ARC Review: The Boy with the Hidden Name (Otherworld #2) by Skylar Dorset

Title: The Boy With The Hidden Name (Otherworld #2)
Author: Skylar Dorset
Release Date:
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: This is not your average trip to Fairyland...

Selkie Stewart has just saved her quasi-boyfriend, Ben, from a fairy prison run by the Seelie Court. If they weren't the two most-wanted individuals in the Otherworld before, they definitely are now. Along with Ben and the rest of their ragtag group of allies-Selkie's ogre aunts; a wizard named Will; Ben's cousin Safford; and Kelsey, Selkie's best friend-Selkie is ready to embrace her destiny and bring the Court down. Until she hears the rest of her prophecy: Benedict le Fay will betray you, and then he will die.

Detailed Review: I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback.

If you remember, this is the sequel to the book that gave me a book hangover previously, which led to a 1 week reading slump.

It was just that good.

The sequel is even better.

I believe that there is a secret ingredient when it comes to writing good sequels.

You must keep everything the same, but something always has to change, has to seem out of place. Different.

Oh, trust me, there were many things that were different from what I expected. And yet, there were elements that still felt the same: Selkie's aunts' love for her and vice versa, Selkie's feelings for Ben, the fact that her mother was still after her (in fact, the whole Seelie court) and more.

The differences were the twists. So if you want a spoiler-free review, then I shall not list them out for you.

The characters, as usual, were filled with humour and personality that infused this book with life. Ben's mom is introduced in this book, and although I didn't like her at first, I loved her in the end. Not only was she complex, she was a good mother that Selkie's mother could never compare to. The Erlking, king of the goblins was also a mysterious character that piques my interest when the spotlight is on him.

This book isn't just about some age-old prophecy and the need to make it come true, it's about the bond between mother and child, and the strength of the friendship that ties Selkie and her friends together.

The story was unpredictable in so many ways, but entirely delectable in another. Nowadays, I seem to get pleasure from other characters' pain and confusion. It made the book more... entertaining.

I was definitely happy at the way the book turned out in the end. A happily ever after, as it turned to out to be, which means no more book hangovers!

Brief Review: What a beautiful ending to a great story! I would give whatever I could just so I could to relive the story again with these delightful and complex characters. If only I had the time! Is there a time-stopping faerie nearby that I could use?

Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing!'

Your Reviewer:

ARC Review: Invisible (The Twixt #2) by Dawn Metcalf

Title: Invisible (The Twixt #2)
Author: Dawn Metcalf
Release Date: 29th September 2014
Publisher: Harlequin TEEN
Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: Some things lie beneath the surface. 

Invisible. 

With the power to change everything. 

Joy Malone wants it all—power, freedom and the boyfriend who loves her. Yet when an unstoppable assassin is hired to kill her, Joy learns that being the girl with the Sight comes with a price that might be too high to pay. Love will be tested, lives will be threatened, and everyone Joy knows and cares about will be affected by her decision to stand by Ink or to leave the Twixt forever. 

Her choice is balanced on a scalpel's edge and the consequences will be more life-altering than anyone can guess.

Detailed Review: *I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

As far as faerie books come, none will ever reach the same level of awesome Invisible did.

If you've read my review on the first book of the series, Indelible, you'll know that I adored it: its characters, its world, its story, its ideas, everything. 

It's sequel certainly did not disappoint. In Invisible, the tension is higher than before. An assassin is out to kill Joy, and this means that her friends and family are in danger. Her relationship with Ink is put on the line when she is forced to make a decision. 

In one of my status updates on Goodreads, I vaguely remember adding that 'This is like Ink by Amanda Sun all over again.' 

Meaning that there is definitely a heartbreaking part in there somewhere. If you've read Ink, you'll get what I mean. Just be prepared. That's all I'll say.

Metcalf's world of faeries once again fascinated me. Indelible barely covered the whole of the Twixt. Invisible gives us a more in-depth experience. It's more dangerous than you could ever think, and with a group that rebels against Joy's existence, her safety is more at risk than you could ever think.

There are several noteworthy character developments in the book. What I liked was how Metcalf didn't just focus on the main characters, it also focused on characters like Joy's dad and his girlfriend Shelley, as well as her best friend Monica. They played a role as vital as Joy, and I love the author for that.

Romance is present throughout the book, no worries. It goes to a deeper level than in Indelible, which is another point-scorer because I feel that this also demonstrates a change in Ink's character.

Speaking of characters, my favourite in Invisible has to be Filly. She makes more appearances in this book than the first book and I believe she is one of those characters- who even though are meant to only be minor ones- drive the story, and the ending. She was also a friend to Joy, which I felt she really needed. 

What I'm trying to say can be summed up in four words: She's a kick-ass character.

Last but not least, plenty of plot twists await. They're ALL as mind-blowing as the last, so I suggest you sit back and enjoy. Please ensure that you are covered in enough pillows (and have a pet with you if possible) while reading this book because damn, you're gonna need something to cushion your shock and some fluffiness would do the trick.

Endings can be the best and worst things in the whole wide world. Invisible, fortunately, proved to have the best.

Brief Review: Faeries are seen in a whole new light in the sequel to an amazing book. Not only does Metcalf's writing evokes intrigue and awe in the reader, she manages the following: swoon-worthy romance, well-rounded characters, and some shock-invoking twists- all in one book. I can't tell you how much I need to read the next book, but I can tell you this, it's going to be awesome and magnificent in all of its entirety.

Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing!'

QUOTE:

 I have no idea why, but I thought this quote described Joy in the book properly,

Courage is grace under pressure---Ernest Hemingway

Your Reviewer:

Book Update + Review: Bad Blood by Nicky Peacock

Some of you might have remembered that I've already posted a review for Bad Blood. The reason why I'm reposting it again is because the author's book was put off sale. Fortunately, Nicky managed to locate another publishing house so there's a new book cover to for the book. Also, enjoy the excerpt at the end of the post. That's personally one of my favourite parts!!!

Title: Bad Blood (Battle of the Undead #1)
Author: Nicky Peacock
Release Date: 10th May 2013
Publisher: Evernight Teen
Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: “I am Britannia. I am your protector. I will fend off the hungry hordes of undead hands that reach toward you. I am your steadfast defender. I will stand between you and the zombie masses as they try to taste your flesh. I am strong, unyielding, and dedicated to your survival. All I ask from you… is your blood.”

A five-hundred-year-old bloody game of vengeance will need to be put on hold if vampires are to survive the zombie uprising. Britannia and Nicholas, bitter enemies and the only two surviving vampires left in London,have to work together to save un-infected humans and deliver them safely to a vampire stronghold in the Scottish Highlands. Unable to drink the zombie"bad blood," the remaining vampires need the humans to stay alive.But will the vampires tell the survivors who they are and what they want from them? Will Britannia be able to hold back her vengeance for the greater good?Is survivor Josh the reincarnation of Britannia's murdered true love? And can she bring herself to deliver him to the "safe" hold?

Survival instincts run deep, but bad blood can run deeper.

Detailed Review: Now, the main reason I loved this book so much was the action. Every word describes action. Every page has action. I also really love the author's selection of different species of the book and the contrast between the two: the vampires and the zombies.

In this book, it is explained that vampires are made by magic and zombies through science. The zombie apocalypse has arrived. Humans have been transformed into zombies after a science experiment gone wrong. It is Britannia's duty, together with two other vampires- Phillipe and Nicholas- to rescue the remaining uninfected humans so they can stock up their blood supply (yes I said blood supply, if not how will the vampires survive?)

One thing I'd like to add though, is that Nicky really writes to surprise. When things begin to become dull, she adds a little bit more action and at the same time a well-written twist to liven things up. 

As for the characters, I loved Britannia so much because of her sarcasm and wit and the fact that underneath her violent and unfeeling facade is another kinder person. I think writing Nicholas as the antagonist pairs off with Britannia really well. I really love the arguments they have. The humans who appear briefly in the book are also ones I like, too. All the characters were obviously planned and written thoroughly. 

To end this, let me gift you a quote from the book, which really inspired me.

'Be strong. Be fast. Be deadly.'

Brief Review: So much action you'll find yourself panting from just reading the book. This is an amazing book that will make you heart pound like crazy and sweat like a pig (it is possible, give it a try). I admire the author's ability to excite readers in such a short period of time.

Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing!'

QUOTE:

To Britannia, who I think should stop avenging Langdon,

There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness---Josh Billings

So please forgive Nicholas...

Your Reviewer:

Buy Links:

Amazon 

US

 Evernight Teen

About the Author: 

I guess I’ve always been a storyteller, not in a ‘liar liar pants on fire’ kind of way, although I do work in advertising! When I was little, kids would crowd around me in the playground and I’d tell them tales of blood soaked horror filled with vampires, werewolves, ghosts and more. Yes, most would consider me a disturbed child, but my playmates couldn’t help themselves, they’d huddle around me every break time like an ancient tribe feeding off the fear; and that’s how I learned that horror stories hold a certain power, no matter what some might say, everyone is addicted to a good scare, especially if it is somewhat rooted safely in unrealistic beings... or are they unrealistic?

Writing was really a natural progression. Right now I’m obsessed with writing: a YA Urban Fantasy novel, a Paranormal Romance novella series, and several short horror stories! So I’m currently living in a functional fiction coma – and loving it!

I’ve so far been published in 5 countries: USA, UK, Australia, Ireland and Canada and had short stories included in 40 anthologies with over 17 publishers.

Author Links:

Blog: http://nickypeacockauthor.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickyp_author
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NickyPeacockYaBooks
Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Nicky- Peacock/e/B007UH2ACW/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_4
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/list/4958833.Nicky_Peacock
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/nickypauthor/
Tumblr: http://nickypeacock.tumblr.com/

Excerpt:

We ran to the hospital. On the way, we encountered hardly anyone, alive or dead. Where were they all? When we arrived at the hospital car park, I understood. Zombies were pack animals. A massive crowd of them were crammed in and around the main building like they were waiting for a concert to start, all barely paying attention to their surroundings and seemingly swaying against the force of gravity. The other thing was the smell. When watching horror films filled with shuffling zombies, the horror came from their ghastly looks—the reminder that death has a tight grip on us all, well, most of us. But what the filmmakers should focus on—if they could—was the acidic rank odor zombies gave off. They had been dead barely twenty-four hours. It took a normal human body at least thirty- six hours to really start to smell, and that was with a vampire’s heightened senses. These guys smelled like they’d been out in the sun for three weeks covered in rubbish and besieged by wily maggots. They were mostly intact, though. Maybe this hospital had been Zombie Ground Zero. Most had turned so quickly their comrades hadn’t had time to feed.

“Maybe we should try a less populated target.” Nicholas twitched his nose and turned away from me to dry retch.
“Maybe you should grow a pair.”

“Maybe you should act like a lady.” He now had his hands on his hips, squaring up for yet another argument.

“Acting like a lady isn’t going to help now, is it? What do you want me to do? Drop my handkerchief in front of the zombies and watch them fight one another to scoop it up for me? Moron!”

“Always to the ‘nth degree with you, isn’t it?”

“Shut up. Look, the doors are holding, and they’re outside, not inside, which means there must be some people left in there alive to have barricaded this place so tight.”

“Or maybe there are just more zombies in there.”

“Well, there’s definitely a blood bank in there, and that’ll help matters no end!”

Nicholas looked thoughtful then nodded. He of course didn’t want to actually say aloud that I’d had a good idea. “So, how do we get past them?"

I assumed it was a rhetorical question, so I started down to the car park entrance, where most of the zombies were mobbing. I opened the outer door as quietly as possible.

“Ladies first,” Nicholas whispered in my ear.

“I thought we’d agreed I wasn’t a lady.” And with that, I shoved him as hard as I could into the throbbing throng of zombies.

ARC Review: Desperate Reflections by Shay West

Title: Desperate Reflections (Adventures of Alexis Davenport #3)
Author: Shay West
Release Date: 28th August 2014
Publisher: Booktrope Editions
Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: In this final book of the Adventures of Alexis Davenport Series, we find Alex dealing with more drama than ever: her first break-up, her mom's new boyfriend, and attempting to learn the secrets of her "gift" on her own. Desperate to stop Drifter, Alex uses her ability to locate the evil Traveler, only to discover that he lives in her time... And he knows who she is. In a final race against time, Alex must discover Drifter's ultimate plan, stop him, and save her family...all before prom.

Detailed Review: <<I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest feedback>>

The final book in a trilogy is usually the best.

True.

I clearly didn't expect the magnificent wonder that was Desperate Reflections to really be as good as it was.

My apologies to the author for such low expectations when she definitely possesses awesome writing abilities.

Here is some praise to make up for it:

1. Major page-turner. I'll guarantee you that. 

2. Straight-forward- it conveys just the right amount of action in the book and increases the pace of the story. 

3. The ending! Evil villains always meet their end. *evil laugh* (I hope nobody thinks that's a spoiler) The good guys live to save the day!

4. New and awesome characters and some swoony romance that just makes you go 'Ooh la la!!!'

5. A kick-ass and smart heroine, definitely comparable to Tris or Katniss in the modern world. (I mean, she did stop time from being changed)

6. The time period, which was World War II (Hitler!!!) was perfect for a final standoff between Lane and Alex.

7. The song all readers are familiar with. The plot-twist song! Plot twist plot twist plot twist plot twist plot twist!!! 

That should be more than enough to convince you to read the book.

And if it doesn't... Well, I guess it won't do much harm, but really, it would be really nice of you to actually pick up the book and read it, and be as entertained as I was.

The story is more than perfect. Once again, friendship takes priority in the book. Alex's friends are both supportive and loyal, always trying to help her to the best of their abilities, especially Jennifer. Family also plays an equal part in the book, as demonstrated through the strong bonds between the main character and her mother as well as her uncle. 

You may think that time travel is a topic used commonly by too many authors, but West actually gives this topic a brand new feel to it that will definitely keep the pages turning, mixing it with real life problems, as stated in the synopsis. It's more than one person can actually take, but this particular heroine is certainly brave AND angry enough to take on the challenge!

Before you read Desperate Reflections, you should check out the first two books in the trilogy: Dangerous Reflections and Twisted Reflections.

You can check out my review for Dangerous Reflections HERE.

Click HERE for my review of Twisted Reflections!!'

Brief Review: This book definitely proved to be better than it's predecessors. I wasn't disappointed at all and it proved to be a great conclusion to an even greater series. The author doles out contemporary and fantasy elements in just the right amounts to get you hooked to the book! If you're looking for a time-travel read, this trilogy should be added to your list.

Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing!'

QUOTE: 

I believe this quote suits Alex perfectly,

To be a hero or a heroine, one must give an order to oneself---Simone Weil

Your Reviewer:

Review: Aquila; From The Darkness by T.L. Searle

Title: Aquila; From The Darkness
Author: T.L. Searle
Release Date: 12th September 2013
Publisher: self-published
Find on: Goodreads

Blurb: Seventeen year old Aqua Vickers lives a secluded life in the English countryside. She keeps herself that way, hiding in plain sight, out of fear. She has no idea where she came from or what she is, she just knows she isn't human. Her mother is convinced she's an angel, but does having wings make you an angel? Sharp, angular and intimidating black wings?

The only other person Aqua has let into her life is Aaron, her best friend. They've grown up together, shared every milestone and Aqua's feelings for him have developed into something more. In a moment of impulse, Aqua revels her true nature. Aaron freaks, hurting Aqua so badly that she flees into the night.

Lucas has been watching and waiting. As an Angeli Tail it is his job to be a spy; and he's been ordered to watch Aqua. Lost and vulnerable above the clouds, Aqua is reaching exhaustion. When Lucas offers her the answers she seeks, she follows him impulsively.

In a city, carved into the rock of a mountain, Aqua discovers she's not as alone as she thought; and her life has been rooted on a bed of lies and deception. In her absence, her home is attacked and her mother taken. With this new enemy intent on her capture and new family who aren't all welcoming, Aqua must integrate and train with the Angeli Guard if she has any hope of rescuing her mother from the hands of the Dragone.

The Angeli Guard Master is unforgiving and ruthless, allowing Aqua little rest from his relentless and painful training exercises. Aqua can barely stand to look at him, but can't seem to exterminate the butterflies she feels when he's around.

War is coming but Aqua's battles may need to be fought closer to home.

Detailed Review: 

< ebook copy provided by the author herself >

OK, when I started this book, honestly I was kinda irked by the short sentences. I mean it is good to keep your sentences short and informative but it felt like the character was shortlived and out of breath most of the time. It made me feel...'irked' because I didn't really see an importance within the main character due to the short off writing and it made me think of her as a side character. 

The writing is good, pretty neat and sparkly, nothing wrong but I guess you could say that it was quite well done to the point of perfection but it lost it's touch. You know the writer's feel within the words like there is something that makes this book the author herself. Do you get what I'm trying to say? It lost it's authenticity or it's feel of being the author's work, a little evidence here and there that sprinkles the author into the pages.

But anyhow, the story of Aqua is quite interesting and how she has come to know that she has these black wings and how she confronts them to her best friend who rejects it ultimately. It was such a crushing feat to Aqua. But I do love the character style that the author's drawn up. She's really put a little bit of personality for the characters throughout the story. When Lucas came in, I was like "Seriously?" Yes, the Lucas character was unsettling, totally bleh to me. The moment he came in, I disliked him. It was this feeling in my gut that definitely spelled out 'H-A-T-E'. Have you ever felt that way about a character? Secretly, I prefer Aqua's dorky childhood best friend. 

There was only the occasional sarcasm that continued during the book and that held out the story's significance for Aqua. It helped to express more of her emotions and you could tell that she is quite sardonic with Lucas and somehow it has definitely pushed a lot of puncture points to enable the story have more personality. 

But what I especially love from this book was it's fantasy.  

I love how the author had created this world where humans evolved from birds and humans from mammals. I can actually picture a mountain full of characters with beautifully etched wings on their backs in different shades and how they each all signify a role within the story. It became so apparent that parts with Aqua discovering who and what she actually is was the main goal that made me consistently think about how these bird-human creatures called Avian /Angeli came into the story. 

Those parts made me very interested in these beings and invite a more original storyline that is hard to find as everyone is always looking for the usual vampires, werewolves, etc. instead of creating their own new species; that was one of the points that made me accept this request. 

In the 'book world', I think, many people are writing the same thing over and over again, it becomes overrated and quite boring. It typically makes me yawn whenever I pick up a book with the same storyline, same characters, same setting but otherwise this story has something different. 

It has imagination. 

Brief Review: A truly transcendent fantasised reality that made me enjoy it's telescopic world of evolutionary winged human beings. Searle, has created a book full of wonderful creatures and the coinciding fate of one Angeli who still believes in humans. 

Final Rating: 4/5    "Really Liked It"

Reviewer:

Review: Obstacles by Chris Reardon

Title: Obstacles

Author: Chris Reardon
Release Date: 1st October 2013
Publisher: Solstice Publishing
Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: A child will die. You're afraid to live. Would you go to all lengths to save him? Darkness knows no bounds, as Alcott, an African American doctor sees all too well. The man is petrified by death. His fragile existence rests at the mercy of the universe. This fact is far too much for him to handle. From unyielding nightmares to elevator terrors, he's lost in paranoia. 

Assigned to look after an ill child, Alcott's horrors only heighten. Gari is a nine-year-old boy with a fatal disease. He will surely pass on within the year. Alcott bonds with him more and more each day. Part of him knows this grim fate just isn't right. 

Alcott befriends a hospital patient. This lunatic forces him to lug home an ancient text on bringing back the dead. Despite the man's obvious dementia, Alcott attempts the scheme. Charging up a cliff, he recites the chant over ocean gusts. 

A god woman glides in from the horizon. She instructs Alcott on the trials to save Gari's life. These fearsome Obstacles require true strength. From battling sharks to wielding a flail, he must prove fortitude against genuine danger. Alcott decides his fate at this moment. 

Death's claws shall not grasp Gari's soul.

Detailed Review: *I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

A review has been long due for this book; I actually read it last year, but unfortunately at that time school got in the way, so I never had the chance to voice my thoughts on Obstacles.

It was a short read, and a fast-paced one. I finished it in a matter of hours. 

You want to know more? Think The Hunger Games.

This book is about a man who fears death, but a boy who is diagnosed with a chronic illness gave him the courage and determination to sacrifice himself.

The sacrifice involves a set of obstacles which he has to overcome. If he passes them, the boy will live.

However, there's a catch.

Alcott's existence will be erased from the boy's life. He will not remember him, or thank him for what the doctor has done. 

I was really surprised at how taken I was with the book. I literally. Could. Not. Stop. Reading.

Page after page after page after page. I couldn't even stop if I wanted to my hands were flipping the pages so fast.

The obstacles that Alcott had to go through were ones I found funny at times and scary at others. I mean, battling a gigantic mosquito? Um, I do not want to experience that, not even in my dreams. 

I have to give the author credit for his wonderful imagination. I tell you, he's got a creative streak. I could tell from reading his book. 

The characters had unique and original backgrounds too. But they all had one similarity: they were willing to sacrifice themselves for the people they loved. And I was touched by that fact.

I wouldn't have thought Reardon would have it in him, but he bravely put in one twist that changed everything, EVERYTHING, in the book. I was so surprised and shocked, I almost dropped the book.

This book is almost like the indie version of The Hunger Games.

Sadly, no matter how much I convinced my co-blogger Chloe that she should read it, she said no. 

Why?

The cover. That was the reason she gave me.

And if you don't know by now, Chloe is a massive cover-judger ( I can be one too but I often make exceptions) and she absolutely did not want to pick up the book because she didn't think the cover was nice.

That story up there holds a message: DON'T be like Chloe. I'm not mad at her for not reading the book, but I'd appreciate it if people could learn to not judge books by their covers, because, sometimes, the cover can't often be a show of the content, whether it's good or bad.

So please, give books like Obstacles a chance.

Brief Review: The author obviously has a really good imagination, and I believe he couldn't have written Obstacles as well as he did without it. But ultimately, this isn't just about your darkest fears, it's about sacrificing yourself for the people you love .Be prepared to face your fears in this book because anything can happen. If you want a fast-paced read that is short, I definitely recommend Obstacles!!! 

Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing!'

QUOTE: 

Martin Luther King Jr. said it best,

A man who won't die for something is not fit to live---Martin Luther King Jr.

Your Reviewer:

ARC Review: Twisted Reflections by Shay West

Title: Twisted Reflections

Author: Shay West

Release Date: 28th July 2014

Publisher: Booktrope Editions

Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: Alexis Davenport wants to be rid of her gift of time travel, and the duty that has been thrust upon her to protect the time line from an evil lunatic trying to change the past. When she travels back to ancient Egypt, Alex gets a most unexpected surprise; she meets a fellow Traveler like herself, someone who can possibly help her figure out how to use her powers to stop Drifter from altering the past. But can she learn how to control her gift before Drifter finds a way to stop her from meddling in his plans?

Detailed Review: *I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review*

I was immediately transported into Alex's world from the first page. I think what is the most important element in a sequel are the characters. They should stay the same and shouldn't change at all unless they had a reason to. 

I was glad to find that nothing had really changed in the characters, which could have potentially hampered my enjoyment of the book.

You might ask, 'What was so good about this book?'

The fact that this book is not just a normal time-travel book that actually follows the conventions of the genre, it is also a contemporary that deals with more than just saving the world.

There are first loves, family problems, sudden changes and peer problems too, that adds to the mix of being able to time-travel. I might have mentioned them in my review of the first book of the series.

There were two new characters in the story: Seth and his Master Gavin. They certainly were original characters and it was great to see Alex finally getting some help, although it was frustrating when they couldn't give her answers on how to defeat Drifter.

Speaking of Drifter, I honestly really dislike him, which I'm sure was the intended response of the reader.

He is the embodiment of evil.

Don't even speak to me about his Master. I abhor him.

Every single time I read about him, I always shout curse words at him mentally, because I would kill anyone who insults history, ESPECIALLY those who want to change it.

Can't people see how important history is? If you change the events of the past, then you will change the future.

And if the past doesn't happen, mankind will never learn from their mistakes. The past happens so that we won't repeat the past.

I think I shall have to send this little speech about changing the past to the author and ask her to forward it to Drifter and his Master.

And as you have heard me say so many times, there are bound to be plot twists and some really surprising connections, for it to be a five-star book.

Connections as in: the enemy may be closer than you think.

Technically what I want to say about this book, which is pretty amazing, has already been mentioned in my review for the first book, Dangerous Reflections.

If you want to read about my further opinion on the first book, Dangerous Reflections, click HERE.

Detailed Review: Twisted Reflections rivals with other time-travel books to reach the top. But I assure you, it has already done so. Now all the author needs to do is add more plot twists in the next book and more secrets to be uncovered!

Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing!'

QUOTE: 

The past is obdurate- Stephen King 

Your Reviewer:

ARC Review: Sweet Unrest by Lisa Maxwell

Title: Sweet Unrest
Author: Lisa Maxwell
Release Date: 8th October 2014
Publisher: Flux
Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: Lucy Aimes has always been practical. But try as she might, she can’t come up with a logical explanation for the recurring dreams that have always haunted her. Dark dreams. Dreams of a long-ago place filled with people she shouldn’t know…but does.

When her family moves to a New Orleans plantation, Lucy’s dreams become more intense, and her search for answers draws her reluctantly into the old city’s world of Voodoo and mysticism. There, Lucy finds Alex, a mysterious boy who behaves as if they’ve known each other forever. Lucy knows Alex is hiding something, and her rational side doesn’t want to be drawn to him. But she is.

As she tries to uncover Alex’s secrets, a killer strikes close to home, and Lucy finds herself ensnared in a century-old vendetta. With the lives of everyone she loves in danger, Lucy will have to unravel the mystery of her dreams before it all comes to a deadly finish.

Detailed Review:  <<I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review>>

When I read that first sentence, it didn't prepare me for what was due to come. Even countless re-readings of the synopsis didn't help soften the blows this book dealt me.

One thing was obvious though: this was about reincarnation and Voodoo. I already knew that from my first glimpse of the synopsis. 

How these two elements came together though, was a different story. I twisted my mind in every way to see how the pieces fit into the puzzle, but I couldn't figure it out. Not as well as Maxwell, anyway. 

Everything is not a coincidence in this book; it is all planned out from the start. This is what a really good book needs: some prior planning before plunging into writing and some significant character development (especially the main characters) throughout the book.

Sweet Unrest had both. That means that it's a really good book. 

Honestly, I didn't expect this book to be this good, because there was quite an ordinary first line and first paragraph (I judge books by first lines and paragraphs), not enough to capture someone's fancy for long.

Until you read the end of the prologue. That's when it sparks your interest. 

My sole advice when reading this book is to read on-yes, even when you're bored- because you'll always discover something at each turn of the page. You wouldn't want to miss any of it.

I'm talking about the plot twists here. There are a few. Fair warning: they're not light ones; they pack a punch. 

The characters had interesting developments throughout the book, but that was one of the plot twists (hopefully that's not considered a spoiler)

This book had a considerable amount of fear factor in it, because it's Voodoo. Yet, the author does mention that it's not all bad, the story itself does highlight that the art can be used for ulterior motives.

The romance between Alex and Lucy was certainly great, but I thought more attention could be given to their relationship in the present, not in the past. This did somehow make the romance seem slightly unnatural, despite the fact that they have met each other in a different life at a different time.

But... Everything other than that was great.

The writing in this book is straight to the point, though Maxwell loves leading you off the safe path to dark places, so beware... She even likes to include some meaningful musings about life (ahhhhhhh). 

Another point scorer is the author's inclusion of family. She emphasis throughout the book how important family really is. I just loved Lucy's brother, T.J. He is the absolute cutest. And the prologue even mentioned her parents and how they met (that's actually quite interesting but nothing compared to the rest of the story)

Did I mention that I swooned when I read that Alex had a French accent (OMG THAT IS HOT) and that his full name was Alexandre Jourdain (double OMG)? French guys are seriously the best.

The ending wasn't a cliffhanger, but honestly it was still as heartbreaking as if there was a cliffhanger. You get what I mean. But it was good though, in a way that it gives your imagination full reign of what will happen to the characters in the future. It isn't just restricted by what the author gives you, it's up to you what happens. That's what I liked the most.

Brief Review: Maxwell successfully fits two very different elements together into a well-written book. She gives Voodoo a near insight- she transforms the art into something beautiful and horrifying at the same time. She not only does it with talent; she does it with amazing characters and storytelling on her part. I must say that Sweet Unrest will most definitely clear a path for the author to start of her writing career!!!

Final Rating: 4/5 'Really Liked It!'

QUOTE: 

This somehow reminded me of Alex and Lucy's first meeting in Le Ciel

Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye---H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Your Reviewer: