{ Cover Reveal...Finn Finnegan by Darby Karchut }

I am super excited to share with you all a cover reveal for my friend Darby Karchut's newest trilogy which is set to be released next spring! Me...and my 10yr old...are Super excited for this one. Love to know what you think?

Finn Finnegan

Finn (not bleedin' Finnegan) MacCullen is eager to begin his apprenticeship. He soon discovers the ups and downs of hunting monsters in a suburban neighborhood under the demanding tutelage of the Knight, Gideon Lir. Both master and apprentice are descendents of the Tuatha De Danaan, a magical race of warriors from Ireland. Scattered long ago to the four corners of the world, the De Danaan wage a two thousand year old clandestine battle with their ancient enemy, the Amandán, a breed of goblin-like creatures.

Now with the beasts concentrating their attacks on Finn, he and his master must race to locate the lost Spear of the Tuatha De Danaan, the only weapon that can destroy the Amandán, all the while hiding his true identity from his new friends, Rafe and Savannah, twins whose South African roots may hold a key to Finn's survival. Armed with a bronze dagger, some ancient Celtic magic, and a hair-trigger temper, Finn is about to show his enemies the true meaning of "fighting Irish."

Title: Finn Finnegan

Author: Darby Karchut

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (www.SpencerHillPress.com)

ISBN: 978-1-937053-32-1

Release Date:

March 12, 2013

Formats: Paper, e-book

Genres: Middle Grade/Young Adult, Fantasy



{ Florence by Ciye Cho }

Florence by Ciye Cho

July 1, 2012 by Studio Amazepop

Format: ebook

Source: from author for review

From Goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Florence Waverley is out of her depth. Literally. Kidnapped and taken below the waves to the mer world of Niemela, she is the ultimate gift for merman Prince Kiren: a human familiar tied to his side. But nothing is what it seems amid the beauty and danger of a dark ocean.

Every Niemelan has a role to play, from the mermaids who weave towers out of kelp to the warriors who fight sea monsters. But in trying to survive, Florence will end up in the middle of a war between the mer and the Darkness. A conflict that will push her between two brothers: Kiren, the charmer inexplicably drawn to both her and the monsters; and Rolan, the loner who has been pushing her away since the day they met. But in order to take a stand--and find out where she belongs--Florence will have to risk it all: her life, her heart... and her very soul.

My Review:

When I was approached by author Ciye Cho to read and review the first book in his new series...well, I was prepared for a wild ride. One thing I learned from Ciye's first series? He has one wicked imagination! You know what? I was pleasantly surprised by this new series. I found myself totally immersed in his world of Mermaids and Mermen. The world of Niemela and these characters were so easy to adore.

Florence was not only believable, but likable too. And one thing I loved is that we see her grow a great deal throughout this story. Princess Yolee is the perfect little sister. Adorable! Loved her! Prince Kiren and Prince Rolan are the perfect balance between the good and evil, even if at times the lines are blurred on both sides. Author Ciye Cho did a great job of developing these characters and slowly introducing us to a budding romance...between who...I'll never tell. But I will say this? Rolan could definitely creep up to one of my top swoon worthy characters of all time...just saying.

Not only do we get an amazing visual of the world of Niemela, but there is action and danger at every turn. This is a YA series, but I would definitely recommend this one to middle grade readers too...of course Adults too! This is a perfect summer read for the beach. It's a fast easy read, filled with a fantastical world and illuminating lovable characters.

In the end, I highly recommend Florence to anyone looking for something a little different, something fun with just a hint of romance. I can not wait to see where book 2 takes Florence and the world of Niemela. Thank you Ciye Cho for a GREAT read!

Rating:

 4 stars!

{ Into The Shadows by Karly Kirkpatrick }

Into The Shadows by Karly Kirkpatrick

November 10, 2012 by Darkside Publishing

Format: Ebook

Source: from Author for review

From Goodreads:

Fans of the TV series ‘Heroes, the film ‘Push’, and the book ‘The Hunger Games’ will enjoy Into the Shadows, a modern and paranormal thriller. This is the first book in the Into the Shadows Trilogy.

Paivi Anderson has it all - friends, a spot on the varsity basketball team, wonderful parents, and quite possibly, her first boyfriend. It was everything a freshman in high school could ask for. Her perfect life begins to crumble when she discovers her name on a list distributed by a power-hungry presidential candidate. How could anyone think of Paivi as an Enemy of the State? Could it be because of her special powers? No one was supposed to know about them, but the mysterious messages in her tater tots say otherwise. In INTO THE SHADOWS, Paivi quickly learns who her friends are and is forced into a reality she didn’t see coming.

My Review:

When I was approached by author, Karly Kirkpatrick to read and review Into The Shadows, I knew right away that I had to give it a read. I was a HUGH Heroes fan and thought we need a book like that in the YA world. I will admit though, that I found myself a bit disappointed in the beginning. I found this book to be quite slow and sluggish to get into the nitty gritty of the story. Sadly, it took a good chunk of the book before that happened. Also, at times I found that the writing and dialog was more middle grade than YA...but perhaps that was just me.

The characters were more of the same for me. Some I was easily connected to and others not so much. I am not even really sure what it was. Perhaps it was more of a believability issue for me. Like Paivi's parents. They were loving parents yes, but at times it just seemed that they were like these weird 'pod' parents or something. And they talked down to their kids quite a bit. Actually now that I think about it, it was more of the author talking down to the reader. Yes, having life lessons embedded into the story is great, but talking to your readers like they are your 7 or 8 year old children? Doesn't work. Also, some of the dialog between some of these characters just was not believeable. This is not how teenagers talk to eachother.

So did I enjoy it at all? Yes. The last 4 or 5 chapters were awesome! And on a whole, the story really is original and exciting. I was excited to see how this book would end and really do want to continue this series and see where these characters and this society go from here. I truly hope that author, Karly Kirkpatrick can continue on this road for the remainder of this series. I feel it could end up to be a truly great one!

In the end, I do recommend it, just be prepared for a slow read up until the last quarter.

Rating:

3 Stars

  



{ Suffocate by S R Johannes }

Suffocate by S R Johannes

May 21st 2012 by Coleman & Stott

Source: from Author for review

Format: Ebook ARC

From GoodReads:

Suffocate is the first novelette in THE BREATHLESS series. It is a 15,000 word young adult thriller that combines the dystopic and science fiction genres.

For centuries, the world outside the Biome has been unlivable. Today, marks the first time anyone will attempt to leave the suffocating ecosphere. Eria is not worried because her scientist father has successfully tested the new Bio-Suit many times. It's a celebratory day until something goes horribly wrong. In the midst of tragedy, Eria uncovers a deep conspiracy in her perfect bubble. If those responsible find out what she knows, they won't stop hunting her until she takes her last breath.

The 2nd novelette in the series, CHOKE, is scheduled for Fall 2012. The 3rd, EXHALE, is scheduled for Winter 2013.


My Review:

I will be the first to admit that novella's are not really my thing. While, it's nice to pick up something and finish it within a few hours, I just find that there is never enough time to get fully invested in it. And Suffocate...totally changed my thinking! Wow! This one starts with a bang, takes hold and does not let you go. The characters were believable and so engaging. The story line is so utterly up my alley and that ending?? Awesome. I am very excited to see where author S R Johannes takes this story in the next installment. Shelli...Thank you, thank you, thank you for letting me review this one.

I became a fan of Shelli's after reading On The Bright Side and she now has a new fan...my 10 year old. She absolutely LOVED OTBS as well. With Suffocate, I think Shelli has managed to bring the genre of Dystopian to a larger audience. This book is definitely suited for all ages, not just the older YA readers as many of the Dystopian books out there are geared for. However, coming from a 40+ mindset, I really enjoyed this one as well!

If you are a lover of YA Dystopian...as you all know that I am...or if you are a fan of author S R Johannes other novels...pick this one up. You will enjoy the ride!!

Rating: 5 Stars!

{ City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare }

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

May 8th 2012 by Margaret K. McElderry

Format: Hard Cover

Source: My Bookshelf!

From GoodReads:

The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?

Only a small band of Clary and Jace’s friends and family believe that Jace can still be saved — and that the fate of the Shadowhunters’ future may hinge on that salvation. They must defy the Clave and strike out on their own. Alec, Magnus, Simon and Isabelle must work together to save Jace: bargaining with the sinister Faerie Queen, contemplating deals with demons, and turning at last to the Iron Sisters, the reclusive and merciless weapons makers for the Shadowhunters, who tell them that no weapon on this earth can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. Their only chance of cutting Jace free is to challenge Heaven and Hell — a risk that could claim any, or all, of their lives.

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary has gone into the heart of darkness, to play a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing the game is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she even still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?

Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.


My Review:

I have said it before and I will say it again. Cassandra Clare speaks to my soul. I will be the first to admit that okay, this may have not been the BEST BOOK EVER! But, this series is one of my guilty pleasures. And I will admit that the whole Clary and Jace thing has gotten off track. Luckily we have other relationships to feed off of.

First off, Simon! I must say that after the last book I was starting to see Simon in a whole new light and now? Huge, Simon lover here!! Simon really has grown so much over the past 2 or 3 books. The developing relationship between Simon and Izzy is so very appealing. They are both so strong, so funny and so very stubborn. You have to love it. Okay...and the whole biting scene? One of Clare's best scenes ever!

And of course, I am still a huge Magnus Bane lover! He has to be one of the best characters out there. I just love every scene he is in. He brings so much emotion. He makes me laugh, cry, laugh, frustrated, laugh, angry, laugh...well you get the picture. I just love him. Right now, I am feeling very heart broken and worried for Magnus...and Alec. I can not wait for COHF!!

Putting aside my love for this series and this book, I will admit that the biggest portion of this book, dealing with Clary, Jace and Sebastian was a little...well, not really needed and a little weird. I think that most of us can agree that Sebastian's incestial tendencies were a little creepy. However, I get where Clare was going with all of it. Sebastian is crazy and the true definition of evil. I get it. And he does it well. But could the story have gone on without it? Perhaps. It is what it is and it did not deter me from going forward with this series, or lessen my love for this series or for Clare. I still adore them both. And I loved this ending! I know many people out there wanted a nice happy ending to this 5th installment. Not I. Not at all. I loved it! I just wish I did not have to wait so VERY long for COHF!!

In the end, I whole heartily recommend this book and this series. If you have not jumped into this one? Please do. It is one of my top favorite series and always recommend it to everyone I know. Thank you once again, Cassandra Clare.

Rating: 5+ Stars!

{ Insurgent by Veronica Roth }

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

May 1, 2012 by HarperTeen

Source: My Bookshelf

Format: Hardcover

From Goodreads:

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

My Review:

Wow! Amazing! Loved it!

What more can I say. Insurgent was well worth the wait. Veronica Roth did an outstanding job with this second installment. I will admit to being somewhat nervous going in. The second book in a Trilogy can sometimes be a disappointment. The momentum can be lost and you are left with a shell of what could have been. Not in this case. Insurgent was brilliant...or at least in my opinion.

Tris continues to be one of the strongest female characters I have read in a long time. I said after Divergent that I was a Tris wanna-be and I still am...maybe even more so now. Tris goes through so much emotionally and physically in this book and never does she become lazy and whiny about poor Tris and why are all these bad things are happening to her. She approaches each new horrific occurrence with a somewhat level head...as level as one can expect really. No. She is not perfect. But she understands when she has made a mistake. She doesn't let it drag her down. She learns, she grows, she moves on. Okay. Yes she has scars and yes, she is gonna need some major therapy. But she is still one kickass girl. Gotta love her!

Then there is my Four(Tobias). He is still the same Tobias we all love. We get to know Tobias on much deeper level in this book and he still makes my heart beat just a little bit faster.

I always fall hard for a book that can make me feel. And this book and series continues to do just that. Not only are these two characters strong and have such a great connectibilty to them, but all of these characters do. Again, yes. This is a Dystopian. Yes, it is filled with death, destruction, violence, horrific events. But at its core, is love, our desire to be connected, to be wanted and needed. And even though on a whole the human race can be horrible to ourselves and each other, I like to think that in the darkest of times, we can also rise above.

Love and Hope.

On a side note? What about that ending?! I have to wait a whole year?? Really??

If you have not read this book or this series yet? Go! Now! No really. GO!!

Rating: 5+ Stars!!

It is May 21st and guess what that means?

S.R. Johannes’ Suffocate is out today!

Suffocate is the first novelette in THE BREATHLESS series. It is a 15,000 word young adult thriller that combines the dystopic and science fiction genres.

Here’s a little about the novelette…

“For centuries, the world outside the Biome has been unlivable. Today, marks the first time anyone will attempt to leave the suffocating ecosphere. Eria is not worried because her scientist father has successfully tested the new Bio-Suit many times. It's a celebratory day until something goes horribly wrong. In the midst of tragedy, Eria uncovers a deep conspiracy that affects the very air she breathes. 

If those responsible find out what she knows, they won't stop hunting her until she takes her last breath.”

The 2nd novella in the series, CHOKE, is scheduled for Fall 2012. The 3rd, EXHALE, is scheduled for Winter 2013.

You can purchase Suffocate for only 99 cents at

Amazon –

B&N –

Also you can add it on Goodreads! - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13648347-suffocate

And in case you were wondering here is a bit about the author –

S.R. Johannes is author of the Amazon Bestseller Untraceable and a current nominee of the Georgia Author of the Year in the Young Adult category. After earning an MBA and working in corporate america, S.R. Johannes traded in her expensive suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing. She lives in Atlanta Georgia with her goldendoodle Charley (notice he is listed first :), her British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess, which she hopes- someday- will change the world.  You can find her hanging out online and visit her at srjohannes.com

Twitter- https://twitter.com/#!/srjohannes

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/srjohannes

Pinterest- http://pinterest.com/srjohannes/

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5235537.S_R_Johannes

Can't wait to start this one!!!