After her death in 1999, 18 year old Amelia has existed in limbo, her spirit haunting the only place she knows; the river under High Bridge Road. When Joshua Mayhew accidently drives his car off of the bridge, Amelia saves him, but not until after he dies for a brief moment. Now Joshua can see Amelia, and in an instant, a bond forms between them. Amelia can remember nothing of her life, but in spending time with Joshua, she begins to remember, and he’s eager to help her regain some idea of who she was before she died. When the dark, sly Eli appears, hinting to Amelia that her soul may just belong in a darker place, among other lost souls, he threatens to tear Amelia away from Joshua, and brings up questions about her entire existence, and the nature of her death.
I thoroughly enjoyed Tara Hudson’s debut novel. Told from the perspective of Amelia, the narrative is well paced and fits the story perfectly. We go along with Amelia as she falls in love with Joshua, discovers who she was in life, and more importantly, who she is in death. We also experience her feelings of helplessness as the conniving Eli attempts to pull Amelia into his dark world. The story unfolds perfectly and certainly kept me turning the pages. Amelia’s sweet romance with Joshua will certainly appeal to teens (and me too!), and there was plenty of mystery to keep the suspense going. I will most definitely look forward to Ms. Hudson’s next novel!...more
Wow! I thoroughly enjoyed Inside Out and was hoping Outside In would be as good. Well, I wasn't disappointed! After leading the rebellion of the scrubs, Trella is thrown into a world of political maneuvering, decision making, and delegation that she wants no part of. She just wants to be with her boyfriend Riley, and continue exploring the huge cube that she's spent her entire life in, hoping to find areas to expand their living quarters. Soon, riots are breaking out, no one wants to perform the tasks that kept their world running, and Trella no longer knows who to trust. When a threat from the Outside comes calling, Trella is forced to re-evaluate everything she believes in and everyone she thought she could trust.
Outside In is fast paced and full of action, and the novel actually stands on it's own. Ms. Snyder provides enough background that even someone that hasn't read Inside Out would be able to follow Outside In without a problem, although I would definitely suggest reading Inside Out first. There are many exciting moments, moments of genuine terror, and in the Outsiders, the author has given us a creepy new threat that is a great addition to the story! The suspense is unrelenting and I managed to stay up way too late finishing this one because I just couldn't put it down! This is a sci-fi, dystopian thriller you won't want to miss!...more
Ellie is a Preliator, the only mortal with the power to fight Reapers. Reapers come in many different forms. Some look like animals (huge, vicious, snarling animals), and some, like the vir, can masquerade as human. When Will awakens her powers on her seventeenth birthday, she is drawn into a fight among angels and demons that can destroy the human race.
Angelfire was very readable and well written, and I enjoyed the angel/demon mythology that comes into play. I also liked the concepts of the Reapers. Most of the time they don’t show themselves on the mortal plane, instead roaming freely in the Grim, a dimension parallel to the mortal plane. The souls of humans are harvested in order to restore the armies of hell for the second war between Lucifer and God, and it’s up to Ellie to stop it. Ellie is a kick ass heroine and yet struggles to balance her new responsibilities, and growing powers, as a hunter with her more mundane responsibilities as a teen. Will, as her 600 year old Guardian, is a constant, quiet, and strong presence that shows Ellie the secrets of her past (and boy, does she have quite a past), and also teaches her to fight in order to stave off the impending apocalypse. When a force is discovered that could mean the end of Ellie for good, and threaten her very soul, it will take everything that Ellie, Will, and their friends have to see it destroyed. If it can be destroyed…
Angelfire is told in first person from Ellie’s perspective with interludes to her past and her dreams. There’s just something about Ellie that’s very appealing. It could just be that most of us, at one time or another, has dreamed of realizing that we have otherworldly powers, can fight like a ninja, and have a set of knives that shoot angelfire! I mean, how cool is that? There’s also romantic tension between Ellie and Will, but it’s not overdone or trite, and adds a wonderful thread to the story.
All in all, Angelfire was a good read, and I’m looking forward to the next novel in the series!...more
*I've done my best to avoid spoilers, but this being #13 in a series, there are some inevitable details that I felt I had to include** Mortals connected to all things supernatural are being hunted and spirited away by creatures that haven’t been seen in thousands of years. Karrin Murphy, with the help of her friends and allies, are trying to keep more disappearances from happening, but it’s getting harder and harder to contain the growing threat. Dresden has been sent back to the mortal realm from “between” to take care of some unfinished business, even though no one will tell him what that business is. All he knows is that if he doesn’t go back, three people close to him will suffer or die, and he can’t let that happen. Harry enlists the reluctant help of Morty the necroomancer, and learns that Murphy’s allies want her to use the Swords of the Cross, some of the most powerful weapons against evil in existence to defeat the Fomor (the nasties threatening Chicago.)
See, when Harry unleashed the magic to save someone dear to him, it destroyed every member of the Red Court, creating a veritable power vacuum. Their holdings were so vast that every evil supernatural group is going after what they can, and killing whoever gets in their way. After being grievously injured in the fight, Molly (Harry’s apprentice) is now an enemy to the White Council, and she’s possibly gone a bit crazy as well. With Harry dead, Molly has declared Chicago protected and is calling herself the Ragged Lady. Lea, Harry’s fairy godmother, has been training Molly, and now Molly is killer-kickass. Seriously. Molly has got some serious mojo, but Harry fears for her life and her sanity.
Ghost Story has been the most introspective of the series, which makes sense, with Harry’s death, and it’s also one of the most heartbreaking. Changes twisted me into all kinds of knots, and things don’t get any lighter in Ghost Story. Harry has to do some serious soul searching here, and dig deep inside to find the strength to save those he loves, and the city he loves. Harry takes a young thug (who has a penchant for Dickens) under his wing, that can hear Harry without magical aid, and I really enjoyed watching this friendship unfold. Harry’s “conversation” with Father Forthill when he sends the kid to him for help was a bit of a highlight for me. We also go back in time with Harry, learning about his upbringing and the experiences that made him what he is, which, to me, was fascinating. The previous books have gone into Harry’s past, but nothing like this. The fighting is epic (to say the least), and Harry’s up against enemies both new and old, not to mention very, very powerful. He’ll fight for his friends, and for his very soul, and the ending is nothing short of jaw dropping. After 13 books, I'm still wild about Harry, and reading a Dresden novel, for me, is like coming home. Each one is better than the last, just when I think they can’t possibly get better. All I can say is, get ready Dresden fans, ‘cause Ghost Story is gonna take you on a ride you won’t soon forget....more
I like Willow Tate. She’s a moderately successful graphic artist and writer who’s proud of the New York rent controlled apartment that her books pay for,she’s dating a “nice” guy,and things are pretty good. Until,while sketching,she looks up to see a ten foot tall red troll rampaging down the street. Make that a troll that looks suspiciously like the one that she just drew for her new book. The only problem is,no one else can see the troll,and as she starts glimpsing the big guy (who she dubs Fafhrd) around town,wreaking his particular brand of good natured havoc,Willow starts to wonder if she might be losing her marbles. Then she gets a call from her mom with the news that her dad is ill (they’re divorced),she needs to go and care for him,and won’t Willow come home to Paumanok Harbor to dogsit until she gets back? Willow finds it impossible to say no,especially after her “nice guy” boyfriend Arlen turns out to be not-so-nice. It’s not so bad,though. After all,she gets to stay in the huge mansion being rented by a Hollywood big wig,and there’s a Jacuzzi and pool. However,there are the two poodles with sensitive stomachs and a Pomeranian with an attitude that quickly attaches itself to Willow.
All is not quiet on the homefront,however. Willow soon realizes that the people she grew up with may be more “special” then she always thought,and that she herself may have powers of her own. Powers that certain bad guys will do anything to get their hands on. Add Agent Grant,of the Department of Unexplained Events (DUE),murder,a missing boy,shake it all up,and you’ve got quite a fun cocktail. Willow must do everything she can to find the missing boy,deal with her growing attraction to hottie Agent Grant,coral a gaggle of unruly dogs,and come to terms with the presence of magic in her world. Willow is a flawed heroine,much different from your usual leather-clad,kick ass chick,and that’s ok. She’s a bit neurotic,slightly insecure,and a key part of something much bigger than herself,which would be a hard thing for anyone to adjust to. Willow’s vulnerability is what makes her so likeable. I can see myself being friends with her,totally,and her family is nothing short of fascinating. Willow and Grant’s romance is a big focus (it’s fairly light on the dirty bits,but there are couple),and I promise you’ll be crushing on him too! Trolls in the Hamptons was a breath of fresh air in between your dark UF or Fantasy reads and the humor and quirky characters will have you grinning. It’s not perfect,but then,neither am I,and I always expect a few growing pains in a first novel. I’m certainly game to spend more time with Willow Tate,Agent Grant,and the rest of the Paumanok Harbor gang! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Trolls in the Hamptons to fans of UF that are in the mood for something a little lighter and packed with charm!...more
There’s a letter from Tricia Pasternack, a Del Rey editor, in the beginning of the Advance Reader’s Edition of Hounded, by Kevin Hearne. In it she describes something called the Kevin Hearne Effect, the rather magical feeling you get when one first starts Hounded, and that continues until the last page. When I started Hounded, I immediately knew exactly what she was talking about! Atticus O’Sullivan is a 1,200 year old Druid (biologically 21) who’s put down roots in Arizona and is living peacefully until a series of attacks shatter his quiet existence. You see, an ancient foe wants something Atticus has, and won’t stop until he gets it back.
Hounded is told from Atticus’ point of view, and what a delightful voice! Wry, witty, and charming, Atticus is my new hero, and in Hounded, we’re lucky enough to accompany him as he and his friends plan a showdown with this powerful foe. And what friends! Kevin Hearne has created an amazing cast of supporting characters, but my favorite by far is Oberon, Atticus’ Irish Wolfhound that he can communicate with using his mind. Oberon is a sweet, scene-stealing pleasure, and (at the risk of dating myself), reminds me quite a lot of Einstein, the canine with human intelligence in Dean Koontz’s Watchers. The banter between Atticus and Oberon made me laugh out loud, and Oberon is almost as big of a presence as Atticus! Add to that a death Goddess named Morrigan, the huntress Flidais, a vampire and a werewolf (both Atticus’ lawyers), a elderly, feisty neighbor that helps Atticus more than once, a coven of witches who may or may not have Atticus’ best interests at heart, a sword that is the source of Atticus’ problems, and you you’ve got the recipe for one of the best books of the year! In Atticus’ world, the Gods are alive and well, and aren’t afraid to make themselves known. Norse, Christian, Indian, you name it, they all exist, and if you have a love of Celtic myth, this is the book for you. The magic system is fascinating and unique and it’s obvious the author put quite a bit of time and research into exploring the history of Druids and Druid magic. Inevitable comparisons will be made to Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files, and to me, that’s a good thing! I got to geek out a little with this one too, because there’s lots of references to Star Wars and other awesomeness! In a sea of female urban fantasy heroines, Atticus and his crew are a breath of fresh air! Fans of fantasy and urban fantasy will eat this one up, and the good news is that you won’t have to wait for books 2 and 3 to come out. Hexed and Hammered drop in June, and readers will be lining up to get their hands on them! Hounded is a series debut that is absolutely not to be missed! Keep an eye out for my reviews of Hexed and Hammered, coming soon!...more
16 year old Jack was born on the floor of his grandparent’s house to a 17 year old mother that he’s barely seen or talked to since, except for grindingly awkward twice yearly phone conversations. Days away from a trip to England, along with the possibility of attending a boarding school called St. Atticus for his junior year, he attends a party at his best friend Connor’s and after getting quite drunk, attempts to walk home by himself. It’s then that he falls asleep on a park bench and is kidnapped by a doctor that offers him a ride home. Luckily, the creepy time spent with the doctor is fairly brief, and Jack manages to escape. He decides not to tell the police, only Connor, and Connor decides to make the doc pay, which they certainly do. So, it’s off to London and in the first few days of waiting for Connor to arrive, Jack is followed by a man with the strangest glasses, which soon fall into his hands. Of course, inevitably, he puts on the glasses, and is soon sucked into the world of Marbury.
Ahhh, Marbury… Marbury is a blasted wasteland where humans are few and far between and violence is not the exception. The boys are being followed by cannibals and droves of large black bugs called harvesters. Strangely, Jack knows who everyone else is in Marbury. It’s like he’s always been there. He immediately meets half-brothers Ben and Griffin and gets on to his now full-time job of survival. Meanwhile, back in London, life goes on. And therein lies the problem with Marbury. The first time Jack visits, no time has passed it the real world, but this begins to change, and as a result, while Jack is in Marbury, it’s evidently business as usual with Connor, but Jack can rarely remember things that have happened in the real world. To complicate things further, he meets a girl named Nickie who he just might be falling in love with.
Just like Jack is sucked into Marbury, I was sucked into Jack’s world. Poor Jack. He’s still haunted by his kidnapping (which may or may not tie into current events), and can’t understand why Marbury is such a pull for him. Even worse, he’s seen Connor on the other side, and he’s not the Connor he knows and loves. If you enjoy trips down the proverbial (and super scary) rabbit hole, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this one, although Marbury certainly is no Wonderland. Ghosts, cannibals, and constant danger are Marbury’s hallmarks, and the author doesn’t hold your hand, or pull any punches. Trust me on this one. There’s some gruesome stuff here, but it’s never gratuitous, and it’s always terrifying. Here’s how Jack describes Marbury:
“I was thinking, What if the world was like that? What if we only saw one surface of it, the outside, but there was all kinds of other stuff going on, too? All the time. Underneath. But we just don’t see it, even if we’re part of it? Even if we’re in it? And what if you had a chance to see a different layer, like flipping a channel or something? Would you want to look? Even if what you saw looked like hell? Or worse?”
Even though this is technically a YA novel, the only real thing that distinguished it from a non-YA is the age of the protagonists (I’d recommend this for older teens). I only had one quibble, and it’s the speed in which Jack falls for Nickie, but then kept reminding myself that that’s pretty much how things were as a teen, so it is what it is. Andrew Smith’s writing is tight and sure and he captures Jacks self-conscious angst perfectly. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Jack, and watching him slowly fold in on himself in fear is painful. It also hit me in a soft spot as the mom of a boy. I think my son got an extra helping of hugs while I read this book. If you love your modern fantasy with a healthy dose of horror, you’ll eat this one up in one sitting. I did....more
Loading...
