Book Review: Darkside Sun by Jocelyn Adams

Darkside Sun (Mortal Machine #1)
Author:  Jocelyn Adams
Publisher:  Entangled Embrace
Publication Date:  March 10, 2014
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley

From Goodreads:
Addison Beckett tries hard to pretend she’s normal, but she’s far from it. Since she was six years old, she’s seen the world around her unraveling, as if someone is pulling a thread from a sweater and it’s all slowly coming undone. When she ignores it, it goes away, so that’s what she does. 
Enter her arrogant-but-hot professor Asher Green. He knows all about her special brand of crazy. In fact, he might be just as nuts as she is. Asher insists that the dead from a parallel dimension are trying to possess the living in this one. And since Addison seems to be the only one who can see these “wraiths,” she just might be the key to saving the world. 
Addison wants nothing to do with Asher or his secret society, The Mortal Machine. But as their animosity grows, she finds it harder and harder to ignore the chemistry between them. And when she discovers that Machine laws forbid her from touching him, she realizes that’s all she wants to do. 
Stop the wraiths. Break the rules. Save the world. All in a day’s work.
Normal was overrated, anyway.

Review:
I absolutely loved this book, it has all the feels.  A unique and interesting premise with wraiths from parallel dimensions coming into our world and taking over humans and a secret society tasked with stopping them.  Addison suddenly finds herself thrust into the middle of this and training with a very dysfunctional group of people.

Addison is a great character, her voice is fresh and funny, I found myself laughing quite a bit.  And Asher...he's gorgeous (of course) and acts like a complete jerk for quite awhile, but the more I found out about him, his past, etc, the more I fell in love (I do have to point out that it was unrealistic for him to be a believable college professor if he only looked twenty). I adored their relationship, it was the best part of the book.  There's great chemistry between them and I became so emotionally invested.  And that ending...gah!  I was pretty much screaming noooooo!  Just heart wrenching and it just makes me want to read the next one right now.  

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Jennifer Armentrout.  It definitely reminded me of her books (great characters, humor, amazing sexual tension).  She is one of my favorite authors so that is about the highest compliment I can give.  Just read it!

Posted by:  Pam

Stacking the Shelves (35)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  It is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Pam's Weekly Haul
From the library:
The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima
The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima
Timestorm by Julie Cross
The Unbound by Victoria Schwab

 

Bought:
The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima
The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima
The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
Half Bad by Sally Green

From NetGalley:
Second Star by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu
The Wizard's Promise by Cassandra Rose Clarke
Third Degree by Julie Cross

Sheri's Bounty of Books
From the Library:
Just One Year by Gayle Forman

Audible Books
Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

 What books did you add to your shelves this week?

Discussion Question: Favorite Ways Authors Keep Couples Apart?

We all know the story.  Guy meets girl.  But even if they're attracted to each other, there's some reason they can't be together.  Something that keeps them apart and that they have to overcome in order to find their HEA.  And as much as it may drive us crazy, it would be pretty boring if guy met girl, asked her out, she said yes, they get along, and end up living happily ever after. So there's usually something that keeps them apart.  I usually read dsytopian, paranormal, and fantasy YA (although I have read quite a few contemporary) so this applies to those types of novels.

Here's a few I've noticed that authors use (no spoilers):

One is human and one is not.  That usually creates problems.  Vampire and human, angel and human, alien and human.  And it even ramps it up even more if they're enemies, like angel hunter and angel or dragon hunter and dragon.  

Forbidden love.  This can happen because they're different species (like above) or because of some other reason, like student/teacher or trainer/trainee, guard and queen/princess, slave/slave owner, etc.

From different worlds.  Not literally, but examples would be a big class difference or a caste system.  This happens a lot in dystopian and fantasy.  Think Day and June from Legend by Marie Lu or Aria and Perry from Under the Never Sky.  

The rules/government.  They would be together, but they're not allowed to be.  And it may even be that they are on the opposite sides of a war or some sort of struggle.

And then there are more specific ones:
They're attracted to each other but find out they're brother and sister.  Gotta love that one.
They would get together but if they do, but he's been cursed so whoever loves him will die.
Can you guess which books these are??

Then, if they do finally overcome whatever it is and it's a series, usually something happens after book one (this is typical book 2) that drives a wedge between them.  Some examples are:

Misunderstandings.  Their love is new and fragile and yes, they've overcome whatever the main obstacle is but usually they don't know each other very well and the reason that kept them apart rears its ugly head and leads to misunderstandings.

The outside world.  Although they've overcome whatever prejudices and problems exist, they are now having to deal with everyone else and the reaction to them being together, and that creates problems.

A job to do which leads to being physically apart.  Sometimes the author has the couple have to split up in order to deal with the war or whatever the problem is.  

Death (at least that's what he/she thinks). 

Kidnapping.  Or sucked back to hell.  Something like that.

Love interest.  The dreaded love triangle.  Usually another guy comes into the picture because there is a misunderstanding or the outside world has created problems or they're physically apart or the girl thinks her love is dead.  

This is obviously not an exhaustive list, but these are some of the main ways I've noticed authors keeping couples apart.  What are your favorites?  What other ways have you noticed?

Posted by:  Pam

Book Review: If Only by A.J. Pine

If Only
Author:  A.J. Pine
Publisher:  Entangled Publishing
Expected Publication Date:  March 24, 2014
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley

From Goodreads:
It's been two years since twenty-year-old Jordan had a boyfriend—which means it's been forever since she, well, you know. But now she’s off to spend her junior year in Aberdeen, Scotland, the perfect place to stop waiting for Mr. Right and just enjoy Mr. Right Now.

Sexy, sweet (and possible player) Griffin may be her perfect, no-strings-attached match. He’s fun, gorgeous, and makes her laugh. So why can’t she stop thinking about Noah who, minutes after being trapped together outside the train’s loo, kisses Jordan like she’s never been kissed before? Never mind his impossible blue eyes, his weathered, annotated copy ofThe Great Gatsby (total English-major porn)…oh, and his girlfriend.

Jordan knows everything this year has an expiration date. Aberdeen is supposed to be about fun rather than waiting for life to happen. But E. M. Forster, Shakespeare, and mistletoe on Valentine’s Day make her reconsider what love is and how far she’s willing to go for the right guy.

Review:
This book is so cute, it will make you smile, but it will also make you want to scream at the characters in frustration.  Jordan Brooks is studying abroad in Scotland for her junior year of college and she meets Noah on the train and they share an incredible moment and then...yeah, he has a girlfriend.  I loved Noah but I also wanted to wring his neck because it was so obvious that he should be with Jordan and it was so hard to understand why he stayed with his girlfriend (although that is explained later).  In that respect, Noah reminded me a lot of St. Clair from Anna and the French Kiss.  Actually, a lot of this book reminded me of Anna and the French Kiss.  So if you enjoyed that book, you will enjoy this one.

Jordan was a great relatable character.  She's trying to be a different person in Scotland, to seize the day, live in the moment, that sort of thing, but it really isn't who she is because she's a planner, she thinks about things and analyzes everything way too much, and I completely identified with that.  The secondary characters are well fleshed out (Elaina is hilarious and Griffin...what a good guy), the dialogue is realistic, and I loved the references to A Room With a View, Much Ado About Nothing, The Princess Bride, and The Great Gatsby.  As someone who loves books, I enjoyed reading about two characters who also loved and appreciated books so much.  Jordan and Noah connect over The Great Gatsby and A Room With a View.  How incredible is that?  It was also refreshing to read a New Adult book that wasn't about damaged characters falling in love and helping each other heal.  There were just so many awwww moments in this book...definitely recommend.

Posted by:  Pam

Waiting on Wednesday: March Picks

Waiting on Wednesday features upcoming releases and is hosted by Breaking the Spine. This is our monthly post, where we pick books that are coming out this month that we're absolutely dying to read. 

Top Choice!  Even though it came out yesterday (so we're not really waiting) this was the book we were so excited to read that was coming out in March.

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

From Goodreads:
As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

A Few More Fabulous Choices:
Panic by Lauren Oliver, a new book by the author of Delirum (March 4th)
The 57 Lives of Alex Wayfare by M.G. Buehrlen, a tale of time-travel at its best (March 4th)
Acid by Emma Pass, strong action heroine (March 11th)
Nil by Lynne Matson, fighting for her life on an island the heroine must find a way to escape (March 4th)
Dangerous by Shannon Hale, we're intrigued by the departure from books like Austenland (March 4th)
Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy, fatal illness, final to do list, and consequences (March 18th)
Ruins by Dan Wells, number three in the Partials Sequence series (March 11th)
Elusion by Claudia Gabel, a cautionary futuristic tale about virtual worlds (March 18th)
Disruption by Jessica Shirvington, a microchip, an evil corporation, and unexpected love (March 24th--I'm actually not sure about this date for U.S.)

What books are you waiting for?

Top Ten Popular Authors I've Never Read

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the Broke and the Bookish.

Frankly, given how much my co-blogger reads, participating in this particular top ten is almost impossible while my To Be Read Shelf is legendary so here are my choices in particular order. 

Sheri's Choices:

1. Rainbow Rowell

2. Meg Cabot

3. Kerstin Gier

4. Stacey Jay

5. Kiera Cass

6. Tahereh Mafi

7. John Green

8. Lauren DeStefano

9. Jodi Meadows

10. Sophie Jordan

Pam's Picks:
1.  Sarah Dessen.  I see her books everywhere but for some reason I've never picked one up. Any recommendations for which one to read first?
2.  Meg Cabot.  I really enjoyed The Princess Diaries movie (it was based on her book, right?) but I've never read it.

I would have put Cinda Williams Chima on my list but I'm actually reading The Demon King right now.

What popular authors have you never read?

Series Review: Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel (Infernal Devices #1)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 479 Pages
Publication Date: August 31, 2010

From Goodreads:
In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them.

Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 502 Pages
Publication Date: December 6, 2011

From Goodreads:
In magical Victorian London, orphan Tessa found safety with the Shadowhunters, until traitors betray her to the Magister. He wants to marry her, but so do self-destructive Will and fiercely devoted Jem. Mage Magnus Bane returns to help them. Secrets to her parentage lie with the mist-shrouded Yorkshire Institute's aged manager Alyosius Starkweather.
 
 Clockwork Princess (Infernal Devices #3)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 565 Pages
Publication Date: March 19, 2013

From Goodreads:
London 1873 shape-shifter Tessa Gray 16 is engaged to Jem Carstairs 17, dying of addiction to demon drug, all bought up by evil Mortmain. The "clockwork prince" controls an army of automatons to abduct Tess, kill the Shadowhunters, and blackmail Charlotte Branwell, head of London Institute. Will and Tessa hide their love, for love of Jem.

Review:
It's rare that I want to read all the books in a series right in a row, but in this case it was an easy decision.  If you have not read any of the books by Cassandra Clare I would STRONGLY recommend starting with the Infernal Devices and then reading the Mortal Instrument series. 

Here are my favorite things about this series that I hope will convince you to read them. 

First, there is a strong and complicated relationship between the two male leads.  I enjoyed their relationship because they regularly express their feelings (admiration and disappointment) towards one another and the other characters.  I think this series provides  great examples of modern young men who can be tough and assertive but also expressive and nurturing. 

Second, there are some complex sexual identities that are great for teenagers and really all of us to be exposed to.  Magnus is clearly portrayed as bisexual with an interest in a female character as well as a male.  He is also shown to be able to have close emotional platonic friendships with other male characters.

Third. all of the amazing references to women challenging traditional gender roles.  Even though the stories are set during the Victorian period girls today can take so much from the stories.  I particularly loved the scenes with Charlotte, the head of the group, and her relationship with her husband, supporters, and critics.

Fourth, the supporting characters, in the form of servants, Downworlders, and other shadow hunters provide a lot of depth to this series and helped me to understand more about the world Clare has created. 

Finally, I love the style of writing.  I don't exactly know how Cassandra Clare does it but she describes the setting in just enough detail, keeps the pace moving but not rushed, and creates interesting characters that I care about and want to see happy even when they make atrocious decisions (Jessamine).

Posted By: Sheri

Book Review: Stolen Songbird by Danielle Jensen

Stolen Songbird
Author:  Danielle Jensen
Publisher:  Strange Chemistry, 436 pages
Expected Publication Date:  April 1, 2014
*Received ARC from publisher via NetGalley

From Goodreads:
For five centuries, a witch’s curse has bound the trolls to their city beneath the ruins of Forsaken Mountain. Time enough for their dark and nefarious magic to fade from human memory and into myth. But a prophesy has been spoken of a union with the power to set the trolls free, and when Cécile de Troyes is kidnapped and taken beneath the mountain, she learns there is far more to the myth of the trolls than she could have imagined.

Cécile has only one thing on her mind after she is brought to Trollus: escape. Only the trolls are clever, fast, and inhumanly strong. She will have to bide her time, wait for the perfect opportunity.

But something unexpected happens while she’s waiting – she begins to fall for the enigmatic troll prince to whom she has been bonded and married. She begins to make friends. And she begins to see that she may be the only hope for the half-bloods – part troll, part human creatures who are slaves to the full-blooded trolls. There is a rebellion brewing. And her prince, Tristan, the future king, is its secret leader.

As Cécile becomes involved in the intricate political games of Trollus, she becomes more than a farmer’s daughter. She becomes a princess, the hope of a people, and a witch with magic powerful enough to change Trollus forever.

Review:
I absolutely loved this book, I couldn't put it down.  I loved everything about it, the world-building, the characters, the romance, the action, the political intrigue.  Trollus is a fascinating and magical world filled with trolls, half-bloods, a class system, and a curse.  The author has created such a strong and vivid world, I could visualize what it looked like, even what it smelled like.  So detailed and rich, it was stunning.

I fell in love with the main characters, Cécile and Tristan.  Cécile is such an amazing heroine, she's strong, but it's an inner strength, and she really wants to help people even when doing so risks her own safety.  She's not perfect, she makes mistakes, but she doesn't whine and she takes responsibility for her actions.  And Tristan...love love love this guy.  He starts off being cold and uncaring, sly and a bit snarky, but as you get to know him you realize there's so much going on that he has to hide his true feelings from everyone.  The politics of this world are so well done, with different factions having their own agendas and Tristan walking a fine line, keeping secrets in order to do what he believes is right. I loved that we get a few chapters from his POV, knowing his thoughts made me just love him even more.  The romance is not insta-love, it's slow building with tons of chemistry and the progression of their relationship was just perfect.  And not even a hint of a love triangle.  Even the secondary characters are well developed and memorable.  I became so invested in these characters.

I can't rave enough about this book.  It. Has. All. The. Feels.  Highly recommend. 

Posted by:  Pam

Stacking the Shelves (34)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  It is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Pam's Weekly Haul
From the Library:
Hidden by Sophie Jordan
Vanish by Sophie Jordan
Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey
Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Bought:
White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Tsarina by J. Nelle Patrick

From NetGalley:

If Only by A.J. Pine

Sheri's Bounty
From the Library:
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

What books did you add to your shelves this week?