Wednesday

Legend & Prodigy by Marie Lu

In this dystopian series, what was once western America has become the Republic. The Republic is at war with it's neighbors in the what's left of America. June is a prodigy being groomed for the military. She was born into the upper crut of Republic society. Day is from the slums, and the countries most wanted criminal. Once they cross paths, the action, suspense, and romance is non stop.

I am reviewing these together because I can't say much about the second one without revealing too much. I have mixed feelings about these books. I really enjoyed the story and the characters, but I also was disappointed with the whole "plague" angle being used once again. Of course the circumstances are different, and there is actually more to this "plague" than meets the eye. I will definitely read the next one, which has yet to be announced.

Lily Bard "Shakespeare" Series by Charlaine Harris

Lily Bard is hiding. She has left her tragic past behind to start over in the small town of Shakespeare. Working as a cleaning lady has given Lily access to many of the citizens of Shakespeare, and somehow  she is always stuck in the middle of their problems. Recently there have been quite a few murders in this small town. The local sheriff has discovered Lily's past, and befriended her. She has begun dating again, and is getting close to her martial arts teacher. She has become the confidant for many, and is an unofficial detective when it comes to solving these crimes.

I put these books together because I read them so quickly. I really enjoyed the mystery of these. I think Lily is a pretty kick butt chic, who has overcome a lot. I recommend these for traveling or the beach!

The Harper Connelly Series by Charlaine Harris

In high school, Harper Connelly was struck by lightning. Her step brother Tolliver saved her life. Now she has a weak leg, headaches, sometimes her hands shake, and, oh yeah, she can sense dead people. Now in her twenties, Harper has made a career of finding the dead. Along with her step brother Tolliver, she travels around the country to help people locate the dead, or find out how they died. Harper feels a "buzzing" when a body is near, and can connect to them, and share their last moments. Of course many people don't believe her and think she's a fraud, but through working with law enforcement, and many other clients, the truth of her gift is spreading. Somehow Harper and Tolliver always end up more deeply involved with these cases the they would like.

This series is super fun. I read them all back to back, so I decided to just put them all together. I really loved the combination of Harper's "supernatural" type of ability, and murder mysteries. These books are quick reads, great for a day at the beach!

Once (Eve #2) by Anna Carey

Eve's adventures continue as she tries to make a life for herself in Califia. Circumstances force her to make some very dangerous decisions, and Eve will soon discover information about her past that she never could have imagined.

It is incredibly hard to summarize this book without giving too much away. The second book in this series is action packed, and had me crying halfway through. There are many surprises in this one, and it definitely didn't end the way I thought it would! I am waiting VERY impatiently for the next book, Rise.

Eve by Anna Carey

In the year 2032, a deadly plague has wiped out most of the Earth's population. Eighteen year old Eve is about to graduate from her all girl's school, where she is the valedictorian.  But Eve suddenly discovers her life is not what it seems, and the night before her graduation she begins a dangerous journey, and meets Caleb. Though she's been taught not to trust males, Caleb opens her eyes to a world she never knew existed.

This book sucked me right in and I can not express enough how much I loved it! I thought the description of this post plague world was very believable. I also love the changes in Eve as she learns about the world outside her school walls. When you finish this you will NEED the next book, Once.

Friday

The Indigo Spell (bloodlines) by Richelle Mead

After her forbidden moment with Adrian, Sydney is struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is telling her. Now she's met a former Alchemist named Marcus Finch, who's very handsome, and wants her to join his group of rebels. Meanwhile, there's an evil witch on the loose killing innocent people and Sydeny will have to embrace her magic to stop her.

I really enjoyed this book and I'm loving the series. I'm not sure if it's as good as Vampire Academy, but for a spin off, it's great. I especially love Adrian! I will await the next installment.

Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Lena has joined the Resistance. The Wilds are no longer safe as the Regulators look for the Invalids. Lena navigates the Wilds and struggles to survive, while her best friend Hana lives a safe, loveless life in Portland where she will soon marry the young Mayor. The discoveries made by both Lena and Hana will ultimately lead to their reunion and the beginning of a revolution.

Such a FABULOUS ending to this trilogy! This book is told from the perspective of both Lena and Hana, and it works perfectly. I'm hoping for some movies!

Deadly Little Lesson (a Touch novel) by Laurie Stolarz

Camelia's senior year should be a time of joy and discovery. So far, the only things she's discovered are a family secret, and another person in need of her help. As she heads to Rhode Island for a summer art program she begins her investigation into the disappearance of a local girl. She must learn to accept her gift if she wants to solve this mystery in time. On top of all that Camelia is dating Adam, but she misses Ben terribly, and has started wondering if things could work out for them.

I LOVED this book! I really like where she has taken these characters. I think this might be the last book, though I'm not positive. If so, it is a great ending.

Deadly Little Voices (a Touch novel) by Laurie Stolarz

Camelia's power of psychometry are growing. She's starting to hear voices and her pottery has become her curse, rather than her gift. Camelia must figure out who these visions are about and how to save them before it's too late. She starts getting premonitions that completely take over her body, and unfortunately they're happening in public. Meanwhile, she still has feelings for Ben, who is seeing someone else, making her emotional state even more precarious. Can she handle her new powers, and retain her sanity?

I really had forgotten all about this series, and then I realized there were two more I needed to read! I really loved this one, and enjoyed the fact that Camelia is becoming a more layered character.

Reached by Allie Condie

Cassia and Ky have finally found what they've been looking for, and have a clear purpose. But is the Rising really what they thought it was? Who are these people they've aligned themselves with and what are their real agendas? Nothing is as they predicted it, and once again they will need to make decisions about their future and fight to be together.

I absolutely loved the final book in this trilogy. The twists were really unexpected and Ally Condie did a beautiful job wrapping up this story.

Lullaby (Watersong #2) by Amanda Hocking

Harper is still trying to rescue her sister Gemma from the evil girls who changed her. With Danielle by her side, she will stop at nothing to get her sister back. Meanwhile, Gemma is adjusting to life in her new skin. Though she is fighting the darker sides of her nature, it is only a matter of time until she gives in. Gemma is afraid she may never be able to return to life the way it was before.

Again, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this novel. I really wasn't sure about these at first. The "creatures" in this series are new and not as overwritten as some others. I would call it refreshing.