The Rising by Kelley Armstrong

Genre:  YA Paranormal Fantasy

Darkness Rising Series, Book 3

Kelley Armstrong's website

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Spoiler Note:  This is the third book in a series.  You've officially been warned about spoilers from earlier books in the series if you keep reading.

Description (taken from Kelley Armstrong's website):

Things are getting desperate for Maya and her friends. Hunted by the St. Clouds and a rival Cabal, they’re quickly running out of places to hide. And with the whole world thinking they died in a helicopter crash, it’s not like they can just go to the authorities for help.

All they have is the name and number of someone who might be able to give them a few answers. Answers to why they’re so valuable, and why their supernatural powers are getting out of control.

But Maya is unprepared for the truths that await her. And now, like it or not, she’ll have to face down some demons from her past if she ever hopes to move on with her life. Because Maya can’t keep running forever.

The end of a trilogy.  Ending novels are always so tricky because we all want the happy ending.  But sometimes, it's hard to make a happy ending memorable.  But I'm digressing from this review.

Maya has been on the run ever since she realized the people who were helping her only considered her an asset.  As she and her friends try to figure out what's going on while trying to protect themselves, we're thrown through a whirlwind of emotions.  While the actual plot itself, constantly being on the run, is a little predictable, I find the reactions and how the characters deal with things really make this series worth it.

Did I mention the love interests in this series was one of my favorites?  Maya's relationship dilemma is real-feeling.  It's not insta-love.  It's not swoon-worthy.  It's something that involves stepping on toes and something that takes work.  This is the kind of love I like seeing (unless I'm really in the mood for a swoon-worthy one).

And there was mention that characters from other series do make an appearance in this novel.  If you're like me, you're thinking characters like Elena, Paige or Savannah are going to step in and help save the day.  Sorry, unfortunately, that doesn't happen (I know I was bummed).  But we do see some others.  And we find out Maya's fully capable of obtaining her happy ending.

Really, my only complaint about this novel is making the villains seem like the good guys while they're really the bad guys but the good guys - no the bad guys.  Kind of like running into a brick wall and finding out it was only wooden.  That makes it seem not so bad, right?  You guys probably have no idea what I'm talking about...  Regardless, I'm still a major fan of Kelley Armstrong's books.

Challenges:  Paranormal Reading Challenge

The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

Genre:  YA Steampunk

Steampunk Chronicles, Book 3

Kady Cross' website

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Description (taken from Kady Cross' website):

In 1897 London, something not quite human is about to awaken

When mechanical genius Emily is kidnapped by rogue automatons, Finley Jayne and her fellow misfits fear the worst. What’s left of their archenemy, The Machinist, hungers to be resurrected, and Emily must transplant his consciousness into one of his automatons-or forfeit her friends’ lives.

With Griffin being mysteriously tormented by the Aether, the young duke’s sanity is close to the breaking point. Seeking help, Finley turns to Jack Dandy, but trusting the master criminal is as dangerous as controlling her dark side. When Jack kisses her, Finley must finally confront her true feelings for him…and for Griffin.

Meanwhile, Sam is searching everywhere for Emily, from Whitechapel’s desolate alleyways to Mayfair’s elegant mansions. He would walk into hell for her, but the choice she must make will test them more than they could imagine.

To save those she cares about, Emily must confront The Machinist’s ultimate creation-an automaton more human than machine. And if she’s to have any chance of triumph, she must summon a strength even she doesn’t know she has….

So, the description above seems more succinct and coherent than the book I just read.  And I feel awful saying that because I grew attached to these characters in the second book.  But the different stories: Finley/Griffin's and Emily/Sam's just didn't seem to mesh well for me.

After what happened in the second novel, we're seeing repercussions.  Jasper, the American, takes a back seat (I like to think he's sulking --- err, still dealing with what happened).  And Griffin, as always, is keeping secrets which tends to make him whiny.  And it's driving Finley and Sam nuts until Emily mysteriously disappears.  And then everyone's focused on finding Emily, or so you'd think...

Griffin and Finley focus more on themselves and their relationship.  Yes, that is what bothers me.  When Finley's best friend goes missing, I'd expect her to do everything in her power to find her.  Not let Sam, the massive hulk, go on his own to find her.  But instead, she's off flirting with Griffin.  Yep, I still don't care for his duke-ness.  This book focused more on this than the interesting things and answering questions.

Ugh, I feel like the camera's focus was on the wrong spots in this story.  It's still a fun and quick story.  But I'm mad with my characters here...

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly post hosted by Breaking the Spine, and it spotlights upcoming books that we as readers are anxiously awaiting...

Golden Girl by Sarah Zettel
Genre:  YA Historical Fantasy
The American Fairy Series, Book 2
Sarah Zettel's website
Expected publication date:  June 25, 2013
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Description (taken from Goodreads):

Callie LeRoux has put her grimy, harrowing trip from the depths of the Dust Bowl behind her. Her life is a different kind of exciting now: she works at a major motion picture studio among powerful studio executives and stylish stars. Still nothing can distract her from her true goal. With help from her friend Jack and guidance from the great singer Paul Robeson, she will find her missing mother.

But as a child of prophecy and daughter of the legitimate heir to the Seelie throne, Callie poses a huge threat to the warring fae factions who’ve attached themselves to the most powerful people in Hollywood . . . and they are all too aware that she’s within their reach.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series.  And I'm so surprised to not see this second one around as much as I think it should be.

On another note, I realize the majority of books I've been waiting-on/reading this year have been part of a series.  Do you guys have suggestions on new 'first' books coming out that I should check out?

Author Interview: Avenger by Heather Burch

Interview with Heather Burch

Q:  For those who haven't read Halflings, describe a Halfling. And why are they not supposed to fall in love with humans (I think I always steer towards the forbidden romances)?

A:  A Halfling is a being who is half human and half angel. The human blood line isn’t to be tainted, so that’s why they’re not to fall in love with a human.

Q:  Nikki mentions reading steam punk to Mace. What kind of novels can we find her reading?

A:  None now that she will be busy saving the world!

Q:  In Guardian, Nikki meets some Halflings with Australian accents which makes them totally swoon-worthy. Which accents do you consider swoon-worthy?

A:  Almost all of them! Haha. Australian, of course. English is pretty cool. I actually pick up accents when I spend time listening to one for a while. Suddenly, I’m talking with an accent and don’t even realize it. Yeah, I crack myself up.

Q:  We find out fairly quickly that Vine, one of the Halflings, has a sweet tooth. I've caught him eating gummy worms as well as sweet tarts in Guardian. Do you have a sweet tooth? What's your favorite kind of candy?

A:  I actually am more of a chocolate lover. Candy is ok, but dark chocolate … heaven!

Q:  Zero, the Halfling computer-techy is afraid of water. Do you have any fears?

A:  I used to be terrified of frogs. I know. But I took some kids on a youth camp trip and told them that if they could find a whole page of scripture about facing your fears, I’d hold a frog in my hand. They did, and of course, I did. And I still think frogs are creepy, but I’m not scared of them anymore. Yes, we have a video of the entire thing.

Q:  When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A:  I wanted to write rock music videos.

Q:  Raven and Nikki are both drawn to motorcycles, especially Harleys and Ducatis. What would be your dream car?

A:  The Ducati in Halflings is an actual concept bike owned by the doctor my husband works with. So, when I had Vessler purchasing it, I had to throw in he bought it from a doctor in Florida. It would be pretty neat to own since it is so rare. As far as a dream car, I like Jaguars for comfort, but I’d want a convertible Camaro for fun.

Q:  Are you a dog or cat person?

A:  Since there is a twenty pound ball of feline fur warming my lap as I write this, I’m going to say cat person.

Q:  What is one book that everyone should read?

A:  The Bible. So you know, you know? Nowadays there are a lot of easy to read bibles out there. Like, The Message. It’s written in words and phrases that we use and understand. But I think the Bible is an important book. Everyone should read and form their own opinions.

Q:  Favorite Quote?

A:  “The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized during the lifetime of the opportunity”
     – Steve Hill

Avenger by Heather Burch
Halflings Series, Book 3
Halflings (Book 1) - My Review
Guardian (Book 2) - My Review
Heather Burch's website
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Description (taken from Goodreads):

Sometimes the Truth Comes with a Price
Nikki knew Damon Vessler would not let his prized creation go easily---she simply never imagined the lengths he'd go to get her back into his clutches, and turn Nikki's heart toward darkness.
A Seeker at her heels, trained on her blood, Nikki flees with Raven alongside her for protection, while Mace and the other Halflings fight the battle that has erupted on earth. But even as the two boys she loves fight for her, she knows the battle will be hers to win. Determined to uncover the secrets of her past, and exactly how she fits into Vessler's twisted plans, Nikki sets off on her own, and soon discovers facing hellacious beasts is nothing compared to the decision she will need to make. One that could change not only the war, and her relationship with Mace and Raven, but her future with the Throne.

manda-rae's Haul

Stacking the Shelves consists of books we received in the last week, hosted by Tynga's reviews.

I've finally picked up reading after going for over a week without a book.  Life has just been busy with work and painting...  But I finally have a weekend, and I'm spending it reading and blogging.

From the Library:

• The Rising by Kelley Armstrong
• Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads
• I started reading this one, and I'm completely into it.  With Kelley Armstrong's books, its hard to not like them.
• Hidden by Sophie Jordan
• Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads
• The book covers for this series are always so striking.  And this one's no different.  Gorgeous red hair.  And while the second made me want to pull my hair out with all the indecisiveness, I still want to finish this series.
• Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
• Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads
• It's Cassandra Clare!  If I didn't have a strict buying budget (and a ginormous backlog of books to read), I would have bought this one and read it ages ago.  But I'm a patient woman (with a budget).

For Review (e-edition):

Snow White Sorrow by Cameron Jace

Amazon | Goodreads

I was kind of excited when the author contacted me about this one.  The cover is so cool.  And it seemed like it was right down my alley.  Thanks goes to Cameron Jace for providing me a review copy.

Purchased:(e-edition):

Old Before My Time: Hayley Okines' Life with Progeria by Hayley Okines

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

So I snagged this freebie almost immediately when I saw it.  Have you heard Hayley's story?  It's amazing because she has one of the best attitudes in the world, and this world doesn't necessarily give her good reasons for it.  She's an amazing role model.

manda-rae's Past Two Weeks

Reviews:

• The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson

Author Interviews:

• Yellow Socks and Blood Spots by Bailey J Thompson

Memes:

• Waiting on Wednesday: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

And in case anyone's interested in my painting fiasco...  (I might add more finished pictures in a month once we actually have the kitchen finished, but I'm taking a major painting break.)

Above is before painting with ugly wallpaper.

Below is in between painting.

Don't hold your breath for the finished product picture...