*Gizmo's Book Review* Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris

Series: Midnight, Texas # 1
Publisher: Penguin/ACE
Released: January 1, 2014
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback, 384 pages
Genre: Paranormal, Mystery

Welcome to Midnight, Texas, a town with many boarded-up windows and few full-time inhabitants, located at the crossing of Witch Light Road and Davy Road. It’s a pretty standard dried-up western town.
There’s a pawnshop (someone lives in the basement and is seen only at night). There’s a diner (people who are just passing through tend not to linger). And there’s new resident Manfred Bernardo, who thinks he’s found the perfect place to work in private (and who has secrets of his own).

Midnight Crossroad is the first installment in the Midnight, Texas trilogy by author Charlaine Harris. Harris has created a small Texas town that if you blink, you'll miss everything the town has to offer. This town is not unlike a certain Central New York town affectionately called Podunk, where I've driven through hundreds of times, but never once thought about the people who called it home. Midnight is a town where the mundane meets the paranormal. There is the cafe where everyone eats at. The gas station where everyone buys gas. The pawn shop where the strange and unusual do their business.

It's also the place where psychic Manfred Bernardo, formerly of the Harper Connelly series, has decided to call home after losing his grandmother Xylda, also a guest in the Harper series. It is a town where there are way too many secrets, and nobody is willing to speak about what the town hides within its limits. Midnight is home to pawnshop owner Bobo Winthrop, witch Fiji Cavanaugh, energy vampire Lemuel Bridger, Olivia Charity, and Reverend Emilio Sheehan just to name a few of the main characters Harris tells her story through.

I will say straight out of the box that Midnight Crossroad is more of a mystery novel, than one steeped in the paranormal. It is the story about what really happened to Bobo's ex-girlfriend and why a group of right wing lunatics continue to harass him and cause him trouble. I do believe that not one of the town's residents hasn't got a secret or two they don't want exposed. I still have no clue what Olivia really does for a living, or why she travels all over the country. I do know that if you put her together with Lemuel, you get a dynamic duo that is willing to keep the town's secrets hidden from the outside.

My one true complaint about this story, and others may not feel the same way, is Harris's determination to continue to blame everything on right wing groups acting on their violent political beliefs. Not unlike the Sookie Stackhouse series, this particular storyline affects everything that Bobo does. One has to ask Harris if her politics is a bit clouded on this aspect, or why she doesn't look at other militant groups who do worse things than those depicted in this story, including destroying the Twin Towers on 9/11 that killed one of my relatives, and those I went to school with.

In closing, Midnight Crossroad is made rather interesting by the appearance of a speaking cat. I will fully admit that I was giggling like a school girl whenever the cat made an appearance. I wish there was more about Manfred, and less POV's. Often times, the POV's change paragraph to paragraph which left me a bit confused. So, yes, I will be reading the sequel Day Shift since the publisher kindly sent me a copy. I'm also happy that apparently this series is a trilogy and not longer than that.

Other Books in Series:

*Gizmos Book Review* Claimed by Sarah Fine

Series: Servants of Fate # 2
Publisher: 47North
Released: March 24, 2015
Source: NetGalley
Format: e-book, 332 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance

*Book Blurb*

Galena Margolis, a brilliant scientist with a tragic past, is determined to fulfill her destiny and develop the vaccine that could save millions. Yet when Galena’s test subjects meet with foul play, it’s clear that someone is still determined to stop her, and that Galena herself is a target. As the Ferry empire forges a plan to keep her safe, Declan Ferry, the politics-hating black sheep of the family, steps forward to protect her—but the emotional cost may be more than either of them is willing to pay.

As unknown enemies close in, it becomes terrifyingly clear that they threaten to destroy not only Galena’s lifesaving work but also the very fabric of fate. As Galena and Declan race to uncover the traitor, they also forge a special bond that could save both Galena and those she’s sworn to help. Torn apart by the past and hunted by those she trusted, can Galena find room amidst her fears for a passion that could make her stronger than ever? And even if she and Declan can find their way together, will it be enough to keep the future from coming apart at the seams? 

Claimed is the second installment in the Servants of Fates series by Sarah Fine. This time around, Fine tells her story through Galena Margolis, the older sister of Eli Margolis, and Declan Ferry, the older brother of Cacy Ferry who we met in Marked. I will say this folks, Fine knows how to write romantic stories, and characters that you can easily understand and cheer for.

Galena Margolis arrived in Boston with her brother Eli to continue her research in changing the world. Her vaccine may save millions of lives, but there are those who are willing to do anything they can to stop her before her vaccine is released into the world. Galena has already faced death in the face, and thanks to Declan's actions, was saved. Now, she's being giving another challenge; be claimed by Declan so that those who are out to kill her, will have a harder time of it. Galena hasn't exactly had a fantastic life and I am glad that Fine catches readers up with what happened to her 2 years ago, and why she's so shy about being around others, including Declan. Although I totally hate the idea of using rape in a story, I think Fine did a fairly respectable job of not covering up the horror of what Galena faced, or her challenges of putting the entire event behind her.

In Declan Ferry, Fine has created one of the most amazing male characters that I've had the pleasure of reading in a very long time. I dare say that my rating is based on Declan's ability to prove that not all men are out for sex, or to claim their next mate by use of arrogance, angst, and he man hero bullshit that others in the PNR genre thrive on. Declan lives like as he wants to. Even though he's Chief Paramedic, and also responsible for guiding souls to the Afterlife destinations, he doesn't play the political games, and isn't out to make himself richer than he already is. He doesn't want any part of his family's business, and has tried to live up to his fathers last words; "Protect her (Galena) and you protect the future." Kind of hard having that much responsibility fall on ones shoulders, but Declan never once hesitates, or waffles, or makes up excuses for what he's doing.

I have to say that I really loved the romance between Declan and Galena. Declan was not out to push Galena into anything, but made her choose when and where she would finally get over her reluctance and hesitation to be touched and loved. The couple slowly inches their way into love, which is how I like my romances. I do believe that both characters deserve the happiness they've found despite all the heartache, and trouble that has been forced on them.

Claimed really does follow in Marked's footsteps. You can't really know what's happening in Claimed, or who the characters are, unless you've read Cacy and Eli's story. Everything that happened in THAT book, continues in Claimed. Cacy, Eli, Aislin Ferry, and Jason Moros all return in Claimed, and even though their parts are smaller, Cacy and Eli's participation does matter, and so does Rylan's. Things have definitely gone a bit darker in this installment with someone playing with Moros's Kere's and focusing a whole lot of attention on Galena.

I definitely look forward to the next installment in this series called Fate which is supposed to release later on in 2015. Fine's world is on the brink. There are more time bombs just waiting to go off for the next cast of characters to deal with. The cliffhanger ending kind of gives you an idea of who we will be reading about next. We definitely need more of Jason Moros, and what is happening to his Kere's.

**I received this book for free from (47North) via (NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**

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*Stacking the Shelves & Weekly Roundup 04/11/2015*

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course eBooks!

Hello all you book lovers and fiends! Did you notice that Harper dropped a few titles on Edelweiss today? Yes, they did! This took me by surprise since the last time they dropped titles was back in January. Hopefully you will find something you can add to your TBR pile this week!

The Week in Reviews:

 Little Peach by Peggy Kern (YA Contemporary)

The Fire Sermon (Post-Apocalyptic) 

 Bound by Flames by Jeaniene Frost (PNR)

 Salt & Stone by Victoria Scott (YA)

Awakening by Shannon Duffy (YA Dystopian)

 Dark Heir by Faith Hunter (Review, Excerpt)

Claimed by Sarah Fine 

Week of April 12 Books To Read & Review: Subject to whimsical changes by me!

Monday - Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris

Tuesday - Black Dove, White Rave by Elizabeth Wein

Wednesday - Sisters of Blood and Spirit by Kady Cross

Thursday - Don't Stay Up Late by R.L. Stine

Friday - Vengeance of the Demon by Diana Rowland

Saturday - Twist by Karen Akins

Received via Edelweiss and NetGalley

    

    

    

    

Library Books

    

Amazon Deals of the Week:

      

*Book Review & Excerpt* Dark Heir by Faith Hunter (UF)

I'm always happy to be invited to one of Let's Talk Promotions blog Tours, especially when

it comes to Faith Hunter and her Jane Yellowrock series. I adore this series! I love Jane, and her family like connection to Eli, Alex, and now Bruiser. I love that everything is connected and the series gets better and better by the book! Today, I am doing a review and an excerpt. Today is also the last day of the blog tour. If you haven't caught up with the other participants yet, the link is below:

See the rest of the tour stops here:

The DARK HEIR tour stops are listed here: http://www.ltpromos.com/2015/03/03/faith-hunter-on-tour-for-dark-heir/

Series: Jane Yellowrock # 9
Format: Paperback, 364 pages 
Release Date: April 7, 2015
Publisher: Penguin/ACE
Source: Publisher
ISBN: 9780451465962
Genre: Urban Fantasy

*Book Blurb*

For centuries, the extremely powerful and ruthless vampire witches of the European Council have wandered the Earth, controlling governments, fostering war, creating political conflict, and often leaving absolute destruction in their wake. One of the strongest of them is set to create some havoc in the city of New Orleans, and it’s definitely personal.

Jane is tasked with tracking him down. With the help of a tech wiz and an ex-Army ranger, her partners in Yellowrock Securities, she’ll have to put everything on the line, and hope it’s enough. Things are about to get real hard in the Big Easy. 

Dark Heir is the NINTH installment in the Jane Yellowrock series. Jane is a Cherokee skin walker who operates Yellowrock Securities. She hunts down bad vampires and has had her hands full since arriving in New Orleans and learning more about the Mithrans and their long game. Working with Fangheads isn't a job for just anyone, and Jane has gotten into a few deadly scrapes working for Master Fanghead Leo Pellisier who I still can't figure out.

Dark Heir continues the series storyline about the pending arrival of the European Mithran Council in New Orleans and the politics they play. If you are a fan of this series, you will notice that certain threads have a habit of showing up in the next book. On top of all this worry, is the escape of a very powerful vampire who Jane has faced once, and left standing. This vampire has more than an agenda on his mind, and it will take all of Jane's attention in order to bring him down. I dare say that this book has one of the highest bloody counts of the entire series. 

Dark Heir is a book filled with deception, betrayal, dark secrets, politics, and Jane's conscious perhaps getting the best of her. However, I don't see a problem with Jane questioning her actions, or blaming herself for some silly mistakes she's made since working for Leo. She's come to terms with Beast, and now has some nifty abilities, but she now has to accept that not everything she does is going to be looked upon favorably. Roll with it, Jane! She needs to accept fully that she was meant to be a Warrior Woman, and rock some vampires asses! 

Let's talk nitty gritty, shall we? Jane and the Younger Brothers, Eli and Alex have come a very long way in such a short time. At this point, they are as close to a real family as they can be. Their interactions and the way they care for each other is wonderfully done. I love the sarcasm and snark and humor that is written between the characters, especially Eli and Jane. I love that they have also accepted that Jane is different and that she changes into Beast from time to time. I also love that Beast and Jane are connected like never before. This prevents lots of silly angst, and gives Jane/Beast some powerful new abilities.

Shall we talk romance? We shall! Jane has a new-ish beau and his name is Bruiser. If you don't know who Bruiser is, go back and read this series from the beginning! I love the relationship. It is so much more entertaining than Jane and the annoying lamb who needs to be slaughter, Ricky Bo. Yeah, unfortunately Ricky makes a guest appearance. Just enough to get a rise out of me, and Jane. Yet, it is Bruiser who stands alongside Jane, Eli, and Alex to take down Leo's mistake. 

I will say that I am requesting that Hunter remove a few traitorous vampires from this series, ASAP! I do believe that several of them have taken up all the attention span I can afford to give to them. I'll mention Arianna as one of them, and move on. My other concern is what is happening to Molly. Molly has her ups and downs again in this installment, and I do hope with that ending, that Molly is once again on a good track. There is good and bad when you add more characters to the series. You really can't trust any of them not to stick a knife in your back, or try to fry you within an inch of your life.

In closing, I'm very appreciative that Let's Talk Promotions reached out to me for yet another Jane Yellowrock blog tour. They really do come through for bloggers and reviews in the pinch and are easy to work with. Thanks, Ladies! Hopefully I'll see you again when book # 10 comes out!

Excerpt

Dark Heir excerpt #14

Pinkie pulled a ring of keys from a pocket and held them close as she read the labels. Starting at the top, she unlocked each padlock, bending back the metal strips as she worked. The metal wasn’t overly pliable, and it groaned as it was bent, but tiny little Pinkie was a lot stronger than she appeared.

When the door was unlocked, she indicated that it was ours to open. Eli slipped in front of me, knelt, and pulled a small light, checking all around the edges for . . . I had no idea, not in such an old room, but Mr. Paranoid didn’t heal as well as I did, so I let him take whatever precautions he wanted. Once he was assured it was safe, he stepped back and I took the old metal knob in my hand, feeling the lines that had been etched or pressed into the metal when it was made, leaves, I thought, or a fleur-de-lis. Then I thought about a shotgun set up to fire when the door opened, and I stepped to the side. Eli and Pinkie both stepped to the other side, as if reading my mind. I twisted the knob, which made a dry, creaking sound, made much worse as I pushed on the door, swollen into place, wood against wood. I set my shoulder to it, the door groaning like a human dying, still thinking about the possible shotgun. But no gun went off.

The smells that rushed out of the dark, overheated room were mice, damp, mold, old wood, rotten linens, old blood, and . . . dead vamp.

Amazon | Audible | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About Faith Hunter:

New York Times Bestselling author Faith Hunter writes fantasy in several subgenres: the urban fantasy Skinwalker series, featuring Jane Yellowrock, a Cherokee skinwalker; the post-apocalyptic Rogue Mage series and RPG, featuring Thorn St. Croix, a stone mage; and the upcoming SoulWood trilogy featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram, a woman who can siphon off the magic of others and is drawn into solving paranormal crimes. Faith writes mystery and thrillers under the name Gwen Hunter. When she isn’t writing, Faith likes to make jewelry, run whitewater rivers (Class II and III), and RV with her hubby and their rescued dogs.

Faith is online - 

Website: http://www.faithhunter.net/wp/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/official.faith.hunter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HunterFaith

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/janeyellowrock/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/234115.Faith_Hunter

Follow Me: Gizmo's Reviews Blog | Facebook | @GizmosReviews | Goodreads

*Book Review* Salt & Stone by Victoria Scott

Series - Fire & Flood # 2
Publisher - Scholastic Press
Released - February 24, 2015
Source: Edelweiss/Publisher
Format: E-Book, 320 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction

*Book Blurb*

In Fire & Flood, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't quit--she has to win the race, save Cody, and then fight to make sure the race stops before it can claim any more lives. In the next legs of the race, across the ocean and over mountains, Tella will face frostbite, sharks, avalanche, and twisted new rules in the race.

But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?

The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the start of the race there were one hundred twenty-two Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the final part of the race, just forty-one are left--and only one can win. 

Salt & Stone is the sequel to Fire & Blood by Victoria Scott. Six weeks ago, 17 year old Tella Holloway left her home in Montana with hopes of finding a cure for her brother Cody who was struck with a deadly illness. In order to do so, Tella and 120 other contenders must race in the Brimstone Bleed. It is a journey across FOUR different ecosystems: jungle, desert, ocean, and mountains. With each leg, the contenders dwindle down until there is only ONE winner who will walk away with the Cure.

The first two legs (Desert & Jungle) are in the books, and Tella is still alive and kicking and in the running for the Cure. The next two legs of the Brimstone are Ocean and Mountain where they will face challenging weather, sharks, jellyfish, landslides, snow storms, a change in rules, shocking secrets about the Brimstone, and one final challenge that will break your heart. Tella has picked up a group of Contenders in Guy Chambers, Harper Shaw, Olivia Finch, Jaxon, Braun, and their Pandora's that are now a unit. Along the way, they also pick up Willow, Cotton, and Mr. Larsen. One shouldn't expect everyone to survive. It's just not that realistic that non fatal incidents would skip an entire cast of characters.

Tella is a different character from when we first met her in Fire & Flood which is more than appealing for me. She's no longer the timid player who relies on Guy or her Pandora's Madox and Bear to get her through the competition. She's grown by leaps and bounds and has become a much more inspired Contender, and shocking enough, a leader of the group when she stops following every command that Guy tosses out. I love that Tella is genuinely kind to contenders and Pandora's alike and not just a person who changes their entire being because it's expected of them. Her connection to the Pandora's is amazing and I loved that she's so protective of them, and they of her.

So, let's talk about the fact that Salt & Stone ends on a presumptive cliffhanger with lots more questions left to be answered. I know that Victoria has stated that she intends on writing a THIRD book in this series, but the publisher, Scholastic, hasn't bought the third book yet. Let's talk about the fact that way too many series are cancelled by publishers without allowing a series to wrap up storylines, and that is just wrong on so many counts.

Can you imagine if the Hunger Games series was yanked after ONE book, or how about Harry Potter? :::gasp:: I understand the business aspects of this decision, but nonetheless, it's happening way too frequently for my tastes. I told Victoria that I am cheering for her third book to be picked up and released. We need closure. We need to see an end to Tella's journey and her desire to bring down the Brimstone Bleed. We need answers about Cotton and those who were betting on the outcome of the Brimstone. We need to see if her romantic interlude with Guy will burn in flames, or exceed our expectations. WE. NEED. A. THIRD. BOOK.

**I received this book for free from (Scholastic Press) via (Edelweiss) in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**

Other Books in Series:

*Book Review* Bound by Flames by Jeaniene Frost (PNR)

Series: Night Prince # 3
Publisher: Avon
Released: January 27, 2015
Source: Library
Format: Paperback, 342 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance

*Book Blurb*

Play with fire, pay the price.

Leila’s years on the carnie circuit were certainly an education. What she didn’t learn: how to be a vampire, or how to be married to the most famous vampire of them all. Adjusting to both has Leila teetering on a knife edge between passion and peril, and now the real danger is about to begin…

Vlad must battle with a centuries-old enemy whose reach stretches across continents and whose strength equals his own. It isn’t like Vlad to feel fear, but he does…for Leila, because his enemy knows she is Vlad’s greatest weakness. As friend and foe alike align against him—and his overprotectiveness drives Leila away—Vlad’s love for his new bride could be the very thing that dooms them both…

Bound by Flames is the third installment in the Night Prince series, but not the final installment in the series. The final book will be released in 2016. Bound by Flames is once again told in the first person narrative by Leila Dalton Dracul, and takes place a few weeks after the end of Twice Tempted.

Things have changed for former carnie Leila Dalton who has the ability to hold electrical charges after an incident when she was Thirteen. She's no longer a human having been turned into a baby vampire to save her life thanks to Vlad's enemies continually kidnapping her, torturing her, and trying to kill her. She's also married to one of the most dangerous and powerful vampires of all time....Vlad Basarab Dracul. Now, she has to get used to the taste of blood, and the fact that Vlad has more enemies than Cat and Bones combined.

The relationship between Leila and Vlad has driven me to take a few shots of liquor because it has been mostly one sided with Vlad not wanting to open his heart again to anyone, and Leila showing that she perhaps needs to grow up a bit as a character. Vlad's enemies know that by harming Leila, they harm Vlad, but that doesn't stop Leila from wanting to do things her way. I shall say that Leila doesn't grovel and fall on her sword at Vlad's say so this time around. She's gained a bit of confidence and swagger, and hopefully by the time the final installment comes around, she will be just as badass as other female heroines Frost has written about.

So, here's a few things you should know. First, Vlad's mortal enemy is alive and kicking and making extreme trouble for Leila and Vlad. I will say that I had a hard time understanding why Frost went over the top in her desire to torture Leila...again! I understand that Frost is trying to make a point, but the use of flaying, tearing off limbs, starvation, and a rape situation, left me drained and angry.

Second, if you enjoy guest appearances, well you're in for a treat. Frost gives readers Cat, Bones, Mencheres, Kira, and Marie Laveau. Frost also takes her characters on a globe trotting journey from Romania, Germany, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Slovenia. It has been stated by trusted reviewers that one should read the final Cat and Bone story UP FROM THE GRAVE first before diving into Bound by Flames. Truth be told, I haven't read Up From The Grave yet, and don't think that I lost anything in translation or surprises by not doing so.

I have to say that I would have been perfectly fine with Frost ending this series after THREE books and giving Vlad and Leila their HEA. I don't think it was at all necessary to introduce yet another villain to whom Vlad has yet another connect to. I've been puzzling over this since I finished this book. I would have preferred Frost pit Leila and Vlad against different villains over the course of this series instead of just one major one. Like the Cat and Bones series, they faced a slew of villains and they weren't necessarily the same over the course of the series.

Finally, since this series is centered around one crazy hot dangerous vampire named Vlad, let's talk about absolutely brutal and bloody he gets in this story. Let's talk about the fact that he would burn down the world, threaten friends who have stood by him, and destroy his entire line to protect Leila. Let's close by saying that Frost doesn't disappoint with her sex scenes, and thankfully she's allowed Leila to come to terms with her own father. One hopes the final installment will be action packed, and that Leila doesn't get kidnapped, tortured, flayed, poisoned with silver, or tossed into a deep well. Just saying!

Other Books in Series:

      

*Book Review* The Fire Sermon by Francesca Haig (Post-Apocalyptic)

Series: The Fire Sermon # 1
Published by: Gallery Books
Released: March 10, 2015
Source: Edelweiss/Publisher
Format: E-Book, 384 pages
Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopia

*Book Blurb*

When Zach and I were born our parents must have counted and recounted: limbs, fingers, toes. We were perfect. They would have been disbelieving: nobody dodged the split between Alpha and Omega.
Nobody.

They were born together and they will die together.

One strong Alpha twin and one mutated Omega; the only thing they share is the moment of their death.

The Omegas live in segregation, cast out by their families as soon as their mutation becomes clear. Forced to live apart, they are ruthlessly oppressed by their Alpha counterparts.

The Alphas are the elite. Once their weaker twin has been cast aside, they're free to live in privilege and safety, their Omega twin far from their thoughts.

Cass and Zach are both perfect on the outside: no missing limbs, no visible Omega mutation. But Cass has a secret: one that Zach will stop at nothing to expose.

The potential to change the world lies in both their hands. One will have to defeat the other to see their vision of the future come to pass, but if they're not careful both will die in the struggle for power.

The Fire Sermon is the first book in Francesca Haig's The Fire Sermon trilogy. It is a post-apocalyptic world that takes place 400 years into the future. It is a world where people talk about "The Blast" and "The Long Winter" that changed life on earth completely. It is a place where every baby born, is born with a twin. One is an Alpha, and the other is an Omega. Alpha's are perfect in every way and are given every chance they'll ever need to succeed in life and hopefully join the Council which determines how people will live. Their Omega counterparts are born without limbs & have deformities, are forced into small communities, and given little opportunity to learn to read or write by their Alpha brothers and sisters. Their communities are often raided by Alpha's looking to take whatever valuables the Omega's may have.

Cassandra and Zach were both born without any faults or missing limbs, but Cass was born with a secret. For 13 years, she hides the fact that she's a powerful seer who can see the future. Betrayed by Zach, branded on her forehead as an Omega, Cass is forced into a small community where 6 years later, Zach kidnaps her and forces her into solitary confinement and away from those who might want to kill him by killing her. The only thing keeping the Alpha's from fully eliminating their brethren Omega's, is the fact that if one dies, they both die. If one suffers an illness, the other will also. There is also an interesting dynamics between Zach's ascension to the Council, and Cass's desire to join the Omega Resistance which has been searching for a place called Elsewhere.

I do have a whole lot to say about this story, and will refrain from being too sarcastic. First, there is the question of why the so called blast ended up causing deformities and later twins. Obviously, one can deduce that the nuclear fallout and subsequent long winter screwed with human DNA. But, why one boy, and one girl? Why does one die when the other dies? I think I'm not the only one to ask this question, but perhaps it needs to be explained. Perhaps it's a form of nuclear detente that once existed between Russia and the US. Therefore, Alpha's, even though they despise Omega's, can't fully eliminate them once and for-all.

Second, Cass escapes after 4 years in captivity and being continually questioned by The Confessor and ends up helping a mysterious man escape from his watery encased prison. It takes a very long time before Haig reveals the identity of the person Cass names "Kip" or why he was being held in the first place. I guess I'm okay with this to a point. It leaves a major mystery to be solved right till the final moments of the story. But, it also leaves room for explanation as to what the Confessor and Zach are truly up to. This isn't a story that is covered in days. It is a long journey that is similair to that of a high fantasy novel.

Let's talk about relationships. So, obviously Cass and Kip spend a whole lot of time together. They're constantly running from Alpha's and the Confessor looking for Cass. Needless to say, they eventually form a bond but it isn't love at first sight, but it does grow the more time they spend together. In fact, I dare say that Piper, another Omega character who is introduced, makes more sense than Kip does when all is said and done. There is also the relationship between Zach and Cass. Even though Zach is driven by power, one has to ask themselves if he really does have feelings for Cass. Hopefully, the sequel will explore this even more

In writing this review, I discovered that apparently The Fire Sermon has been optioned for a possible future movie by Dreamworks. I do think that if done correctly, and not covering up certain aspects of this story, it could actually work. But, let's not cross that bridge until the first reviews and cast has been selected. Lastly, folks PLEASE??? Stop calling every single Dystopian book that is released from here until eternity the next Hunger Games. It just doesn't make it true.

**I received this book for free from (Gallery Books) via (Edelweiss ) in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**