Feature & Follow Friday # 28

Welcome back to Feature & Follow Friday!

This weeks question is....

Q: What book(s) are you reading right now? What do you think of it?

Answer:

Actually, I just finished Cursed by Jennifer L Armentrout and posted my review. Now, I am working my way through Demons by Heather Frost which releases 09/11/2012. In my humble opinion, it's kind of slow. I am truly hoping that it's better than the first book in the series Seers which I didn't like all that much.

Next up are:

Incarnation by Emma Cornwell 09/18/2012

Because It is My Blood  by Gabrielle Zevin 09/18/2012

Stormdander by Jay Kristoff 09/18/2012

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Have a great weekend!

Early Review - Cursed by Jennifer L Armentrout

“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” Page 172

Cursed is a standalone novel by Jennifer L Armentrout, the same author who gave us the Lux and Covenant series. Her main character is Ember McWilliams who, after a fatal car accident claimed the life of her father and left her for dead, was brought back to life by her younger sister Olivia.

Now, Ember has a no touch policy since anything she touches, people, plants, animals, dies. Ember is also something of a social pariah now with everyone thinking she’s a freak because of her eye color that resembles the sky on an overcast day. It’s too bad that this really does in fact happen in real life. People just can’t understand change and treat those who do change like Ember as outcasts.

Things change suddenly for Ember and Olivia when Hayden Cromwell shows up and tells her that she’s got a gift, not a curse and has been watching her for the past 2 years to ensure she didn’t cross the line and kill anyone. Of course, Olivia, rather than Ember, is the main concern of all parties involved here since hers is the gift of life itself. Ember has been the sole supporter of Olivia for the past 2 years since her mother checked out of reality after her husband’s death. *There's actually more to this than I'm saying, but, I rather keep the spoilers out of this review*

After being knocked unconscious, Ember wakes up to find that she’s no longer in Kansas, and has been forcibly moved to a new home where those who live there hate her because of her ability. In reality, she has no rights, and no way to leave. Had it not been for her sister, I fully believe that Ember would have done anything she could to escape from her situation.

I would definitely compare Ember’s new home in West Virginia to the X-Men, and Jonathan Cromwell to Charles Xavier. Xavier collected those who were gifted and brought them into his home, and his school to train them to use their gifts correctly and responsibly. Ember could be compared to Rogue in that she wears gloves all the time, and her touch is deadly. She longs to be normal, and is willing to do whatever Hayden asks of her in order to touch her sister again.

Ember is the only other person in the house who was not born with a gift. She was given the gift after Olivia brought her back to life. Hayden ends up being the only person in the entire house who doesn’t believe that Ember’s new powers are a curse. Once again, Ember is treated like the wicked step child nobody wants by everyone in the house.

~Final Thoughts~

Ember goes through an awful lot over the course of this novel. She goes from being the lone supporter of her sister, to trying to remain alive and away from the Facility which gathers problem characters like moss to a stone. She’s treated like a pariah time and time again, and somehow is able to hold onto her emotions and not let it run out of control because she knows that Olivia needs her. When the villain comes after her, it’s only because of her abilities, and not anything she’s done wrong. Ember never wanted this so called gift and now that she’s stuck with it, she feels like it’s caused her nothing but problems.
 
She does allow herself to be controlled by her emotions toward Hayden. Hayden the character who comes along and helps take her away from her home and her best friend Adam. Hayden who is able to drain her abilities like it was water from the tap. Hayden who falls madly and deeply in love with Ember because he truly believes she’s good at heart and soul. Hayden who has more than a few secrets of his own that he's tried hiding from everyone.

The romance between Hayden and Ember is a roller coaster ride of emotions. It’s like watching two gladiators fighting in a coliseum until they both realize they are better off together than apart. I really wish there had been more information offered up on the Facility and the revelation about her mother and father’s role in gathering children. I realize that I am barking up the wrong tree in this regards, but I’m a believer that having them come for Ember would have made this book even more interesting in the end.

Overall, Cursed is a decent enough story, with some really interesting secondary characters like Parker, Phoebe, Liz and Mr. Theo. I would have liked to see more action, although it's not for lacking in the story. Fans of Armentrout will likely flock like doves to this book to find out if it's anything like her Lux or Convenant series.

Title - Cursed
Author - Jennifer L Armentrout
Publisher - Spencer Hill Press
Releases - September 18, 2012

Review - Taken By Storm by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

“Every future I can find is coated in blood.” Callum pg 98

Taken by Storm is an emotion filled roller coaster ride that takes readers from the highest high, to the lowest low and every emotion in between. Despite the warnings from Callum that blood will flow, it still is a shock to the system when you find out who actually doesn’t survive.

Taken by Storm will leave readers with questions about the ending and what really happens to Bryn and crew when all is said and done. It has already caused readers to debate the merits of ending this series after three books. I fully support the author’s decision knowing that we can hope for a revisit to this series sometime in the future. I would even accept a novella that begins IMMEDIATELY after the last page of this book.

Bryn’s journey into adulthood and beyond isn’t an easy one to read about. She once again has her abilities to lead a werewolf pack questioned by Alphas who want what she holds; female werewolves and the land they live on. Bryn is tested and pushed beyond her own skin and abilities and somehow manages to come out on top but not without being unscathed by everything that happens to those around her.
 
As a reader of this series, you know that Bronwyn (Bryn) Alessia St. Vincent Clare is the only human/female Alpha of the Cedar Ridge territory which holds the most female werewolves in existence. If you’ve read the series then you know that Bryn asked Callum to Change her into a werewolf so that she could better protect her small pack of 22 including her foster mother Ali and her twins. You also know that he refused yet never really gave a good reason for it. Now, we know the reason why:

“I know you have questions. I know that you want to know why I haven’t Changed you yet. There are limits to what we are, Bryn. Humans grow. They age, they change, and they learn. There are reasons, Bryn-girl,” Callum said finally. “And the only one you’ll be getting out of me is that, sometimes, it’s hard to teach an old wolf new tricks.” pg 45

Callum’s actions, or inaction, when it came to protecting Bryn and her pack, have been debated across the book reviewing world since this book was released. Yet, after everything is said and done, you just knew that Callum was aware that Bryn would be pushed to the very limits of her sanity and it would be up to her to figure out the clues before it’s too late. Sometimes Bryn is a bit clueless about what everything means. It takes her awhile to come up with the correct action and methods to save her pack.

I am said to see this series end, yet I am not sad that I took the time to read this series. Barnes knows how to write. She knows how to take her characters to the brink of emotions and leave them trying to figure out the reasons behind what happens to them. Her world building is awesome and I really look forward to her next creation.

Title - Taken by Storm
Author - Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Released - May 22, 2012
Publisher - Edmont USA

Cover Release Love First Edition # 1

Today, I am going to start something new. You've probably seen this around the blogging

universe, but not here on Gizmo's Reviews. Normally I do one cover reveal for each book

I find on the publishing universe. This could also be considered saving space for reviews!

 Today, I am going to put together a few that I've come across over the past week.

Here we go!

Expected publication: February 5th 2013 by Kensington

Expected publication: March 5th 2013 by NAL Hardcover

As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut—a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard—a business district operated by the Others.
Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide if she’s worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.

Expected publication March 19th, 2013 by Harper Voyager

Expected publication: April 2013 by St. Martin's Press 

Kylie Galen's life hasn't been the same since her world was turned upside-down in Born at Midnight, Shadow Falls #1, and now an epic conclusion to her journey—not to mention a tough choice between two guys!—is brewing in Chosen at Nightfall:
When Kylie Galen left Shadow Falls, she thought it was the hardest decision of her life. Heartbroken and separated from everyone she loves, she has to embrace her abilities and what it means to be a chameleon. But as Kylie's journey comes to a close, she must return to the camp that started it all...and she must finally chose between the two boys who love her. The werewolf who broke her heart when he chose his pack over her, and the half-fae who ran from their intense attraction before they ever really had a chance. For Kylie, everything will finally be revealed and nothing will ever be the same

Expected publication: April 2nd 2013 by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. Naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, the convent views Sybella as one of their most dangerous weapons.
But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. Her father’s rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother’s love is equally monstrous. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dun geons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?
This heart-pounding sequel to Grave Mercy serves betrayal, treachery, and danger in equal measure, bringing readers back to fifteenth century Brittany and will keep them on the edge of their seats.

Waiting on Wednesday # 23

"Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at “Breaking the Spine”, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

This weeks selection is one that I've been anxious to get my hands on. The synopsis sounds fun and interesting and the author seems really nice as well. That alone has me waiting to get my hands on a copy of this book now! 

Goodreads Synopsis:

Celia Wird and her three sisters are just like other 20-something girls—with one tiny exception: they're products of a backfired curse that has given each of them unique powers that make them, well, weird…
The Wird sisters are content to avoid the local vampires, werebeasts, and witches of the Lake Tahoe region—until one of them blows up a vampire in self-defense. Everyone knows vampires aren't aggressive, and killing one is punishable by death. But soon more bloodlust-fueled attacks occur, and the community wonders: are the vampires of Tahoe cursed with a plague?
Celia reluctantly agrees to help Misha, the handsome leader of an infected vampire family. But Aric, the head of the werewolf pack determined to destroy Misha's family to keep the region safe, warns Celia to stay out of the fight. Caught between two hot alphas, Celia must find a way to please everyone, save everyone, and oh yeah, not lose her heart to the wrong guy—or die a miserable death. Because now that the evil behind the plague knows who Celia is, it’s coming for her and her sisters. This Wird girl has never had it so tough.

Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages

Expected publication: December 31st 2012 by Signet Eclipse

Early Review - Hanging by a Thread by Sophie Littlefield

“Hanging by the Thread” is a Young Adult mystery novel that focuses on the life of 16 year old Clare Knight. Clare is a person who loves to make her own clothing. In fact, she and her friend Rachel run a booth called “NewToYou” where she sells her latest creations in hopes of going to fashion college when she graduates from High School. She lives in the small town of Winston, California (population 2,000) and in the same house her great grandmother did. However, this isn't the whole story behind Hanging by the Thread.

You see, Clare has the unique ability that when she touches clothes, they speak to her. Not all clothes, and not all the time. By touching them, she can see certain events and learn things about people. She can tell if the person who wore a piece of clothing was up to no good or not. This ability has been handed down from her great, great, Grandmother Alma who was shot to death while being pregnant with Clare's great, Grandmother Josie who also had the ability. It was later passed down to her own grandmother Nana Raley, but, not to her mother Susie. This, it seems, has caused nothing but problems between mother and daughter. Clare fully believes that her family has been given this gift to right certain wrongs.

The story gets interesting when Clare touches a jacket found on her doorstep. It triggers a vision that leads Clare down the road to discovering who killed Dillon Granger, and Amanda Stavros two kids who disappeared a year apart from each other. It’s the perfect timing as well since the town of Winston is in the process of celebrating the Fourth of July in hopes of putting the past behind them.

The gift of psychometry isn't a new idea or concept. Yet, it's still interesting when a person is given this ability to right some wrongs, even at the expense of their own relationship with their parents who abhor the idea behind psychometry. Just read Jennifer Estep’s Mythos Academy series if you want to learn more about psychometry.

I was totally lost in the fashion aspects of this book. I mean, I realize there are probably people out there who can't wait to read the different types of stitching and material that Clare uses to make outfits she wears with. Personally, I found it to be a snore fest. Maybe had I grown up in a household where the women were clothing makers, I would feel differently about this story. But, alas, I wasn't. My mother and grandmother made quilts and blankets, not clothing.
 
I found the idea behind the romance with Jack Dimaunahan kind of touching, yet maybe a little unrealistic. Clare kept thinking about having that one night reckless stands not caring what anyone thought about it. She felt that fitting in with her best friend Rachel, was more important than anything else. She was so obsessed with having sex, that she pretty much throws herself at Jack who is a troubled character.

In the end, while this book is interesting enough, it wasn’t as engaging as her Aftertime trilogy and that's just my opinion. Reviews are like anything else in the world. They are subjective to what the actual reader/reviewer likes in their reading stashes. Just because I rated this book 3 stars, doesn't mean I didn't enjoy reading it! I’m glad I was given a copy thru Netgalley to read this book. Littlefield knows how to write, and she knows how to create a unique world for her characters. This appears to be a standalone and NOT part of any series.

*ARC Recvd via NetGalley for Delacorte Books for Young Readers*
*Expected publication: September 11th 2012

Title - Hanging by a Thread
Author - Sophie Littlefield
Publisher - Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Releases - September 11, 2012

Early Review - In A Fix by Linda Grimes

Ciel Halligan is known as an aura adapter. She's a facilitator, or an intrepid fixer of other people’s problems who can insert herself into their lives, and in turn, make their lives better or worse depending on the situation. It's too bad that she couldn't fix her own life which is full of trials and tribulations!

Ciel is a very stubborn character who refuses to listen to her step-cousin/nemesis Billy Doyle, or her brother’s best friend Mark who works for the CIA when they attempt to keep her out of trouble. She ends up getting involved in things, like strange Vikings who want to enhance the male population with steroids, because she just can't stay away from trouble.

Even though Ciel is something of a problem child, she is also fun, snarky, and has her moments under the sun. I found myself laughing at her antics and rolling my eyes at her indecision when it comes to the men in her life. Yet, her heart was in the right place more times than not.

Aura adapting is an intriguing idea to me. You can pretty much shift into any person you want to just by touching them. Billy and Mark form a lover’s triangle with Ciel and I’m not sure which character I would choose at this point. Both of them have their ups and downs and yet being a step cousin is something of a turn off to me.

In a Fix is a unique story in that adapters aren’t actually supernatural characters like werewolves or shape shifters, but actual humans who have the ability to be someone else for a while.
 
In a Fix is the debut novel by Linda Grimes. Grimes second novel, Quick Fix, releases sometime in 2013.

Recvd from Tor/Forge via Netgalley.com 07/03/2012.
Pub Date: September 04, 2012
ISBN: 9780765331809