First off I must say that with just two books and a novella, Julie Kagawa has become one of my favorite authors, whose books I MUST read! Okay, that out of the way, this was another wonderful book, a great addition to the trilogy, and another beautiful cover. I'm not even going to try to summarize this book, other than to say it's another imaginative, action-packed adventure. You know, it's interesting, going into this book I didn't really have a preference between Ash and Puck. But then when Puck showed up I was happy, and the book really picked up for me. And not to get spoilery, but when other things happened, I was not so happy. I guess this makes me Team Puck? I'm probably in the minority with that. It really surprises me too, because I usually avoid the characters who seem to be in the "friend zone". I think perhaps it's his sense of humor that appeals to me, as opposed to the dark and brooding Ash. I don't know!
Anyways! This is definitely a must read if you've read The Iron King, and I highly recommend the entire series. Can't wait to see what happens in The Iron Queen!
I was excited to win a copy of this book from LibraryThing Early Reviewers, as I love all things vampire. So it bums me out to say I didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I would. There was just something about the narration that didn't flow right for me. Perhaps that can be attributed to the fact that the narrator was a 600 year old vampire-turned-human, awakened in a foreign century? That's not to say I didn't like the concept of the plot. I liked this version of vampires, and there's a really interesting twist. I just wasn't as captivated as I thought I'd be. However, I am still interested in seeing where the story goes in the subsequent books.
So, while this book didn't exactly blow me away, I can see a lot of young adults who aren't yet tired of this genre liking it, since it is a pretty unique story.
Pray for Silence was a great follow up to the first book, Sworn to Silence. It revolves around a grim, explicit murder case, but is completely absorbing and has a pretty satisfying ending.As with the first book, this one shifts between Kate’s first person perspective and third person perspective, but either it wasn’t as frequent or I am now just used to it. My only critique would be that some of the lines seemed to be recycled from the first book, but I probably only noticed this because I read them back to back.
While I don’t think it’s absolutely imperative to have read the first book before reading this one, I think fans of the first book will definitely want to check this one out. I think fans of murder mystery/suspense/thriller genres that aren’t afraid of violent crimes will like this series.
I am not sure if there will be another book, but I am curious to see what kind of case the author can come up with next for Kate and her team. I will definitely be on the lookout for future books from her.
*I was sent an ARC of this book from Minotaur Books, won through LivingSocial's Influential Reader Program.
I received a copy of the second book in this series, so I borrowed Sworn to Silence from the library to read, because I like to read series in orders. I wasn’t familiar with this author, but like the genre so I gave it a go, especially since I’ve always been intrigued by the Amish. I really liked this book, thought it was a well written thriller. Definitely gripping and fast paced. While the subject matter is dark and grim, the story is very engrossing and draws you right in. I really liked the protagonist, Kate. I think she's a strong female, but still very real and human.My only quibble was getting used to the shifts from first to third person perspective, especially when it would happen in the same chapter.
This book was amazing. I kept reading rave reviews of it in all the blogs I follow, so I knew I had to read it. I'm glad it surpassed my expectations.I'm 28 years old and I could be mistaken, but I do not remember there being half as much amazing YA books around when I was younger. This is the kind of book makes me want to be a teen again, and read something like this that would undoubtedly have a profound effect on my life.
Really, an excellent book, and I look forward to reading more from this author. I've read the synopsis of her next book, and it sounds awesome as well!
I think it's so awesome that this novella was released, not to mention for free! Such a great way to revisit the world. I knew I had to read it immediately! What is there to say...lots happened but of course it leaves you wanting more. Now I really, really can't wait for The Iron Daughter to come out! Oh, and another beautiful cover. I too wish this was a physical book to add to my collection!
Twilight meets Blade: that’s how one might describe this book. But of course it is much, much more. Teenage girl with a special gift, mysterious boy, and scary vampires: all are themes that may sound familiar, yet the author still manages to create a unique and absorbing book, complete with an intriguing and original story for the explanation of vampires. A snap decision to walk home through the woods, and suddenly Julia’s life is changed forever. This includes her introduction to Nicholas, who seems determined to protect her, and the revelation that vampires do exist. Now her world has changed, as well as her role in it, thanks to a prediction from the local psychic.
While I liked Julia, I did feel that her attachment to Nicholas was rather sudden, and at one point her reaction to his behavior seemed a little dramatic, but perhaps not entirely out of character for a 16 year old in her situation. However, I did enjoy the development of their relationship and their interactions, even as a part of me couldn't help but be interested by her interactions with Phil.
Overall, this was a compelling, action-packed book that kept me flipping pages. Definitely a promising start to a series; I am looking forward to seeing where the story will lead, and especially to learning more about Julia’s connection to vampires, not to mention learn more about Enigma.
This is absolutely a book that fans of Twilight will love. If you are looking for a vampire story with something new to offer, give this book a try.
*I won a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.
I read this because I was offered a free electronic ARC from LivingSocial's Influential Reader Program. I had heard of the first book, Wings, but only read it now, to familiarize myself with the story. I think Spells was a good addition to the series; a little bit slow moving, but still really enjoyable. I am by no means well-versed in faery mythology, but I find Aprilynne’s take on faeries really creative and different. A big part of the story is the love triangle, and I have to say that for me, this is a love triangle done right. There are good aspects to each guy, and you can totally understand why Laurel is drawn to both of them. That’s not to say I don’t have a favorite! I loved the interactions between Laurel and Tamani. By the end I was definitely curious as to what would happen in future books.The cliffhanger is very intriguing. I’m so curious to find out what will happen next, I am certain I will read the next book. I have no idea when I would have gotten around to checking out this series if I hadn’t gotten the chance to read this ARC, so I am glad I did.
Overall, I thought this was a well-written, fun, quick read, and a good sequel. I think the fantasy and romance will appeal to teenagers or YA fiction readers.
There are very few books that I classify as “must immediately get the hardcover” and I completely disregard my TBR pile in order to read. This book was one of those, and it DID NOT disappoint! Wow, this was so amazing. I think I might have loved it more that The Forest of Hands and Teeth. At first I was a little disappointed we didn’t learn more about Mary, but I really grew to like Gabry. I love that even though I’m not a teenage girl living in a post-apocalyptic zombie world, I found myself relating to her. I’m not even sure how else to review this book without spoiling anything, other than to say it is awesome, Carrie Ryan is awesome, and if you liked the first book you need to read this. It answers some questions, yet still leaves you wanting more. If you like zombie novels you will like this, or even if you like suspenseful books. For me, the only downside is going to be dealing with the wait for the next book!
I won a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. I must say, I entered to win this on a lark. I liked the title, because anyone who knows me might agree I am not what you would call a big fan of love. To be honest, I didn't know it was a Christian book. I suppose I should have paid better attention to the description. There is a lot of scripture in this book, and I do not feel like it applies to me at all, as I am not the most spiritual person. However, I can definitely see how this book would appeal to Christian young adults, what with the catchy title and cute illustrations.Perhaps my favorite chapter is chapter 25, the one regarding abuse. It is short and gets to the point--a point I think everyone, Christian or not, should take to heart.
So overall, I would recommend this to Christian young adults who need a quick, easy read about love and relationships with first-hand advice given by a Christian couple.
I’m glad I got the chance to read this book. I believe this was my first time reading a book in the faerie genre, at least as far as I can recall. I was a little unfamiliar with the back story of some of the characters, especially since it's been a while since I've read "A Midsummer Night's Dream", but regardless, I really enjoyed it. To me, this book had a Labyrinth/NeverEnding Story/Alice in Wonderland vibe to it. I liked the characters, I liked the story, and I liked the world Julie Kagawa created. It was imaginative and exciting, with a great blend of action, adventure, and romance. I am very impressed that this is her debut novel. It’s the kind of book I enjoy because you quickly become engrossed in it, and as you follow the characters on their journey it feels as if you are watching a movie. I knew I was hooked as I grew anxious reaching the final pages because I didn’t want the story to end. Needless to say, I will definitely be reading the next book in this series! I’d definitely recommend this book to YA readers who are fans of the supernatural/fantasy genre.
I must say, even though I read an electronic version of this book, I am sure I will end up buying the book because I think the cover is quite beautiful!