Anathema by Megg Jensen

Book blurb via Goodreads

Forget prophecy. Make your own destiny.

Sheltered from the outside world with no hope for escape, slave girl Reychel dreads her fifteenth birthday - when her master’s symbol is burned on the back of her bald scalp. Her best friend disappears the night before, leaving her to face the branding ceremony alone. She soon discovers nothing is as it seems when people desperate for freedom beg for Reychel's help.

Can Reychel learn to believe in herself?

My review

I fell in love with the cover the first time I saw it.  I still adore it.  So when it became free on Amazon for a limited time I could not wait to download it.

I started to read it but found it a little hard to really get into the story.  I found the start of the book slow and overly detailed.  So why did I stick with reading the book? For the prose, Megg’s use of the English language is a treat all by itself.  She really does use nice words and has an ease of writing that is a pleasure to read. 

By the time the story itself gripped me, I was hooked on the prose.  It took a massively shocking betrayal to get me to get hooked to the story for real.  Reychel never acts like a 15 year old, she never faints, she never escapes her duties, and she is still very human in her doubts, her error of judgements and in her love. 

I ended up really enjoying the book and can recommend it to all YA paranormal lovers.

I give this book a 5 * review. 

About the author

Megg Jensen has been a freelance parenting journalist since 2003 and began writing YA novels in 2009. She co-runs DarkSide Publishing, is a member of SCBWI, and blogs about writing while juggling freelancing, volunteering, and family life. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two kids, and their miniature schnauzer, Ace.

For more information on Megg please visit her website at http://www.meggjensen.com/.

Book Review of The Earth Painter by Melissa Turner Lee

The Sculptor was alone. The world was gray, as it always had been.
And then the Sculptor said, “It is time…
Time for color,
Time for more,
... The beginning.”
With a word, three sculptures became aware. And they needed to paint.
There was Ocean, Sky, Land, and Life all painted into place.
Then it ended, just as quickly as it started. Then the painters were no longer needed.
But they were still…AWARE.
And it was in this awareness that the battle began. And continues.

When a self-conscious young woman discovers the boy in drama class is actually the immortal who painted the world into being, she becomes the target of another painter who could shatter not only her new sense of hope, but her world, as well.

Review 7 out of 5

After her father is made redundant, Holly Scruggs moves with her family back to her parents home town of Chesnee from Charleston. Starting at a new school is not easy and Holly is uncomfortable at making friends, so she reads her Kindle. When an error on her school schedule sends her to Drama Club, Holly is horrified. She notices a boy sitting on the stage, but no one else seems to. She finds out that Theo is an immortal who painted the world into being. When another painter targets Holly, will her world be shattered forever?

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I had read this book prior to Melissa being published, and I still think this book is AMAZING! The story is original and looks at the creation of Earth in a totally different way. What if there was a sculptor who had created the world, but he was alone, so he created the painters to literally paint the world with life?
I loved all the characters in the book. Holly is a teenager who has an overbearing mother and is always telling her that she is not good enough. Theo is the Earth painter, created to paint the plants and animals into existence. No one is supposed to notice the painters, but Theo is surprised when Holly can see him. I also especially liked Khai-Ree-Hloa-Theo, Theo's much put upon assistant painter. I felt sorry for him, because he had made one error long ago and Theo was still punishing him for it! Then there are the other painters, Fritz (Water) and Walden (Sky). The creator also made the Sciences : Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Biology and Astronomy. It's fantastic to have the sciences as people interacting with humans, who have no idea of their existence! It makes for extremely entertaining reading!
The way that Melissa has woven this story is totally magical! I was very sad when the story ended, as I wanted it to continue! Luckily it looks like there is a sequel planned, as there is mention of The Man Painter coming soon! I very highly recommend that you read this book, whether you are religious or not, because it is the most beautifully, and heartbreakingly, written piece of fiction I have read in a long time. - Lynn Worton

Book Review of The Mortal Instruments: The City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Clary is back in New York and life is good: she's training to be a Shadowhunter and is finally able to call Jace her boyfriend. But nothing comes without ...a price. When Jace inexplicably begins to pull away from her, Clary is forced to acknowledge that she herself has set in motion a chain of events that could lead to the loss of everything she loves. Even Jace.

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever...

Review 6 out of 5

Clary is back in New York, training to be a Shadowhunter. Finally being able to call Jace her boyfriend is a great relief. However, Jace begins to distance himself from Clary. He has been suffering with nightmares, which terrify him, as he sees himself hurting Clary.
Meanwhile, Simon has issues of his own. The mark Clary placed on him during the battle in Idris is an ancient one that has hidden implications.
Can Jace overcome his nightmares? Will Simon's mark become a burden and a curse?

This is the fourth book in The Mortal Instrument series. It is another fantastically well written story by Cassandra Clare that swept me away!
Clary is finally happy: Her mother has recovered from her coma and is planning to get married to Luke, and Clary is able to call Jace her boyfriend. However, Jace is putting some distance between Clary and himself due to his nightmares.
Simon is struggling to keep his secret from his mother and decides to move out.
The Lightwood's are still mourning the death of Max.
There are some more characters brought into the story: Jordan, Camille and Lilith. These characters bring even more adventure and depth to the series. A character (who shall remain nameless) makes a surprise return. The ending finished on a cliffhanger that left me gasping! I have absolutely fallen in love with this series! It has gripped my imagination and left me wanting more! Luckily, my wish is to come true, as the fifth book, The City of Lost Souls, is due for release soon. I highly recommend this book, and series, to everyone who loves to read YA/YA Romance/Action/Adventure. Lynn Worton

Reign of Blood by Alexia Purdy

I was really lucky to receive a ARC of the book Reign Of Blood by Alexia Purdy.  Let me tell you it was a absolutely AMAZING book.  A vampire epidemic has hit Sin City, Las Vegas and April, her mother, and 6 year old brother seem to be the only humans left????

April is one kick ass teenager who fights zombie like vampires instead of planning her next date or picking a dress for prom.  After a unfortunate incident she meets with Miranda, Blaze, and Rye.  Together they learn things about one another and try to work together to help benefit one another.  What is the secret behind the biological makeup of April that has everyone wanting her.  The strength that she shows gives us the promise that in times of adversary we to may have a inner warrior.  I for one would definitely love to see more Ito this story.  It would definitely be one to be placed on my watch list.  This book was a refreshing change of pace from typical vampire books that have come out with the romance taking over the thrill of having a book increase your heart rate and keeping you glued to the pages as the story unfolds without predictability.  Please please Alexia continue we this wonderful story.  Definitely a 5 star plus book and when it is released I recommend you picking up a copy.  This book is now out to purchase. ~~~Lisa

My book review of
Forever by Gillian Joy

First off I have to say I have been a very bad girl. I have 4 book reviews to write but I just received the book Forever which is the second book in the Guardian Series. It keep screaming to me cause I feel in love with Hannah in the first book Guardian. I started and finished it in an hour tell you how FABULOUS it was. This story flows right from the ...ending of Guardian we don't miss anything. Hannah and Gabriel dance with their feelings once again what is your feelings on them being together. In my heart they are destined soul-mates Hannah needs to get over what she was led to believe. Hannah gets caught up in a drama involving the fairies and it somewhat distracts her from others trying to get her attention. She is afraid of what these Crustas want with her, will it cost her, her life or the lives of others? Are her children in danger should she tell her secrets? I can't wait for book three to see the story of Hannah and Gabriel continue. Definitely 10 stars run and get your copy you will not be disappointed. Gillian is a very talented storyteller who sucks you into the intimate world that he created and leaves you heartbroken in the end cause it is over.
~~~Lisa

Book Review of Burden of Blood (Blood Burden Series) by Wenona Hulsey

A police officer in a sleepy county town..content in her denial.

She can hide her secret for only so long before an ancient grudge and the power hidden inside her burst... to life.

Dance with fierce warriors and Gothic fairies as southern tradition collides with Irish folklore. Nicole learns about love, heartbreak and The Burden Of Blood.

Review 5 out of 5

Nicole Keenan is a police officer in a sleepy county town. She is one of the best officers in the department. However, she is in denial about her secret "gift". All that is about to change when an ancient grudge catapults her into danger, and allows the power hidden within her to burst free. Her police partner, Luke has a few secrets of his own. Will Nicole be able to control her power to help the ones she loves?

This is a fantastic paranormal story that took me on a roller-coaster ride of action and adventure.
Nicole has been trying to deny and hide her ability to read the thoughts of those who plan to do harm. Undeniably, it does come handy in her line of work; As a police officer, her arrest record is impressive. She also finds out that she is the Granddaughter of a Fae Queen and a Warrior. When both her father and Kat are kidnapped to get to her, Nicole must dig deep to find the courage to use and control her powers.
Nicole is a fantastic character, full of confidence and kick-ass attitude. She is fierce in her loyalty and defence of her family and friends. She also has feelings for her partner, Luke, but she is doing her best to keep it purely business between them.
Luke is also a fascinating character. He is definitely handsome, but he has a secret of his own. He is a Warrior, sworn to protect Nicole. He also has feelings for Nicole, but respects her wishes to remain friends (for now).
There are some other characters that add depth to the story; notably Nicole's father and her best friend, Kat, and later on, the introduction of Rhys and Sage. I was a little bit disappointed as I got to the end, as I didn't want the story to finish. I am now looking forward to reading the remaining books in this series.
I do not recommend this book for younger YA readers, as there is profanity used. However, I highly recommend this book if you love a fantastic paranormal action/adventure/romance. - Lynn WortonSee More

 

Book review of Guardian by Gillian Joy
By Kim Castillo

Review 3 out of 5

First, let me say that I REALLY wanted to like this book. I started out liking the book. I thought the concept and idea behind the book were amazing, and a totally... different take on the policing of the paranormal community.

I liked Hannah until about 1/3 into the book. I stayed with the story until about 3/4 way in, then skimmed the rest of it, just to see what happens. The "triangle" (if you want to even call it that) between Jesse, Gabriel, and Hannah is lackluster. I found myself rooting for Gabriel to just give up on her. I think I yelled at Hannah in my head REPEATEDLY, to just go with the flow. But no, it's a book, and a fictional character... :).

I felt that some important parts of the book were missing. Without giving the story away too much, I felt that an entire part of Hannah's life wasn't told. And by not being told, two pretty major events just get skimmed over, and I was left confused, as there were, maybe, only 2 paragraphs that somewhat haphazardly summarized the events. I literally stopped reading the book, and just stared at the transitional paragraph muttering "WHAT?????".... Meanwhile, everyday events and thoughts were told in EXCRUCIATING detail.

By the end of the book, I was a little disgusted with Hannah, and found myself rooting for a final ending. But alas, there was somewhat of a cliffhanger, and apparently the story continues in Forever, the next installment of the series.

I hate to say this, because I LOVE series books, as well as anything Fantasy/Paranormal, but I probably won't be reading the continuation book to see what happens. I'll wait for the "CliffNotes" version and just read the summary. See More