Poison Study Review

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

★★★★★

Synopsis:

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace-- and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison. As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear.... (from Goodreads)

Review:

I love a strong heroine, and Poison Study definitely does not lack one.  Yelena has lost it all, and almost her life.  She is offered a job to save her neck from the noose, but it might only prolong her life for a short time.  She becomes the food tester to the Commander, he’s the equivalent of a president/king, but his rule is more military then democratic/monarchy.   Her job is to check his food and drink for poison, poison that could ultimately kill her.  Yet she doesn’t cower in the shadows, she sticks up for herself and she hits back.  Yelena is a fighter to the bone, and it is an adventure to watch her strengthen in her own skin.  The other characters range from good-hearted to down-right despicable.  Valek, the Commander’s right-hand man and Yelena’s trainer, kept me on my toes.  He was always creating twists in his own story.  I loved him.  Nothing is what it seems with the majority of the characters.  They each keep you on your toes.  The story was just as tricky.   

This book is classified as YA, but it can honestly travel freely through the YA/Adult border.  Although it’s a wild adventure that ages 14 and up can enjoy, some of the content is a bit more mature than your usual YA.  There are some disturbing moments, but ones that make Yelena who she is now.  The romance grows slowly, but I enjoyed it.  There was a depth to the relationship that didn’t involve dependency.   That isn’t seen too often and was so refreshing.  That, I think, is one of the greatest messages we can give our young girls.  

This is one of my favorite books of this year.  Why did it take me six years to get to it?

--monica

Book Review: Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires #1) by Rachel Caine
★★★☆☆

Synopsis:
Welcome to Morganville, Texas. Just don't stay out after dark. College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation, where the popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks in the school's social scene: somewhere less than zero. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life. But they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood. (from Shelfari)

Review:
It took me a while to get into this book. It was very slow moving and I struggled to relate to the 16 year-old genius thrust into college life. Also, I think she repeatedly made stupid decisions and I literally smacked my forehead on one occasion (and came close many other times).

With that being said, by about 75% in, the action picked up and I really started to enjoy it. Claire was more relatable and likable. And the story ends on a wicked cliffhanger, ensuring that anyone that makes it that far will continue on to the next in the series. I will, for sure, but I'm hoping there isn't such a slow build up in the second book.

--monica

One Grave at a Time Review

One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost 

5 Stars

Synopsis:

Having narrowly averted an (under)world war, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans' voodoo queen just keeps on giving-leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit. (from Shelfari)

Review:

This is a great continuation of the series.  Cat has definitely matured and is confident in her own skin.  While there were some slow moments, this book is full of action and had my emotions going all over the place.  I love a book that can make me laugh, cry and want to yell. It makes it seem more real to me.  The villain is probably the most disgusting and despicable yet. I definitely got the heebie-jeebies.  

My one complaint is that I feel like some of the characters were pushed to the side during the story, even though they had important roles in this installation.  I found myself forgetting they were even part of the story. So I would have liked to have seen more cohesiveness there.  There are lots of questions that I'm hoping will be answered in the 7th book.  

--monica

What Happened to Goodbye Review

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

★★★★☆

Synopsis:

After a scandal involving her mother and a famous college basketball coach rocked her family and her old hometown, McClean decided to live with her dad. His job as a restaurant consultant requires they pick up often, and at each new place she carefully selects who she’ll be—Eliza, Beth, or someone else with a new name and different interests. It’s easier this way for McClean, who is reluctant to form any true attachments. Then at their latest stop, McClean does something she’s not done in a long while—reveal her real name. But who is this McClean and is she ready to forgive her mother, fall for the boy next door, and finally stick around? (from Amazon.com)

Review:

This is my fourth Sarah Dessen and I have to say that she did not disappoint.  I have loved every story she has written and What Happened to Goodbye was not the exception.  I enjoyed McClean’s story and was able to relate easily to her.  She was just an average teenager, but able to weave an interesting story.  The characters she introduces along her story are well-done and easily loved.  I also enjoy the world Dessen has created and flows through each book.  It's fun to see old characters visit and know the backstories to many locations.  

By now, everyone that reads my reviews knows that I love a good romance.  I actually pick out my books based on that fact.  Although Goodbye promised a love story, it was quite a bit lacking in that department.  That’s the one complaint I have about the book.  I realized though that this story was more about a girl discovering who she really is on her own.  Not who she is within her family or alone with her mom/dad or who she is with her friends or even who all these people see her as.  But who she is to herself, without all the attachments.  A love story is always nice, however, I think it was important for McClean to discover herself, and accept it on her own terms.  She didn’t need a boyfriend to do that, so I get it (although I still think more romance would have been nice).  

If you’re a fan of Dessen, then you’ll enjoy this one.  It wasn’t my favorite Dessen, but it doesn’t fall far behind.  

--monica

Playing with Fire Review

Playing with Fire by Gena Showalter

3.5 Stars

Synopsis:

Earth, Wind & Fire aren't just a band anymore . . .

Used to be my greatest achievement was holding a job more than three days. Now suddenly I can shoot fireballs, chill your drink, or blow-dry your hair at fifty paces with a blink of my eye!

It all started when this crazy scientist dropped something in my Grande Mocha Latte. Of course I got wicked sick. Next morning I'm waking up with this total hottie bending over me. He tells me 1) his name's Rome Masters, 2) he's a government agent and 3) I can control the four elements with a thought.

He seems even less pleased by my (apparently irreversible) transformation than I am . . . Because now he'll have to kill me.

Review:

I enjoyed this book.  While Belle comes across a bit immature, I warmed to her character.  She has a strong devotion to her dad and everything, up until this point, she has done for him.  She is witty, smart and fun to follow while learning to master her new powers.  

Although the romance, at times, seems a bit forced (Belle either jumps to conclusions and/or forgives Rome much too quickly for my taste), it develops sweetly and remains pretty sexy for the remainder of the book.  I look forward to seeing where the next book takes them.

It’s a quick read, but the characters are vivid and I instantly fell in love with Tanner.  He’s like most young men looking for something missing in their life and joining Belle and Rome seems to be the answer.  He is hilarious and cracked me up quite a few times.  I love him as Belle’s sidekick.

I bounced between 3 and 4 stars, but decided on 3.5.  While the characters are well-written and parts of the story-line original, there were times that I felt like things were forced or just didn’t work well enough to suspend disbelief.  I do recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and sexy Paranormal Romance.

--monica

Clarity Review

Clarity by Kim Harrington

4.5 Stars

Synopsis:

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch an object and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case — but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother — who has supernatural gifts of his own — becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most? - from the author’s website

Review:

I’ve been reading a lot of books lately that have heroines that are, at first,  a bit immature and annoying.  So it was nice when I instantly took to Clare.  She’s witty, smart and honest.  Coming from a quirky family has its drawbacks, but she handles them better than most.  I enjoyed watching her use her gift and make the best of it.  It was also refreshing to see a heroine not shirk her gift, but to have the desire to use it for good.  

I also enjoyed the love triangle created by Harrington.  It was believable and never felt forced.  I wasn’t sure if I was rooting more for Justin the ex-boyfriend or Gabriel the new guy.  I’m still not sure which boy I prefer for her. 

There were many unexpected twists to the story that had me guessing up until the final chapters.  Most of them were plausible, some a bit forced.  But because the rest of the story was so well-done, I’m willing to overlook those minor flaws.

Perception, book two in the series, comes out March 2012 and I am really looking forward to it.  Clarity didn’t end on a nail-biting cliffhanger, but the loose ends and last minute revelations will keep me wondering for the next 9 months.  Highly recommended!

--monica

Perfect Chemistry Review

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

4 Stars

Synopsis:

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

Review:

This book alternates between the POV of Brittany and Alex, which I’m not usually a fan of, but it worked here for me.  I enjoyed being able to see what they thought of each other and certain situations.  Brittany and Alex couldn’t be more different, but they also couldn’t be more similar.  Each is living a life they want to escape, but can’t for the same reasons.  I instantly liked Alex and warmed up to Brittany very quickly, especially when seeing her interact with her sister.

Although this is YA, it is very gritty and Elkeles does not hold back.  The romance is a bit more mature than most YA.  The characters face very serious situations and the outcome isn’t always sunny.  I was expecting a fast, breezy read, this was anything but.  I went through it quickly, but only because I couldn’t wait to see how their stories ended.  I was not left disappointed.  

--monica

Blogger is not letting me upload images, so go here for a looksy at the book.

Conspiracy in Death Review

Conspiracy in Death by JD Robb

5 Stars

Synopsis:

At a time when human nature remains as predictable as death, a killer plays God - and puts innocent lives in the palm of his hand...

With the precision of a surgeon, a serial killer preys on the most vulnerable souls of the world's city streets. The first victim: a sidewalk sleeper, found dead in New York City. No bruises, no signs of struggle. Just a laser-perfect, fist-sized hole where his heart had once been. Lieutenant Eve Dallas is assigned to investigate. But in the heat of a cat-and-mouse game with the killer, Dallas's job is suddenly on the line. Now her hands are tied...between a struggle for justice - and a fight for her career...

Review:

This was a very complex installment in the In Death series.  Eve was on the search for a serial killer, dealing with a whiny police officer that had it out for her, flashbacks of a tormented childhood, terrible accusations abound, and fighting for her job.  Robb/Roberts has spun a great story and not a single aspect is neglected.  Where do I start?

Eve and Roarke prove once again to be the perfect team.  Their banter is entertaining, their love inspiring and their loyalty unbreakable.  There are great moments in their relationship in this book. 

So far this is my favorite in the series.  It was a bit more personal than the ones before it.  We see the the vulnerable side of Eve.  Her identity is in her career, and when that’s threatened, she starts to unravel.  On top of this, she’s having revealing flashbacks.  Rather than push them back into the dark, she decides to confront them.  My heart ached for her and Roarke as she recounts those early years.  As strange as it sounds, I think it’s those early years that give her the push she needs to fight for her life and for the lives of others.  

Even when she’s sorting through all the personal stuff, Eve doesn’t give up on her current case.  There’s a killer out there, and they’re not getting away...

--monica

  

Chasing Fire Review

Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts

3.75 Stars

Synopsis:

There's little as thrilling as firefighting-at least to Rowan Tripp. The Missoula smoke jumpers are in Rowan's blood: her father is a legend. She's been fighting fires since her eighteenth birthday. At this point, returning to the wilds of Montana for the season feels like coming home-even with reminders of the partner she lost last season still lingering.   Fortunately, this year's rookie crop is one of the strongest ever-and Gulliver Curry's one of the best. He's also a walking contradiction, a hotshot firefighter with a big vocabulary and a winter job at a kids' arcade.

Everything is thrown off balance when a dark presence lashes out against Rowan, looking to blame someone for last year's tragedy. Rowan knows she can't complicate things with Gull-any distractions in the air or on the ground could mean the end-but if she doesn't find someone she can lean on, she may not make it through the summer. . . .

Review:

For the most part I really enjoyed this story.  It sucked me right in from the beginning and the life of a fire jumper was fascinating to read about.  Roberts did an excellent job there.  

I instantly liked Gulliver Curry.  He was charming, friendly and all-around-good-guy.  I struggled a bit more with Rowan Tripp.  I think she’s been the center of her dad’s universe her whole life, so she tends to be a bit self-centered.  She can come across a bit abrasive at times.  And though I knew stuff about her, I never fully connected with her character.  I related better to Gull or even Ella and Marg.  I did, however, enjoy the interactions between the fire jumpers.  The ribbing and loyalty amongst the crew was well done.  I knew they would give their lives for each other, but go down with one final wise-crack on their lips.

I picked out the killer pretty early on and was correct.  Still there were some parts that seemed off to me, after it was all said and done.  Some things were a little too convenient or it didn’t jibe well with the character.  With that being said, the ending was a bit more exciting than the last two Roberts books I’ve read.  So points there.

While I enjoyed most of the story, it had the tendency to get hijacked by the fire jumping.  There were times I found myself forgetting that there was anything else going on in it, like murders (which should be a hard thing to forget).  The romance was enjoyable, and I loved watching Gull work to win over Rowan.  Dobie was one of my favorite parts of the story, great character, always good for a laugh.  And there were some emotional moments also, Roberts did well with the gut-wrenching.   Overall, good story and I’d recommend it to anyone.

--monica

Abandon Review

Abandon by Meg Cabot

3 Stars (Very Generous)

Synopsis: (from author's website)

Seventeen-year-old Pierce knows what happens to us when we die.

That's how she met John Hayden, the mysterious stranger who's made returning to normal life—or at least life as Pierce knew it before the accident—next to impossible.

Though she thought she escaped him—starting a new school in a whole new place—it turns out she was wrong. He finds her.

What does John want from her? Pierce thinks she knows... just like she knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven. But she can't stay away from him, either, especially since he's always there when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.

But if she lets herself fall any further, she might find herself back in the place she fears the most.

And when Pierce discovers the shocking truth, that’s exactly where John sweeps her:

The Underworld.

Review:

This was my second Meg Cabot and I think my last.  While the premise was intriguing, the story itself did not seem to be carried out very well.  Pierce, the heroine, tends to contradict herself quite often.  For example, she hates it when people ask her about dying and coming back.  But she’s quick to remind anyone that she has died before if they complain or criticize her.  

Pierce also has many flashbacks throughout the story.  They just cut into the story and often confused me.  She’d be at an ice cream shop and then home and then back at the ice cream shop.  I had to re-read those parts just to make sure she was having flashbacks or that she hadn’t skipped ahead.  These could have been done much more smoothly.   

The love story comes across forced.  I kept wondering why/how/when John ever fell in love with Pierce, and vice versa.  They never have tender moments.  Until they do and that’s when it seemed especially forced and the timing awkward.  

My last complaint, although I have several more, there were so many unanswered questions, or questions that should have been asked but never were.  The latter I dislike the most, especially when the answer is staring one right in the face.  

Unless you are already an established fan of Meg Cabot, do not start with this book.  I would have given this book a 2.5 star rating, but couldn’t bring myself to do it.  I like Meg Cabot, but I’ve found her writing just isn't my thing.

--monica

Halfway to the Grave Review

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

4 Stars

Synopsis:

Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father—the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership. In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner—are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat.

Review:

This is one of the times that I enjoyed the plot more than the main character, but kept reading and liked the book.  I’m a character driven reader, so this rarely happens (well, I actually never not finish a book, but I won’t enjoy any of it).  For about 3/4 of the book I struggled with Cat.  At 22, she seemed more like 17.  She was whiny, immature, overconfident, and a bit ignorant.  I really started to warm up to her, however, in the final chapters.  Now that I’ve had time to really think about the book, I wonder if this was Frost’s intention.  Introduce an immature Cat and develop her into a stronger, mature woman.  I can appreciate that. 

There were times I felt for Cat.  She loves her mother so much, but her mother is not very understanding and quick to judge.  I did not like her mom, to say the least.  Cat had to make some huge decisions by the end of the book and my heart broke for her!  But she acted like an adult and did what was necessary.  

One of my favorite parts is the romance.  I immediately loved Bones.  From the moment Cat saw him, I knew he was sticking around.  He, thus far, is my favorite character in the series.  I loved watching the relationship between Bones and Cat develop.

As I said, I struggled a bit at first and wasn’t sure I would want to continue the series.  But by the end, I was really looking forward to book 2. 

--monica

Rebecca Review

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

4 Stars

Synopsis:

Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again ... With these words the reader is ushered into an isolated gray stone manse on the windswept Cornish coast, as the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter recalls the chilling events that transpired as she began her new life as the young bride of a husband she barely knew. For in every corner of every room in the immense, foreboding estate were phantoms of a time dead but not forgotten — a past devotedly preserved by the sinister housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers: a suite immaculate and untouched, clothing laid out and ready to be worn, but not by any of the great house's current occupants. And with an eerie presentiment of evil tightening her heart, the second Mrs. de Winter walked in the shadow of her mysterious predecessor, determined to uncover the darkest secrets and shattering truths about Maxim's first wife — the late and hauntingly beautiful Rebecca.

<Review:</>

I really liked this novel.  I loved the haunting mystery that followed the second Mrs. de Winter around every corner and even in her own mind.  She obsesses over her new husband’s first wife and all the ways she doesn’t add up to this ghost of a woman.  At first, Mrs. de Winter, her first name is never revealed, seems whiney and very sulky.  I had a hard time connecting to her at first, although I did enjoy the story she told.  I could feel the same repulsion she felt concerning Favell and Mrs. Danvers.  I got the creeps when she did, upon entering the untouched West wing. Towards the late part of the middle, the second Mrs. de Winter started to find her voice and her strength.  And that’s when the story starts to get really good.

There are so many twists in turns in this book that caught me off guard, and in a good way.  I thought I had the whole story figured out, but I was way wrong.  The end is suspenseful and full of jaw-dropping revelations.  You’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat well after you’ve finished the last sentence.   

--monica

Defiance Review

Defiance by Lili St. Crow

4.5 Stars

Synopsis:  Now that sixteen-year-old Dru’s worst fears have come true, she’ll have to go on a suicidal rescue mission to bring her best friend back in one piece. That is, if she can put all of Christophe’s training to good use, defeat her mother’s traitor once and for all, and manage to survive another day...

Review:  I loved this one as much as the first.  It was packed with twists, surprises, betrayals, new enemies, old enemies, heart ache, a teensy bit of lovin’, new friends, and so much more.  Nothing dragged in this installment of Strange Angels.  My only complaint is that sometimes I get confused.  Maybe I’m the only one, but I have to re-read certain scenes to understand what is going on.  This is when first person becomes a problem.  Dru tends to leave out a few details and her inner dialogue can go on for too long.    

Dru is gaining back her confidence and coming into her own at last.  She is making her own decisions and wisely weighing the consequences before jumping into action.  Once she blooms, she will be a formidable opponent.  

She is finally realizing she may be more torn between Graves and Christophe than she thought.  Here’s what I think, Graves is more like a brother to her.  There isn’t any real chemistry between the two of them.  I find any sort of romance forced, not by St. Crow, but by Graves and Dru, but mostly Dru.  I wonder if she knows this, but thinks the only way to keep Graves is to reciprocate his feelings.  Although his feelings are a bit ambiguous as well.  The chemistry between Christophe and Dru is a different story.  This is who I’m rooting for.  It may be because I have a thing for the dangerous, bad boy.  But seriously, there is fire between these two, not just a spark.  Christophe makes Dru hot.  Literally.  She flushes and warms up whenever he’s around.  And their private moments are a heck of a lot better than the ones she shares with Graves.  The major problem is that she doesn’t trust Christophe like she trusts Graves.  

This book makes up for the fact that Betrayals and Jealousy dragged a bit.  It is such a dark, fun story.  I cannot wait for Reckoning to hit bookshelves.

--monica

Jealousy Review

Jealousy by Lili St. Crow

4 Stars

Synopsis:

Dru Anderson might finally be safe. She’s at the largest Schola on the continent, and beginning to learn what it means to be svetocha–half vampire, half human, and all deadly. If she survives her training, she will be able to take her place in the Order, holding back the vampires and protecting the oblivious normal people.

But a web of lies and betrayals is still closing around her, just when she thinks she can relax a little. Her mentor Christophe is missing, her almost-boyfriend is acting weird, and the bodyguards she’s been assigned seem to know much more than they should. And then there’s the vampire attacks, the strange nightly visits, and the looks everyone keeps giving her. As if she should know something.  Or as if she’s in danger.

Someone high up in the Order is a traitor. They want Dru dead–but first, they want to know what she remembers of the night her mother died. Dru doesn’t want to remember, but it looks like she might have to–especially since once Christophe returns, he’ll be on trial for his life. The only person who can save him is Dru.  The problem is, once she remembers everything, she may not want to . . .

Review:

Since I link this book so closely to the last one in my mind, I feel like I would be writing the same review.  But there are some new developments and characters, which are warmly welcomed by me.  Dru meets the Council of the Order.  She trusts some and doesn’t trust others.  It’s made up of 4 dhampirs and one svetocha.  Yep, Anna’s back.  And she’s just like Dru remembered her, maybe even worse.  Dru has been assigned a guard of dhampirs, although Graves, Shanks and Dibs still watch out for her.  I love two of her guards, Leon and Benjamin.  Benjamin’s reactions to Dru’s behavior are priceless and Leon’s sarcastic tone are just what she needs to feel comfortable.  Ash is recovering from their last run-in with the suckers and Dru is helping him, hoping the broken werwulf will make the change back to human.  

There’s some really good action and discoveries that help find the traitor.  But the traitor isn’t going anywhere without a fight.  Finally, there’s some action in the romance department.  Pun intended ;)  But it might be more than Dru can handle for now.  This book also tends to be a bit redundant and it drives me crazy that Dru can’t see some clues that are as clear as day and right in front of her face.  And she needs to give Christophe a break and really should have trusted Graves more.  But the action and the huge surprise at the end make up for the things I struggled with throughout the book.

--monica

Betrayals Review

Betrayals by Lili St. Crow

4 Stars

Synopsis:

She’s no angel . . . Poor Dru Anderson. Her parents are long gone, her best friend is a werewolf, and she’s just learned that the blood flowing through her veins isn’t entirely human. (So what else is new?) Now Dru is stuck at a secret New England Schola for other teens like her, and there’s a big problem— she’s the only girl in the place. A school full of cute boys wouldn’t be so bad, but Dru’s killer instinct says that one of them wants her dead. And with all eyes on her, discovering a traitor within the Order could mean a lot more than social suicide. . . Can Dru survive long enough to find out who has betrayed her trust—and maybe even her heart?

Review:

The second book in the Strange Angels series stays true to the characters introduced in the first book.  This one picks right up after Dru and Graves have been in Schola, a boarding school of sorts for dhampirs, svetocha and werwulfen, for about a week.  They should be safe there, but when was the last time that was true?  And it isn’t going to be now either.  Because Dru is supposedly the only svetocha, she is precious and very valuable, and everyone is sworn to protect her.  Except that doesn’t seem to be the case.  Guards don’t show up when they’re supposed to and she’s being fed lies by the people that should be trusted.  

There seemed to be a lot of redundancy in this book.  The same lines, almost word for word, show up chapter after chapter.  The romance aspect of the story doesn’t show up yet, although you can see the twinkling of something starting up.  (I love love stories and wish there was more of it in here)  The characters stay true to themselves and I enjoyed their growth.  Graves goes from nerdy Goth boy to something quite different.  Dru is still the tough girl, but clinging to memories and feeling of the past.  She is more vulnerable than she would like, but she accepts it better than most would.  A new cast of characters are introduced and I immediately adored werwulf cutie, Dibs and knew Shanks would grow on me.  Luckily, Christophe is back and just as cryptic and swoon worthy as ever.

I read this back to back with Jealousy, the 3rd book, as though they were one book.  And I would recommend that for anyone else.  These two books really could have been combined into one.  

--monica

Strange Angels Review

Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow

4 Stars

Synopsis:  

  Sixteen-year-old Dru Anderson has grown up traveling the country with her demon-hunter father. When he tries to tackle a powerful sucker named Sergej in the Dakotas, he is turned into a zombie. After stopping him from killing her, Dru must save herself when she, too, becomes Sergej's target. She is befriended by Graves, a classmate who is quickly bitten and turned into a loup-garou (half werewolf), and meets Christophe, a djamphir (half-vampire vampire hunter). Dru also learns that she is growing into her own special powers.

Review:

This book jumps into action very early on.  In one of the first chapters, Dru has to make a decision, and then act on it, that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.  But she knows the consequences of not acting and her dad has taught her to be a skilled hunter.  Orphaned and alone, she meets Graves and they more or less protect each other at first.  Quickly this relationship turns into one of survival, and they are fighting to keep the other alive, even if it could cost them their own lives.  

Dru has a lot of unanswered questions and when she tries to get them answered, she ends up falling into more trouble.  Something is after her and she doesn’t fully understand why.  Her mom died when she was very young and her dad never explained anything before his death.  She also discovers that as skilled as she thought she was, she doesn’t have anything on the guys hunting her down.  So she’s kind of making it up as she goes along, with the help of Graves and the mysterious and so-not-trustworthy Christophe.  

I really enjoyed this book.  It's YA, but has an adult feel to it.  It is very dark and cold.  No warm fuzzies here, unless you count the werwulfen (werewolves).  Strange Angels is full of action and mystery.  St. Crow always had me guessing what could be next.  I can’t complain too much about the story.  Other than I enjoy a good romance, and this book doesn’t have one.  Although I think it could be building up for the next books.  Hopefully.  Dru has a lot of inner dialogue in between conversations and during action scenes and I had to keep going back and forth to double check whether or not she was saying any of it out loud or not.  So that affected the pacing a bit.  Also, there is a lot of language, which doesn’t normally bother me, but there is a lot of “GD’s” and “JC’s”. 

I recommend this book for anyone that enjoys a good YA Paranormal and is looking for something a little different from the rest.

-- monica