danielle here:

Her Website      Goodreads      
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Review: Fractured Dream (Dreamer Saga #1) by K.M. Randall + Author Interview

Fantasy

Get the book here: Amazon

Check it out on Goodreads!

Blurb:

Have you ever wondered where fairytales go once they’re created?

It’s been eight years since Story Sparks last had a dream. Now they’re back, tormenting her as nightmares she can’t remember upon waking. The black waters of Lake Sandeen, where her Uncle Peter disappeared decades before, may hold the secret to Story’s hidden memories, or a truth she’d rather not know. On a bright summer afternoon, Story and her two best friends, Elliott and Adam, take a hike to the lake, where they dive into the cool water and never reemerge. What they find is beyond anything they’ve ever imagined could be possible, a world where dangers lurk in the form of Big Bad Wolves, living Nightmares and meddlesome witches and gods.

Now Story must remember who she really is and somehow stop two worlds from ultimate annihilation, all while trying not to be too distracted by the inexplicable pull she feels toward a certain dark-eyed traveler who seems to have secrets of his own. The fates of the worlds are counting on her.

My thoughts (spoiler-free):

I received an ARC from the author for a "read-to-review".
This hasn't affected my review in any way. 

Fractured Dream is an epic adventure that everyone will enjoy.

This book has everything a memorable fantasy book needs. 
Lovable characters? Check!
Beautifully thought out story line? Check!
Amazing world? Check!
Interesting plot? Check!
Characters and creatures from famous fairytales? Check!

The world K.M. Randall created was so fascinating, I even had a dream about it. I've never felt so enthralled by a fantasy book ever since the Harry Potter series.

Ms. Randall's writing style was easy to read and compelling at the same time. It was wonderfully written, there were no dragging moments.

I feel so lucky to be given an ARC. 
I can see this book being a huge hit worldwide. And I will be one of the first members of the Dreamer Saga fandom.

Rating: 5/5 hearts.

Interview:

1. It was written on the first page of your book that you've had the idea for the book some years ago. What was that particular idea?

I've always loved the idea that somewhere Faerie circles or portals into an alternate, magical world were real. So I knew my first book would deal with that theme, given my penchant for fantasy. But believe it or not, the notion that a person could exist within two worlds was inspired while reading The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger back in 2005. If you haven't read it, the main character slips through time without meaning to, often finding himself in dangerous situations. While Fractured Dream is nothing like The Time Traveler's Wife, the concept of being in one place and then another almost simultaneously, merged with my idea for creating a parallel land, and the idea for Tressla and Story was born. The concept behind Jess came quickly after, sparking the fairytale presence within the book, and Elliott and Adam took shape fairly early as well. But it was these characters whispering in my ear that truly brought the story to life as I wrote, and that was over a number of years. Book two, titled Shattered World, will be written much faster!

2. Do you already have a structured concept of how the Dreamer Saga ends?
While the entire book is not laid out, I do know how it will probably end. And I only say probably because I never know where Story, Elliott and Adam might take me. But the end game has been pretty clear to me for a while now. 

3. The story of the Golden Fiddle has been etched in my heart, and I'd love to read more short stories like that. Would you consider writing a companion novel dedicated for Tresslan tales?
I'm so glad you liked it! That's a great idea. There are definitely stories to be told. One that stands out to me is the Shadow  Fae's quest for their Fairy Spirits. I'd love to share this legend at some point since the idea for it came fairly early in the writing process and I feel there's more to tell than what's included in Fractured Dream. 

4. Lastly, What is the official name for the Dreamer Saga fandom?

I never actually thought about this one, so I think I'll leave this one to my fans. :)

Thanks so much for having me on your blog!

About the Author

As a girl, K.M. always wished she'd suddenly come into magical powers or cross over into a Faerie circle. Although that has yet to happen, she instead lives vicariously through the characters she creates in writing fantasy and delving into the paranormal. When K.M. is not busy writing her next novel, she is the editor-in-chief of a blog covering the media industry, as well as an editor with Booktrope Publishing. She has a master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University and a bachelor's degree in English-Lit from Nazareth College of Rochester. K.M. lives in Upstate New York's Finger Lakes region with her husband and her extremely energetic little boy. Fractured Dream is her first novel.

You can find out more about K.M. Randall here:

Her Blog      Goodreads       Facebook
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Review: Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare for Everyone Else #1) by C.E. Wilson

Drama, Romance

Get the book here: Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

Blurb:

Shakespeare’s work features some of the most memorable stories and characters ever created, yet for too many curious readers the combination of ultra-dense dialogue and unfamiliar historical settings make tackling the Bard’s work something between a tedious chore and a confusing mess of bird-bolts and quondam carpet-mongers.

While it’s nearly impossible to replicate or improve on these works, it is (thanks to their timeless nature) possible to make them more accessible to a wider audience.
In this Young Adult retelling of one of William Shakespeare’s most iconic plays, join C.E. Wilson as she breathes new life into Much Ado About Nothing, the first in her series 
Shakespeare for Everyone Else.

Two couples.
Clark and Heaven.
Beatriz and Bennett.

After years of friendship Clark decides that his senior year is the time to finally profess his love to his long-time crush Heaven; a sweet and simple girl who her father knows to be loyal, trustworthy and caring. She returns Clark’s love because, like him, she has also seen her feelings blossom over time. Theirs is a cute love that differs a bit from the other couple in the play.

Beatriz and Bennett at first glance seem to want nothing to do with the other. Every conversation, every remark is a withering attack which reveals their lost history and similarities. It’s not long before their friends hatch a plan to set them up because everyone is convinced they still love and care for one another. Will either of them be able to resist the strong attraction between them?
As these two couples try to make it through their senior year, their friend Donnie does what he can to keep the group happy. The problem lies in Donnie’s half-brother Jason who wants nothing more than to spoil the fun – even at the cost of Heaven’s reputation.

When both couples are pushed to the limits, whose love will endure?
Find out in this modern retelling of Shakespeare’s memorable play Much Ado About Nothing.

My thoughts (spoiler-free):

This book was given to me by the author for a "Read-to-Review".
This hasn't affected my review in any way. 

Much Ado About Nothing is the first book of the Shakespeare for Everyone Else series.

I'm not a Shakespeare fan, or any classics, really. I prefer to read modern retellings or watch the movie/TV series/web series. 

So, this is a perfect book for me.

I won't be comparing this version to the original story, because I've never read Shakespeare's original one. Instead, I will be reviewing this book solely on what I've read.

Two words to describe this book?

High school.

High school at it's finest.

All the gossips and schemes are spot on. Everything about this book is relatable to the teens in this generation.

It was fast paced and direct to the point, which I loved.

Although, it was too short for my liking, I found myself wanting more. There were characters with full of personality (Bennett and Beatriz) while others lacked. I had to differentiate Sola between Meagan, at times.

I had fun reading this version. Looking forward to the second book of the series, Othello.

Rating: 4/5 hearts

About the Author

C.E. Wilson is currently living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her husband and her two dogs and two cats. They are all the loves of her life. When she’s not writing young adult fantasy novels, she enjoys writing short stories on her Deviant Art page. She loves to write stories involving giants and little people (also known as GT) and she can't decide what she loves more: horror movies or shoujo manga. On a side note, nothing helps her to write more than drinking some tea and watching The Twilight Zone.

You can find out more about C.E. Wilson here:

Blogspot       Goodreads        Deviant Art

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Review: To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Romance

Get the book here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

Blurb:

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.

My thoughts (spoiler-free):

The Song girls reminded me of these girls: 

Yep, Margo, Edith and Agnes from the movie Despicable Me. HAHA :)

They do have quite a lot similarities, if you think about it.

Especially Margo and Margot, since they're both the eldest, they act like the mother for their siblings, they may be overprotective at times, but you can clearly see the love between them.

If Lara Jean is a real person, she would most likely be my twin. 

If I were to write a letter to every boy I loved (well not loved, more like a hardcore crush), it would take a looooooong time to finish.

Actually, me and my best friend Andrea is considering to write these kind of letters. We'll see how this turns out. :)

My Theme Song: Why don't you love me? by Hot Chelle Rae feat. Demi Lovato

Rating: 5/5 hearts

Review: Fire by Heather James

Fantasy

Get the book here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

Blurb:

Is control over the elements a gift, or a curse?

Roxy thinks that she is in control of everything: with flames flaring at her fingertips and an equally fiery attitude, what more could she need? But then she meets Brae, a prince from a rival Realm, who turns her assumptions of superiority upside down.

Jasmine has none of Roxy’s confidence or intensity. But she does have a secret - and Brae - and she’s not going to give either up willingly.

My thoughts (spoiler-free):

This book was given to me by the author for a "Read-to-Review".
This hasn't affected my review in any way.

Fire was an entertaining and enjoyable read. 
Fans of Avatar: The last Air bender (holla at you!) will quickly get the concept of the book.

There are four Realms that have their specific elements. The Helian Realm had fire, Arcan Realm had Air, Brizan Realm had Water and the Sephan Realm had Earth. Not everyone has the power to control an element, so each realm had people called Protectors , they serve as soldiers for their respective realms.

There were two alternating perspectives, Roxy and Jasmine's. These two are complete opposites, Roxy from the Helian Realm is snarky and bad-ass, while Jasmine from the Arcan Realm is shy and meek.I usually root for heroines like Roxy, but this is the only book I've read that made me root for a heroine like Jasmine.
The story itself was short, but it took me a while to finish, I had to slowly take all the details of their world.
I would totally read the sequel, Water.

Rating: 4/5 hearts

About the Author

Heather James is a young-adult author who writes about heroines with amazing powers, heroes who will break your heart and fantasy realms that you will want to move to. 

She works as a librarian in a school and spends her school holidays writing, reading, playing flag-American football and baking.

You can find out more about Heather here:

Blogspot       Goodreads       Facebook
Twitter        Pinterest         Smashwords

Review: Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

Horror & Romance

Get the book here: Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

Blurb:

Alexis thought she led a typically dysfunctional high school existence. 
Dysfunctional like her parents' marriage; her doll-crazy twelve-year-old sister, Kasey; and even her own anti-social, anti-cheerleader attitude. When a family fight results in some tearful sisterly bonding, Alexis realizes that her life is creeping from dysfunction into danger. Kasey is acting stranger than ever: her blue eyes go green sometimes; she uses old-fashioned language; and she even loses track of chunks of time, claiming to know nothing about her strange behavior. Their old house is changing, too. Doors open and close by themselves; water boils on the unlit stove; and an unplugged air conditioner turns the house cold enough to see their breath in.

Alexis wants to think that it's all in her head, but soon, what she liked to think of as silly parlor tricks are becoming life-threatening--to her, her family, and to her budding relationship with the class president. Alexis knows she's the only person who can stop Kasey -- but what if that green-eyed girl isn't even Kasey anymore? 

My thoughts (spoiler-free):

Horror-Romance. I didn't think it was possible for me to like this combination. You see, I cower easily. I may not have nightmares from scary books and movies, but I do get really paranoid. I am absolutely terrified of dolls. (I only owned 2 dolls in my lifetime) So I was reluctant to read this, but my curiosity of why the book had high ratings and good feedbacks won over my fear of dolls, so I finally decided to read it.

I don't really consider this book a horror story, but it was definitely creepy. I just felt like it was watered down for young readers. The horror factor was like R.L. Stine's Goosebumps series. 

The romantic part was cute, the way Katie Alender mixed romance and horror was impressive.

Rating: 4/5 hearts