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Inferno-Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

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Inferno-Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

Inferno

Links to order Inferno: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / Kobo

Description:
Setting: Modern New Orleans

The heat is on, and a new threat to humanity has risen…

Nick has his driver’s license and he’s not afraid to use it. But turning sixteen isn’t what he thought it would be. While other boys his age are worried about prom dates and applying for college, Nick is neck deep in enemies out to stop him from living another day. No longer sure if he can trust anyone, his only ally seems to be the one person he’s been told will ultimately kill him.

But life spent serving the undead is anything except ordinary. And those out to get him have summoned an ancient force so powerful even the gods fear it. As Nick learns to command and control the elements, the one he must master in order to combat his latest foe is the one most likely to destroy him. As the old proverb goes, fire knows nothing of mercy, and if Nick is to survive this latest round, he will have to sacrifice a part of himself. However, the best sacrifice is seldom the sanest move. Sometimes it’s the one that leaves your enemies confused, and you even more so.

And sometimes, you have to trust your enemy to save your friends. But what do you do when that enemy is you?

Review:

Once again Ms. Kenyon has hit the jackpot.  Inferno picks up right where Infamous leaves off and continues to take the reader on a wild adventure.  Just when I think events and storylines will finally come together and start to answer some of my questions, she goes and throws another curve, introduces new characters and completely turns my thoughts upside down.  As much as I want to curse her for that, I can’t because it keeps me coming back for more, time and again.  This series is one that is forever keeping me on my toes wondering where the heck she’s going to go next and how will it affect Dark Hunter Nick, and his future self, Ambrose.  If anything, that is the hardest part of this series for me because I’ve read all her DH books, and know what’s happened there, but in this one, I never know what’s coming next, what choice Nick makes that may alter the future, etc.  How she’s making it all work is beyond me, but who am I to question a genius at storytelling.

Within Inferno we get to see Nick starting to come into his own more, with regards to his Malachai powers.  We start to see the internal battle he will face daily between his humanity and the darkness of the Malachai powers he was born with.  One can’t help but root for Nick to face those dark moments and over come them.  There are moments in the book where we see the lure of the dark powers attempting to over come Nick, but at the last moment something happens to turn him away from those dark calls and remember why it’s so important to stay to on the right path and do the right thing.  Nick has a good kind heart, one his mom is forever making sure stays beating and walking the good path.  Speaking of Nick’s mom, she is one fierce and protective momma and anyone who tries to hurt her Nick had better watch out.  I really like Cherise and believe that her humanity and blood that flow in Nick will play a vital part in which path Nick will eventually take.  Everything that she has instilled in Nick always comes through in the end to help him make the right choice to beat back the darkness within him.  The scenes with Nick and his mom are touching and very heartfelt.  The love they have for each other just flows off the pages.

Cherise isn’t the only one who is forever influencing Nick and his humanity.  We also get to see a lot of Acheron in Inferno and his relationship with Nick.  They are very close friends and seeing this budding relationship and how well they get along with each other really makes me sad because I know what’s coming down the road.  If anyone’s a Kenyon fan like I am, then you know what I mean.  As much as Ash is a big influence and help to Nick in Inferno, so too is Caleb.  We really get to see the friendship between Nick and Caleb grow. No longer is Nick just a responsibility to Caleb due to Adarian and his powers over Caleb.  These two have become friends who would die for each other, and we see this in conversations between the two of them even though they don’t openly admit it. 

Along with the friendships, Nick’s growing Malachai powers, and of course trouble knocking on Nick’s door at every turn, Kenyon does throw a few twists and surprising moments into Inferno.  For instance, the most feared and evilest creature in the universe actually having a heart and being capable of love.  Yes people, we see Adarian vulnerable and giving up his life to save the one person he ever treasured, Nick’s mom.  I was shocked when I read this scene(still rubbing my butt from my fall off the couch), since Adarian is rotten to the core, but I’m hoping that this may be a good sign and in Nick’s favour. Another scene that had me reeling was one with Artemis, in the distant future.  As she’s hiding from Ambrose who at this point is full on Malachai, she seems to have a epiphany of sorts and realizes that if she is to survive and possibly save what’s left of humanity and Ambrose from his darkness then she needs to step up to the plate.  Yes folks, it looks as though there may be redemption in the cards for the old heifer goddess down the road.  I’m still on the fence over that idea since I still can’t stand her for everything she put Ash through in his life before he met Tory.  However, any scene she’s in with Nick she seems like she’s changed, and really cares for him.  I just hope this doesn’t mean that she will be his HEA.  I don’t want the two of them together, too much bad blood and history there for my liking.   Having said that, Artemis isn’t the only one with redemption in Inferno.  Kody is redeemed in Nick’s eyes too, and we also learn who and what exactly Kody/Nekoda is.  On top of that we see a scene from one of Nick’s futures and learn that he and Kody are together, so I guess I can only take that for what’s its worth and with a grain of salt since nothing in this series is set in stone. Events both past, present and future are forever changing where poor Nick is concerned.  I wouldn’t wish his situation on my worst enemy.

As for the rest of the book, I loved every moment of it.  I found it a fast read, fast paced, with lots of action and drama.  Of course it wouldn’t be a Kenyon book without her classic Kenyon humour and fantastic one liners/comments.  I really enjoyed the interactions between Nick and Caleb this time around, I’m becoming  a fan of Caleb and would love to see him get his own story down the road.  I also enjoyed the flashes to the future where we get to see different scenarios that could happen for Nick/Ambrose.  If we go by those flashes into the future, are we seeing one of Nick’s HEA’s, or is there someone out there we have yet to meet.  Can Nick handle the full force of the Malachai powers and stay to the good, or will he eventually succumb and become what Ambrose is telling him he can’t let happen?  Will Nick/Ambrose be able to save their mom or will she still suffer the same demise?  These are just some of the questions that have popped into my mind well reading this book.  I have many more, but I don’t want to make your heads spin, cause trust me, mines spinning enough for all of us.  Inferno is a great addition to the Chronicles of Nick series.  It has everything a Kenyon fan could ask for and more.  I can’t wait to read the next installment.  If the epilogue has anything to do with what’s in store for Nick next, then rest assured we are in for one wild and very funny ride in Illusion coming out spring.  Enjoy and happy reading.

Reviewed by Marcie

For all you Kenyon fans anxiously awaiting Styxx’s book in September, there’s a little something to tide you over courtesy of Ash’s blog on the Kenyon website.  I for one hope this plays out in Styxx’s book.  To read Ash’s blog just follow this link; http://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/character/acheron/

 

 

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All She Wants for Christmas/A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton-a review

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All She Wants for Christmas/ A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton- a review

All She Wants for Christmas/A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton-a review

Description from website:

All She Wants for Christmas by Jaci Burton -The Kent Brothers Series book 1

Main Characters: Ethan Kent and Riley Jensen

Ethan Kent – Youngest of the Kent brothers, he was in love with Riley in high school, but made a foolish mistake and lost her. With Riley back in town, he has a lot of mistakes to make up for. But his heart has always been with Riley.

Riley Jensen – She followed her heart as a teenager, but when Ethan betrayed her, she followed her dreams instead. Now she’s back and everything about Ethan has changed. Is she willing to give him a second chance?

Review:

So far I’ve only read one Jaci Burton book (Taking a Shot from her Play by Play series) and enjoyed it, so I thought what the heck, lets check out her Christmas series about the Kent brothers. So far I’ve only read this one, but I plan to read the other two, as I enjoyed this one so much.

All She Wants for Christmas was a touching, heart warming story about love lost, heartache, forgiveness and love found again. The storyline, actions and the characters are real, and Burton did an amazing job of capturing them just right and letting them unfold on the pages. You feel the emotion of the characters and the storyline rolls off the page.

I really enjoyed the characters of Ethan and Riley. You can’t help but fall in love with them instantly and root for them throughout the book. Throw in a cute adorable seven year old Zoey to the mix (Ethan’s daughter) and you have yourself a winning combination for a holiday story. Not only are Ethan, Riley and Zoey lovable characters, but so too are the secondary characters. I absolutely loved the Kent’s mom, she is a no nonsense type person and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. The scene with her and Ethan talking about his feelings for Riley and what mom thinks he needs to do had me chuckling. I could just see that scene so clearly, I was actually waiting for her to take him by the ear and drag him over to Riley and have him admit his feelings to her. The ear pulling didn’t happen, but in the end Ethan does finally admit his feelings in a most touching and made my eyes mist up kind of way. His words to Riley were so beautiful and tender that it made me wish for an Ethan of my very own.

I think Burton did a wonderful job of capturing the spirit of the holidays in a small town, as well as the magic the holidays bring. At times it reminded me of my own small city where everyone knows everyone, and you can’t blink without someone noticing. The interaction between the characters is well written, and makes you feel like you are there watching the events unfold from the sidelines. This story will definitely put a smile on your face, and have you thinking warm and fuzzy thoughts while putting you in the holiday spirit. If you’re looking for a heartwarming, sweet story just in time for the holidays then this one’s for you. This is one holiday story I highly recommend, and now I’m off to read the second book in this holiday series, A Rare Gift.

ORDER LINKS: Barnes and Noble / KOBO / Amazon

A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton – Book 2 in The Kent Brothers Series

Main Characters: Wyatt Kent and Calliope Andrews

Wyatt Kent – Divorced and bitter about it. Oldest of the Kent brothers, he runs Kent Construction with his brothers, mostly keeps to himself and doesn’t get involved with women anymore since his bitter divorce. Until he meets the whirlwind that is Calliope, who refuses to let him drown in his bitterness and forces him to come to life again.

Calliope Andrews – Younger sister of Wyatt’s ex-wife, she had a crush on Wyatt years ago, but it’s the more mature Calliope who sees the potential in Wyatt’s sense of humor and how much he has to offer. She wants to help him let go of the past so he has a chance at a future.

Review

I knew after reading the first book I’d have to continue with this series. Let me tell you I wasn’t disappointed, and glad I followed my instincts. Wyatt’s story is just as cute and heart warming a read as the first book. Once again Jaci spins a story about love lost, trusting one’s heart again, yearning for love and finding true love with the right person.

At first I thought it might be a bit awkward with Calliope being the little sister of Wyatt’s ex(Cassie), but Jaci does an excellent job of dealing with that situation. It wasn’t awkward at all for me, in fact it was the exact opposite. Jaci had me captivated with Wyatt from the get go and had me cheering him on to shed his grumpy ways, trust in love again and give Calliope a chance. The way that Jaci wrote this book, and dealt with Calliope and Wyatt’s relationship allows the reader to settle back and enjoy a good story.

Watching Wyatt go from a grumpy, bitter man to one full of life, laughter and love with Calliope is a fun adventure. It was funny and sweet all at the same time watching Wyatt slowly fall for Calliope all the while thinking he shouldn’t be feeling this way about her because of his past with Cassie. Due to the way the situation was left between Wyatt and Cassie, it’s no wonder he’s a bitter, grumpy negative man. However, thanks to Calliope, her never say never attitude and fiesty personality, poor Wyatt doesn’t stand a chance. I really enjoyed Calliope’s character, who wouldn’t when the heroine can say this to the man she’s been in love with all her life;

“I can’t believe a big tough guy like you is afraid of a little thing like me, Wyatt.” Then she stepped back, her gaze traveling halfway down and staring at the part of him she had no business staring at. When she lifted her gaze again, she grinned.
“I know you have balls in there. Why don’t you try to find them? When you do, it’s your turn to come ask me out.”

LOL!! Calliope is a riot and just the right woman for Wyatt. She brings, love, trust and laughter back into his life. More then that she makes him realize he’s been wasting his life long enough being lonely and realizes that what he wants and needs is staring him right in the face.

As in the first book, Jaci once again captures her characters personalities perfectly and the emotion and playfulness between Wyatt and Calliope just role off the pages. You can’t help but cheer these two characters on throughout the book, hoping that Calliope’s plan to put the past between Wyatt and Cassie to rest succeeds, so that he can finally move on and have the life he was meant to have with Calliope. The ending of the book is wonderful and seeing Wyatt finally happy and in love with the right woman is just the icing on the cake. If you are looking for something fun, sweet, with a touch of Christmas tossed in for good measure, then this one’s for you. I also know I’ll be following up with the third book as soon as I have the time. 😉

ORDER LINKS: Barnes and Noble / Amazon / KOBO

Happy reading and Merry Christmas

The Kent Brother’s Series;

All She Wants for Christmas
A Rare Gift
The Best Thing (Dec, 2012)

Reviewed by Marcie

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Death by Pilates

Whoever said exercise is good for the mind and body had to be smoking some pretty good drugs and not sharing.  I’ve been doing a pilates circuit course now for a few years and every week it feels like the next day the headline in the newspaper will read; “Death by Pilates”  LOL!!! 

It’s a grueling workout, to which I think my instructor at times is possessed by some strange exercise demon who likes nothing better then to torture it’s victims.  One of these weeks I just know I’m going to glance up from one of my torturous exercises and find her eyes glowing red with horns protruding from her skull (image of Simi flashes in my mind, LOL). 

This class is not for the faint of heart, nor for someone who’s expecting a light stretching and toning class.  With pilates circuit we combine pilates with cardio and you can bet there’s no way I’m walking out of that class not dripping in sweat, and wheezing my lungs out.  I feel like a wet noodle by the time I’m done class and my water bottle is always empty.  Oh and I think the clock is against me too, for I swear every time I glance up at it, it never seems to move.  Even Father Time is enjoying my torture, LOL.   I keep asking my instructor if she goes down to the 7th level of hell to come up with these workouts and she just laughs at me, but I can see the wheels turning in her head and I’m already dreading next weeks class.

I swear that as I’m typing this post my muscles are already twitching in fear of what’s to come this Tuesday.  It usually takes me a few days afterwards to recover and by then it’s time to get back to my class.  When I walk in to work the next day my co-workers just look at the way I’m moving and say; “pilates circuit last night?”.  My only reply is a slight nod of the head for it’s too painful to move anything else. I also dread getting down on the floor at sleeptime for I fear I may not get back up.  I keep telling my co-workers just put out a cot for me and I’ll attempt to roll onto it and stay there for sleeptime with the kids.  LOL!!! 

As if this class isn’t enough, now I’ve let a friend of mine talk me into taking a Zumba class once a week.  Me, Miss Uncoordinated  supreme with two left feet.  Oh this is gonna be a laughfest, I can just tell.  I just hope my body is recovered from pilates in time for zumba each week or else it’s gonna look like seniors dance night with me, LOL.  Honestly though, don’t let this post scare you, it really isn’t that bad, did I just say that?  No seriously, thought if I didn’t enjoy the class and it’s health benefits I wouldn’t be going, I’m not that crazy……..yet, LOL!!!  I’ve never felt healthier, or more in shape then I am now. 

Until next time.  😉 

Marcie

 

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DESTINED by Jessie Harrell -a review

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DESTINED by Jessie Harrell-a review

Destined By Jessie Harrell

Being a fan of Greek Mythology, well any mythology for that matter was one of the reasons I was drawn to this story. Another being the cover(simple, yet beautiful) and the story itself; Psyche and Eros. Who doesn’t enjoy these two Olympian gods?

Even though the story of Psyche and Eros has been told many times throughout literature and still is to this day, I enjoyed the spin that Ms. Harrell put on their story to make it her own. One of the things I liked about this version is the 2 POV’s we get throughout the book. We get to see Psyche and Eros’ story through both their eyes. Ms. Harrell does a wonderful job of blending these two POV’s so that the storyline flows seamlessly without distracting the reader. In doing so, the reader is able to get a first hand glimpse of their feelings and bond easily with the characters. I have to say at first Eros ticked me off and made me want to slap him upside the head, but thankfully with the 2 POV’s I was able to get inside Eros’ head and better understand him, and see that he really is a good guy with a heart of gold.

Here’s a quick overview of the story. Aphrodite(Eros’ mom) has decided that Psyche is the most beautiful girl in all of Greece and wants her to be her honourary daughter, and marry her son Eros. Upon meeting each other for the first time and learning of Aphrodite’s plans, neither party is in agreement. This doesn’t bode well for either pair and Aphrodite is none to pleased, thus putting poor Psyche in her crosshairs. However, Aphrodite’s plans don’t go as she had hoped and her son does everything in his power to keep this from her. I really enjoyed watching Eros try to pull a fast one over on his mom. Those scenes with Eros and his mother had me laughing out loud. He looked like the typical kid with their hand caught in the cookie jar. The more I got into the story, the more I began to like Eros and actually feel sorry for him. First for having to put up with his mother, and second for trying to win the heart and hand of his one true love Psyche. Their love story was beautifully written, and just swept me away on a magical ride.

Both characters were well written and their personalities suited each other perfectly. I found Psyche to be strong and feisty, never baulking at whatever challenge came her way. She accepted it and handled it with

grace and dignity. I liked her from the get go and continued to enjoy her character and spunk throughout the story. When she is going through the tasks and challenges towards the end of the story to prove her worth to Aphrodite, she showed that she was every bit worthy to be Aphrodite’s honourary daughter and wife to Eros.

Eros, Eros, Eros, what can I say about Eros. Even though he’s the god of love, he’s an arrogant, spoiled bad boy. Can’t really blame him though, after all Aphrodite is his mother and she dotes on him night and day. Like I said earlier Eros and me didn’t get along at first. He annoyed me and had me wanting to shake him silly at times. Little did I know underneath all that bravado laid a heart of gold and a tender soul. The way he treated Psyche and tried to win her love while in disguise just blew me away. Put it this way, I wanted to be at the center of Eros’ affections now. 😉 Eros grew on me throughout the entire story.

As I said I’m a fan of Greek Mythology and never tire of reading it. It’s fascinating, fun and entertaining for me. Ms. Harrell’s re-telling of Eros and Psyche’s love story was no different. She put a new spin on it, added some new twists, brought a modern day feel to it with her versions of Eros and Psyche and really made the story her own. I enjoyed every moment of it and highly recommend this story to anyone who’s a fan of Greek Mythology. It’s a must read, and even it you aren’t a fan of Greek Mythology you’ll find yourself swept away by the magic and beauty Ms.Harrell creates in this story. You’ll be a Greek Mythology fan by the time you’re done Destined.

LINKS TO PURCHASE:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paper Books
B&N Nook and Paper books
KOBO

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Marcie.

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