Wings by Aprilynne Pike: Review

Wings

By: Aprilynne Pike

Description: Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

Review: I was so close to loving this book. There were just a few things that have prevented me from really getting into it like I wanted to.

My favorite character in this book was David, easily. He seems to genuinely be interested in Laurel's well being. When her dad gets sick, he volunteers time at their bookstore and other things that show that he really cares.

The Faerie lore was another aspect I really enjoyed.  The author did a great job of taking an idea and really running with it. Also, the villains were pretty good. I only wish they had been featured more. I'd really like to know more about their history and hope that they play a bigger role in the sequel.

This book is a good middle-reader fantasy. It was a little slow as far as actual action goes, and some of the events in the book were a little trite. But, I would very highly recommend this book for a pre-teen girl that you don't want to give a book about abusive vampire relationships. There isn't any of that in this book. And, I liked it enough to be pretty excited about the sequel coming out next year.

Rating:

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Book A-Like:

Twilight, If you like paranormal romance you'll like this book.

Profanity: None

Drugs and Alcohol: None. She doesn't even eat meat.

Sexuality: None

Violence: Mild. There is one fight scene.

The Customary Twilight Post

Yesterday, I wrote out this big long post about how I feel about paranormal romance, more specifically, Twilight.

I decided that publishing that post just wasn't necessary. Here's all you need to know.

Yes, I read Twilight. I don't understand the phenomenon. Maybe for teenage girls, but I can't figure out why 30 year old mothers and wives are totally obsessed with a 17 year old literary character. Or how they can relate to the dullest, sulkiest female protagonist ever.

No, I will not be seeing New Moon.

Review: The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

The Dark Divine

By: Bree Despain

Release Date: December 22, 2009 

Read the First Chapter on Bree Despain's Website

From the Back Cover:

A prodigal son

A dangerous love

A deadly secret . . .

I stood back and watched his movements. Daniel had that way about him that could shut me down in an instant. . . . I kicked the gravel a couple of times and worked up my courage again. “Tell me . . . I mean . . . why did you come back? Why now, after all this time?”

Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared—the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in blood. But she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night really held. And when Daniel returns three years later, Grace can no longer deny her attraction to him, despite promising Jude she’ll stay away.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, her actions stir the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind Jude and Daniel's dark secret . . . and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it—her soul.

Review:

I think I'm liking paranormal romance more and more. Really, it can be awesome when it's written well and has other plots besides the romance.  I really liked the main character Grace. She was smart, and exceptionally kind.  That was something I think that was really missing from other paranormal romances that I've read lately. Grace has a drive to help those around her, even when it makes her uncomfortable.  Grace has a good relationship with her family, even though they have their problems.

Daniel was an intriguing character. Some of my favorite parts of the book were taking glimpses into his past and what he has done to overcome his difficulties. Bree does an excellent job of taking a problem like family abuse and giving it an alternate explanation while at the same time not making light of the very real emotional disruption these problems bring into a person's life.

I had only two notable problems with the story. First, I wasn't satisfied with the way things ended with the other love interest in the story. It seemed a little hurried and unfinished. The story may have been better without him in it.

The second problem is purely personal preference for me. I'm not a huge fan of the main characters in paranormal romances being teenagers. I know that that's the target audience for the book, but I guess I just don't feel like high school students generally have the maturity to experience emotions like true love.

If you like paranormal romance at all, you'll love this book. In fact, this would be a great Christmas gift for those on your list that are looking for something to read after Twilight.

Rating:

I gave this book a solid 4.5 stars, and rounded up to 5

Profanity: Pretty much non-existent. I mean, the main character is the daughter of a pastor...

Drugs and Alcohol: Mild. It's mentioned I think once in the story.

Sexuality: Extremely Mild.

Violence: Mild. There are a few murders in the book, and sometimes the descriptions are a little graphic, but nothing alarming.

Book-a-like: Twilight (cringe), Hush, Hush, Shiver

Review: Hush, Hush

Hush, Hush

by Becca Fitzpatrick

Release Date: October 12, 2009

Nora Grey is a strong-willed girl that doesn't have time to date. She cares about school, her mother, and her best friend Vee. When Nora is paired with Patch as a lab partner, she is immediately repulsed by his arrogance and semi-creepiness. Yet, she seems to have an unexplainable attraction to him. Soon, mysterious and terrifying events leave her not knowing who to trust.

I've seen this book on a few blogs, and it has received many rave reviews. But, as I read the synopsis I was eerily reminded of Twilight, which I thought was awful. A girl that likes a potential killer boy against her better judgement... no thanks!

However... this book surprised me. I could see why Nora was actually conflicted. Yes, she made some dumb decisions. Not being totally open with her mom or proper authorities when she was attacked wasn't the smartest idea. Yet, it ends up actually making sense. The fact that she likes Patch but is actually aware of the fact that he's dangerous for her and makes the conscious decision to stay away is refreshing. And guess what? Nora likes school and spends a lot of time reading and has hobbies.

However, I think the thing I liked best in this book was even though romance was pretty much center stage, there is another plot. One that I couldn't quite figure out. You aren't ever really sure whose side you're on or who can be trusted. And, ultimately, Nora and other characters make real sacrifices.

If you liked Twilight, you'll LOVE this book, guaranteed. If you didn't like Twilight, I don't know that I'd recommend it highly, but it may be worth your while.

Overall I gave it 3 stars.