The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

Where to find more info:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10215349-the-immortal-rules

Julie Kagawa: http://www.juliekagawa.com/  

                      http://www.bloodofeden.com/

Kathryn's Review 

ARC from Netgalley

First, I have to say that I LOVE Julie Kagawa.  The Iron Fey series was phenomenal and it introduced me to the brilliance of her writing.  So, when I heard she was writing a vampire book/series, I was ecstatic!  And let me begin by saying she is a GENIUS!  The Immortal Rules exceeded all my expectations and definitely ROCKED my world!
So, how does an author write a brilliant story about vampires when so many are out there today?  When I began reading The Immortal Rules, I had it set in my mind of where I thought this book was going to go.  Boy, was I soooo wrong...Nothing turned out the way I expected.  It was so refreshing to enter this world and drown in the pages that described and illustrated such a dark twisted and suspenseful tale of this new vampire world.
What is this new vampire world like?  It is not like anything I have read.  So much has happened to create a world of fear for humans and as I read each page, experiencing the lives they lead each day was depressing.  Yet, in this world, we still see hope and strength in some of the most unlikely people; which introduces us to our heroine Allison Sekemoto, Allie for short.  She is a scavenger, a fighter, a caretaker, a giver, and she is always thinking of others before herself.  But, life is not peachy and in her small group of friends, a twisted turn of events puts Allie in to the decision of her life and once she has made it, EVERYTHING changes....This is where the whole book changed for me.  It blew my mind when Julie allowed this to happen and change the life of Allie.  But, as I said before, Julie is a GENIUS and this is exactly where this book needed to go.  
Now that our heroine has had her life altering experience, we, as the reader, journey through her trials and growth.  We meet the people that will try to destroy her and the ones that will help her become the true heroine she is meant to be.  
The Immortal Rules has everything that a fantastic book should.  Brilliant writing, a dark twisted tale of vampires, conflict, suspense, growth of characters, and most of all, the feeling of longing and sadness that I made it to the end.  
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book...Just like Julie's other series, this is now on my favorites list and I am dying waiting for the next installment in the Blood of Eden series.

=SCORCHER

My Soul to Keep (Soul Screamers #3) by Rachel Vincent

Kaylee has one addiction: her very hot, very popular boyfriend, Nash. A banshee like Kaylee, Nash understands her like no one else. Nothing can come between them.Until something does.Demon breath. No, not the toothpaste-challenged kind. The Netherworld kind. The kind that really can kill you. Somehow the super-addictive substance has made its way to the human world. But how? Kaylee and Nash have to cut off the source and protect their friends—one of whom is already hooked.And so is someone else...


Where to find more info:
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7476122-my-soul-to-keep
Rachel Vincent: http://rachelvincent.com/

Shelley's Review

Wow! I don't know where to start this one. My feelings are so conflicted. I'm left angry, sad and hurting from the turns of events. As well as disappointed, shocked and remorseful...and I'm just an observer. The things that take place in this installment are at times hard to believe...meaning it's hard to accept that certain people would do what they do, in fact do and what results from those deeds is more than Kaylee and we, the reader can handle. Ok, I know. Sooo many things wrong grammatically, with that sentence, but you know what I mean. If you thought there was pain in the first two, well, get ready to feel stabbed in the back and heart, again and again, as Kaylee has to sort through what's real, what's possibly impossible and again, how to save herself and everyone around her.
  So much takes place in so little time. You don't have the chance to recover from one ordeal before you are thrown in to the next. And each turn is more...well, dramatic, intense and disturbing than the last. Plots are skimmed, people are used, and secrets and lies run rampant as the powers in the Netherworld force Kaylee and Nash to make choices they never thought they'd face. And at times, they have no choices at all. What takes place is a race against time and a powerful evil that will stop at nothing to get to Kaylee and shift the balance of the two worlds. It's all about power, sacrifice and self preservation. Who do you sacrifice in order to save those you love? And how do you live with those choices when you realize the outcome and depth of those actions? The results are to say the least, mortifying and not easily dismissed. Some things are just not forgivable...are they? Does and can love conquer all?
  The trio will have to figure out how to go back to their beginnings or find a way to move on. Once trust is broken, can you ever really get it back? How can you love unconditionally when those you you'd give your life for are the ones that hurt you most? It's heartbreaking and thought provoking.
  What I love about this series is it's not just about the fantastical world of the beane sidhe, but real life problems as well. Though these are circumstance we would never find ourselves in, we can relate to the issues that plague Kaylee and Nash as a couple, as well as her struggles to have a solid relationship with her father and deal with the ever ice cold Sophie. And again, Tod shines like a beacon, not only as an ally to Kaylee and loyal big brother to Nash, but in his ability to continue to love and protect something he can never truly have.
  Like i said...heartbreaking. I'm actually left with a bitter taste in my mouth and a sharp pain in my chest. I can only hope there is some way they can come to terms with everything that's happened and find the happiness they deserve. 

 

=FLAMING HOT

Elfin Blood by Gracen Miller

Scorned by her own kind for her half-breed elf status, Julija lives a lonely existence among her Ivory Elf kin. She is the only one the elves can trust when a magical book in elf lore is stolen. Relegated to steal the Book from the vampire thief, Landau Jamieson, she's surprised to discover he has the ability to walk in daylight. Refusing to be deterred by developing setbacks, she’s committed to executing the heist for an Ivory King who grows more desperate to possess the Book. Nothing about the vampire is as it appears and Julija begins to doubt her mission. Worse, she begins to worry she won't have the strength to guard her heart from her sworn enemy.

Landau is fascinated by the elf stalking him and baffled by the potent hunger she elicits after ten thousand years of celibacy. Soon he discovers the lovely sprite is a pawn in a dangerous game--orchestrated by none other than a reviled enemy from his past. While blind-sided by her beauty and her magical powers, the least of which is the spell she casts on his heart, the sinister plot unfolds. What started out as folly to catch a thief, blossoms into a love that casts aside bloodlines and forges all boundaries.

Where to find more info:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7031013-elfin-blood

Gracen Miller: http://www.gracenmiller.com/

Kathryn's Review   

WOW!! I am totally speechless at how riveting and breathtaking this book is...
Elfin Blood is such a great book; full of hot steamy passion that fills the reader with loads of desire and aches for the couple of Landau and Julija. This story line contains new and interesting twists to the fey and vampire lore that is out there today and it had me glued to each and every page, swallowed up by the intriguing lives of our main characters. Landau and Julija are so unique that as you are drawn in, connecting to each of them, you are enticed and mesmerized, so that, I read Elfin Blood in one sitting easily! I just couldn't put it down until I found out everything that had happened...
If you love a story that will get your pulse racing filled with action, suspense, seduction, and most of all scorching hot sex...Then get Elfin Blood now!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! 

 

 =SCORCHER

Rivals and Retribution (13 to Life #5) by Shannon Delany

A rival wolf pack puts more pressure on the Rusakova family by making a bold move against Jessie in hopes of pushing Pietr beyond the cure. Realizing the impact of Pietr’s change, Alexi rushes to find a permanent solution to the life sentence lycanthropy brings in hopes of also remedying an unexpected side-effect that may finally destroy the relationship between Pietr and Jessie. Unsatisfied with his role in the pack, Gabriel is determined to be rid of Pietr permanently. Meanwhile, at Junction High, the company’s meddling with the school food may have stopped but it doesn’t mean things have gotten easier--it is still high school. With the enrollment of the rest of the pack’s pups, new bonds are made and tested. But Dmitri’s influence is far-reaching and even pacifist Gareth must make a dark decision or risk the destruction of everything he holds dear.

Where to find more info:
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12882267-rivals-and-retribution
Shannon Delany: http://www.shannondelany.com/joomla/ 


Kathryn's Review


Well, I cannot believe this is the end...I am so sad that I will not be visiting my beloved werewolf family of Jess, Pietr, Max, Amy, Cat, and Alexi. As I sit and think about it now, my heart is aching at the loss this causes...But, with Rivals and Retribution the last book in the 13 to Life series, you can bet that Shannon Delany will make it a memorable one!!
Rivals and Retribution begins right where Destiny and Deception leaves off...And boy does it hit the ground running.  Shannon has made sure in the book we experience every bit of our glorious werewolf family; with so much action, suspense. heartache, and joy, this book has it all.
And truly, Rivals and Retribution rocked my world.  I was so captivated all the way through the book...even until the VERY END I was glued to every page!!!  I was on a roller-coaster ride of emotions; feeling worried, relieved, angry, totally pissed off (wondering exactly where Shannon was taking us on this particular story-line all the while thinking... WTH????), heartbroken, and the best one of all...HAPPY!  WOW...doesn't that all make for an exhilarating experience?
While I know this is the end, there are things that I am left wondering...I feel like some things were not closed enough for me and I also feel like there was so much packed in to this book that some of the big stuff that should have had more time devoted to it, was neglected.  
I LOVE this series....I have loved every book...and this one is just as good as all the others...Yeah, I wish there were certain aspects covered more for my benefit, but the book itself is fantastic!!  I hope that Shannon will bring us a spin off so that we can learn a little more about the aspects not closed in Rivals and Retribution and maybe even a peek in to the lives of some of my favorite characters!!

=SCORCHER

My Soul to Save (Soul Screamers #2) by Rachel Vincent

When Kaylee Cavanaugh screams, someone dies.

So when teen pop star Eden croaks onstage and Kaylee doesn’t wail, she knows something is dead wrong. She can’t cry for someone who has no soul.

The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad’s ironclad curfew and putting her too-hot-to-be-real boyfriend’s loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls: a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld—a consequence they can’t possibly understand.

Kaylee can’t let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk...


Where to find more info:
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6763961-my-soul-to-save
Rachel Vincent: http://rachelvincent.com/

Shelley's Review
I ended my review of MSTT realizing I enjoyed the book more than I originally thought. Replaying scenes and feelings they evoked, brought everything back to the surface and I had to admit, I was pretty wrapped up in Kaylee's world. Having said that, I didn't set myself up with the same high expectations as the first...well, because I'd heard from several friends this was their least favorite of the series. And I have to say, I agree with them. Still, Rachel delivers another solid read with more revelations and more danger.
We learn so much more about Kaylee's parents...why Her father worries so much about her and her gift. Much, much more about the famous brothers; Nash and Tod. And even more about Banshees, Reapers and all things Netherworld. Kaylee's family continues to struggle with the responsibilities of banshee life, as well as keeping Sophie in the dark regarding the existence of their supernatural world. This proves even more difficult after events in the first book result in Sophie's hatred for Kaylee to escalate and nothing can be done at this point to explain it all away. Or ease either of their pain.
The story brings Kaylee, Nash and Tod closer together and yet it manages to keep the brothers at odds, for various reasons. Tod's presence more prevalent in this book. He's much more likeable and endearing, especially when we get to see the softer side of him. The relationship between the brothers and their mother is often lighthearted and entertaining.
There are new and interesting characters introduced and then there are characters...ya just really don't care about at all. One of my favorite newbies is Libby, a mysterious and seriously scary reaper. I'm hoping we see more of her in future books, as well as Tod's boss Levi. Keeping with my not giving anything away motto, I won't say anymore about the two of them.
The story centers around teen rockstars Eden and Addison. Eden is one of those ya don't really care about characters, whereas Addison and her plight tear at your heartstrings and brings out that softer side of Tod I mentioned earlier.
In order to help the teen stars, Kaylee must delve further into the Netherworld where she discovers her powers are only beginning to surface. She also discovers the Netherworld is home to things more frightening than she's ever imagined. She has a lot of help along the way...some very unexpected...and she needs every bit of help she can get.
This book didn't grab me as much as the first one, but there are events that take place that solidify the seriousness of Kaylee's calling. All in all, there is enough mystery and romance and suspense to keep me intrigued and ready to see where Rachel takes us next.

=FLAMING HOT

My Soul to Take (Soul Screamers #1) by Rachel Vincent

She doesn't see dead people. She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next.


Where to find more info:
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6315602-my-soul-to-take
Rachel Vincent: http://rachelvincent.com/


Shelley's Review

This is one of those series that all of your friends boast about, but you never get around to buying. Well, for me, anyway. And then, the ever generous, Rachel Clarke aka Fiktshun, ran a giveaway for the entire series. I took a chance and entered and... WOOHOO! I WON! So yes, super excited! And then, well...they sat in my TBR for months after. Rachel, to the rescue again, set up the Soul Screamers Reading Challenge, and I had no more excuses other than prior obligations. So finally, I'm with the in crowd and here's my first Soul Screamers review...
Honestly, I don't know where to begin with this review. Did I enjoy the book? Yes. Was I blown away? No. But when a series generates as much hype as the Soul Screamers series has, you tend to set your expectations high. AND when all you read is paranormal romance, for the most part, it's hard to be surprised. Hard, but not impossible. So, here goes...I've always loved folklore. Anything with the fae, witches and points in between. Banshees are most often portrayed as terrifying beings. Not your seemingly average, everyday teen. Enter Kaylee Cavanaugh. She is such a relatable character. Smart, snarky, unaware of her own awesomeness and her "gift". Rachel's take on banshees is completely unique and as the story progresses, only gets more interesting. There are sides to this world you don't normally hear about. And that only makes it more fascinating. I'm not giving anything away to anyone new to the series, so I won't explain or elaborate on that comment, for now. Suffice to say, it's exciting and complicated and more than a bit dark. As is Kaylee's struggle to survive normal teenage drama. Throw in family dynamics, which carry over to her school life courtesy of her cousin and uncooperative housemate; Sophie, her popular but uber cool best friend and the coolest, hottest boy in said school...well, now ya got yourself a pretty compelling read.
There are many twists and turns, as should be expected, but several really surprised, if not shocked me. So many things happen to Kaylee, Nash, Tod (oh, I didn't mention Tod? Ha!), Emma AND Sophie, at times your mind is reeling (right along with Kaylee's), and you find yourself yelling, "no freaking way" and/or "OMG! Rachel did not just do that", to the point of experiencing your own panic attacks and fits of rage when Kaylee is challenged or mistreated. Those OMG moments involve everyone from Kaylee's entire family; Sophie included, as well as Emma and literally the whole damn school...and Nash and Tod. Nash and Tod? Well, those boys have a few surprises of their own. There are so many secrets revealed and so many more to uncover.
My Soul to Take has an incredible cast of characters, mostly likeable, with bold personalities and despite everything thrown at them, a wonderful camaraderie and true compassion for one another.  I look forward to continuing the series and seeing just how far Rachel takes the crew.
Maybe I am a little blown away after all. 

=FLAMING HOT

Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The searchspellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant.

Where to find more info:
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6393119-once-a-witch
Carolyn MacCullough (author): http://www.carolynmaccullough.com/ 


Shelley's Review

I really enjoyed this very smooth, easy to read story. Great characters, primary and secondary. I loved Tamsin and her snarkiness and easily related to her on many levels. I thought her relationship with Gabriel, considering their closeness as children (a bond that never really ever fades, if you're lucky enough to have such a friendship), to flow naturally, as in they were able to "pick up where they left off" and remain "thick as thieves" and then some. It's easy to believe they are destined to be together. I look forward to seeing how their relationship progresses.
Tamsin's family is at once aggravating and entertaining. Her Grandmother and great aunt often stealing the scene.
Our villain is somewhat mysterious and intriguing and in the beginning, well perhaps he still is, charming and charismatic. We shall see.
I have high hopes for Always a Witch and can't wait to get my hands on it.
Overall, this a clean, fun, fairly fast-paced read that quickly shows you the good and bad that comes with being in a magickal family. 

=SCORCHER