Blog Tour: Dark Promise by Julia Crane and Talia Jager (review)

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Title: Dark Promise
Author(s): Julia Crane, Talia Jager
Publisher: Valknut Press, LLC
Page count: 176


Rylie has it all - great friends, dream boy, loving family. But on the eve of her sixteenth birthday, her perfect little world shatters. A stranger claiming to be her real mother appears with a secret: Rylie is a faery whose powers will be unleashed on her birthday. Captured and forced into a new life, Rylie struggles to keep everything she loves and discovers a terrifying truth: some promises cannot be broken.






My review:

Bam! This has to be one of the best books I’ve read in a long while, which is why I am so happy to be a part of this blog tour! For this review, I think I’ll review in an older style – positive/negative – to hopefully get my point across and highlight the awesomeness of this book.

Positive:

-Faeries. For starters, I love when authors use this spelling. It makes it seem more realistic than some Tinkerbell version of “fairy”. They are fey!! Not fairies. Anyways, faeries are just freaken amazing. They have wings, magic powers, and they can’t lie! And the faeries in this book have pointy ears.. hehe. That was a great touch!

-The romance. Ahhhh the romance! Rylie has been with Adam for years, and wow! Things sure do get hot between them. It is totally obvious they love each other. Are they “in” love?? Mmm I don’t think so.

Enter Kallan… he’s a dark faery. Is he evil though? Nahh. Hot? Absolutely. He’s just so different from what you expect a dark faery to be. I’m definitely “Team Kallan” for this series.

-Rylie’s quirky OCD. This isn’t really an important part in the story, I don’t think. Rylie, the main character, has to have things neat and in order all the time. We catch glimpses of this every now and then. Like I said, not such a huge plot builder (maybe it could be later on in the series??), yet I really loved this character development.

Negative:

-Rylie’s relationship with her parents. She is super close with her parents and they trust her completely. While this is actually a good thing, it’s very idealistic. Rylie is a teenager. Most teens I know don’t get along with their parents as well as Rylie does. Though I gotta point out, I love that Rylie and her mom watch Grey’s Anatomy together every week!

-Lack of action. To me, there wasn’t much in the way of climax. There’s a couple pages of Rylie going up against the antagonist, but it wasn’t serious. I wasn’t, like, on the edge of my seat worried for her or anything. It was over before I could really get into it.

In this case, I’d have to say the positives outweigh the negatives. This book was there every day throughout the week when I came home from school – it was breath of fresh air after all that’s going on. Now I’m left wondering… when is the sequel coming out? ;)


Don't forget to stop by the rest of the tour!

Sept. 4 Sophie @ YA Between the Lines (review)
Sept. 5 Kirthi @ Pages (excerpt + giveaway)
Sept. 6 Danielle @ With a Book (review)
Sept. 7 Ana @ What YA Reading (character interview)
Sept. 7 Alexis @ The Literature Lion (author top 5)
Sept. 8 Linda @ Fiction Fervor (excerpt + giveaway)
Sept. 9 Naiche @ The Book Girl Reads (review)
Sept. 10 Stephanie @ Reviewing What I'm Reading (review)

Booking Through Thursday (5)

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme hosted HERE. Check it out and join in!

This week...

 

We all had to read things in school that we didn’t like … but what

about something you read for a class that you ended up liking (or

loving)? An author you discovered that you might not have found? A

genre you hadn’t thought about?

 

 

Well, my junior year (last year) I liked The Great Gatsby. This year, I'm a senior. I'm taking an advanced english class this year, so we had summer reading. (ich) We were assigned to read The Awakening by Kate Chopin. I actually really liked it and thought I understood all the symbolism. I guess not, since I failed the test over it. But I'm pretty sure my teacher is just a hard grader.

 

I've never actually went out and chosen books based on the school required books, though.

 

Did you have an unpleasant-turned-pleasant school reading experience?



Update (3)

As many of you have probably noticed, I have been seriously lacking here. It's not good! I don't even know why I haven't been posting much. I've been reading a lot, so it'd make sense that I'd be posting reviews frequently. I think it's been like a chore to write the reviews. That's when you need to step back and ask yourself why you started blogging in the first place.
I'm going to get on track, though. Last night, I sat myself down and legit made a calendar of all the posts I need to get put up this month. Wish me luck!

WWW Wednesdays (27)

To play along just answer the following three (3) questions and leave your link at Should Be Reading:

1. What are you currently reading?

2. What did you recently finish reading?

3. What do you think you'll read next?

W.W.W. Wednesdays (26)

To play along just answer the following three (3) questions and leave your link at Should Be Reading:

1. What are you currently reading?

2. What did you recently finish reading?

3. What do you think you'll read next?

Review: The Key of Amatahns by Elisabeth Wheatley

Goodreads description:
Janir had the misfortune of being born with one of the hated Argetallams for a father. But unlike other Argetallam children, she was mostly granted a normal childhood, away from the rest of her family. It looked as if she would live a relatively normal life as the foster-daughter of a powerful lord. Until one critical day Janir’s powers awakened and she became entangled in a young enchanter’s quest for a long-lost treasure called the Key of Amatahns...

This is gonna be a mini review because 1. I plan on writing a more detailed review for the second book, and 2. I finished this book a few days ago and it's not as easy to write a lengthened review unless it's right after reading the book.

• First of all, I really liked the story line of this book. It's a lot different than other books I read, in that it isn't really set in a realistic world. Sure, there are humans. But it's more like something you read in an epic poem or something, where the hero goes on some crazy quest with the elves and wizards along for help; the maiden who has potential dominion over the entire village. Speaking of her, I loved Janir. She wasn't some girly-girl princess. She actually worked her butt off to help others.

• The detail in this book was exquisite. I could really picture the scenes, which, in my opinion, is hard to accomplish when writing. Elisabeth Wheatley has mastered the art of detail :)

• Lastly, I need to point out that the author is just 17! I'm 17 myself, and to have not only 1, but 2 books published with a third on the way at this early of an age? I think Elisabeth deserves some huge recognition for her talent. I'm jealous! I wish I could write as well as her. Lol

• Conclusively, I realize I sort of wrote this in essay format with all the transitions. Sorry! Haha. But seriously, go read this book. I hope to have book #2 read and reviewed soon!

Review: The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

Goodreads description:
The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen.
The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.
And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.

But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi's need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

I really loved this story. Very creative, original, and so amazingly written. I don’t think Victoria Schwab understands how talented she really is. I follow Victoria on twitter (@veschwab) and so I know that pretty much all she does is write write write, and then edit edit edit. Her hard work has paid off in this 5-star novel.

Yeah. Five stars. On my goodreads starred reviews, I try not to give out 5 stars often, simply because giving the highest score is like saying there’s nothing wrong with the story. But The Near Witch? This book deserves the highest honor.

I’m still trying to figure out what my favorite part about the story is. The characters? Maybe. I really loved Lexi. She was strong and fought for what she knew was right. And Cole. *sigh* I definitely loved him. The cast of characters was small in this book compared to others, and I enjoyed that.

Was it the actual story itself that I was drawn to? Could be. The Near Witch is an old scary story told to the children of the village of Near (is that a real place? I’m too lazy to Google it..) But wait! The witch is a real person out for vengeance?? Scary!

OR! Possibly the writing was the absolute best part of the story. Anyone can come up with a story to tell. Some can manage to put the story on paper. Victoria Schwab was able to create the story, put it on paper, and then make it come alive in the reader’s mind. Miss Schwab, never stop weaving magic with words.

What on earth are you waiting for? Go read this book!

Review: Rapture by Lauren Kate

Goodreads description:
The sky is dark with wings . . . .

Like sand in an hourglass, time is running out for Luce and Daniel. To stop Lucifer from erasing the past they must find the place where the angels fell to earth. Dark forces are after them, and Daniel doesn’t know if he can do this—live only to lose Luce again and again.

Yet together they will face an epic battle that will end with lifeless bodies . . . and angel dust. Great sacrifices are made. Hearts are destroyed. And suddenly Luce knows what must happen.

For she was meant to be with someone other than Daniel. The curse they’ve borne has always and only been about her—and the love she cast aside. The choice she makes now will be the only one that truly matters.

In the fight for Luce, who will win?

The astonishing conclusion to the FALLEN series. Heaven can’t wait any longer.



Wow. Just wow.

You know, I’m not usually into love stories. What I mean is.. love stories where the entire book revolves around the relationship of these two characters. And that’s basically what the Fallen series is. The tragic love story of Luce and Daniel. Sure there’s that whole battle of choosing Heaven or Hell. Still…it all comes down to the relationship. And really? I was totally okay with that. Lauren Kate’s writing is so beautiful that I didn’t mind a 4-book series (plus a novella) about a teenage love story (that has continued for, ya know, centuries, lifetimes, etc…).

I think everyone had/has that one kid at their school who they saw every day until summer. During summer you rarely thought about them, but when graduation came around, you suddenly realized what you would be missing. That is how I felt about this series. Seriously, I cried when I realized I was reading the final pages that will ever be written about Lucinda and Daniel. I’m already missing them, along with the other characters. So sad :(

But OMG! The ending! Well, the last few chapters… I did not see a lot of that coming. This is one of the rare series where I hadn’t the slightest idea how it would end. We find out the true identity of many characters, events that led up to the Fall, and then we get a glimpse of the future. Perfect ending to an incredible story. And let me just say… The Throne? Did not expect it to be who it is…. And LUCE!! Ahhhh! I wish I could share all the details, but spoilers… *sigh*

Seriously, you guys, go read this. No, seriously. Do it. Now. Well, read the first three books in the series beforehand. And I’d suggest reading the novella, Fallen in Love. I’m not kidding. Go.. go read this entire series. Drop everything you’re doing and READ IT! O_O

Review: Solid by Shelley Workinger

Goodreads description:
Clio Kaid may be 17 and just beginning the last summer before her senior year, but her life is anything but typical.

She's just discovered she was genetically altered before birth and is now headed to a top-secret Army campus to explore the surprising results of the experiment.

Follow Clio and the other teens as they develop fantastic super-abilities, forge new friendships, find love, and uncover a conspiracy along the way.

Solid was so fluent and easy to read. I couldn’t put it down because it just holds your attention so well. The characters are great, each bringing something “to the table”. I honestly can’t even pick a favorite character because they are all so amazing. (Maybe Jack…. Hm..)

I really loved the whole setting, which is at an army base of sorts. Well, an army base that has been redesigned to house 100 teens. It was like… a boarding school but the kids got a lot more freedom. And free food. Can’t pass up free food. Especially the Starbucks.

Ooooh and the whole chromosome change thing? So cool. Is it even possible to alter chromosomes? Okay, not like “possibility” matters in fiction, I’m just curious…. You get a glimpse of the entire ordeal in the prologue, but with rats, so you’re not totally confused when the real story begins. I liked that.

One thing I want to point out, though, is I noticed some plot holes. Nothing major. Ex: one character changed their name before enlisting in the army to avoid conflict because of who they are related to. Doesn’t the army do a huge background check on everyone? No? I don’t know.. Still, this could be excused as “it didn’t matter at the time they were enlisting and no one thought to check years later”.

Anyways, I really really loved this book and the whole direction the story is going. The relationships between characters are extraordinary. I’m kind of kicking myself right now for reading the sneak peek to book #2. If I had an e-reader, I would totally buy the rest of the series. BUT for those of you who do have an e-reader, go download this book. You’ll enjoy it as much as I did, *pinky promise* ;)

Review: Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

Goodreads description:
WHEN SILENCE IS ALL THAT'S LEFT, CAN THE TRUTH FINALLY BE HEARD?

Nora Grey can't remember the past five month of her life. After the initial shock of waking up in a cemetery and being told that she has been missing for weeks - with no one knowing where she was or who she was with - she tried to get her life back on track. Go to school, hang out with her best friend, Vee, and dodge mom's creepy new boyfriend.

But there is this voice in the back of her head, an idea that she can almost reach out and touch. Visions of angel wings and unearthly creatures that have nothing to do with the life she knows.

And this unshakable feeling that a part of her is missing.

Then Nora crosses paths with a sexy stranger, whom she feels a mesmerizing connection to. He seems to hold all the answers...and her heart. Every minute she spends with him grows more and more intense until she realizes she could be falling in love. Again.

Silence is definitely the best in this series thus far. I couldn’t put it down at all!

The amnesia Nora went through was one of the things that kept me hooked. It was fun knowing stuff she didn’t, yet the author made it so we the readers were also missing important information. Kept me on my toes.

Ahhh Patch. I still don’t know if I can trust him. Fallen angel = bad. But argh!! He’s just so dang hot and says all the right things. Grrrr. I really hope he doesn’t end up to be the biggest jerk in the history of YA. (Nahhh, Erik from House of Night already has that covered.)

There is a bit of a love triangle in this. Well, I wouldn’t necessarily say “love triangle”. Another guy is trying to get Nora’s attention but she just wants Patch and that probably will never change. And no matter how much I love Patch, I kind of want Nora to be with the other guy. I feel like I can trust him more, despite his role in book #2.

Nora… her character is growing. I really like this fact. I mentioned in my review of Crescendo how weak of a character she is. Not this time around. I’m guessing getting kidnapped and not remembering one minute of it makes you grow a backbone.

I was re-reading my review of Hush, Hush from about a year ago. I said something along the lines of “I think their story is over…” now I’m just like What? O_o NOFREAKINGWAYISTHEIRSTORYOVER. It just gets more complicated with each book.

I Need. The. Next. Book. Now.

Obviously I loved this book. I think you will too, if you love paranormal romance. Give it a try (: