Book Angel's Book Love List - March 2012

These are the books that are on my personal love list for this month. 

Title: The Rising

Series: Department 19 #2

Author: Will Hill

Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books

Publication Date: 29 Mar 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Sixteen-year-old Jamie Carpenter's life was violently upended when he was brought into Department 19, a classified government agency of vampire hunters that was formed to deal with a little problem . . . known as Dracula.
But being the new recruit at the Department isn't all weapons training and covert missions. Jamie's own mother has been turned into a vampire - and now Jamie will stop at nothing to wreak revenge on her captors. Even if that means facing down Dracula himself.

Utterly loved the first book Review HERE even if it was gory lol

Title: The Last Echo

Series: The Body Finder #3

Author: Kimberly Derting

Publisher: Headline

Publication Date: 29 Mar 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Violet kept her morbid ability to sense dead bodies a secret from everyone except her family and her childhood-best-friend-turned-boyfriend, Jay Heaton. That is until forensic psychologist Sara Priest discovered Violet's talent and invited her to use her gift to track down murderers. Now, as she works with an eclectic group of individuals—including mysterious and dangerously attractive Rafe—it's Violet's job to help those who have been murdered by bringing their killers to justice. When Violet discovers the body of a college girl killed by "the girlfriend collector" she is determined to solve the case. But now the serial killer is on the lookout for a new "relationship" and Violet may have caught his eye...

Love this series. Jay <3 Review HERE and HERE

 

Title: Spellbound

Series: Hex Hall #3

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books

Publication Date: 29 Mar 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Hailed as “impossible to put down,” the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted.

Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.

Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?

Another series I adore.Review HERE and HERE

Title: Forgiven

Series: The Demon Trappers #3

Author: Jana Oliver

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Publication Date: 1 Mar 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

The days are growing darker for 17-year-old demon trapper Riley Blackthorne. With her father’s reanimated body back safely, Beck barely speaking to her because of a certain hunky Fallen angel, and a freshly-made deal with Lucifer, she has enough on her hands to last a normal teenage lifetime. Though she bargained with Heaven to save his life, her ex-boyfriend Simon has told the Vatican’s Demon Hunters that she’s working with Hell. So now she’s in hiding, at the top of everyone’s most-wanted list.

But it’s becoming clear that this is bigger than Riley, and rapidly getting out of control: something sinister is happening in Atlanta… or someone. The demons are working together for the first time ever and refusing to die, putting civilians in harm’s way. Riley thinks she might know who’s behind it all, but who’s going to believe her? Caught between her bargain with Heaven and her promise to Lucifer, Riley fears the final war is coming – and it may be closer than anyone thinks…

OMG this series is soooo good and just keeps getting better. Review HERE

Title: Arcadia Awakens

Series: Arcadia #1

Author: Kai Meyer

Publisher: Templar

Publication Date: 1 Mar 2012

Synopsis from Amazon

When troubled teenager Rosa escapes her life in New York to stay with family in Sicily, she stumbles into a sinister Mafia underworld of murder, corruption and bitter, generations-old rivalries. How is handsome, mysterious stranger Alessandro involved? And why is Rosa so powerfully drawn to him, even though she knows he spells danger for her and her family? Simmering at the heart of the conflict is an ancient myth surrounding the vanished empire of Arcadia and its people, who - in the tales of legend - could shapeshift into animal form. Can Rosa unravel the dark secrets of the past before untamed savagery is unleashed on the present? 

Intriguing [ : D ] 

Title: Spellcaster

Series: Spellbound #2

Author: Cara Lynn Schultz

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Publication Date: 27 Mar 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Finding your eternal soulmate - easy. 

Stopping a true-love-hungry evil - not so much… 

After breaking a centuries-old romantic curse, Emma Connor is (almost) glad to get back to normal problems. Although...it's not easy dealing with the jealous cliques and gossip that rule her exclusive Upper East Side prep, even for a sixteen-year-old newbie witch. Having the most-wanted boy in school as her eternal soul mate sure helps ease the pain-especially since wealthy, rocker-hot Brendan Salinger is very good at staying irresistibly close....

But something dark and hungry is using Emma and Brendan's deepest fears to reveal damaging secrets and destroy their trust in each other. And Emma's crash course in über-spells may not be enough to keep them safe…or to stop an inhuman force bent on making their unsuspected power its own. 

Lucky enough to have read this. So GOOD review coming [ : D ] 

Title: The Pledge

Series: The Pledge #1

Author: Kimberly Derting

Publisher: Allison & Busby

Publication Date: 26 Mar 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Words are the most dangerous weapon of all. 

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she’s spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before... and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can’t be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country’s only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.

Based on how wonderful The Body Finder was, I'm willing to read anything Kimberley writes [ : D ]  

Title: Clarity

Series: Clarity #1

Author: Kim Harrington

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: Feb/March

Synopsis from Goodreads

Don't close your eyes. Except when the truth is too dark to bear. 

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 a certain 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?

I feel like I have been waiting for this book forever.

Title: Fateful

Author: Claudia Gray

Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books

Publication Date: 29 Mar 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

A tragic tale about falling in love on the world’s most infamous ill-fated sea voyage as heroine, Tess, discovers darker secrets that lie beneath the doomed crossing… and a hidden brotherhood that threaten to tear her lover from her forever.

The RMS Titanic is the most luxurious ship ever built, but for eighteen-year-old Tess Davies it’s a prison. Travelling as a maid for the family she has served for years, Tess is trapped in their employ amid painful memories and family secrets.

When she meets Alec, a handsome upper class passenger, Tess falls helplessly in love. But Alec has secrets of his own… and soon Tess is entangled in a dangerous game. A sinister brotherhood that will do anything to induct Alec into their mystical order has followed him onboard. And Tess is now their most powerful pawn.

Tess and Alec fight the dark forces threatening to tear them apart, never realising that they will have to face an even greater peril before the journey is over…

Fabulous to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the sinking. I don't care if it isn't true to life. I want [ : D ]

Review: Forgiven by Jana Oliver

Title: Forgiven

Series: The Demon Trappers #3

Author: Jana Oliver

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Publication Date: 1 Mar 2012

Source: Review Copy

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

Riley Blackthorne. Kicking hell’s ass one demon at a time... 

Riley has made a bargain with Heaven, and now they've come to collect. 

Lucifer's finest are ruling the streets and it seems that Armageddon might be even closer than Riley imagined. But with her soul and her heart in play it's all she can do to keep herself alive, let alone save the world. Riley's not afraid of kicking some major demon butt, but when it comes to a battle between Heaven and Hell, she might need a little help....

REVIEW

Please bear in mind that this is the 3rd book in the series and may contain spoilers for the previous books.

I am going to be honest with you from the start, I love this series and in my opinion it just keeps going from strength to strength. This is the best one yet, even if at points I felt as if my heart was being wrenched out.

The storyline picks up directly from the ending of Forbidden, dropping us straight in to the action. The revelations come thick and fast, the pacing of the story is a thrill ride in itself. I love the way Jana Oliver has the ability to weave together action, romance and the paranormal without pausing for breath. Riley is such a relatable character, over thinking and questioning herself but when the chips are down she really comes through.

The character developments took my breath away in this book. Insight into personalities and actions, background details of not only the main characters but the ones that shape the edges of the story added a great deal of depth and understanding to the narrative. Although there is still a huge amount left to learn, especially about Beck *swoon*. I have to say that although I love this bad boy I wouldn't want to see him with anyone else other than Riley, they are so perfect for each other.

Underlying all of the story is the battle of good versus evil, angels versus demons, what this book did was made me question as to whose side I was on. Who really is the champion of mankind? It was just brilliantly portrayed. The sacrifices people make for their loved ones and whether their choices are in fact the right ones all comes into question.

I also adore the way in which friendships are portrayed, help comes from unexpected places. While misconceptions can backfire badly, specifically in Simon's case.

I loved everything about this book, even though I sobbed at the ending. I am seriously pining for the next installment, thank goodness its this year or I might have to camp out on Jana's front lawn in an attempt to get her to take pity on me and let me read it [ ; D ] 

Review: Forbidden by Jana Oliver

Title: Forbidden
Series: The Demon Trappers #2
Author: Jana Oliver
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Publication Date: 5 Aug 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon  Riley’s beginning to think being a demon trapper isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Her dad’s been stolen by a necromancer, her boyfriend’s gone all weird and she’s getting warm and fuzzy feelings for someone who’s seriously bad news. It’s tempting to give it all up and try to be normal, but that’s not an option.
Because the demons have plans for Riley.
And they’re not the only ones.

REVIEW:

Please bear in mind that this is the second book in the series and therefore the review may contain spoilers for the first book.

I loved, loved, loved the first book Forsaken (review here) so I was really excited to get the second book, much squeeing ensued as I ripped open the envelope. Set in the not so distant future with the kind of economic collapse that is terrifyingly realistic. These books are like a dystopian supernatural cupcake with urban fantasy sprinkles, ready to be devoured in a single bite. 

I adore Riley's narrative voice, her snarky take on realism is pretty much along the same lines as the way my mind works (lol). There is a nice recap of the main events of the first book in the beginning allowing the imagination to drop straight back into Riley's world. The third person narration allows for alternate points of view keeping the multi-level plot under control.

There are still a lot of questions regarding certain characters, the way in which the story unfolded was truly surprising. Hints and misdirection are placed within the plot, it certainly kept me on my toes. I was surprised that Beck is only 22, he seems so much older with everything he has experienced; my heart really goes out to him. The direction Simon's character took was staggering. Help for Riley comes from some unexpected places. There are hidden depths to the characters, there is truly ingenious character development within this book even if some were not what I would have wanted. I especially liked the way in which Riley's school friend Peter developed in this book and the introduction of technology as an aid to the trappers was really down to him <3

Clever use of a Macbeth quotation made me question my perception of events. The incorporation of the theory that Lucifer is testing 'man's love of God' and that the demons increase in proportion to the population was really interesting and added depth to the story.

The way in which the plot developed toward the end of the book has left me slightly confused as to Riley's role in the battle between good and evil. The questions that need answering are just how important is Riley to the world and why. Shades of Armageddon are hinted at within the narrative, what is Riley's role in it???

Mystery, romance, the battle of good versus evil, dynamic action and thrilling tension. This book has it all.

Review: Forsaken: The Demon Trappers Daughter by Jana Oliver

Title: Forsaken: The Demon Trapper's Daughter
Series: Demon Trappers
Author: Jana Oliver
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Publication Date: 7 Jan 2011






Synopsis: From Amazon
Riley has always wanted to be a Demon Trapper like her father, and she's already following in his footsteps as one of the best. But it's tough being the only girl in an all-guy world, especially when three of those guys start making her life more complicated: Simon, the angelic apprentice who has heaven on his side; Beck, the tough trapper who thinks he's God's gift, and Ori, the strikingly sexy stranger who keeps turning up to save her ass.
One thing’s for sure – if she doesn’t keep her wits about her there’ll be hell to pay . . .

Review:
Written in third person narrative with alternating focalization, the narrator is an unobtrusive presence yet I felt that maybe the narrator knew a lot more than they were letting on. The use of the third person narration allowed for multiple plot threads to run simultaneously, weaving together seamlessly and enticing the reader further into the book, completely compelling. Set in the not too distant future, it is disturbing how easy it is to picture the total economic collapse and political corruption portrayed.

All the characters were well rounded, their interactions and characterisations worked beautifully together. Mainly focalized from Riley's perspective - Already dealing with the loss of her mother from Cancer and the crippling medical bills. A Father who battles demons is high on the danger list. When his death occurs early in the book it does not come as a big surprise.

Leaving Riley alone, the only person she can lean on, Beck, who she considers an enemy. I found Riley naive at times, she was her own worst enemy, she doesn't like people thinking she is vulnerable especially because she is a girl working in a predominately male dominated 'career'. Forced into an adult world of bill paying and making money in order to pay said bills; while still having to cope with the usual teen angst and hormones *yuck*. She is learning the hard way how to be independent and one of the hardest part of that is knowing when to ask for help. I had the feeling that there is so much more to learn about Riley, things she doesn't even realise about herself.

Beck, on the other hand, is the epitome of independence, suffering through a neglected childhood and on his way down a slippery slope until he meets Paul Blackthorne, Riley's father,who becomes a father figure to Beck. Showing that it only takes one person to believe in you to give you confidence in yourself and the ability to change your life for the better.  I keep picturing Josh Lucas as Beck. Both Riley's and Beck's grief at losing her father was palpable through the pages. I would totally love to have Beck as a big brother.

As the story progresses I began to wonder if the events were a small start to Armageddon? The background detail is dealt with in depth making it very realistic. All the characters are interesting in their own right making up a very volatile society comprising witches, necromancers, demon trappers alongside 'normal' people. Although I took an instant dislike to Harper; I did wonder what had happened to him to make him so bitter and aggressive; along with the reason why he disliked Riley's father so much. I also think he has his own agenda which cannot be a good thing .

While Simon being very religious provided a nice comparison to both Harper and Beck as well as the demon trapping itself. He provides a really sweet romantic interest for Riley. Ori on the other hand is not introduced until the last part of the book and is shrouded in mystery. Although I am intrigued by his character I really don't want another love triangle. I think I am all burnt out on those.

As the story progresses Riley's eyes are opened to the different sides of life, she slowly starts to see that not all things are black and white/right or wrong. I think the pivotal point for Riley was when she went to the market and met the witches, which was so beautifully described I felt as if I was there myself.

I cannot go through this review without mentioning the use of Moby Dick to render a demon unconscious (by reading to it) I laughed so much at the thought.

Deep layered mysteries pepper the plot which I am now desperate to solve *sigh*. This book contains elements from a variety of sources: romance, action, friendship, loyalty, religion all entwined with the mystery and paranormal, altogether compelling. It is very hard to categorize this book: urban fantasy sprinkled with dystopian comes to mind - well whatever it is it is a fantastic debut.