The Sweetest Dark - Shana Abé

Titel: The Sweetest Dark
Author: Shana Abé
Series: The Sweetest Dark #1
Publisher: Bantam
Pages: 352
Publication Date: April 2, 2012
Source: ARC






“With every fiber of my being, I yearned to be normal. To glide through my days at Iverson without incident. But I’d have to face the fact that my life was about to unfold in a very, very different way than I’d ever envisioned. Normal would become forever out of reach.”

Lora Jones has always known that she’s different. On the outside, she appears to be an ordinary sixteen-year-old girl. Yet Lora’s been keeping a heartful of secrets: She hears songs that no one else can hear, dreams vividly of smoke and flight, and lives with a mysterious voice inside her that insists she’s far more than what she seems.

England, 1915. Raised in an orphanage in a rough corner of London, Lora quickly learns to hide her unique abilities and avoid attention. Then, much to her surprise, she is selected as the new charity student at Iverson, an elite boarding school on England’s southern coast. Iverson’s eerie, gothic castle is like nothing Lora has ever seen. And the two boys she meets there will open her eyes and forever change her destiny.

Jesse is the school’s groundskeeper—a beautiful boy who recognizes Lora for who and what she truly is. Armand is a darkly handsome and arrogant aristocrat who harbors a few closely guarded secrets of his own. Both hold the answers to her past. One is the key to her future. And both will aim to win her heart. As danger descends upon Iverson, Lora must harness the powers she’s only just begun to understand, or else lose everything she dearly loves.

***

I didn't read a single review before I started The Sweetest Dark which means I had no idea what kind of magic I was about to witness - and I'm so glad I didn't! I'll make sure this review contains no spoilers of any kind, including the essence of the magic.

Those nights, in the sweetest dark, we shared our dreams.

It took me a while to get into the story, mainly because I didn't like Lora - She is a vicious bitch most of the time She's just not a very pleasant person. She did grow on me, however, and the more she got involved with the other characters, the more I liked her; she stopped being annoying for the purpose of being annoying and started defending herself only when necessary. Her past is revealed bits by bits and shows a strong and determined girl whose distrust is easily understood.

I completely and utterly adore Jesse - he is amazing and his music is so beautifully described, I can hear it every time I think of him. I like Armand too, but it took me a while longer to care for him. Even though the summary makes it seem like there is going to be a classic love triangle this is not the case! The feelings between the characters are slowly developed, they seem realistic and at the same time they seem unbelievable. It's so beautiful and captivating.

The ending is perfect, yet heartbreaking and left me both wanting to read the next book right away and rereading this book all over. 

The writing is absolutely stunning! It's poetic at times, compelling and hauntingly beautiful. I loved every second I spent reading this book and I felt like I was right there with Lora, being a part of everything she went through.

I could smell the coming summer still, just as I had my first evening here, as I'd stepped from the train. It was warmer and lusher now, less a tinge in the air than a sultry blossoming. It traveled across the sea and laced through these woods. It slipped up my arms and neck and face and kissed me with the faintest hint of bitter salt.

Let's talk about the magic! It's unlike anything I have ever read about and I felt like I once again was a part of times gone by; back when someone read fairy tales out loud to me and I could dream away to the soothing voice. It was beautiful, amazing and quite an adventure. Being able to mix WWI, boarding schools, class differences, magic and love without ever making it seem unnatural or weird is some achievement. Shana Abé is a brilliant story teller and I can't wait to read the next in this series. The Sweetest Dark has my highest praises!

Winter's Passage - Julie Kagawa

Titel: Winter's Passage
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: The Iron Fey #1.5
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 49
Publication Date: June 1, 2010
Source: Bought for Kindle

Earlier in the series: The Iron Knight





Meghan Chase used to be an ordinary girl...until she discovered that she is really a faery princess. After escaping from the clutches of the deadly Iron fey, Meghan must follow through on her promise to return to the equally dangerous Winter Court with her forbidden love, Prince Ash. But first, Meghan has one request: that they visit Puck - Meghan's best friend and servant of her father, King Oberon - who was gravely injured defending Meghan from the Iron Fey.

Yet Meghan and Ash's detour does not go unnoticed. They have caught the attention of an ancient, powerful hunter - a foe that even Ash may not be able to defeat..

***

Winter's Passage is a nice short novella, telling the story between The Iron Knight and The Iron Daughter. It starts out with a summary of the last book, which is kind and great if it's been a while since you've read it and if you, like me, have a really bad memory!

I didn't really care for Meghan during The Iron Knight and frankly nothing really changed in the short story. She is so pathetic most of the time. Yes, she honors her promise and follows Ash to Winter Court, but she doesn't do anything besides whine during the entire journey. She so passive and expects Ash to do everything and take care of her. Ugh, take some responsibility! Besides, I really don't understand why Meghan left without a sweater. I mean, she knew she was going to Winter Court - was she expecting a lot of sunshine? She is freezing her ass off (obviously) only 'cause she's stupid. Sigh, I really don't like Meghan!

Ash, on the other hand, I kind of like. He struggles with his feelings for Meghan - they shouldn't be together and feelings aren't really appreciated at Winter Court. Yet, he can't stay away from Meghan. But once again she shows how dumb she is; even though he explains to her, why he has to keep a distance, she constantly questions his feelings and intentions. Ugh, I still don't like Meghan. No need for Captain Obvious!

The story is action packed and rather enjoyable. The writing improved even if it isn't as good as The Immortal Rules. It's recommendable, if you want to know more about Meghan and (especially) Ash.

When Copper Suns Fall - KaSonndra Leigh

Titel: When Copper Suns Fall
Author: KaSonndra Leigh
Series: The Lost Immortals #1
Publisher: TriGate Press
Pages: 370
Publication Date: September 11, 2012
Source: Author






It has been fifty-five years since the angels of the Apocalyptic War attempted to wipe out humanity. Now a new nation has been built where alchemy is forbidden, and angels fear for their lives as they hide among the mortals. The city’s leaders share one view on the ancestors of angels: shoot first, no questions. 

When her twin brother falls into a strange coma, sixteen-year-old Chela Prizeon vows to discover her role among these exiles, the royal angels known as the Lost Immortals. Chela’s only hope lies with the mysterious, but infuriating leader of a rebel group. But can she trust this boy, someone who can control her dreams and her heart.

Escape into a world filled with celestial creatures, fascinating villainy, high-stake choices, and forbidden romance

***

Despite the fact that I don't really like book about angels, I said yes when I was offered this book for review. It just sounded so awesome - I had to give it a try. 

I wasn't impressed by the beginning and for a while I actually thought about quitting the book - I just couldn't get into the story. Obviously the author needs the reader to know about the setting, but I just felt shot down by information about the war, the angels, the society and Chela herself. It was so confusing and I didn't connect with Chela at all. She seemed so indifferent to me and most of the time she didn't seem to care about anything but Micah. It seemed like she created trouble for the sake of trouble and I didn't get why. Actually, a lot of things happen in the beginning that I didn't understand - maybe I'm slow - but I though the setting was confusing, the protagonist was annoying and there were no plot anywhere. Not much reason for me to keep reading..

Enter Faris. Suddenly, I wanted to keep reading, keep learning about this guy. He gave Chela something to do, besides get in trouble. He gave the story depth and life. He was swell. Yeah, I really liked Faris and, as the only character in the book, I felt like I got to know him. He's awesome and he kept surprising me.

Chela matures through the book and I ended up really liking her, which really surprised med (I seriously didn't like her in the beginning!). Despite the fact that Micah is more or less a no-show, he's constantly in her thoughts and a big part of her actions and I didn't get that until the end. Well, I got the part about the coma and all, but he just pops up at weird times, I think.

There are so many different character and so many names to remember and I just couldn't do it. A couple of times I had to go back to find out who certain people was and that sucked (especially on a Kindle). But Seht and Jalen were special, important and worth remembering. I liked both of them and I loved that Chela had more than a classic love triangle. 

The angel part turned out to be quiet fantastic and even if I hadn't liked it, there is so much more going on in the story - different powers, different abilities - I loved it! The setting really has some potential once you get it.

When Copper Suns Fall has a slow start and I had to get use to the writing. It's not bad (most of the time) but every once in a while it get a bit dense. The story has a few surprises to it and it did not end the way I thought it would - I loved that! The last half of the book was amazing, filled with action, real emotions and personal growth. And even if the book doesn't end with a major cliff hanger, I'm so excited for the next book about Chela.

The Iron King - Julie Kagawa

Titel: The Iron King
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: The Iron Fey #1
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 363
Publication Date: February 1, 2010
Source: Bought






Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.
But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war.

***

I haven't read a lot of books about faeries so my expectations for The Iron King where non-existent. And yet, the book was in no way how I hoped it to be.

Meghan is the most annoying protagonist. She is pathetic, whiny and incapable of doing anything by herself. It gets better throughout the book, but she still needs to be put in extreme situations before taking any responsibility and initiative. I really don't like her! Puck is my favorite character - well, most of the time, anyway. He gets kind of annoying, because he tries to be funny, but most of the time, he really is funny. Ash is a mystery to me - I think he's supposed to be cold on the outside and deep and sensitive on the outside. I just don't buy it. He's boring, plain and simple.

And Grimalkin - the talking cat. Seriously, this book! A girl wanders in to another world, gets advice from a cat, travels through a strange and magical world and in the end, faces evil - ring any bells? This is Alice in Wonderland mixes with A Midsummer Night's Dream. But Meghan lacks Alice's desire for adventure and her courage. What could have been so awesome was almost ruined by the protagonist.

The love story doesn't do anything for me either. No depth and no real explanation as to why Meghan falls for this guy, she just does. And he's such an ass toward her, but still she wants him. Makes no sense to me! A love triangle is hinted but I don't see how that will work - Meghan shows no interest in Puck as anything but a dear friend and a love triangle isn't created unless the protagonist doesn't know who to pick. (Or maybe I missed something? Enlighten me, please).

Obviously the book has some positive sides as well. I have been rather harsh so far. I liked the writing. Julie Kagawa is an excellent writer and she makes me want to walk beside Meghan on her journey to enjoy the wonderland she created. The creatures, the surroundings and the adventures are amazing. I especially loved the iron part of the book and must admit it was the settings that made me keep reading. I will be reading the second book of the series and, fingers crossed; maybe Meghan will grow on me.

Sweet Evil - Wendy Higgins

Titel: Sweet Evil
Author: Wendy Higgins
Series: The Sweet Trilogy #1
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 453
Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Source: Bought






Embrace the Forbidden

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?
This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

***

If I don't like the protagonist, I have a very hard time liking the book which is my exact problem with Sweet Evil; I hate Anna! She is so damn annoying, way too sweet and innocent and there is absolutely no progress throughout the book. She just remains this blue-eyed little girl with a mayor crush - yawn! And the crush part I don't get - how can she fall in love with a guy, who treats her like that and who's job sucks (from girlfriend POV, probably not from Kaidan's).

Kaidan is almost as boring as Anna. He’s supposed to be the bad guy, but I just never feel it - he just seems like an ass! He treats Anna horribly and I don't get why she likes him. Seriously, the love story in Sweet Evil ain't that sweet.

I really loved Anna's adoptive mother, Patti, in the beginning. She was protective, loving and careful right up till the point where she sends her daughter of on a road trip with the son of lust. Huh? Talk about irresponsible. It doesn't seem like her at all and it's just wrong!

Kope I liked - a lot. The love triangle thingy doesn't work, but I liked his personality and the choices he makes.

I very much liked the idea about angels, demons and the different kind of dukes and I would have loved this book had Anna and Kaidan been the slightest bit interesting. Unfortunately most of the story is about their road trip. Anna's ability to see emotions as color is awesome and mostly I just really want to read the story with different main characters - I think it could have been amazing. 

I'm still considering reading the next in the series in the hope of character development. I mean, come on - you can't have that great a premise and keep destroying it with lack of character building! Wendy Higgins, I'm rooting for you :)

Shadow of Time - Jen Minkman

Titel: Shadow of Time
Author: Jen Minkman
Series: -
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 400
Publication Date: December 14, 2012
Source: ARC from Jen Minkman






All Hannah needs is a nice and quiet vacation after her first year of teaching French at a high school. She joins her brother Ben for the summer in their mom’s log cabin in Arizona. There, she meets Josh again, Ben’s childhood friend from the Navajo reservation. The little boy from the rez has grown up fast, and Hannah can’t help but feeling more for him than just friendship.

But fate apparently has something else in store for her. And it’s not peace and quiet. Night after night, Hannah is plagued by strange nightmares about the past of Navajo Nation and terrifying shadows chasing her. They seem to come closer – and why is Josh always present in her dreams?

Sometimes, the past has a way of catching up with you.

***

I wasn't fully aware of what genre Shadow of Time was before I started it. Fantasy or chick-lit?

First half of the book is definitely chick-lit and I loved it! I adored Hannah; she's funny, independents og ready for a great summer. No teenage insecurity, but a young woman capable of standing on her own two feet and she doesn't need a man to have fun. Her brother Ben is amazing and almost as fun as his sister. Josh is fantastic and even though I thought a lot about the age difference in the beginning, it's not that noticeable later on.

I like the slow romance that develops between Josh and Hannah. Nice and easy they go from being childhood friends to having their first kiss and then things escalate. They barely kissed before the words ‘I love you’ are uttered and that's just too soon, even if an explanation follows later on.

The most noteworthy part of the book was the writing. It has a nice flow and it's both vivid and riveting - it completely captured me and I'm definitely going to read whatever else Jen Minkman publishes. First half of the book vanished between my fingers in no time and I loved every bit of it; Hannah making friends, Hannah falling in love, Hannah enjoying her summer. It was so relaxing and I kept wishing for a beach and warm weather. Slowly the paranormal part was introduced into the story and it worked very well in the beginning, but at some point it just got to be too much. Too much information came at me at once about the Navajo's and Josh and even though it was thrilling, I had a hard time remembering all of it.

Still, the story of the Navajo's is very interesting and especially Josh's story is heartbreaking and merciless - I enjoy getting to know him so well. Frankly, the story got a bit too paranormal, probably because I kept feeling that the book mostly was a chick-lit and those two genres doesn't cooperate very well for me.

At some point during the story something happens that makes it impossible for Josh and Hannah to be together which makes Hannah extremely depressed. Like really. She changes completely, as if Josh was her only reason to be happy. It doesn't fit the Hannah I loved in the beginning and it just annoyed the hell out of me, pardon my French. Too much teenage drama!

The ending seems a little rushed and it’s a bit too easy. I get the message and symbolic of it, but it happens so fast compared to the enormous build-up.

The first half of the book is a sure 5 star rating, but due to the amount of paranormal stuff (in what I felt was primarily a chick-lit), the easy ending and Hannah's break-down, Shadow of Time unfortunately only gets 3 stars (well, 3,5 stars).

Side note: I wasn't aware that the book was a self-published before I read it and I haven't got the best experience with self-published books. Shadow of Time is, however, the exception - it wasn't filled with spelling mistakes, the story is coherent and it leaves no loose ends. Way to go, Jen Minkman!