Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Synopsis:
In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees...
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

Review:
WOW! I cannot believe it took me so long to read this book. It has been sitting on my bookshelf for way too long! 

Unearthly is a page turner about Clara who is part angel. She finds out what her purpose on earth is through visions she has: to save a boy from a forest fire. Naturally, her mom makes her and her brother move closer to the place where this purpose will take place. 

After Clara and her family moves, she must conquer learning to fly. She also makes some new friends, learns more about angels, and discovers that there is a war going on between the good and bad angels. As the day that she is supposed to fulfill her purpose comes closer and closer, Clara must decide is she should follow her destiny or follow her heart.

This book is a wonderful read. It is exciting, entertaining, eventful, action filled. There was never a dull moment. The characters are a breath of fresh air. I loved them all! Of course I had a favorite, but I cannot explain why without spoiling the story. I definitely recommend that everyone reads this book. I MUST get my hands on the next book!

Rating: 5/5

Swords are for fighting,

Review: Shadow by Jenny Moss

Synopsis:

In a time of kings, queens, and conspiracy, it's impossible to know whom one can trust. . . . In a kingdom far away and long ago, it was prophesied at her birth that the queen would die before her sixteenth birthday. So Shadow, an orphan girl the same age as the young queen, was given the duty to watch her every move. And as prophesies do tend to come true, the queen is poisoned days before her birthday. When the castle is thrown into chaos, Shadow escapes with a young knight, whom she believes was betrothed to the queen.

Unsure of why she is following Sir Kenway, but determined to escape as far as possible from the castle, her long-time prison, Shadow sets off on an adventure with the handsome knight who has been charged with protecting her. As mystery builds, and romantic tension does, too, Shadow begins to wonder what her role in the kingdom truly is. Soon, she learns, it is up to her to save her land.

Jenny Moss's novel is a lyrical, fast-paced adventure filled with mystery, magic, honor, and romance that will lead readers on an incredible journey.

Review:

Shadow by Jenny Moss was such a sweet fairy tale. It had so many unexpected twists and turns. Shadow was a wonderful main character. I loved how she did not let anyone put her down even though her social status was not very high. She valued herself and did not let what other people think get to her. She endures being treated horribly by the queen for so long, but all she wants is to be free.

Kenway, the young knight who saves Shadow after the queen is poisoned was an interesting character. At times I disliked him because he was acting snobby because he was brought up to look down on those that were not in his class. Other times I absolutely loved how noble he was. 

This book has everything that a good fairytale has: good versus evil, a princess, handsome knight, rich versus poor, magic, enchantment, love, fights, death and a happy ending.

Rating: 4/5

Swords are for fighting,

Review: Shadow of the Sun (Timeless #1) by Laura Kreitzer

Synopsis:
Gabriella's past is a mystery, but that never stopped her from achieving her goals. As a supernatural specialist, and far more intelligent than anyone her age, she has always been ignored by her peers. Because of the isolation she has always felt, she put her life and soul into her job. Being a supernatural specialist hasn't given her the divine intervention she always longed for, until one day a shipment arrives from Italy containing three dead bodies with an uncanny ability to regenerate. Gabriella is frightened and intrigued, but not as scared as she becomes when a dark creature attacks her. 

As the bodies come back to life, the plot takes an unexpected twist that you won't see coming. The supernatural world only begins to unfold before her as angels appear, her dreams start to haunt her, and the very past she has forgotten comes back with startling clarity. Romance blooms, escape plans are made, an assassin is out to kill her, and death is only around the corner. But what is more terrifying than all of it is the fact she is the chosen one, the Illuminator, the one who will save them all.
Review:
Shadow of the Sun is a brilliant book. I was completely blown away by the story! I loved how it was written. Laura Kreitzer is clearly a talented writer. The words flowed together effortlessly in a way that made it addicting to read.

Gabriella is a great heroine. She is so selfless, and her actions show it. She definitely deserves to be the chosen one and the Illuminator. Gabriella has never been ordinary. At the young age of 24, she has already had her PhD for five years. Obviously, she is a kind of genius. She works as a supernatural specialist in Oregon, which is one of the most interesting jobs I have ever read about in a book. I kind of wish I could be a supernatural specialist.

I loved the angels in this book. They were all such intriguing characters. Andrew is probably my favorite of the angels because of how much he cares for Gabriella. Their connection is amazing. I would describe it as a soul mate sort of thing. I am excited to see where it goes in the next book.

Shadow of the Sun is an exciting book and not to mention interesting. There are so many twists and turns that I never knew what was going to happen next. Many of the events that happened actually surprised me especially the death of one of the characters. The only thing that I had a problem with were the battle scenes. A few times during the battle/action scenes, I had to reread some parts because they got a little confusing. Besides that, I think that the Timeless series may be my new favorite series. I am so glad I have the next book, Soul Stalker, sitting right next me because I really NEED to know what happens next.

Shadow of the Sun is a great read, and I would even say a must read. Being 510 pages long, the mere size of it did intimidate me at first, but it is a page turner. I could not put it down because it was so mesmerizing! I ended up reading it in two days because once one chapter ended, I needed to read the next one. A very enjoyable book that has a bit of everything for everyone.

Rating: 4.5/5

Review: Dust City by Robert Paul Weston

Synopsis:
Who's afraid of the big bad wolf?

His son, that's who.

Ever since his father's arrest for the murder of Little Red Riding Hood, teen wolf Henry Whelp has kept a low profile in a Home for Wayward Wolves . . . until a murder at the Home leads Henry to believe his father may have been framed.

Now, with the help of his kleptomaniac roommate, Jack, and a daring she-wolf named Fiona, Henry will have to venture deep into the heart of Dust City; a rundown, gritty metropolis where fairydust is craved by everyone and controlled by a dangerous mob of Water Nixies and their crime boss leader, Skinner.

Can Henry solve the mystery of his family's sinister past? Or, like his father before him, is he destined for life as a big bad wolf?

Review:
Dust City is different from any book I have ever read. I would classify it as a fairy tale re-imagining, but it is so much more than that. The main character, Henry Whelp, has had to live his whole life being the son of the big, bad wolf who killed Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother. He has a bad reputation and is in a form of juvie because he is a wolf even though he has not done anything wrong. Dust City is a world where selling synthetic fairy dust is the main money source. Synthetic fairy dust replaced true fairy dust ever since the fairies disappeared. Fairy dust is pretty much the it drug of Dust City. Anyways, Henry escapes juvie because he believes he knows where the fairies are hiding and there is a chance he can clear his father's name.

I definitely enjoyed this book because it was so original. Robert Paul Weston took the story of the big, bad wolf and made it his own. I loved that some common fairy tale characters were in Dust City. Snow White came into the story as Detective White, a kick butt kind of character who could definitely hold her own. Cindy Rella (Cinderella) wears uncomfortable looking glass heels. Of course there is also Henry's best friend, Jack, from Jack and the Beanstalk.

Henry meets his partner in crime, Fiona, while he is at his Home for Wayward Wolves. Fiona is one smart she-wolf who cares more about her troubled brother, Roy, than she probably should. I liked Fiona because she is non-judgmental. It was nice to see her not judge Henry and actually look for the best in him. My favorite part of the book was whenever they were together.

If you like fairy tale retellings, you will definitely enjoy this book. It is amusing and fun to read! There is a fairly intense torture scene to look out for, but I think most of us can handle it. The story is interesting, and the world that Robert Paul Weston has created is intriguing.

Rating: 3.5/5

Swords are for fighting,

Review: The Last Battle (Chronicles of Narnia #7) by C.S. Lewis

Synopsis:
Many Narnian years have passed since Eustace and Jill helped ensure the Royal line. But when they are jerked back violently into this strangest of lands they find the present King in danger and Narnia facing its darkest hour. With Eustace and Jill at his side, the King, the noble unicorn Jewel and a few remaining loyal subjects must stand fast against the powers of evil and darkness and fight the Last Battle to decide the future of this once glorious kingdom.

Review:
The Last Battle is an amazing ending to a wonderful series. Yes, it was sad at times, but I thought it was the perfect way to finish it up. It starts off with an ape named Shift along with his donkey "friend" named Puzzle finding a lion skin. Shift then starts formulating a plan that involves Puzzle wearing the lion skin and pretending to be Aslan. I really did not like Shift, but that was the point. He was a horrible ape who was extremely annoying and arrogant. He ends up helping the Calormenes take over Narnia, which is horrible!

King Tirian is captured, so he ends up getting help from Eustace and Jill. I like Eustace and Jill in this book the most probably because they are a bit older and more mature. There are many deaths in this book from the battle. Unfortunately or fortunately (depends how you look at it) Narnia comes to its end, but the good news is the characters get to go to Aslan's Country AKA Heaven.

What I loved about this book was that all of my favorite characters from the previous books make an appearance. I did not realize how much I missed them until they reappeared. There are a few new characters that I ended up loving. One of them being Jewel the unicorn. Jewel is such a devoted friend to King Tirian and a great addition to the world of Narnia. The saddest part of this book for me was finding out that Susan does not believe in Narnia any more. Still, this is probably one of favorites of the Chronicles of Narnia.

Like I said, The Last Battle is the perfect book to end the Chronicles of Narnia. If you have not read this series, you must! It does have a few sad parts, but I liked the way it ended. I am so glad I took the time to read this series. It was definitely worth it because it is so beautiful! Narnia is a world that everyone should explore at least once. It is such a beautiful place, and I kind of wish I could live there.

Rating: 5/5

Swords are for fighting,

Review: Shadow Days: A Nightshade Novella by Andrea Cremer

Review:
Shadow Days is a prequel to Nightshade. It takes place during the weeks leading up to where Nightshade begins, and it follows Shay Doran as he explores his new home, Rowan Estate. You can read it online for free here.

Shadow Days is definitely a fun book. I enjoyed exploring the Rowan Estate with Shay, and I especially enjoyed getting to know Shay better. It was exciting to learn more about Shay's background. In fact, Shadow Days has made me like him even more than I did while I read Nightshade. Shay is an amazing narrator, and I would love to read more of the story from his point of view. He felt real to me. Maybe that is because he has an actual facebook and website where you could interact with him.

If you have read Nightshade, you will definitely enjoy this novella. I would recommend reading Nightshade first or at least have it on hand because you will want to know what happens next after it ends. It is a short, quick read. Andrea Cremer is an amazing writer. I loved how she incorporated Facebook and Shay's blog into the story. I also liked how Andrea Cremer slipped in some references to other books like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. It was exciting to recognize books that I have read and love.

Rating: 4/5

Swords are for fighting,

Review: The Silver Chair (Chronicles of Narnia #6) by C.S. Lewis

Synopsis:
King Caspian has grown old and sad in the ten years since the disappearance of his only son. With time running out, Jill and Eustace embark on a perilous quest to find the Prince and bring back tranquility to the magical land of Narnia.

THE SILVER CHAIR
The Chronicles of Narnia

Journeying to the wild lands of the north, the friends and their companion Puddleglum battle mighty storms and encounter a race of giants who like nothing better than a tasty snack—of human children! Searching deep underground in the grim land of the Earthmen, they encounter the wicked Green Lady who has evil plans to overthrow King Caspian and become Queen of Narnia.

Review:
In this adventure, Eustace returns with a school friend named Jill. A big part of this book is that the children must learn to trust Aslan no matter what. He gave them specific signs to look for, but they failed to follow them at first. I did enjoy this book, but I would have to say it is the most predictable one of the series. Some things were so clear to me right away, but the characters took forever to realize it.

One thing I really liked about this book was that Eustace is not as annoying as he was in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. His last adventure in Narnia really has changed him for the better. He is an all around better person.

Besides being predictable, The Silver Chair, is a fun and exciting read. I enjoyed following Eustace and Jill throughout Narnia. It was kind of sad to see Caspian as an old man, though, but it turns out great for him in the end. The adventure to find the lost Prince was fun and exciting. I love the fantasy aspect of these series, and I am definitely looking forward to reading these books again in the future.

Rating: 4/5

Swords are for fighting,

Review: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Chronicles of Narnia #5) by C.S. Lewis

Synopsis:
Lucy and Edmund, with their dreadful cousin Eustace, get magically pulled into a painting of a ship at sea. That ship is the Dawn Treader, and on board is Caspian, King of Narnia. He and his companions, including Reepicheep, the valiant warrior mouse, are searching for seven lost lords of Narnia, and their voyage will take them to the edge of the world. Their adventures include being captured by slave traders, a much-too-close encounter with a dragon, and visits to many enchanted islands, including the place where dreams come true.

Review:
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was one of the most adventurous stories in the Chronicles of Narnia. Edmund and Lucy are once again the main characters along with their cousin, Eustace. This is Edmund and Lucy's last adventure in Narnia, so they will not return again like their other siblings Peter and Susan.

I definitely liked this book more than Prince Caspian. Caspian is now king, there is peace in all of Narnia, so he decides to go searching for the seven lost lords of Narnia. They were sent away during his evil uncle's reign, but they never returned. Caspian is determined to find out what happened to them. Along the way, they encounter many adventures from being captured by slave traders to finding a pool of water that turns anything that touches it to gold. Caspian even finds a wife! This book was so exciting. Every time the Dawn Treader cam across a new land, a new adventure awaited the characters, but it was not always for the best.

Eustace was my least favorite part about this book. He was just so annoying and a jerk! He thought he knew better than everyone else around him probably because he has been spoiled all of his life. I definitely liked when he was turned into a dragon because he could not talk for a little while. Eustace turning into a dragon was probably the best part because it changed him for the better. He learned to be a kinder person because of it.

Reepicheep is my favorite character because he is awesome. I love how brave he is even though he is only a Narnian mouse. Plus, he provided some humor at times.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is a wonderful classic that I think everyone should read at one point. I have also seen the movie version of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader and many things were changed for the movie. I enjoyed the movie, but it was definitely different.

Rating: 5/5

Swords are for fighting,

Review: Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia #4) by C.S. Lewis

Synopsis:
Narnia has been at peace since Peter, Susan, Lucy and Edmund helped rid the kingdom of the evil White Witch. But the Sons of Adam and the Daughters of Eve have returned to their own world and a dark presence now rules this once harmonious land...

Wicked King Miraz has imposed a pernicious new order of persecution and imprisonment, but the King's nephew and rightful heir, young Prince Caspian, realizing the evil of his uncle's regime, vows to revive Narnia's glorious past. Fearing for his life, he is forced to flee and calls on the four children, the magic of the mighty lion Aslan, and an army of fauns, dwarfs and woodland spirits to help him in his seemingly impossible task.

Review:
Prince Caspian is another great installment in the Chronicles of Narnia. C.S. Lewis is an amazing writer and story teller, and this book proves to be no exception. I really like that Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are back in this book as the main characters. I enjoyed reading about the Pevensie children rediscover Narnia. About 1,000 years have passed since they ruled Narnia, so Narnia looks a but different. I loved how Aslan revealed himself to the children one by one showing that the others should just believe. Narnia is such a magical world that I think anyone can enjoy reading about. I know I will reread these books in the future, and when I have kids I will read this lovely series to them as well.

Rating: 5/5

Swords are for fighting,

Review: The Horse and His Boy (Chronicles of Narnia #3) by C.S. Lewis

Synopsis:
Shasta is a young boy living in Calormene with a cruel man who claims to be his father. One night he overhears his "father" offering to sell him as a slave, so Shasta makes a break and sets out for the North. He meets Bree, a talking horse who becomes his companion. On their way they encounter Aravis, a high-born girl escaping an arranged marriage, and her talking horse. Despite their differences the children and horses learn to work together to reach the freedom they long for. In the meantime, they uncover a Calormene plot to conquer Narnia.

Review:
The Horse and His Boy may be my favorite book in the Chronicles of Narnia. I love everything about it. The main characters are interesting, and their adventures to Narnia are exciting. It takes place during the time that the Pevensies ruled Narnia as Kings and Queens. What is different about this one is that it actually starts in the world of Narnia (although actually takes place outside of Narnia). There is not any children going through a wardrobe or using a ring to get there.

I remember loving this book as a kid because of the talking horses. What little girl would not love a story with talking horses in it? This book follows the adventures of the boy, Shasta, and the talking horse, Bree, as they make their way to Narnia. Along the way, they meet a girl, Aravis, and another talking horse named Hwin. I really liked Aravis because she is a strong girl character. She may very well be the strongest girl character of the whole series. Of course, there is a great deal of Christian allegory, which I think is great for the kids.

I definitely recommend reading this book and the other books in the Chronicles of Narnia. It is a fun read that I think most people will enjoy.

Rating: 5/5

Swords are for fighting,

Review: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia #2) by C.S. Lewis

Synopsis:
The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, completed in the winter of 1949 & published in 1950, tells the story of four ordinary children: Peter, Susan, Edmund & Lucy Pevensie. They discover a wardrobe in Prof. Digory Kirke's house that leads to the magical land of Narnia, which is currently under the spell of a witch. The four children fulfill an ancient, mysterious prophecy while in Narnia. The Pevensie children help Aslan (the Turkish word for lion) & his army save Narnia from the evil White Witch, who's reigned over the Narnia in winter for 100 years.

Review:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a classic tale like no other. The story follows Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy as they plunge into the world of Narnia. Digory from The Magician's Nephew makes an appearance, but he is now known as Professor Kirke. Of course, the White Witch also reappears as does Aslan. If you have read The Magician's Nephew you know how the wardrobe came to be.

The Pevensie's are great characters. I actually liked them more than the characters in the previous book. Edmund did annoy me at times, but I think he was supposed to be like that since he did betray his siblings. Great story from beginning to end.

I thought The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was a fun book to read. There is a lot of symbolism in this book that relates to Christianity. I think people of all ages enjoy this book, so if you have not read it, I recommend you do.

Rating: 5/5

Swords are for fighting,

Review: The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia #1) by C.S. Lewis

Synopsis:
When Digory and Polly are tricked by Digory's peculiar Uncle Andrew into becoming part of an experiment, they set off on the adventure of a lifetime. What happens to the children when they touch Uncle Andrew's magic rings is far beyond anything even the old magician could have imagined.

Hurtled into the Wood between the Worlds, the children soon find that they can enter many worlds through the mysterious pools there. In one world they encounter the evil Queen Jadis, who wreaks havoc in the streets of London when she is accidentally brought back with them. When they finally manage to pull her out of London, unintentionally taking along Uncle Andrew and a coachman with his horse, they find themselves in what will come to be known as the land of Narnia.

Review:
The Magician's Nephew is a lovely start to the Chronicles of Narnia. In this book, Lewis explains how the world of Narnia came to be. It was fun to read about Polly and Digory's adventures to different worlds. I like how it was explained how the wardrobe came to be along with how the White Witch came to be in Narnia.

If you have not read this book, I definitely recommend that you do. It is an exceptional classic. The story is amazing and beautiful. People of all ages will enjoy this book, I think. It has something for everyone.

Rating: 5/5

Swords are for fighting,

Review: Ink Exchange (Wicked Lovely #2) by Melissa Marr

Synopsis:
Unbeknownst to mortals, a power struggle is unfolding in a world of shadows and danger. After centuries of stability, the balance among the Faery Courts has altered, and Irial, ruler of the Dark Court, is battling to hold his rebellious and newly vulnerable fey together. If he fails, bloodshed and brutality will follow.

Seventeen-year-old Leslie knows nothing of faeries or their intrigues. When she is attracted to an eerily beautiful tattoo of eyes and wings, all she knows is that she has to have it, convinced it is a tangible symbol of changes she desperately craves for her own life.

The tattoo does bring changes; not the kind Leslie has dreamed of, but sinister, compelling changes that are more than symbolic. Those changes will bind Leslie and Irial together, drawing Leslie deeper and deeper into the faery world, unable to resist its allures, and helpless to withstand its perils. . . .

Review:
I did not really think of Ink Exchange as a sequel to Wicked Lovely. It was more of companion novel. I was surprised to find that the minor characters of Wicked Lovely became the main characters of Ink Exchange. I was ready for some more Aislinn, Seth, and Keenan, but instead this book is about Leslie, Niall, and Irial. It took me a while to remember who Leslie was from the first book. After I remembered she was one of Aislinn's friends, I was curious how she would get caught up in the world of faeries.

Leslie has had a hard life. She does not really have anyone to turn to. Her family is extremely broken, and they contribute to her life's problems. With everything that she has gone through, it is easy to feel bad for her. She pretty much takes care of herself since her brother is not brotherly and her father cannot keep it together.

In this book, we get to see what goes on in the Dark Court. I found Irial's court to be very interesting. They may be considered bad, but they have their reasons for why they do the things they do. I could not really blame them for how they are.

I liked how Melissa Marr incorporated the old characters into this story. Aislinn, Seth, and Keenan do not have a huge role, but they are there. Actually, Seth is in a good amount of the book. He becomes Leslie's friend and looks out for her as much as he can. Seth is definitely still my favorite character.

One thing that I found interesting in this book was Melissa Marr's reason for unexplained bruises on people being faeries pinching, tripping, bumping mortals. I always have unexplained bruises, but I just blamed it on my clumsiness. This reason or excuse is pretty great. I might have to use it sometime.

Overall, Ink Exchange was a great story. I think I liked Wicked Lovely a little more, but this one was good, too. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Rating: 3.5/5

Books in the Wicked Lovely Series:

1. Wicked Lovely
   
   
2. Ink Exchange


3. Fragile Eternity


4. Radiant Shadows

Swords are for fighting,

Review: Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely #1) by Melissa Marr

Synopsis:
Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.
Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in the mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty-especially if they learn of her Sight-and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.
Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.
But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King, who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. His is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost-regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; everything.
Faery intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning twenty-first-century faery tale.

Review:

Wicked Lovely is a mesmerizing story. I am sorry that it took me this long to read this book. It was a fun modern day fairy tale. I have not really read many books about faeries, so this was a new experience for me. I enjoyed the short quotes from books about faeries at the beginning of each chapter. It was fun to learn about the myths and folklore surrounding faeries.

As far as main characters go, Aislinn is definitely a strong one. I loved her assertiveness and confidence. She did not let Keenan push her around. He gave her two choices, but she discovered a new one that better fitted her wants and needs. She did not just let the guy have his way. I really liked that about her.

I also really liked Seth. I am glad that there was not a huge love triangle between Aislinn, Seth, and Keenan. Seth is really great to Aislinn, which I liked. He accepts her for who she is no matter what.

I think that Wicked Lovely is a good start to a series. I liked that it is a fantasy novel with a hint of darkness thrown in. The story was interesting, and the ending was definitely a happy one. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.

Rating: 3.5/5

Books in the Wicked Lovely Series:

1. Wicked Lovely
   
2. Ink Exchange


3. Fragile Eternity


4. Radiant Shadows

Swords are for fighting,

Review: Lips Touch Three Times by Laini Taylor

Summary from Goodreads.com:

Three tales of supernatural love, each pivoting on a kiss that is no mere kiss, but an action with profound consequences for the kissers' souls:

Goblin Fruit: In Victorian times, goblin men had only to offer young girls sumptuous fruits to tempt them to sell their souls. But what does it take to tempt today's savvy girls?

Spicy Little Curses: A demon and the ambassador to Hell tussle over the soul of a beautiful English girl in India. Matters become complicated when she falls in love and decides to test her curse.

Hatchling: Six days before Esme's fourteenth birthday, her left eye turns from brown to blue. She little suspects what the change heralds, but her small safe life begins to unravel at once. What does the beautiful, fanged man want with her, and how is her fate connected to a mysterious race of demons?

Lips Touch Three Times is a collection of three short stories by Laini Taylor along with illustrations by Jim Di Bartolo. I thought each story was eerily good. Definitely not happily ever after stories, but each story is original and beautifully written. The language cannot be described as anything less than gorgeous! Not to mention, the illustrations are beautiful (Kudos to Jim).

I don't want to spoil this book for anyone, so I won't say much about it.

The first story, Goblin Fruit, is about a girl who just wants to be with someone and be loved. A goblin tempts her with his delicious fruit that if eaten, she will waste away to nothing.

The second story, Spicy Little Curses, is about the ambassador to Hell being convinced by a demon to curse a baby girl in exchange for saving the lives of some children that would have otherwise died. The girl is cursed with a voice so beautiful, but anyone who hears it will fall dead. How can she ever fall in love?

The third and final story, Hatchling, is about Mab and her daughter, Esme. Mab has been trying to protect Esme her whole life from the evils of her past life, which involved the Druj, an immortal race. However, Mab does not realize how much Esme is connected to the Druj. This is the longest story of the three, and it is just lovely. A little dark at times, though.

I would recommend this book to any mature reader because there are some dark issues in it. Definitely an amazing book.

Rating: 4/5

Once again...

Swords are for fighting,