Tag: Young Adult (Page 2 of 158)

BOOK REVIEWS: The Dead List & Till Death by Jennifer L Armentrout

November 1, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

The Dead List by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
When Ella is mysteriously attacked on her way home from a party, her entire life changes as she finds herself at the center of an attempted murder investigation.

Ella tries to move on, but her attacker isn't done yet. He shows himself in the form of horrifying signs and symbols: a clown mask strewn on her bed, a dead bird in her backpack, a shadow moving past her window in the night. And as the weeks pass, it turns out that Ella isn't the only one being tormented.

With the help of an old flame, Jensen Carver, and her friends and family, Ella tries to attain some sense of normalcy, but she can't seem to shake the feeling that there's a dark pattern hidden in the killer's every move. Suddenly, even those in her innermost circle seem suspicious. In her seemingly safe West Virginia town, Ella starts to wonder who she can trust.

Review:

If you adore the movie Scream, but always wanted something a little deeper, then definitely add this one to your tbr! From that first chapter I was pulled in, and this story held me in the palm of its hand. I screamed, I gasped, and the audio completely captivated me. This is a must read if you enjoy young adult mystery and thrillers, and to be kept guessing!

“We are not together.”
“Aren’t we?”
My breath caught as his hand slid up, skating over my ribs, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.
Jensen’s deep, low chuckle traveled across my throat. “After this morning, we are most definitely together. We just haven’t worked out the specifics of our together-ness.”
“Together-ness is not a word.”
“Now it is.” His hand slipped away from the door to cradle my cheek. He tipped my head back, and I thought my heart would burst from my chest.

One of my favorite things, besides the characters, was that this book kept me on my toes. So, stick with your gut as you watch everything unfold. Because there’s a twist that will leave your reeling while second guessing everything! And while you’re taken on this twisted path, the characters come alive! Elle was so easy to adore. Her thoughts made me want to be friends with her and I loved that Jensen was back in her life. I saw him as nothing but light and goodness, and I kept my fingers crossed I was right about that! As you’ll slowly see, we don’t have the whole picture of their past. But as things are revealed to us in pieces, and we dive deeper into this story, I was completely hooked! I can’t recommend this one enough!

Till Death by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s gripping new novel, a young woman comes home to reclaim her life—even as a murderer plots to end it. . .

It’s been ten years since Sasha Keaton left her West Virginia hometown . . . since she escaped the twisted serial killer known as the Groom. Returning to help run her family inn means being whole again, except for one missing piece. The piece that falls into place when Sasha’s threatened—and FBI agent Cole Landis vows to protect her the way he couldn’t a decade ago.

First one woman disappears; then another, and all the while, disturbing calling cards are left for the sole survivor of the Groom’s reign of terror. Cole’s never forgiven himself for not being there when Sasha was taken, but he intends to make up for it now . . . because under the quirky sexiness Cole first fell for is a steely strength that only makes him love Sasha more.

But someone is watching. Waiting. And Sasha’s first mistake could be her last.

Review:

This adult romance thriller was impossible to put down! While listening to this story, I had chills and kept looking around corners when walking back to my car in the dark, eeps. Sasha was kidnapped by a serial killer 10 years ago. Now that she’s back home, to help her mom with their inn, things kept happening. And each time, the ante was upped to another level. It left not only Sasha, but me, questioning what was going on. The serial killer who still tormented her dreams was dead. Yet the similarities were creepy and terrifying.

“People don’t get second chances often, Sasha, but we got one, and I’m not going to let that pass us by.”

I could have easily binged this book in a day, if life didn’t get in the way. Sasha was likeable and I adored her bestie, Miranda. Her family and small town were adorable. And with Cole being back in her life, I was a swoony mess. The steam in this story was wonderfully done and while I guessed who the person was, I kept changing my opinion. Because the way the story unfolded placed doubt in my mind, it was brilliantly done. If you’re looking for a story that will keep you entertained, guessing, and has a second chance romance that will have you falling in love, then definitely add this one to your tbr! Plus, the HEA that looked into the future was everything!

BOOK REVIEW: The Demon King (Seven Realms #1) by Cinda Williams Chima

October 23, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Demon King (Seven Realms #1)
by Cinda Williams Chima
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
New York Times bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima's first installment in a thrilling new fantasy series, in which the lives of Han Alister and the brave Princess Raisa collide in a magical and dangerous adventure.

One day Han Alister catches three young wizard setting fire to the sacred mountain of Hanalea. Han takes an amulet away from Micah Bayar, son of the High Wizard, to ensure the boy won't use it against him. The amulet once belonged to the Demon King, who nearly destroyed the world a millennium ago. With a magical piece so powerful at stake, Han knows that the Bayars will stop at nothing to get it back.

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana'Marianna has her own battle to fight. She's just returned to court after three years of riding and hunting with her father's family. Raia aspires to be like Hanalea, the legendary warrior queen who killed the Demon King and saved the world. But it seems that her mother has other plans for her—plans that include a suitor who goes against everything the Queendom stands for.

The Seven Realms will tremble when the lives of Han and Raisa collide in this stunning page-turner from bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima.

Review:

The Demon King was a YA fantasy that slowly unfurled into a fascinating story! With multiple kingdoms, clans, and street gangs, there was so much going on in this story. Throw in some forbidden magic, and so many questions, whelp I was hooked. I loved learning everything and seeing how different groups of people fit together. Two of my favorites, and who we got POVs from, were….

“Don’t ask for the truth, boy, unless you’re ready to hear it.”

Han was a street thug who easily captured my heart. He had a way to make you want to root and cheer him on. I didn’t care about his past, or what he had to do to get to where he was. He was someone who was so charming, you couldn’t help but like him. I wasn’t sure how he played into the bigger picture, but I gobbled up every single one of his chapters!

“You have to take chances, Raisa. What seems safest on its face may not be in the long run.”

Raissa was not what I expected. While she enjoyed kisses and boys, she also spent time outside of the courts with the clan. That gave her such a different view from the others we met. As she very slowly started to realize how much in the dark she was being kept, I had such strong opinions on who she surrounded herself with. I despised Micah even though she liked having him as her friend. And then there was also Amon who was wickedly smart and made me want to steal him from the pages!

“History,” Mari muttered, as if she’d overheard his thoughts. “Why do we need to know what happened before we were born?”
“So hopefully we get smarter and don’t make the same mistakes again.”

I wasn’t sure how Raissa and Han would meet up, but I definitely got nervous because as the time passed I thought they would be perfect for each other. But there was also Micah and Amon swirling around too. As someone who has finished this series, I was extremely happy with how each of the characters’ stories went! It’s been quite some time since I’ve read a YA fantasy that made me want to never put it down and consumed my thoughts, and this series did just that!

BOOK REVIEW: The Exiled Queen, The Gray Wolf Throne & The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms 2, 3 & 4) by Cinda Williams Chima

October 22, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Exiled Queen (Seven Realms #2)
by Cinda Williams Chima
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden's Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn't mean that danger isn't far behind. Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them. And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own. There, Han meets Crow, a mysterious wizard who agrees to tutor Han in the darker parts of sorcery—but the bargain they make is one Han may regret.

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana'Marianna runs from a forced marriage in the Fells, accompanied by her friend Amon and his triple of cadets. Now, the safest place for Raisa is Wein House, the military academy at Oden's Ford. If Raisa can pass as a regular student, Wein House will offer both sanctuary and the education Raisa needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen.

Everything changes when Han and Raisa's paths cross, in this epic tale of uncertain friendships, cut-throat politics, and the irresistible power of attraction.

Review:

I didn’t even realize The Exiled Queen had the academy trope and I absolutely ate it up! With treachery, secrets, lies, and friendships I loved the second installment of this series. But my favorite thing was how Princess Raisa made me so proud of her! I loved how grown-up she has become, and the choices she made! She was what anyone would want as a true queen! Han is still my top favorite, and I couldn’t wait to see what he got into and learned next! Micah, I still want an anvil to fall on his head haha. And my heart bled for Amon and his duty. This is a fabulous YA fantasy that I can’t recommend enough!

The Gray Wolf Throne (Seven Realms #3)
by Cinda Williams Chima
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Han Alister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisa ana'Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And, as far as he's concerned, the princess's family as good as killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen.

Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the thief-turned-wizard Han Alister can be trusted. She wants to believe it—he's saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron-hard will to survive—and even that might not be enough.

Review:

In The Gray Wolf Throne, so many secrets came out! I was floored with not only all that we learned, but what the characters finally got to learn too. Especially since they realized that truths could cut just as deep as a sword! With plenty of action, the characters we have come to love were put through the ringer. I truly couldn’t figure out how everyone was going to get their HEA, and that made me listen to this story so quickly! This book was so much fun and a great addition to this series. Han, Raisa, Amon, Dancer and Kat are everything!

The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms #4)
by Cinda Williams Chima
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A thousand years ago, two young lovers were betrayed Alger Waterlow to his death, and Hanalea, Queen of the Fells, to a life without love.

Now, once again, the Queendom of the Fells seems likely to shatter apart. For young queen Raisa ana’Marianna, maintaining peace even within her own castle walls is nearly impossible; tension between wizards and Clan has reached a fevered pitch. With surrounding kingdoms seeking to prey on the Fells’ inner turmoil, Raisa’s best hope is to unite her people against a common enemy. But that enemy might be the person with whom she's falling in love.

Through a complicated web of lies and unholy alliances, former streetlord Han Alister has become a member of the Wizard Council of the Fells. Navigating the cut-throat world of blue blood politics has never been more dangerous, and Han seems to inspire hostility among Clan and wizards alike. His only ally is the queen, and despite the perils involved, Han finds it impossible to ignore his feelings for Raisa. Before long, Han finds himself in possession of a secret believed to be lost to history, a discovery powerful enough to unite the people of the Fells. But will the secret die with him before he can use it?

A simple, devastating truth concealed by a thousand-year-old lie at last comes to light in this stunning conclusion to the Seven Realms series.

Review:

I’m so happy I read this young adult fantasy; it was so easy to fall for! With tensions running high and so many moving parts, there was so much happening in this final book! And while the politics of court, along with the wants and needs of other groups of people played such a large role in this book, what I adored most was how the characters carried out the story. It was so easy to become invested in their lives. I loved how they pulled us along on their journeys and we watched as love, betrayal and friendship laced through the pages. This is definitely a series I will always remember, and I loved how it wrapped up!

BOOK REVIEW: AVA (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) by Mary Ting

July 30, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

AVA (International Sensory Assassin Network #4)
by Mary Ting
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The final installment of the Multi-Award-Winning series.

The days of hiding are over.
The battle for supremacy is here.
The fate of the rebels is at hand.

Ava heads to South Korea to bring down the facility that manufactures the CODE army. But she can't do it alone. She'll have to trust fellow conspirators and put her life on the line.

When the South rebel leader searches for missing team members, she's captured and taken to the Korean ISAN base. There, she discovers a secret that could change the course of the war in their favor.

After the rebel mountain base is threatened, Ava has no choice but to comply with Korean ISAN demands—or end up killing everyone she loves.

Review:

AVA was a wonderful conclusion to the International Sensory Assassin Network Series! Those we love got the happily ever after we had been hoping for, but it was such a challenging journey. And I closed the book smiling with that fabulous conclusion. If you love dystopian, sci-fi, action, found family, and romance then definitely check this series out!

She had always put her people first and had promised herself never to fall in love. But the thing about love… there’s no reasoning or predicting when and why it happens. Sometimes love happens when you least expect it.

Rhett and Ava will always be my favorite! But there were other romances within this series, and we got to see where some of them led! On top of the romances, I loved watching how trust played such an important part in this story. With double agents, and those they weren’t sure they could trust, they had to learn to work together for the greater good. It was nerve wracking, yet so fun seeing how it all would unfold!

Renegades forever.

Sacrifice was another important element in this series. The threats that were forced upon them. And the situations they were put in were gut wrenching. Yet those with pure hearts and bravery in their veins stood up and did all they could to protect those that they loved and cared for. Those that they realized had become their family. It was such a powerful recurring theme within this book that I loved!

We would make a difference.

Also, we were introduced to new characters, from the Korean ISAN. Quite a few of the chapters were narrated by Hae Jin, who reminded me of Ava in certain ways. She had a boyfriend, a found family, and was desperate to get out of the clutches of ISAN. But I was never able to find that connection to her, or her team members. Regardless, she was so easy to like and I loved her fearless ways!

Sometimes wishes do come true when you blow on a dandelion.

With different teams working together for the greater good, life and death situations, and love gracing the pages, this was such a fabulous wrap up to this series. Yet, there were still things that needed to be done in the world. Other countries where ISAN needed to be brought to their knees. So, Ting skillfully set up this series to have spinoffs, which I’m sure fans will adore.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Reading Order:
Amazon (click on covers) & iBooks (click on titles)

ISAN (International Sensory Assassin Network #1) Review: Jen	HELIX (International Sensory Assassin Network #2) Review: Jen	GENES (International Sensory Assassin Network #3) Review: Jen
CODE (International Sensory Assassin Network #3) Review: Jen	AVA (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) Review: Jen

BOOK REVIEW – Obsidian (Lux #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

June 17, 2024 / Jen / 2 Comments

BOOK REVIEW – Obsidian (Lux #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout Obsidian (Lux #1)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring...until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is.

Review:

*I reread this book and updated a few parts of my review from a decade ago ♥*

The Lux Series is what made me become obsessed with the enemies to lovers trope. This book was everything! Whether it was the infuriating, smug, sexiness that was Daemon, or the strong-willed Katy, or the energetic lovable Dee, or the duo that was Ash and Andrew, I LOVED all of the characters in this book. And the story-line? Not only did it have me grinning from ear to ear, but I kept finding myself saying “oh, just one more chapter”, and you know how that usually ends. Hours later and I couldn’t put this book down. JLA created the perfect world that I wanted to get lost in again and again.

For a moment, all I could do was stare at him. He was probably the hottest guy I’d ever seen in real life, and he was a total douche. Go figure.

Katy’s father passed away, and her mom was in desperate need of a fresh start. So they moved from Florida, to a small little town in West Virginia. And in need of getting directions to the local supermarket and a place to buy plants, Katy had one of the most memorable meet cutes. That had no part of cute in it lol. Daemon was sexy, shirtless and beyond exasperating. He seemed to know how to push Katy’s buttons without a second thought. From there I was glued to the pages. I loved following Katy on her journey to discovering that Daemon and his lovable sister, Dee were aliens. And how being friends with aliens can most definitely turn your life upside down and scrambling just to stay alive!

Okay. That was it. “You know, you’re right. How wrong of me to call you a douchebag. Because a douchebag is too nice of a word for you,” I said, smiling sweetly. “You’re a dickhead.”
“A dickhead?” He repeated. “How charming.”
I flipped him off.

Katy is by far one of my favorite heroines. She never backed down from a challenge, didn’t take any of the garbage Daemon was constantly throwing at her, she tried her hardest to be fearless, while also being the best friend ever! She was an admirable girl that anyone would be lucky to call their friend. But my favorite thing about her? Her sassiness! She was one of the few people who took a stand against Daemon, and put him in his place. Her comebacks were hilarious, yet at the same time I couldn’t help but have my heart break each time Daemon was cold to her. What did she ever do wrong? Why couldn’t she be friends with his sister Dee? And why does he radiate so much pain when he lets his guard down for two seconds?

My lips pressed into a hard line. “You’re such an ass. Has…anyone ever told you that?”
He flashed a genuinely amused smile. “Oh, Kitten, every single day of my blessed life.”

Daemon was the ultimate book boyfriend! He made aliens sexy, and I never thought that was possible. Daemon had the weight of the world on his shoulders. He alone felt responsible for past horrific events, taking care of his sister, and sending Katy running away as far as humanly possible. Yet, Daemon’s feelings towards Katy were a conundrum, that at times felt like whiplash. You never knew if you were going to get the cold Daemon, or the one that had you begging for more. Daemon will lull you into his web, and even if you want to hurt him, it’s impossible. His heart shines through in moments that will have you clamoring for more. Plus he was the embodiment of infuriating sexiness. And heaven help me, but I fell so hard for him.

Holding my breath, I reached up and brushed back a strand of hair. My fingers barely grazed his skin, but he sucked in a sharp breath and closed his eyes. I pulled my hand away, not sure why I’d done that.

The characters were addicting and impossible to get out of my head! The chemistry between Katy and Daemon was through the roof hot. I found myself smiling so much at their passionate banter! And the story progressed at a perfect pace that always kept me intrigued and begging for more. Obsidian was an enchanting story that effortlessly captured my heart. And a decade later, this is still one of my top favorite series ever!

Then I shifted my gaze, and my eyes locked with Daemon’s. Even though several tables separated us, my breath caught. There was something…wicked in those emerald-colored eyes. Consuming. I couldn’t look away, and he didn’t either. The distance between us seemed to evaporate.

PS I highly recommend reading Shadows (A Lux Novel) by Jennifer L. Armentrout before reading this book!

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)
Shadows #0.5 Reviews: Jen	Obsidian #1 Reviews: Jen Chelsea	Onyx #2 Reviews: Jen Chelsea
Opal #3 Reviews: Jen Chelsea	Origin #4 Reviews: Jen Chelsea	Obsession (Companion novel) #4.5 Reviews: Jen Chelsea
Opposition #5 Reviews: Jen Chelsea	Oblivion #Companion Novel OBSIDIAN, ONYX & OPAL Told by Daemon Black Reviews: Jen