Book Review: The Power by Jennifer L Armentrout

March 2, 2016March 1, 2016Leave a comment

Genre:

New Adult, order Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance

Pages:

344 pages

Part of a Series?:

Second in the Titans series, companion to the Covenant series

Release Date:

February 23rd, 2016

You Can Find the Book At:

GoodReads Summary:

With any great change, there is always strife, and the Covenant University has become the frontline between pure-bloods who want the Breed Order reinstated and the half-bloods who want the right to control their own destinies.

Fate has other plans.

The violence is escalating and war between the races seems inevitable, and it couldn’t come at a worse time. Hyperion may be out of commission, but Josie and Seth know they have only earned a reprieve. Seth must get Josie fully prepared, which means controlling her newfound abilities, and they need to find the other demigods before the Titans do.

But the gods are sensing a greater threat.

Only one thing is more dangerous than a bunch of starved Titans, and that’s an out-of-control Apollyon. The aether in Josie is drawing Seth in deeper, and when lust mixes with love and gives way to power, he knows being close to her is not only dangerous to her, but to everyone around them, but letting her go requires a level of selflessness that just isn’t Seth’s style.

The paths taken in the past are becoming the roads of the future.

Just as chaos breaks out, familiar faces from the past return, complicating the already strained bond between Josie and Seth, and when the danger from the Titans erupts with devastating consequences, the dark allure of power calls to Seth again, but this time Josie might not be able to pull him back.

And when the struggle between power and love becomes the deadliest battleground, there may be no salvation.

My Review:

I was so afraid that when I went to read this book, I wouldn’t remember a thing about the first book and I was mostly right about that. I read the ARC of the first book nearly two years ago, so I had forgotten a little bit about what was going on. Luckily, the story picks up quickly and I was caught up fast. I immediately fell back in with Seth and Josie, both of whom I love to death.

What I really loved about this book was the struggle that both of the characters were going through. Seth really is trying so hard to be different than literally what he was born to me. And its a physical struggle for him and there are times when I want to throttle him and there are times when I just want to wrap him in my arms and cuddle him like a little baby. Oh, Seth, he does things to a reader’s emotions, especially since we had gotten to know him so well, as the bad guy, in the Covenant series. But I adore him, and I feel so much sympathy for his struggle, especially since he cares for Josie so insanely much.

Oh, and Josie! This is a girl after my own heart! I love her stubbornness and I love her flaws and I love how she is trying so hard to be a demigod and learn and harness her powers to get ready to fight the Titans but she’s also in love with French fries and she struggles with her feelings for Seth. I love that she’s SO incredibly human, because despite the fact that she’s this great power and she’s intended for great purpose, she’s so relatable. She reminds me of Alex that way.

Which brings me to my FAVORITE part of the whole book, the fact that we get to have Alex and Aidan back! I love the Covenant series so much, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love that series and Alex is one of my favorite characters ever, period, and that series has been so incredibly influential to me. So having them back, both evolved characters from when we knew them in their own series, but also so so…them, was amazing. Any time they were on the page, I did a little happy dance in my chair. I hope to see more of them in the next book!

And the next book! I need it now. Its called The Struggle, which is a fitting title since it doesn’t come out til NEXT YEAR. I don’t like waiting, especially after that incredible ending. I knew something big was coming but what happened was so unexpected and I am dying to find out what happens next!

All in all…another fantastic book by JLA!

Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Tuesday Top Ten – Underrated YA Book Series

April 7, 2015April 7, 20151 Comment

So I was browsing around Facebook yesterday when I came across a Buzzfeed article about the 29 Underrated YA Book Series. Of course I had to click on it.

And while I love several of the choices on that list, no rx I thought, try I should do my own list. There are GREAT series on there, but a lot of them aren’t what I would call underrated or unnoticed. Percy Jackson? Huge. HUGE. And they got two movies. Infernal Devices? Again. HUGE. All Souls? Incredibly popular and not YA right? I don’t know to be honest, I haven’t read them. I know they aren’t shelved with YA. The Chicken Soup series? Didn’t everyone have those when I was in middle school/high school? And so on.

So that brings us to today’s Tuesday Top Ten…my favorite YA series that just don’t get enough attention. Which is why I’m talking about them. So they get more attention. Because I’m just awesome that way.

Let’s do this.

Oh, I’ll add one more thing. All of these get GREAT reviews, and have received an abundance of praise and accolades and all the huge reviewers and all that love them. By “underrated” I mean, by the masses that tend to enjoy YA. The people that don’t much more than Hunger Games and Divergent and that sort of thing.

Moving on…

10. The Across the Universe Trilogy by Beth Revis

I love love love this series. Beth Revis takes humanity, sticks them on a space ship and gets them lost for centuries. Humanity has basically all but disappeared on this ship until one of the humans who was supposed to be frozen until they arrive at this “new” earth awakes…and chaos and romance and all sorts of things erupt. Its fantastic. There is just SO much about this series that is so good. I have a hard time finding people who have read it and I get so excited when I do!

9. The Covenant Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout

So JLA was on this BuzzFeed list, but with the Lux series. That series, the Wait for You series and the Dark Elements series…they’re all fairly popular. They are the ones that I feel like people talk about when it comes to JLA. But my absolute favorite of her series is hands down The Covenant series. SO freakin good! Alex and Aidan are hot as hell, they have a steamy and intense and fun romance, and their world is chaotic and full of action and drama and …more intensity. And its Greek mythology with a new twist and I love every single bit of it.

8. The Mediator Series by Meg Cabot

Meg Cabot is not exactly underrated but she has so many series that often times some of them get lost underneath the ones she’s really known for like The Princess Diaries. This is one of my absolute favorites by her. It has ghosts! And a girl who likes to beat them up when they don’t want to cooperate. And a super hot Spanish ghost that’s a really great kisser. Its just awesome. The entire series is just SO flippin good. Meg manages to write this amazing paranormal romance that also makes you laugh again and again and again.

7. The Seven Realms Series by Cinda Williams Chima

This series was actually on the list and it was one of the few that I really agreed should be on this list. I first picked up this list when my ex told me to pick out a book and I thought the cover was beautiful and then I proceeded to consume the entire series in a matter of days. Its so beautifully written and it has everything you could want in a book. It has romance and action and politics and action and humor and discovery and uncertainty and god…everything. I can’t speak highly enough of this series. Its legitimately one of my favorites ever.

6. The Gemma Doyle Trilogy by Libba Bray

UGH. God. This series. I’m meeting Libba for the first time this weekend at YALL West, and I legit can’t handle that kind of pressure. I’m going to cry or something. I actually accidentally picked up the second book first (whoops) but rectified and continued on to enjoy this beautiful trilogy. It takes place in Victorian English countryside at a boarding school that is hiding all sorts of secrets. Its so dark but funny at the same time and its full of a new kind of magic and I love every bit of it. I need a re-read of this soon actually…

5. The Girl of Fire and Thorns Series by Rae Carson

Let’s put it this way: I would not drive all the way to Vegas (about a 4 to 5 hour drive) just to meet her for one day if I didn’t think this series was that amazing. What makes this great is that its this sort of Chosen One story but the Chosen One is the last person you’d expect. Elisa is fat and uncertain and unsure and you kind sit there and think, her? Really? But its just so great. And the world building and the magic and the evolution of the main character throughout the three books…my little book loving heart just can’t handle the beauty of this trilogy.

4. The Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce

There WAS a series by Tammy on the list but I chose this one for a huge reason: its the first series of the epicness of the Tortall world. The one they chose is the third one and kind of…spoils the first two series for sure. haha. Plus let’s face it…Tammy has a handle on this YA fantasy since the early 80s and just not enough people are reading her. She’s amazing. Her writing, the characters she creates, the way she manages to keep the world of Tortall alive after so many decades…its impossible not to absolutely love her. This series is about a girl who disguises her gender for YEARS in order to become a knight, and then basically does whatever the hell she wants once everyone finds out. YES. I want to shove all of her books down all of your throats. Sorry. Not really.

3. The Airhead Trilogy by Meg Cabot

Why, yes, I did pick two Meg Cabot series. This is another one that kind of disappears when it comes to Meg. But its legitimately my favorite. Besides Princess Diaries. Because its just SO weird and bizarre and I love it. Em Watts dies…but not really. At the same time as her body dies, supermodel Nikki Howard as a brain aneurysm. Doctors save her life by implanting her brain into Nikki’s body, but she has to live her life as Nikki and no one can know that she was once Em. Its seriously the most bizarre thing ever, especially once you realize there’s so much more to it than meets the eye. And its just straight up hilarious.

2. The Unremembered Trilogy by Jessica Brody

The finale of this trilogy just released less than two months ago and I’m still reeling from it. I can barely express my emotions about it. Sigh. Anyway. This is a series that’s absolutely incredible and seriously does NOT get enough credit. I want to see more of those purple books in people’s hands. Seriously. I can’t even explain how great this trilogy is. Its like…Bourne Identity but with a super badass girl instead of Matt Damon and it has superhumans called Ex-Gens and time travel and cool technology and romance and action and its just amazing. There are not nearly enough people reading it and you guys need to be reading it. Now. Go.

1. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

I love Leigh from the bottom of my heart to the tip top of my head all the way to my little toes. She’s AMAZING and her series just proves that. She has had SUCH success with it, but its nothing to the extend that a ton of people know about it and I want to change that. Her trilogy is perfection and its such a great example of how AMAZING YA fantasy…and YA in general…can be. She’s a terrific writer and a fabulous storyteller. This is another series that needs a re-read soon because now all I can think about is how much I love these books!

* * * * * *

Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout Review

November 3, 2013November 3, 20132 Comments

Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout

You Can Find the Book At:

GoodReads Summary:

As the mortal world slowly slips into chaos of the godly kind, treatment Alexandria Andros must overcome a stunning defeat that has left her shaken and in doubt of their ability to end this war once and for all.

And with all the obstacles between Alex and her happily-ever-after with the swoon worthy Aiden St. Delphi, information pills they must now trust a deadly foe as they travel deep into the Underworld to release one of the most dangerous gods of all time.

In the stunning, thumb action-packed climax to the bestselling Covenant series, Alex must face a terrible choice: the destruction of everything and everyone she holds dear… or the end of herself.

My Review:

Please be aware while this review will NOT have spoilers for Sentinel, I cannot in any way guarantee there will not be spoilers for Half-Blood, Pure, Deity, Elixir or Apollyon. Please visit my book reviews page to read those!

I’m not sure what I expected when I was reading this book but every single thing that happened was completely not in my line of expectations. I could call Sentinel the book of plot twists. There were so many surprises at every turn that there is no way on earth I could have ever predicted how this story would go. But that was a good thing! This novel was an emotional roller coaster taking us from hot and steamy scenes between Alex and Aidan into epic battles and fight scenes to completely emotional moments that made you want to cry. Every page was a surprise, taking us further into the unexpected, and you keep reading, because you just HAVE to know what happens next.

Jennifer creates a beautiful story, to wrap up a five book series. Do you know how hard it is to write a five book series and keep an audience captivated until the very last page? Its incredibly hard, and I think there’s a lot of authors that struggle with this. This is why, sometimes, when I read series, I find myself feeling less interested and less captivated as I get further in the series. This is so opposite for the Covenant series and especially of Sentinel. I am addicted until the very last page, where tears were running down my face, in sadness, in happiness, in completely satisfaction.

She takes the story that we’ve come so familiar with in the past four novels and two novellas, and creates an ending that is both very believable and very realistic but that would make any reader of the series feel like she did right by her story and her characters. The journey that the characters take is a rough one. They must face down Ares, a vindictive, determined, extremely powerful god, and his legion of half bloods and pures and compelled mortals, as well as Alex’s Apollyon counterpart, Seth. And the direction the story takes them, all of them, is a surprise to me. I can’t say too much without ruining any of the story but the outcomes of certain characters were definitely unexpected but seemed to fit perfectly with the story, and the events that take place in this finale.

Plus, Jennifer just tells great stories. She writes an action scene, and you’re clutching the pages in excitement while simultaneously Googling how to learn hand to hand combat. She weaves humor into almost every moment in her novel, keeping us still breathing, even when our hearts are breaking. She understands friendships and family, sacrifice, and battle and war, she understands romance and she understands fear and love and bravery and selfishness and so many other emotions and she can put so many of those into the stories, and it all feels so real.

And she can write a steamy scene like no body else. She is able to write a beautiful, romantic, hot and heavy scene that leaves you blushing and wishing very much for a cold shower, but she keeps it tasteful and classy, and in a way that fits so perfectly in her young adult novels. She addresses it responsibly, of course, but she knows that two people in love, whether they’re teenagers or adults, are going to experience that sort of intimacy and she does it so beautifully. Any time that Alex and Aidan share a steamy scene, I felt myself getting more comfortable and diving in, because she is SO good at romance, and because I love Aidan and Alex, and I LOVE them as a couple.

Simply put, any fan of this series is going to be so satisfied by the end of this novel. I thought it was an incredibly fitting ending, for all of the characters, and I felt like, while there was a heartbreak, there was also hope and happiness as well. I think it wraps up the story very well, but also shows that the story can continue as well, in our own minds and hearts and I think that’s beautiful. Definitely a must read for fans, you will most definitely enjoy it!

Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

* * * * *

Exclusive Interview with Jennifer L. Armentrout!

November 2, 2013November 2, 2013Leave a comment

Happy Release Day for Jennifer L. Armentrout. Today the final book in her epic Covenant series releases, order Sentinel.

The series follows a teen by the name of Alex. Alex is a half-blood demigod, viagra buy living in a world where the halfs are worth much less than the pures. She must prove herself as a fighter, to be part of the Sentinels, or she will be forced into inescapable servitude. She soon finds out that she has more powers than she would have previously ever known and that she could have the power to change the world she lives in, if others don’t destroy it first.

Jennifer is also the author of MANY MANY other novels too, such as her sci-fi romance series, the Lux series, The Dark Elements series, and also writes romance novels and other fantasy novels under the pseudonym of J. Lynn.

She’s an absolutely amazing author, and I really enjoy reading her novels. I first discovered her when I read the Lux series back in May. I blew threw the first three books and eagerly awaited the fourth novel, which was released back in August. I am very excited to read the 5th book, Opposition, when that hits stands. It took me awhile to get into her Covenant series but I am SO glad I did. I am so ready for the release of Sentinel today, and to find out how this epic series ends.

There’s even MORE exciting things happening as well! Obsidian, the first novel of the Lux series, has been optioned to become a feature film, while the Covenant series has been optioned to be a TV show! Can’t wait to see how both of these unfold!

For now, let’s enjoy this short, but fun interview with Jennifer, herself.

Sara: Where did you get the idea or inspiration for the Covenant series?

Jennifer: I have always been interested in mythology, and I just really wanted to write a book that incorporated some aspects of mythology into the story.

Sara: How excited are you for the Covenant TV series and what are your hopes and expectations for it?

Jennifer: I am so excited about seeing Alex, Aiden and Seth on a TV series. I know that Herrick Entertainment is going to do a great job bringing the world of the Covenant series to TV.

Sara: What is your writing process like: do you treat it like an 8-5 job or do you write when you feel inspired?

Jennifer: I write every day for 8-10 hours, even on holidays. But I don’t necessarily write from 8-5. I usually write a different times throughout the day.

Sara: What is the hardest part of writing a novel: the outline, the beginning, the middle, the end, the characters, etc?

Jennifer: After I get started on a new book, the hardest part is usually the middle for me. I will skip around if I get stuck, and then go back after I’ve written some other scenes.

Sara: What are you working on right now, and what can we expect in the near future?

Jennifer: I’m currently working on a new YA contemporary, The Problem with Forever, for Disney/Hyperion. Then, I’ll be writing the fifth book in the Lux series, Opposition.

Sara: Bonus question that I ask everyone I interview, who is your fictional crush?

Jennifer: Tod from Rachel Vincent’s Soul Screamer series

* * * * *

I hope you enjoyed this short, but awesome interview! I can’t wait to dive into Sentinel today, and I’m eagerly awaiting Opposition and this new book, The Problem with Forever!

Happy Reading Everyone!

Exclusive Interview with Jewelry Designer Viviane Hebel!

October 5, 2013October 4, 20131 Comment

Its not hard to be part of the fan girl world, prescription and not run into the awesome and talented, Viviane Hebel.

Vivi Hebel runs her own business, Hebel Design, which specializes in handcrafted jewelry based on your favorite novel series like the Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, the Curse Workers and Faerie stories by Holly Black, Unremembered by Jessica Brody, the Grisha trilogy by Leigh Bardugo, the Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout and SO many more.

The first I heard of Vivi and Hebel Design is when I met Cassandra Clare back in March, and interviewed. As a gift, Cassie gave me a clockwork angel necklace, that I wear SO often. Almost exactly a month later, I met Vivi at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books when she pointed out that I was wearing her necklace. I’ve been addicted to her stuff ever since. Her family rings, rune bookmarks, and jewelry for all books are just TOO beautiful.

She’s also been featured in Huffington Post, Epic Reads, The Examiner and more!

So, of course, I had to try and get her on this blog, with an interview and I’m really excited to bring her to you guys today!

Sara: How did you get into jewelry making and jewelry design? What sort of skills did you have to learn?

Viviane: I went to college for integral design-graphic, textile and industrial. So I had my base in materials and methods. I’ve always been more interested in 3D than 2D work so it was more of an evolution for me. Some 10 years ago, I took classes in silversmithing and so it began.

Sara: How did you get involved with all these authors like Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, Leigh Bardugo, Sarah Rees Brennan, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Anna Banks, Jessica Brody, etc?

Viviane: I read Cassandra Clare’s 3 first books from TMI, what was published so far, and fell in love with the world and the Runes. I had some kind of vision and did some research before I contacted her to present my idea. There’s always been a market for movie props and replicas so I thought fans of the books would like them too. It’s been an evolving thing since then I thought of expanding to other series. So the process is the same, contacting the author and proposing my ideas. Since I’ve been in business for a bit, sometimes authors come to me with their ideas.

Sara: Where do you get your inspiration from? Do you read the books to design these pieces, or do the authors ask for something specific?

Viviane: I always like to read the book first, to get the whole context. Whenever there’s a new book in the series that is not available to read yet I have to rely on author’s descriptions. Then I try to get details of when, where, why, who…and so on.

Sara: What is your favorite part about having this business?

Viviane: Being able to create an actual piece that an author just conjured in her head. Sometimes it’s a real challenge to go from imagination to reality, I like those the most.

Sara: Was having a jewelry making business always something you had wanted to do, or did you have other career aspirations?

Viviane: As I said, its been an evolution as a designer. I like looking for new things to do. Jewelry has been the longest one so far, so many possibilities.

Sara: What is the process like when making a piece for your business?

Viviane: First, I need to visualize how it would look more or less, then sketches and possible materials. Making samples and prototypes, sometimes it stops there, sometimes production of molds and such.

Sara: What are some of your favorite books to read, movies to watch and bands to listen to?

Viviane: The list is super long. I am a big fan of fantasy, paranormal and science fiction. In movies too, I like animated movies a lot! I just love their attention to detail. Music is very eclectic, if you looked at my playlist, it has all kinds of old and new, from pop to rock to latin, country, new age. All time favorites that I never get tired of are James Taylor and Prince…Goo Goo Dolls, see a pattern here? Not really.

Sara: What are some of your favorite book-related pieces that you have designed?

Viviane: The ones that have been more of a challenge. The Clockwork Angel, the Morozova Collar, the Family rings. The Midnight Flower just came up in my head and it actually came out like I imagined. Not always it happens like that. I also like when I can reproduce exactly what’s described in a book, like the turquoise necklace. I love the new Lynburn hands.

Sara: Do you have any pieces, or new collaborating authors that we can look forward to?

Viviane: There’s always new stuff in the works…just to keep the interest up!

Sara: I ask this to all my interviewees, who is your fictional crush?

Viviane: You’re allowed to have more than one, right? Rhett Butler, as a classic, growing up. Will Herondale tops this list, but there’s so many more, I could actually embarrass myself.

* * * * *

I hope you enjoyed this interview with Viviane, and that you are able to head to her website, and check out her awesome work. I seriously want EVERYTHING, especially a stele pen and the Lightwood family ring. Her stuff is awesome.

All pictures are courtesy of HebelDesign.com

September Book Wrap Up!

October 2, 2013October 1, 20136 Comments

Okay, viagra approved I totally copied this from my fangirl best friend, Sylvia, from FanGirlFeeels, so I want to show her much credit. Check out her own September Book Wrap Up here!

I think I want to start doing this every month because I read a LOT of books in a month and I want to be able to share at the end of the month, all the books I’ve read and reviewed in one spot. Click on each book title to read my review of it!

So here we go!

Books Pledged to Read in 2013: 200 Books

Read so Far: 150

On Track?: For once, yes!

Saving Raphael Santiago by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

Elixir by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout

* * * *

What books did you read in September? What were some of your favorites, and which ones fell flat? As always, share in the comments!

Genre:

Pages:

Part of a Series?:

Release Date:

You Can Find the Book At:

GoodReads Summary:

My Review:

Rating:

10. The Across the Universe Trilogy by Beth Revis

9. The Covenant Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout

8. The Mediator Series by Meg Cabot

7. The Seven Realms Series by Cinda Williams Chima

6. The Gemma Doyle Trilogy by Libba Bray

5. The Girl of Fire and Thorns Series by Rae Carson

4. The Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce

3. The Airhead Trilogy by Meg Cabot

2. The Unremembered Trilogy by Jessica Brody

1. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout

You Can Find the Book At:

GoodReads Summary:

My Review:

Rating:

Sara: Where did you get the idea or inspiration for the Covenant series?

Sara: How excited are you for the Covenant TV series and what are your hopes and expectations for it?

Sara: What is your writing process like: do you treat it like an 8-5 job or do you write when you feel inspired?

Sara: What is the hardest part of writing a novel: the outline, the beginning, the middle, the end, the characters, etc?

Sara: What are you working on right now, and what can we expect in the near future?

Sara: Bonus question that I ask everyone I interview, who is your fictional crush?

Sara: How did you get into jewelry making and jewelry design? What sort of skills did you have to learn?

Sara: How did you get involved with all these authors like Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, Leigh Bardugo, Sarah Rees Brennan, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Anna Banks, Jessica Brody, etc?

Sara: Where do you get your inspiration from? Do you read the books to design these pieces, or do the authors ask for something specific?

Sara: What is your favorite part about having this business?

Sara: Was having a jewelry making business always something you had wanted to do, or did you have other career aspirations?

Sara: What is the process like when making a piece for your business?

Sara: What are some of your favorite books to read, movies to watch and bands to listen to?

Sara: What are some of your favorite book-related pieces that you have designed?

Sara: Do you have any pieces, or new collaborating authors that we can look forward to?

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Saving Raphael Santiago by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

Elixir by Jennifer L. Armentrout