---

Be warned… this book WILL tug at your heart.

I get very excited when I know another Elementals book is due out. I think I jigged to the cashier this time around, mainly because it was a continuation of Nick Merrick’s story, Breathless (which I reviewed briefly here… Breathless is included in the Aussie release of Secret, woohoo!

**I need to let our younger readers, and or parents know, that this book does contain extremely strong themes of sexuality, violence and ‘romance’, so be aware  going in. If you (or your elder) think it is inappropriate at this time, know there is always time later on when the topics would be less shocking.**

Brigid handles these themes, (that really shouldn’t be so taboo, but unfortunately still are considered as such), in a respectful way; allowing the reader to feel the crushing tension and suffocating emotions that come into play. I was doing the ugly cry, and was almost in tears on public transport in another scene.

This is a gut wrenching tale of self discovery, love and loyalty. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I cannot wait for the next instalment, Sacrifice, comes out later this year.

Stick a fork in me I’m done… for now *grin*.

http://www.brigidkemmerer.com/

Paperback, 375 pages

Published January 28th 2014 by Allen & Unwin

original title

Secret

ISBN13

9781743318614

---

---

Bel:

 

Cover

The cover was really what had me buying this book, not borrowing this book, from the library. The dust cover is a gloriously textured paper. The picture of a pretty young brunette with juicy red lips, blindfolded with a red ribbon, who standing on a coastline at dusk, drew me in. The title is embossed and the hard-cover spine has the title in foiled red lettering. Just something a little bit special. Thank you to Better World books for making the price that fits my budget.

Characters

I wasn’t overly fond of the parental/caregiver portrayal, but they needed to be the evil to counteract the teen characters.

Favourite

Nami, she was about the only character that kept true to herself.

Least Favourite

Faye, mainly because the little things she did irritated the heck out of me.

Beginning

Faye’s dad drops her off at Holbrook Academy as a last ditch attempt to get her to conform.

Storyline

Holbrook Academy, which is part mental institution, part juvenile detention centre is every bit of the nightmare that those two descriptions convey.

Ending

The title comes into play in an unexpected way.

I may have missed the point where the ending was justified, so it felt like a twist to me. I had a little trouble following some of the imagery, and some reactions seemed a little off. Not my cup of tea, but I LOVE the cover.

Quote

“Sweet dreams.” She said and shut the door. The lock snapped into place. Fay’s first night at Holbrook Academy

 

 

Krista:

 

 

Cover

I agree with Bel here. I was initially prompted to purchase the book because it was something I wanted for my shelves. It has all the major elements of the story and it’s beautiful.

Characters

I was surprised at the strictness of the Academy, at times wondering how it got to such a state. The caretakers and Dr Mordoch are at an extreme end of the disciplinary line. I also would have liked to get to know more of the students on a deeper level.

Favourite

I was a sucker for the love interest, Kel. He was flirty, dangerous and seemed to care for Faye on a deep level.

Least Favourite

My least favourite characters were the ones in charge of the Academy. Even at the very end, I was unsure about why they had to take a whip to the students and make outrageous rules. Their actions had me more upset than I have ever felt reading a book.

Beginning

When Faye’s parents discover that she has been collecting dead animal bones, they are concerned that she will never outgrow the “weirdness” that began in her as a young child. They return her to the Dr that has been consulting her family about her issues. It just so happens that she now runs Holbrook Academy, so Faye is left in her care.

Storyline

When Faye is dropped off at Holbrook Academy it doesn’t take her long to find out it’s run more like a prison. Each and every action the students make is closely watched; it’s very militaristic and nothing is tolerated. Faye is kept in a “Family” group of 5 other students with whom she grows a deep connection. They even begin to share nightmarish dreams. Faye seems to have a deepest connection to the land the Academy is on, and with Kel. She starts to see her powers as more of a positive thing than a punishment.

Ending

I really did not predict that the story would end up like it did. Though the novel does build on the visions, nightmares and history of the land, I just didn’t catch on quite that the story was going to put such an emphasis on what it did. I really should have seen it coming! I didn’t know it would be as potent as it was.

Thoughts

I do have to say I agree with Bel about the imagery in some parts being hard to visualise. I had to take the book slower than usual to try to really grasp it. It’s full of visions and nightmares and flashbacks that the reader has to picture in their minds in order to grasp the clues in the storyline.  In that way the story reminded me of  Michelle Hodkins’ books. In the end, I found that I enjoyed the imagery. I think this is a book that will stick with me for awhile and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy a lot of imagery in stories. (Of course, this novel takes on the darker, nightmarish side.)

Quote

” I wasn’t used to people meeting my eyes. And Kel didn’t just look at me. He looked into me, like he could see every thought in my head. And whatever he saw there now, he must have liked. He gave me a slow smile that made me blush. “

I chose this quote because it not only represents the first real encounter between Kel and Faye, but it holds the core of the story. ‘I wasn’t used to people meeting my eyes.” Faye’s insecurities and how she looks at herself as being damaged.

Book Trailer

http://www.sarawilsonetienne.com/harbinger

Hardcover, 309 pages

Published February 2nd 2012 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons BYR

ISBN

0399256687 (ISBN13: 9780399256684)

---

---

I posted on Facebook not long after starting this book, that it was making my fear of crowds simmer to the surface. I work really hard to get past that phobia, so this is a testament to the quality of imagery and strong storytelling by Kelley in her new series.

Olivia has her life turned inside out when the truth of her parentage comes to light, after the death of the man she thought was her father. She goes from her high society lifestyle to being reduced to the child of parents who were convicted of 8 serial murders.

She falls from grace, well, gracefully, and does what we’re cheering for her to do… take on the world and stand on her own two feet.

Armstrong has a real knack for making strong female characters but not at the expense of having strong male characters. Her girls can save themselves and take on the unsavoury element without castrating and belittling her hero. Olivia is no different, and Gabriel is the perfect mix of creeper and hunky behemoth.

There is plenty of superstition woven through the book. The plot thickens quicker than corn flour slurry, and, there are no lumpy bits either.

I love the eerie setting of Cainsville, and the townsfolk are goose-bump worthy weirdos.

I’m not usually one to seek out a book I know is going to give me the creeps, but I will certainly be looking for book two, Visions, which is due out in August 2014. There is more fun to be had in Cainsville… Bring it on!

http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com/  

Hardcover, 486 pages

Published August 20th 2013 by Sphere

ISBN13

9781847445117

---

---

I’ve been a fan of Mary Janice’s Undead series for over a decade, so when Better World Books had a sale on their preloved books, I was stoked to see something from her I hadn’t read yet, and was even more pleased that it’s for a middle grade/young adult market.

 Thanks to Goodreads for the description…

“She knew that growing up would mean changing. But Jennifer wasn’t prepared for the blue scales or the claws, since no one had told her that she came from a bloodline of weredragons. Her greatest challenge? Protecting herself from her family’s ancient enemies and preparing herself for fierce battles. And that’s a lot to expect of a girl just coming into her own.”

The twists in the tail tale are beautifully crafted. Foreshadowing is forgivable and the ending has you chomping for book two, Jennifer Scales and the Messenger of Light.

This husband and wife team have a refreshing view of friendships between guys and girls, and make you wish the guys in their early teens, in real life, were as level headed as their characters are.

These books first came out in 2005, so they may be a little challenging to find.

 If you’re in the mood for something light, sassy adventurous, sweet and quick to get through, see if you can track down a copy.

 Mass Market Paperback, 224 pages

Published January 30th 2007 by Ace (first published August 2nd 2005)

original title

Jennifer Scales and the Ancient Furnace

ISBN

0441014747 (ISBN13: 9780441014743)

---

---

Bel:

 

Cover

Two faces in profile and an electric-type air between them. Quite telling really.

Characters

Very Twilight-esque with the almost outcast girl being included into the new family to town. However that’s pretty much where it stops being anything like Twilight. Thank bleep.

Favourite

Claire. As with so many best friends of the main character in books I just want her all to myself. Even if she did push her BFF off a roof.

Least Favourite

Is it too clichéd to pick Lucas? Tough. He makes me want to pinch him.

Beginning

There once was a girl from Nantucket… okay I’ll stop there, however this is actually set in Nantucket so it fits. Helen meets the new kids to town and wants to eat their faces on sight.

Storyline

Helen finds out WHY she wanted to eat the faces of the new kids, then discovers everything she has ever known about her life has been a big fat Greek LIE.

Ending

There may or may not be incestuous thoughts.

Thoughts

I screamed through this one in 24 hours. Yep all 514 pages in under a day. So in short I LOOOOVED this book.

Greek mythology, love/hate relationships. Girl having a Rocky Balboa scene and food, lots and lots of food.

Quote

“I’ve known you could fly since we were kids. I even pushed you off your roof once to make sure. Sorry about that by the way,” she said sheepishly. Claire talking to Helen.

 

Krista:

 

 

Cover

The US Cover has a lot of purples and blues. The dress is a nod towards Ancient Greece and the myths this story references. The combination of the stormy air and the ocean waters also ties together the setting. 

Characters

Although Helen is an only child, she has a best friend who’s part of the large Delos family. Although Helen is the main character, we get to learn a lot about each family member individually.

Favourite

This was a hard pick for me but overall I had to choose Claire, Helen’s best friend. She adds a lot of humor to the story, she’s cute, spunky and a good friend.

Least Favourite

Matt. He seemed a little too power hungry and frustrating for me to understand. I forsee his story continuing in depth as the series progresses.

Beginning

Helen is used to her somewhat dull life on Nantucket Island, working for her single father and hanging out with her best friend Claire. When the Delos family moves and transfer to her school, she cannot stop her desire to kill them upon sight.

Storyline

As Helen is just coming to terms with the Delos family and her strange new desires, she discovers that somebody is after her, possibly to kill her. And why she has started seeing visions of three women urging her to commit murder?

Ending

The ending is by far not a conclusion, but at least it’s not a cliffhanger! There are several storylines that are left open and I am personally interested in what happens next.

Thoughts

I really enjoyed the fact that the author was able to incorporate the stories of several different characters without being overwhelming; and how she she used the Greek Myths, Gods and history to tie them all together. There are some complicated family ties brought to the story that helped take some of the pressure off the head over hills romance. It’s very detailed and well researched and adds an interesting perspective on today’s world.

 Quote

“I don’t care how hard being together is, nothing is worse than being apart.”

 

Lisa:

 

 

Cover

One of my favourite covers in the world! I love the way the entire trilogy looks sitting on my white bookshelf. They’re just so shiny and really catch the eye!

Characters

Is it weird that I like, when characters don’t like each other right away? I mean we see insta-love in YA so much. And I always ask myself why do they like each other? How can someone “love” someone else so quickly? In Starcrossed, the two main characters absolutely hate each other, until they are forced to work together, and that’s what brings them so close. Love love love!

Favorite

I think I would have to agree with Bel and Krista when they chose Claire as their favourite character. She’s just funny, and brings a bit of humor to the story. She’s that friend, who is dorky, and goofy, even in the worst situations. But if I wasn’t allowed to copy Krista and Bel, I think I would have to pick Helen. I feel like there is just SO much going on around her, and in her life and she handles it… much better than I would. And even much better than I’ve seen characters handle situations in other books.

Least Favorite

I don’t have a least favourite but I have something to complain about, and it doesn’t really fit in any of our other categorie, so I’m just going to rant right here instead. Helen’s mom! REALLY? I know it’s only the first book, but I feel like we (the readers) deserved to know a little bit more about her mom, and why she left and what happened to her. Hopefully she’ll be mentioned more in the next two books.

Beginning

So there’s this really hot babe named Helen… JUST kidding. But there really is this beautiful girl named Helen who lives on an island called Nantucket. Besides her immense beauty, Helen is also extremely fast and strong. She runs track (beating everyone by minutes) and helps her dad at the general store (lifting heavy boxes). Life’s been good, and Helen has been trying to keep her powers to herself… that is until a new family moves to town, and the life she’s known is gone forever. Whenever she comes near one of its member, she feels anger and the urge to beat them to pulp.

Middle

Throughout the middle of the book, Helen discovers who she is, who her mother is, and that her life isn’t what she always thought it was. The beauty, speed and strength aren’t something that just happened. It’s something that happens to all people who are descendents of the original players in the Trojan War.

End

AHHH! No! That can’t be happening! Please tell me this isn’t true… Josephine Angelini, how can you do this to us? Do you want to break our hearts?!

Overall Thoughts

Okay, where can I begin? Angelini did an amazing job tying the historical and mythological aspect into this story. When reading YA historical fiction, many times the history is mentioned, or brought up, but not really carried along throughout the entire story. Angelini did a great job sticking to it, but also bringing in the future and her own twist to the characters and story. The book never had a slow moment. Once you started with the first page it was extremely hard to put it down. The characters are lovable and I adored Lucas and Helen. The ending broke my heart into a million shards and I’m still picking them up today. I’ll be reading the rest of the trilogy in January hoping Josephine will mend my heart again.

 

---