Brad About Books: Fragile Spirits by Mary Lindsey

Read from December 2 to 3, 2013

FRAGILE SPIRITS
Expected Publication Date: January 23, 2014
Publisher: Philomel (Penguin)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 311 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Series: Souls, #2

This review is entirely spoiler free, even if you haven't read book one, Shattered Souls.

Fragile Spirits is an electrifying, superb sequel that is sure to capture readers with the high stakes and epically great romance scenes Lindsey has crafted. Even better than the first book!

I thought that Shattered Souls was a great paranormal read, but Fragile Spirits was truly special. I loved getting to see Paul's side of the story, and his story was so enthralling and captivating. He's had to deal with so much change, but Lindsey does a spectacular job at crafting his character together to make him one of the most coolest male protagonists I've ever read about. And when he's matched with Vivienne, a rebel who doesn't care and never does anything she's told to do, their pair is odd and awkward, but as Fragile Spirits progresses, they grow to become an unbreakable bond and a force to be reckoned with. Such a marvelous sequel!

So many secrets! So much betrayal! Kidnapping and a vicious spirit on the loose makes for a brilliant story, and it's impossible to put this book down! It's fast-paced and action-packed - Fragile Spirits had me in its grip from start to finish. If I wasn't reading it, it was the only thing on my mind. Shattered Souls was great, but Fragile Spirits was phenomenal. Everything from the powerful bond that Paul and Vivienne share to the sinister spirits that lurk in the darkness, Fragile Spirits is a powerful sequel that shines bright.

I loved how Mary Lindsey crafted together the spirits and otherworldly creatures! I thought that they were eerie in Shattered Souls, but the spirits in this novel are the definition of creepy. They're wicked, they mess with your mind, and they haunted me late into the night as I was turning these pages as fast I could. I adored this sequel so much. Truly, truly one of a kind!

Overall, Fragile Spirits is a sequel that not only delivers, it exceeded all of my expectations. Mary Lindsey has nailed it again!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Warrior by Ellen Oh

Read on September 29, 2013

WARRIOR
Expected Publication Date: December 31, 2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
Format: ARC
Page Count: 327 pages
Source: Received for review in exchange for an honest review
Series: Dragon King Chronicles, #2

This review is entirely spoiler free, even if you haven't read book one, Prophecy.

Warrior is, simply put, incredible! With so much more action and tension between the characters, it's impossible not to love this book. Ellen Oh has done it once again! 

I loved Prophecy, but wow, Warrior blew it out of the water! With Kira's circumstances shifted due to the end of Prophecy, her life has changed, but with this changed life comes more responsibilities and more betrayal. Chaos rules over Hansong, and Kira has to mature even more in this sequel. I didn't even think it was possible for Kira to become more kick-butt and awesome than she was before, but Oh definitely pushed Kira to her boundaries, and I really appreciated that! You know the dreaded Sequel Syndrome (when a sequel doesn't live up to expectations made because the first book was so epic)? It passed completely over this series' head. Warrior is easily one of my favorite sequels of all time!

Ellen Oh is a master of action scenes. Seriously, every page will have you in its clutches until the very end - I didn't ever want to put this book down. Right from page one, action flies off the page, and believe me when I say that the action never stopped (and we can't stop, and we won't stop). Treason lurks everywhere Kira looks, and she's got a team of people standing by her side, willing to face whatever comes with her. I love a story with a great protagonist, but a great story includes incredible side characters as well - the Dragon King Chronicles has the best of both worlds with its characters. Each character is important and plays a vital role to the story. I am truly astonished by this series! Fantasy lovers, this series is a must read. Packed with the right amount of action and a heroine that will blow you away, Warrior has it all. Incredible in every sense of the word!

I was so nervous to see how this book would end. The stakes are kicked up to a notch I couldn't even fathom, but it makes for one epic story. From start to finish, Warrior will consume your mind - even long after you've turned the final page. That ending was brilliant. I didn't see that coming, but once I got to the end, my mouth had seriously fallen open. I adored everything about Warrior. I need the third book like crazy! SO excited to see how it all concludes!

Overall, Warrior shouldn't be missed. Warrior is a sequel that will be the only thing on your mind. Mesmerizing!

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Brad About Books: Prophecy by Ellen Oh

Read on June 12, 2013

PROPHECY
Published: January 2, 2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 312 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: Dragon King Chronicles, #1

The greatest warrior in all of the Seven Kingdoms... is a girl with yellow eyes.

Kira’s the only female in the king’s army, and the prince’s bodyguard. She’s a demon slayer and an outcast, hated by nearly everyone in her home city of Hansong. And, she’s their only hope...

Murdered kings and discovered traitors point to a demon invasion, sending Kira on the run with the young prince. He may be the savior predicted in the Dragon King Prophecy, but the missing treasure of myth may be the true key. With only the guidance of the cryptic prophecy, Kira must battle demon soldiers, evil shaman, and the Demon Lord himself to find what was once lost and raise a prince into a king.

Intrigue and mystery, ancient lore and action-packed fantasy come together in this heart-stopping first book in a trilogy.

One girl will save us all.

Prophecy is an action-packed, epic tale that delivers with an awesome protagonist and an unforgettable story. Everything about Oh's debut blew me away - right from page one, I was entangled with Kira's world, and I loved every second of it! One of my new favorite fantasies!

I love fantasies so much, and Prophecy did not disappoint by any means. Prophecy brings a fresh and unique take on YA fantasy that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I was so enthralled by this world, I couldn't ever put this book down. With action that flies off the page and a heroine worth rooting for, Prophecy is one killer story. Every chapter brings something new that will have the reader further invested into the plot than before, and the suspense that the novel gives will leave your jaw hanging open. Everything about Prophecy is incredible - I highly recommend it! It's incredible!

Kira... oh gosh, how I loved Kira! She's an outcast, though she saves those that hate her most. I connected to her right away - not just in sympathy (though I did connect to her in that way as well), but just in her character as a whole. She's determined, fearless, but she definitely has her flaws, and I really appreciated that compare and contrast between her character development. She has a rough journey to go on in Prophecy, and the reader experiences it with her through thick and thin. Oh did a terrific job at bringing this vivid, cruel world to life to travel with Kira through. In short, Kira was just such an awesome heroine to go on this fantastic quest with. Katniss Everdeen better watch behind her back - Kira is an epic protagonist!

The world-building of Hansong was one of a kind. It's so complex and rich, it's irresistible. World-building is a major part of any novel for me, and I adored Hansong. There's so many dark depths and astonishing levels to it - Hansong is one of the best crafted worlds I've ever read about. Not only does Prophecy have a phenomenal protagonist and marvelous world-building, it has a certain light to it filled with action, hope, and epic proportions of betrayal and romance. Amazing!

Overall, Prophecy has quickly become a favorite read of mine. From its dark villains to its brilliant quests to venture on, you won't be able to put Prophecy down!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

Read from November 20 to 22, 2013

SHATTERED SOULS
Published: December 8, 2011
Publisher: Philomel (Penguin)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 326 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: Souls, #1

Love.

Death.

Destiny.

Danger.

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

Shattered Souls is a sensational, irresistible novel filled with a sweeping romance and a writing style unlike any other. Shattered Souls is intoxicating!

I read Mary Lindsey's Ashes on the Waves earlier this year, and I was very eager to read another novel from her - and just as I was expecting, I was blown away! Lenzi was such a great character. When she discovers who she truly is, she's fearless and ready to take on whatever comes at her. I loved having a strong protagonist to accompany this epic story, and believe me when I say that Shattered Souls is a very epic story. Each page will have you on the edge of your seat, and the secrets and betrayals that Shattered Souls reveals are beyond amazing. If you're craving that paranormal read that will completely consume you, Shattered Souls is that book.

So. Much. Action. With a spirit out to kill Lenzi, the boy she's been dating for awhile and the boy who has been chosen to protect her out for her heart, and the voices in her head that can't be silenced, it's impossible to put down this book. Lindsey is a master at suspense and thrilling scenes, and Shattered Souls is proof of that. I was so captivated by this novel, I never wanted to put it down. Everything about Shattered Souls is one of a kind, and I honestly can't recommend it enough. 

The ending! The last 75 pages of Shattered Souls are so fast-paced and climatic; when I got to the very end of the novel, my mouth had seriously fallen open, but I couldn't contain myself from turning the pages as fast as I could. I fell in love with Shattered Souls, and it has easily become one of my favorite paranormal reads.

Overall, Shattered Souls is a dazzling read that will enthrall you from start to finish. Marvelous!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Read on July 9, 2013

THESE BROKEN STARS
Published: December 10, 2013
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Format: ARC
Page Count: 374 pages
Source: ALA
Series: Starbound, #1

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone. 

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help. 

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

--

A timeless love story, THESE BROKEN STARS sets into motion a sweeping science fiction series of companion novels. The Starbound Trilogy: Three worlds. Three love stories. One enemy.

These Broken Stars is a dazzling, timeless love story with the right amount of romance and sci-fi. Kaufman and Spooner nailed it with this one - I absolutely adored this novel! A new favorite of mine!

I am a huge fan of sci-fi novels, and These Broken Stars was amazing. The idea of setting it on a lavish spaceship, then everything being torn to bits, leaving two starcrossed lovers to defend from themselves on unknown territory blew me away - I devoured These Broken Stars so quickly. The writing, the characters, the world-building, they all intertwined so well to create a one of a kind story that is both equally unique and epic. This book is a must-read!

Lilac and Tarver make such an outstanding couple. They both each have their flaws - there are some moments in These Broken Stars when their true sides are shown, and I really appreciated that we got to see these characters for who they really are - but when they join forces, they are unbreakable. And I adored how These Broken Stars didn't have instalove. Lilac and Tarver never knew each other until they were stranded together, and they learn about each other in a slow-building, emotion-packing way that shows Kaufman and Spooner's talent at character development. If you're needing a book that will have you completely enthralled, These Broken Stars is for you. I can't express how awesome this book was!

The way this book was structured was incredible. We have many overlapping stories going on at the same time, but when the ending of the book rolls around, they all intertwine and connect to each other so well. My mind was blown at the way all the loose ends were tied up. I couldn't ask for any more from These Broken Stars. With epic characters, a wonderful writing style, and a masterfully structured plot that was executed fantastically, These Broken Stars was beyond phenomenal.

Overall, These Broken Stars is one of a kind. I lost myself completely to this book - luckily, I never wanted it to end. So amazing!

M Y    R AT I N G

Brad About Books: Vitro by Jessica Khoury

Read on November 30, 2013

VITRO
Expected Publication Date: January 14, 2014
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 384 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

A death-defying tropical adventure delivers a frightening message about dabbling with creation from the talented author of Origin.

On a remote island in the Pacific, Corpus scientists have taken test tube embryos and given them life. These beings—the Vitros—have knowledge and abilities most humans can only dream of. But they also have one enormous flaw.

Sophie Crue is determined to get to Skin Island and find her mother, a scientist who left Sophie behind years ago. She enlists hunky charter pilot Jim Julien to take her there. But once on the island, Sophie and Jim encounter more than they bargained for, including a charming, brilliant Vitro named Nicholas and an innocent, newly awoken one named Lux.

In a race for their lives, Sophie and Jim are about to discover what happens when science stretches too far beyond its reach.

Vitro is an action-packed, epic sophomore novel from Jessica Khoury that bended my mind and had me completely enthralled with Sophie and Jim's story. Hands-down one of the best sci-fi novels I've ever read!

I absolutely adored Khoury's Origin, so I was very eager to dive into her latest novel, and I have to say that I wasn't disappointed! Most sci-fi/paranormal novels play on the subject of trying to push the boundaries, but what I loved most about Vitro was that it talked about the aftermath of what happens after the boundaries are exceeded. It's a fresh, unique spin on the sci-fi genre; Jessica Khoury nailed it with Vitro! Electric and stunning, Vitro is a must-read for fans of The Madman's Daughter and For Darkness Shows the Stars. Truly one of a kind!

Sophie and Jim are such awesome protagonists. Sophie is a determined, fierce leader who isn't afraid to fight for what she believes in, and I really appreciated that about her character. She's headstrong (sometimes against her own better judgement), but I can't deny that she is an epic main character. And Jim supported her and balanced her out so well! He wasn't the kind of guy who would abandon or turn a blind eye when Sophie needed help; needless to say, both of these characters were fantastic. Jessica Khoury has easily became one of my favorite authors!

Needing something fast-paced that will have you turning pages late into the night? Vitro is a fantastic choice. Each scene brings something to offer, and they all tie together as one big arc of an epic story that is unputdownable. I never wanted to set Vitro down for a minute - it consumed my entire mind. Vitro didn't disappoint, and it has quickly become one of my favorite books. 

Overall, Vitro is a fast-paced, pulse-pounding read that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Brave, bold, and original, Vitro is a gem that shouldn't be missed!

M Y     R A T I N G