Tag Archives: YA

SUFFOCATE (Breathless) YA by S.R. Johannes

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SUFFOCATE (Breathless Novelette) YA by S.R. Johannes

SUFFOCATE (The Breathless Novelette Series #1) YA by S.R. Johannes

SUFFOCATE is a short story (May 2012 release)  introducing the premise to S.R. Johannes new young adult The Breathless Novelette series.

Eria Stevenson is excited. Today her father, Dr. Duke Stevenson will step out of the artificial eco-system that for centuries everyone on the planet has called home. The promise of another life outside of the Biome will be greatly increased if the suit lives up to the hype and testing that her father and his young assistant Ash have worked so diligently trying to perfect. With the thousands of spectators in attendance, Duke enters into a world of the unknown, only to find himself suddenly in a fight for his life.

Eria is stunned. Everyone around appears oblivious to the horror that is claiming her father. But with sudden clarity Eria knows what was happening to her father is no accident.

Ash has been taken hostage. Blamed for the accident, he has been imprisoned in a holding room, while the soldiers and security hunt for Eria. Escape is not an option when the only safe place is outside the Biome where no human is able to survive. But Ash has one more hurdle, to access the computer data surrounding the EcoSys projects and the bio-suit, only he finds more damning information then he first thought possible. Knowing there was only one remaining suit, Ash and Eria will have to make a decision that could end one of their lives. But what Ash reveals to Eria will make the young woman re-consider everything anyone has ever told her. Has her entire life been a lie?

SUFFOCATE is a great short story. Fast paced, interesting premise and a curve-ball that no one saw coming. I am looking forward to reading the next book in S.R. Johannes’ Breathless series-Eria is in for the ride of her ‘life’.

reviewed by Sandy

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UNTRACEABLE (YA) by S.R. Johannes-a review

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UNTRACEABLE (YA) by S.R. Johannes-a review

UNTRACEABLE (YA) by S.R. Johannes

SPOILER ALERT !!

UNTRACEABLE is a Young Adult novel best described as a mystery from the Nature of Grace series by S.R.Johannes. Following the disappearance of her father, 16 year old Grace refuses to give up the search. When the local law enforcement close the book and file the case under missing and presumed drowned, Grace makes it her mission to discover how an experienced forest ranger, such as her father, disappears without a trace and is presumed dead by his fellow employees and friends.

Growing up in the Smokey Mountains, Grace thought she knew everything and everyone who hiked through the hills and wooded areas. Searching for clues, Grace encounters Mo, a 17 year old, who claims to be a geology student studying the rock formations in the area. But when the pair stumble-upon 2 strangers hunting for bear, they soon become the prey. Escape is their only option, when the hunters set their guns and knives on two unsuspecting teens. But it is the realization that these hunters had no problem shooting humans as well as bears. 

Grace’s is determined to find out what happened to her father. Defying her ‘too often’ absent mother is easy, but getting past the sheriff will take some quick action and a plan. With her best friend Wyn as look out, Grace sneaks into the station, only to find, that the information about her missing father reveals more than she had ever thought.

Betrayal and sorrow will follow Grace throughout the storyline. Thinking you know someone only to find out they are at the centre of the controversy will break Grace’s heart as well as her faith in love and friendship. The death of her childhood pet will push Grace to look deeper into the mysterious strangers, but it is her friendships with Mo and Wyn that will suffer the most. Grace’s search for her father will be successful, but the revelation will only lead to more pain and suffering when the very people she thought were helping, are the very people who are responsible for so much sorrow.

Untraceable is a well-written novel. S.R.Johannes writes a compelling mystery with twists to the storyline that will keep you wondering. There is an underlying dark tale that involves death and murder, and at times goes beyond what I consider appropriate for a Young Adult novel. The physical violence and attempted murders is a regular occurrence and apparently goes unnoticed by both the locals and law enforcement throughout much of the story. Untraceable is a look at life in the wilderness and the people who call it home. I am looking forward to reading the next chapter in The Nature of Grace by S.R. Johannes

 Reviewed by Sandy

UNSPEAKABLE (YA) by S.R. Johannes-a review

UNSPEAKABLE (YA) by S.R. Johannes

UNSPEAKABLE is the Young Adult short-story (found In His Eyes anthology or on Smashwords) written by S.R. Johannes. The introduction to the Nature of Grace series, Unspeakable follows two lost souls as they wander the forests hoping to find something or someone, told from a different POV. The Nature of Grace series is told from the heroine’s POV but Unspeakable looks at life from another’s POV.

Written in first person POV, the reader follows through the eyes of the narrator while he walks the terrain of the forest and land. When he chances upon a wounded fawn caught in a trap, he soon realizes he may not be alone. Where there is a trap, the hunter is not too far behind.

But it is the sight of a beautiful young woman, wandering and taking note of the land, that captures his attention. When he returns the next day, hoping to find her again, he realizes the danger that she has quickly put herself in. Trapped by the hunters, the young woman soon becomes both prisoner and prey, and there must be something that he can do, to prevent the inevitable from happening.

Unspeakable is a quick read, basically a chapter in length that introduces some basic information about the Nature of Grace series. At this point, we are not privy to names or destinations, but as a prologue Unspeakable will leave you wanting for read what happens next

Reviewed by Sandy

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Marta Acosta-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

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MARTA ACOSTA-Interview with the Author

The Reading Cafe would like to welcome author Marta Acosta.

WEBSITE LINK: Marta Acosta

TRC: Hi Marta and welcome to The Reading Café. We would like to start with some background information-please tell us about yourself.

Marta: I’m the author of the Casa Dracula series and Nancy’s Theory of Style. I’m a northern Californian, born and raised, and the beautiful landscape and moderate weather here inspire me. I was the only daughter in a pack of boys, and I think one of the reasons I loved reading was to enjoy female companionship, even if it was fictional!

TRC: What is the title of the first novel you ever wrote and what was your inspiration behind the storyline?

Marta: The first novel I ever wrote was called Mystery Dance. It was a noir thriller and was never published because editors said it was “unmarketable.” It was inspired by people I saw every day in my neighborhood, yet never met. I wondered about their lives – and their secrets.

TRC: Do you have a specific style of writing?

Marta: I think my writing tends to be clean and succinct. It’s usually marked by humor.

TRC: You also write humorous novels under the author-name Grace Coopersmith. What was your decision behind the dual-personality model?

Marta: My agent and editor suggested another name since I was switching genres. Some authors use different names for every genre. It’s too much work for me to keep up with two identities, though, and my fans couldn’t find me.

TRC: At The Reading Café, we believe that Young Adult novels are no longer just for teens. Many authors write YA storylines knowing that grown-ups will be reading their books. What would you say to our many readers about Dark Companion and its attraction for the adult reader?

Marta: I wrote Dark Companion as a novel featuring a teenage character, not as a teenage novel. I spend a lot of time with teens and know exactly how very bright and complicated they are: I don’t talk down to them, and I didn’t “write down” for them. The story and characters are as complex as anything I write for an adult audience. Actually, many teen readers like my Casa Dracula series and I hope they’ll enjoy my YA!

TRC: Dark Companion is your new Young Adult release for July 2012. Would you please tell us something about the premise behind the storyline?

Marta: When foster teen Jane Williams is invited to attend elite Birch Grove Academy for Girls and escape her violent neighborhood, she thinks the offer is too good to be true. She’s even offered her own living quarters, the groundskeeper’s cottage in the center of the birch grove.

Something’s not quite right about the school — she thinks she sees things in the birch grove at night. She’s also beginning to suspect that the elegant headmistress and her sons are hiding secrets. Lucky is the gorgeous, golden son who is especially attentive to Jane, and Jack is the sardonic puzzling brother.

The school is a dream for a science and math geek like Jane. She also loves her new friends, but the longer Jane stays at Birch Grove, the more questions she has about the disappearance of another scholarship girl and a missing faculty member.

TRC: Where did you come up with the idea for Dark Companion? In which genre would you place Dark Companion?

Marta: Jane was selected to attend the school also because she’s impoverished, emotionally damaged, and will be easy to exploit by The Family. I often deal with the idea of the haves and have-nots in life.

I call Dark Companion a contemporary Gothic YA, and I use many of the tropes of classic gothics: a single girl in an isolated setting, mysteries, a supernatural element, a large and ominous building…

TRC: There were parts in the story that I let a tear or two fall-quite heartbreaking in some scenes. Did I over react, or was it your intent to pull at the heart-strings of unrequited love?

Marta: You didn’t overreact! The story is an homage to Jane Eyre and one of the most heartbreaking moments in Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel is when Jane’s heart is breaking and she’s declaring her own humanity. I always cry at that scene.

TRC: Jane Williams, the heroine, has suffered greatly throughout her young life especially within the Child Protective Services. Did you have to do any research for the novel with regards to foster care or are some of Jane’s experiences based in reality?

Marta: A good friend, who is a social worker, has told me about the conditions for foster kids and for gang youth. I’ve followed news about the foster care system, met foster parents, seen documentaries, and known high-achieving foster kids who have heart-rending personal histories.

Readers ask “Why does such a smart girl do what Jane does?” but kids who’ve suffered abuse and have no guidance or love often make terrible mistakes. I wanted Jane to learn from her errors and then make better choices – and she does when she befriends Mary Violet and begins to know her stable, loving family.

TRC: There are some other potential storylines in Dark Companion. Do you have any plans for future novels involving Jane, Jack and Lucian? A trilogy or perhaps a continuing series?

Marta: I’m working on Mary Violet mysteries. A character like MV is very close to my heart because I have a penchant for silly girls who are more than merely silly. MV’s very smart and loving and I can see her getting into all sorts of shenanigans.

TRC: If so, would you please tell us about your next novel?

Marta: Besides the MV mystery, which I’m calling Mary Violet and the Mystery of the Silent Songbird, I’m working on a gothic ghost story about two young women who haunt each other across time. It’s set in modern Northern California and the Gold Rush Barbary Coast.

TRC: Was there anything you found particularly challenging about writing Dark Companion?

Marta: Can I say tech issues? Gadgets and online culture (MySpace who?) change so rapidly that they’re outdated by the time a book is actually released. Cell phones alone ruin great plot devices. As an author, sometimes I want a phone to get crushed so a character must struggle to survive.

TRC: Many authors bounce information and ideas between each other or their spouses and family members. With whom do you share ideas and information, and why?

Marta: I share my ideas with my agent because she’s the one who will have to sell a book. My husband and family try to be patient with me nattering on about stories, but they never offer any feedback except my mother, who thinks I should write a book about my father’s life.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Marta: Only that I’m always happy to hear from readers!

LIGHTNING ROUND

FAVORITE FOOD: homemade tortillas with slices of avocado

FAVORITE DESSERT: chocolate cake

MILK OR DARK CHOCOLATE: semi-sweet!

FAVORITE TV SHOW: I just went through an insane ten-season marathon of MI-5, a British intelligence agency series. The amazing cast included Richard Armitage, who also starred in one of my favorite miniseries, North and South. I like competitive talent shows, but I record them and then fast-forward through the filler.

LAST MOVIE YOU SAW: I tried to watch Hall Pass and it filled me with the desire to fly to LA and slap the scriptwriter and director for wasting the casts’ talent.

FAVORITE MOVIE: Only one? Oh, no! Possibly The Philadelphia Story with Kate Hepburn.

LAST BOOK THAT YOU READ: It’s a gardening book, The Rose by David Austin, because everything is blooming right now!

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? I have two insane rescued pointers, Betty von Snoggles and Bosco de Gama, who will leap over things rather than run around them.

FAVORITE FLOWER: I couldn’t chose one, but I’m very fond of antique varieties of rose, the simplicity of pansies, nicotiana scenting the air at night, and the cheerfulness of native dahlias.

LAST VACATION DESTINATION: My last big vacation was London, my favorite city, a few years back. More often I visit the wine country ranch that inspired the setting for my Casa Dracula novels.

TRC: Marta, we would like to thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions. It is always a pleasure to meet the real person behind the author. Dark Companion is a wonderful and novel idea and we wish you all the best.

Marta: Sandy, thanks so much for having me here at The Reading Café and for taking the time to read my book and ask such thoughtful questions!

************GIVEAWAY************

Marta is offering one eligible member of The Reading Cafe a paper copy of her latest release DARK COMPANION

1.  You must be a registered member of The Reading Cafe.  If you are not a member, please register using the LOG-IN at the top of the page or using one of the social log-ins.

2.  If you are using one of the social log-ins, you must include your email address with a comment, so that we may contact you if you are a giveaway recipient.

3.  Open to continental USA and Canada only.

4. Contest runs June 23-27, 2012

 

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DARK COMPANION (YA) by Marta Acosta-a new release review

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DARK COMPANION (YA) by Marta Acosta-a new release review

DARK COMPANION (YA) by Marta Acosta

Dark Companion is the July 2012 new Young Adult release from author Marta Acosta. An interesting concept and premise, Dark Companion will introduce a new breed of paranormal characters and reveal some surprising twists. This is not another vampire story.

Jane Williams has been raised in the foster care system since she was orphaned at the age of 6. Following an attack by her father that left Jane in a coma for 3 months and her mother dead, Jane awakens with no memories of what has happened and little else to explain the mysterious voice and emanation that soothed the dying child. Growing up in a foster system where she was never accepted and emotionally battered, Jane focuses her drive and energy into her schoolwork and studies. At sixteen, Jane is awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Birch Grove Academy and life as she knows it, will change forever.

Birch Grove is a private school for girls. Most are from rich, affluent families with names tied to the community. When Jane arrives she is immediately accepted by a small group of friends, and finds herself centre stage with the headmistress and her family. The acceptance is immediate and she is treated like a fragile bird. And Jane’s sense of unease is doubled when she finds herself attracted to headmistress Radcliffe’s son Lucian (Lucky) and oddly repelled by her son Jacob. But it is Jacob who will eventually become her life-line and source of knowledge in a world of unknowns and firsts.

Birch Grove was founded in the belief of whispering Birch trees and stories of supernatural beings. There are no vampires or werewolves found on the mysterious grounds of the private estates. But it is the whispering of the trees, that will call to Jane, when the ‘Lady in the Woods’, will revisit the young orphan at a time when she is needed the most. And it is never revealed what is the source of Jane’s true self.

Throughout the storyline, Jane longs for a relationship with Lucky- a relationship based on attraction and love. But Lucky’s need for Jane is the one thing she never expected-Lucian Radcliffe required a ‘companion’. When the previous candidate disappeared suddenly, Jane was the next in line as a suitable ‘companion’ for the young man entering into a new phase of life and existence. And it is the truth as to why she was ‘recruited’ to Birch Grove Academy that will send Jane spiraling back to her old life and so-called friends. But it is Jacob, the bane of her existence that will be her constant guardian and breath of fresh air, in whom she finds a kindred friend.

Among the many characters, we are introduced to a Jane’s friends from her previous life-Wilde and 2Slim, and her new BFFs Mary Violet, Hattie and Constance: and Albert Mason the chemistry professor who lost his wife the previous year in a tragic accident that was reported as a suicide. But it is the mysterious death of Claire Mason that will have everyone at Birch Grove academy questioning the true nature of the ‘companion program’ and its’ affects on those they love.

Dark Companion is a young adult, paranormal fantasy storyline. An interesting concept, the ‘companion’ program will both amaze and repel based on the young teens’ reactions to new found feelings of lust and need. I found myself wiping a few tears when Jane experiences the heartache of rejection and the wonder of first love. But it is the love of a young man that will aid Jane in a life-altering decision that will affect everyone she now calls a friend. I am hoping Marta Acosta continues to write about the characters first introduced in Dark Companion. Although there was no cliffhanger, there are some loose ends and potential storylines yet to be told. Dark Companion is a fantastic new story from Marta Acosta.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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THE GOLDEN LILY (YA) by Richelle Mead-a new release review

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THE GOLDEN LILY by Richelle Mead-a new release review

THE GOLDEN LILY by Richelle Mead.

The Golden Lily is Book 2 of the Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead. It picks up right after Bloodlines ends and all I can say is WOW!!! This is one of those books that you start reading and can’t put down, even though you are sleepy and have to work in the morning and you know you will be cranky!! It is just that enjoyable!

Bloodlines told the story of a group of Moroi (good vampires), dhampirs (half breeds) and an Alchemist’s (human) exploits at a private High School in Palm Springs California! Someone has tried to assassinate the sister of the Moroi Queen and this motley group is hiding in a place no one will suspect! Vampires can’t take the heat or sun and what more perfect place to hide than at one of the hottest places on earth!! The vampires, dhampirs and Alchemist Sydney have become a self made family! We learn a bit more about the Human Alchemists, human magic and there is even a group of vampire hunters in the Golden Lily.

I believe this book really is about Sydney and learning more about her thought processes and her evolving relationship with “her family”. She is the anchor of this group, the logical one who prefers her beige wardrobe and who doesn’t seek attention. She is such a great character full of wisdom, but she has some lessons to learn too! She has few social skills and manuvering around normal teen concerns in high school is hard for her, but it is so funny for the reader! Richelle Mead develops wonderful characters that have flaws, but that can also laugh at themselves. This is the book where Sydney and Adrian can shine!! Adrian is the previously dumped boyfriend of Rose Hathaway from Vampire Academy. He is in Palm Springs to heal, have some fun and because of his bond with Princess Jill.

Sydney and Adrian are both such wonderful characters! They are similar in many ways, they both make me laugh out loud, but for different reasons. Sydney doesn’t know she is being funny many times and Adrian describes himself as “the wacky vampire”! They are both smart, even though Adrian hides his brilliance behind his mischevous ways. Who else would buy a classic 1967 Mustang when he can’t drive a stick shift or can he? Sydney steps in to help, because the Mustang is her dream car! Coincidence? I don’t think so!! When they are in scenes together, watch out and grab a swooning pillow!! They have such perfect chemistry and balance each other so well. I don’t know what Richelle Mead has in mind for them, the whole human and vampire issue, but I am sure that it will be great!! They are so protective of each other and like Adrian tells her, “you make me want to be a better person”. We see Adrian’s vulnerable side too when he meets his disapproving father for lunch. Sydney is there to remind him of his true character. His partying ways don’t fool her and she can see the real Adrian.

Like I said, Sydney is growing as a person. We are seeing a different side of our uptight girlfriend! She even has a boyfriend in this installment! A boy named Brayden who is like an exact replica of her! They have the same tastes, like the same boring activities, but are there any sparks?? Especially when her “family” interferes and they can’t even remember his first name! Sydney is still a loyal Alchemist, but she has nagging doubts about their beliefs. The whole belief that all vampires are inferior and to stay emotionally uninvolved with them. She knows that her new friends are good people and she is willing to follow her heart AND her logical mind. I think that this topic of loyalty to her beliefs will play a big part in her evolution as a person. Sydney is also learning about her magical side. She resents her school advisor, Ms Terwilliger who makes her translate spellbooks during her independent study. Ms Terwilliger knows that she is picking up the spells “through osmosis” and becoming receptive to the whole magic business. This training helps save the day against vampire hunters and we wonder, what exactly is Sydney? The bad vampires found her blood repulsive, she has magic in her blood, what else will she be able to do? I have a feeling that it is going to be incredible!

I am just loving this series! It is a continuation of the Vampire Academy, but can be read alone. There are new characters and some of our old favorites visit. Hello Dimitri!! A man who scores pretty high on the attractiveness charts, has a Russian accent and can look cool wearing a long leather duster in Palm Springs California! I have read the ending of The Golden Lily multiply times and my jaw continues to drop……….Oh, what is Richelle Mead planning?

Sorry Carmen, but I am officially TEAM ADRIAN now!!! I hope that everyone enjoys this series, it is written for both teens and adults!

Reviewed by Jules

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INFERNO- (Chronicles of NIck) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

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INFERNO-Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon-cover reveal

Here’s the scoop on hero Nick Gautier’s next adventure:

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…

Inferno will be out on March 19, 2013.

Reported by Marcie

LINK:  SHERRILYN KENYON website

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Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi-a review

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Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, is her debut novel in what is expected to be a trilogy.  With this first book, Rossi has impressed me very much with her writing and how she moves the storyline so seamlessly.  The reader is caught up in the worldbuilding that Rossi has created.

Under the Never Sky takes place in a world that is decimated by deadly Aether storms, with much of the human race divided. Rossi immediately brings us into this story of two worlds..an outer wasteland and futuristic domes.  This is considered YA, as it is a dystopian story, with a feel of paranormal. But like most YA lately, this is not just for teens.  It has teenage heroes, but the story is totally adult.

We first meet Aria, who has led a sheltered life inside the dome society, where they live in virtual realms.  They know very little of the outside world, as the powers that be have created an environment that protects those inside from the dangers that has destroyed earth from those storms. The virtual reality realms keeps everyone content.  But Aria misses her mom, who works within another dome, and she is determined to get in touch with her.  She and her friend go on a forbidden trip with some other boys, to see what is on the outside world, thinking she may be able to contact her mother. When the outing turns disastrous, Aria’s life is about to change for the worse.

Perry is an Outsider who has lived all his life outside of the domes. He has learned to live in this harsh world, with his family and tribe to fight off the elements. The outsiders world is filled with fear, due to the Aether sky, disease, and starvation. During his hunt for food to bring back to his people, Perry comes across the dwellers (Aria and her friends).  He watches from afar, but when one of the boys begins to attack Aria and her girlfriend, Perry comes to the rescue, and brings an unconscious Aria inside the Dome to be found later.  Only Soren, the boy who masterminded the trip, and who attacked Aria, survives besides Aria.  His father is one of the most powerful consuls, and to protect his son, Aria is framed for the other deaths.  She is exiled and sent out to die, to the outside death zone.  At the same time, Perry’s nephew is kidnapped by the Dweller Guards, and Perry sets out to find him.

Alone in what looks like a desert, and the Aether sky, Aria slowly feels like she is dying.  Perry comes across Aria, and though he dislikes her, he must help her, because she is the only link to find his nephew. The two of them clash immediately and only the need to survive, keeps them together in a forced alliance.  Aria looks at Perry as savage, and he sees her as a mole.

Perry is strong, and feral, but he has compassion and begins to feel sorry for Aria.  But she makes things difficult, as she was out of her element and the only way she knew how to handle herself was obnoxiously. Lol  She was very rude to Perry, who in a sense was keeping her alive.

But in time, Aria begins to come into her own.  She goes from a helpless girl, to someone who is determined to survive, as she learns how to defend herself, and quickly grows up.  She becomes a fierce, durable tough kick ass heroine, who eventually joins hands with Perry to help him find his nephew, and her find her mom. Perry has heightened senses that make him one of the more powerful outsiders, and one who can lead his own tribe as a Blood Lord.  The last 2/3’s of the story was very well done.  It was exciting, lots of action.  The romance between Perry and Aria moves slowly, as trust must come first, and each must learn about themselves.

I thought Rossi did a great job, as this is her first book.  Her world building was very imaginative, and her characters were excellent.  I enjoyed Roar, liked Marron and his home, can’t wait to find out more about Perry’s sister, and Cinder was totally different, should be interesting to see what happens to him.  Rossi made Perry and Aria, two unlikely pairings work, and by the end you loved them together.  The only negativity I have for this book, is both the beginning and the end.  In the beginning it was a bit slow and confusing, but this was necessary to learn the worlds.  But the end, is some thing I truly personally hate…. a cliffhanger.  Of course, I will read the next book.  How can I not, it was a good book, and I want to know what happens.  But I so hate cliffhangers.

Reviewed by Barb

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ELEMENTAL (Elemental 0.5) YA by Brigid Kemmerer- a review

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ELEMENTAL (Elemental 0.5) YA by Brigid Kemmerer

ELEMENTAL by Brigid Kemmerer

ELEMENTAL is the introductory storyline in Brigid Kemmerer’s YA Elemental series. Released in March 2012, Brigid brings the reader into a world of the powerful supernatural Elementals-Earth, Fire, Air and Water. The novella is a quick read, but provides just enough information that you know you will want to read what happens next.

17 year old Emily Morgan is an air Elemental, but at present her powers are limited. Hoping to earn enough money to move to New York and try her hand at Broadway (we all have dreams) she finds a job at the local sports complex where the daily grind is slow and tedious. Until the day that Michael Merrick walks through the front door.

Michael Merrick is a powerful earth Elemental, but hiding in plain sight is difficult when the Morgan family have targeted him for death. For years, the families have been at war, despising each other’s powers and capabilities, and some how dragging the children into their ongoing aggression and struggle for control. But the day his younger brothers were attacked, he knew that he had to learn to control his Power before the Guardians elected to end his life. And finding Emily Morgan at the sports complex only added another complication, when his only means to let off ‘steam’ was now hampered by the pretty little blonde who believes that Michael wants to end her life.

Emily and Michael’s relationship is further complicated when Emily reveals to her family that Michael frequents the sports complex where she works. But the animosity between the families escalates when her brother Tyler will use any means necessary to end the life of Michael Merrick all in the name of protecting his family and his sister. When Emily finds Michael on the defensive against a group of Elementals, including her brother, Emily knows there is only one thing she can do and saving Michael is her only priority.

ELEMENTAL is a wonderful and well-written introduction to Brigid’s young adult Elemental series. I am looking forward to reading this series. My only concern is that Brigid steer clear of the usual teen angst and ‘whoa is me’ attitudes that some YA authors feel is necessary throughout their storylines and series. Here’s to a great new YA series that will surely keep the reader involved

READING ORDER
1. Elemental  e-novella (March 2012)
2. Storm (April 2012) 
3. Fearless e-novella (July 31, 2012)
4. Spark (August 2012)
5. Spirit (May 2013)

Reviewed by Sandy

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