Waiting on Wednesday (77)

Thew Lovely Reckless by Kami Garcia

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Expected Publication Date: October 4, 2016

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads):

I’ve become an expert at avoiding things that could hurt me—which means I will figure out how to stay away from Marco Leone.

Seventeen-year-old Frankie Devereux would do anything to forget the past. Haunted by the memory of her boyfriend’s death, she lives her life by one dangerous rule: Nothing matters. At least, that’s what Frankie tells herself after a reckless mistake forces her to leave her privileged life in the Heights to move in with her dad—an undercover cop. She transfers to a public high school in the Downs, where fistfights don’t faze anyone and illegal street racing is more popular than football.

Marco Leone is the fastest street racer in the Downs. Tough, sexy, and hypnotic, he makes it impossible for Frankie to ignore him—and how he makes her feel. But the risks Marco takes for his family could have devastating consequences for them both. When Frankie discovers his secret, she has to make a choice. Will she let the pain of the past determine her future? Or will she risk what little she has left to follow her heart? 

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Raquel 

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (76)

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Expected Publication Date: November 8, 2016

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland — the infamous Queen of Hearts — she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king's marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.

Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans. 

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Raquel 

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (75)

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5) by Sarah J. Maas

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Empire of Storms is definitely one of my most anticipated books for the year. I absolutely love this series. There are so many twists and turns, you never know what's going to happen. One thing can change everything. I'm so excited for the release!

Expected Publication Date: September 6, 2016

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don't.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down? 

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Raquel 

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (74)

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Expected Publication Date: January 31st, 2017

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

Before you enter the world of Caraval, you must remember that it’s all a game . . .

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their ruthless father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the legendary, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

Then, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation to Caraval finally arrives. So, Tella enlists a mysterious sailor’s help to whisk Scarlett away to this year’s show. But as soon as the trio arrives, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nonetheless soon becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with her sister, with Legend, and with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

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Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (73)

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Expected Publication Date: September 20, 2016

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

Every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.

If only it was that simple. Katharine is unable to tolerate the weakest poison, and Arsinoe, no matter how hard she tries, can’t make even a weed grow. The two queens have been shamefully faking their powers, taking care to keep each other, the island, and their powerful sister Mirabella none the wiser. But with alliances being formed, betrayals taking shape, and ruthless revenge haunting the queens’ every move, one thing is certain: the last queen standing might not be the strongest…but she may be the darkest. 

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Raquel

Stacking the Shelves (63)

Welcome to this week's Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga`s Reviews. It features books I bought or received for review each week. It is about adding books to my book shelf whether it by physical, virtual or audio. Thanks for stopping by!

Books purchased at Chapter Indigo:

The Rose and the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh

The Mirror King by Jodi Meadows

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

I purchased some great books recently. I am still reading The Mirror King and I`m loving it. I find that I don`t make time for reading as I use it. This definitely needs to change.

I hope everyone has a good week!

Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (72)

Ruined (Ruined #1) by Amy Tintera

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This book sounds really good. I'm looking forward to listening to this book in audiobook. Luckily it will be released in the next couple of weeks so I don't have to wait long.

Expected Publication Date: May 3rd, 2016

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war. She lacks the powers of her fellow Ruined. Worst of all, she witnessed her parents’ brutal murders and watched helplessly as her sister, Olivia, was kidnapped.

But because Em has nothing, she has nothing to lose. Driven by a blind desire for revenge, Em sets off on a dangerous journey to the enemy kingdom of Lera. Somewhere within Lera’s borders, Em hopes to find Olivia. But in order to find her, Em must infiltrate the royal family.

In a brilliant, elaborate plan of deception and murder, Em marries Prince Casimir, next in line to take Lera’s throne. If anyone in Lera discovers Em is not Casimir’s true betrothed, Em will be executed on the spot. But it’s the only way to salvage Em’s kingdom and what is left of her family.

Em is determined to succeed, but the closer she gets to the prince, the more she questions her mission. Em’s rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life—and her family—on the line, love could be Em’s deadliest mistake.

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What book are you waiting for???

Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (61)

The Rose and the Dagger (The Wrath and the Dawn #2) by Renee Ahdieh

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I am SOOOOOO EXCITED for this book, it is unbelievable. The Wrath and the Dawn was honestly one of my favourite reads in 2015 so far and I know book number 2 will not disappoint. The cover is just as gorgeous as the first book. The waiting is killer! I wish the whole series came out at once.

Expected Publication Date: May 3rd, 2016

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

The much anticipated sequel to the breathtaking The Wrath and the Dawn, lauded by Publishers Weekly as "a potent page-turner of intrigue and romance."
I am surrounded on all sides by a desert. A guest, in a prison of sand and sun. My family is here. And I do not know whom I can trust.
In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once believed him a monster, but his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse—one that might keep them apart forever. Reunited with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be happy. But Tariq now commands forces set on destroying Khalid's empire. Shahrzad is almost a prisoner caught between loyalties to people she loves. But she refuses to be a pawn and devises a plan.

While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magical forces he doesn't yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie dormant within her. With the help of a tattered old carpet and a tempestuous but sage young man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true love.

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Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (57)

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Expected Publication Date: September 29, 2015

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

Game of Thrones meets Ocean's Eleven in this brand-book in the world of the Grisha by New York Times-bestselling author Leigh Bardugo.

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge.

A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.

A runaway with a privileged past.

A spy known as the Wraith.

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first. 

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Raquel

xoxo

Review: Poison Princess by Kresley Cole

Title: Poison Princess 

Author: Kresley Cole

Release Date: October 2, 2012

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Pages: 369

Source: Bought from Chapters Indigo

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Synopsis:

She could save the world—or destroy it.

Sixteen-year-old Evangeline "Evie" Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they're still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can't do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can't totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it's not always clear who is on which side.

My Thoughts:

I started reading this book in audiobook version since August 2012 (at least this is what Goodreads told me, lol). I originally starting listening to this book and I found the first part, the part with Arthur, so unbelievably creepy I could not continue with the story so I stopped. It wasn’t until the 3^rd book was being released that I decided to buy the hard copy of the book and realized that I should have continued reading it. I don’t even know how to begin this review other than it is so unbelievably good. I honestly could not wait for the times I was able read. This book was addictive, haunting, adventurous and utterly unique.

 In Poison Princess, we see zombies, militia and the apocalypse. It is like a fight to the death where the strongest and smartest will prevail. It kind of reminded me of The Hunger Games where 24 teens had to battle to the death and let me tell you, Poison Princess was utterly captivating. I have to say my favourite thing about this book is Jackson Devereax. That Cajun is one HOT boy. I love the interactions and the intense chemistry between him and Evie. It was electric and sizzling off the pages.

I loved the concept of the novel and the world the author, Kresley Cole, created. This is my first book by the author and it was spectacular. The novel was easy to read and descriptive. I found I always had a clear image of where the characters were and the surrounding area. Most importantly, I believed in the world building the author created. When I opened Poison Princess I truly believed I was in a world where there were hardly any women, bagmen and no food.

 I really enjoyed Evie’s progression in this story. In the beginning, she was very weak but by the end she grew into her own and continued to grow in strength. I think it was necessary for Evie to become stronger with how the world changed and for her to come into her powers.. There are so many lines I loved in this book; I swear half the book has a book tag on it. 

Some of my favourite lines are:

“W-we both know your life would be so much simpler without me! I am just a thorn in your paw."
He nodded easily. "And it reminds me of you - every move I make, I think of you."
My lips parted. Again I realized that he was the only thing in my life that made me feel sane, made me want to fight for a future.
"Evangeline, I've got to feel you with my every step." His shaking hand closed over my nape, squeezing. "Or I go a little crazy, me.” 

“If you touch me like that again, Evangeline,” he began in a husky tone, dropping to his seat once more, “in the space of a heartbeat, I will have you off this bike and onto the closest horizontal surface. And I woan be picky, no.” 

“Damn, cher, you still smell like a blossom. Been so long since I've seen a flower that I'd nearly forgotten what they smelled like." He took a lock of my hair, rubbing it between his thumb and forefinger. "You're dressing up and using expensive perfume? Ole Jack senses a trap. Consider me snared.” 

With lines like these, I know this series is only going to get better and better and I must say I really can’t wait to read the rest.

My Rating: 

4 out of 5 stars

Raquel 

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (56)

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This books sounds so intriguing and I love the cover. I am so excited for this book to be released. 

Expected Publication Date: May 12, 2015

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

A sumptuous and epically told love story inspired by A Thousand and One Nights

Every dawn brings horror to a different family in a land ruled by a killer. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise. So it is a suspicious surprise when sixteen-year-old Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid. But she does so with a clever plan to stay alive and exact revenge on the Caliph for the murder of her best friend and countless other girls. Shazi's wit and will, indeed, get her through to the dawn that no others have seen, but with a catch . . . she’s falling in love with the very boy who killed her dearest friend.

She discovers that the murderous boy-king is not all that he seems and neither are the deaths of so many girls. Shazi is determined to uncover the reason for the murders and to break the cycle once and for all.

Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (54)

Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Expected Publication Date: June 2, 2015

Synopsis: ( Taken from Goodreads)

In the wake of the deadly devastation of the luxury yacht Persephone, just three souls remain to tell its story—and two of them are lying. Only Frances Mace, rescued from the ocean after torturous days adrift with her dying friend Libby, knows that the Persephone wasn’t sunk by a rogue wave as survivors Senator Wells and his son, Grey, are claiming—it was attacked.

To ensure her safety from the obviously dangerous and very power­ful Wells family, Libby’s father helps newly orphaned Frances assume Libby’s identity. After years of careful plotting, she’s ready to expose the truth and set her revenge plans into motion—even if it means taking down the boy she’d once been in love with: Grey Wells himself.

Sharp and incisive, Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan is a deliciously smart revenge thriller that examines perceptions of identity, love, and the lengths to which one girl is willing to go when she thinks she has nothing to lose.

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Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (51)

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Expected Publication Date: March 3, 2015

I got the first book The Winner's Curse in audiobook and it was a great listen and I really enjoyed it. I am really looking forward to this book (which is the second book) in this series. I know it will be as good the first. 

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

Book two of the dazzling Winner's Trilogy is a fight to the death as Kestrel risks betrayal of country for love.

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement…if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them. 

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Raquel 

xoxo

Review: The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Title: The Young Elites (The Young Elites #1)

Author: Marie Lu

Release Date: October 7, 2014

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Pages: 355

Source: Bought from Chapters Indigo

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Synopsis:

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all. 

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen. 

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. I really needed to know what was going to happen next. It was fast paced; something was always happening and that made it very interesting for me. I mean, in a world where you get the blood fever then if you survive you (more than likely) get superpowers is out of the ordinary and I loved the concept. It sparks so many questions like why do some people get marked and others don`t? Why do people get the powers they do and etc.

In The Young Elites, Adelina is physically and emotionally abused from her father and this scarred her. She does not want to be used. Majority of the time all she feels are negative emotions:  anger, hurt and most of all hatred towards everyone who have used her. I have to say my favourite quote in the book:   “To love is to be afraid. You are frightened, deathly terrified, that something will happen to those you love. Think of the possibilities. Does your heart clench with each thought? That, my friend, is love. And love enslaves us all, for you cannot have love without fear.” Perfect!

Adelina as a character was very different to me. She was fragile yet strong, scared but determined, good but evil growing inside of her. She is unpredictable and sometimes you really didn’t know what she would do. Adelina and her powers are a variable hardly anyone could control; even she could not control it. I found myself feeling for Adelina.  I mean I am not saying I condone some of the things she did but I can definitely understand her a little. There are a lot of plot twists in this story and the end nearly broke my heart. This story grabs your attention. The story is kind of told from the villain`s POV which is unique.  I’m not sure if I have read a book from a villain’s POV but it sure is interesting to see how they think.

After reading the epilogue all I have to say that the next book is going to be awesome with some new characters joining in. I really NEED the next book. October is such a long time to wait *wails**

My Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (49)

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Expected Publication Date: February 10, 2015

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers.

To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.

Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of
those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.

But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win?

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Raquel

xoxo

Review: Ashes and Ice by Rochelle Maya Callen

Title: Ashes and Ice
Author: Rochelle Maya Callen
Release Date: February 4, 2013
Publisher: C&C Legacy Publishing
Pages: 294
Source: Bought from Amazon.com



Synopsis:
She is desperate to remember.
He is aching to forget.
Together, they are not broken.
But together, one may not survive.

​Jade wakes up with no memory of her past and blood on her hands.

Plagued by wicked thoughts, she searches for answers. Instead, she finds a boy who doesn't offer her answers, but hope. But sometimes, when nightmares turn into reality and death follows you everywhere, hope is not enough.

LUST. LOVE. LOSS. Sometimes, all that is left are Ashes and Ice.

My Thoughts:

When I first read the synopsis of Ashes & Ice, I was very interested and I wanted to find out more about it. Well, this book did not disappoint. I thought it was magical and enticing. The book always had me guessing until the end about what was happening to Jade and why she sometimes acted the way she did. I found it to be very different than anything else I have read before and that is what I loved about it most.

I found the beginning to be a little slow at first. In the beginning, I found I liked Connor’s point of view more. I can feel the depth of his pain and had tears in my hands because I was feeling everything he was feeling. I really liked that they were alternating chapters of Jade and Connor’s point of view. I found I got to know them both more. On the other hand, just when I was getting into, for example, Connor’s point of view the chapter would end and change to Jade’s. Due to this, I felt like some chapters were cut short and it left me a little frustrated.

I absolutely loved the writing. The author has a beautiful way of connecting words together. It is breathless. There is something so honest about it and it left me wanting more.

I liked how with Jade, because she doesn't remember anything, she has to learn small things all over again. Small things we take for granted, for example, Eskimo kisses, is something so significant to Jade and the story line. Small things or incidences make the story.

What I loved most about this story? Love is the be all and end all. Love is what saved Jade from going dark numerous times. Jade could be evil, really evil, after all she is the daughter of a devil, and love is what saved her from dooming the world. I strongly believe that love will continue to be the one thing that will keep Jade on the good side.

This book was a great start to a series and I am looking forward to reading more from the author.

My Rating:

4 out of 5 stars