Review: The Lost Saint

Author: Bree Despain
Pages: 416
Source: Library
Series: The Dark Divine, book 2
Synopsis (from Amazon): The non-stop sequel to The Dark Divine delivers an even hotter romance and more thrilling action than Bree Despain's first novel.  Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalibi.  She gave her soul to the wolf to save him and lost her beloved mother.  When Grace receives a haunting phone call from Jude, she knows what she must do.  She must become a Hound of Heaven.  Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot - a newcomer to town who promises her that he can help her be a hero.  But as the two grow closer, the wolf grows in Grace, and her relationship with Daniel begins to crumble.  Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace becomes prideful in her new abilities - not realizing that an old enemy has returned and deadly trap is about to be sprung.  Readers, ravenous for more Grace and Daniel, will be itching to sink their teeth into The Lost Saint.

Let me start by saying that this is an incredibly smart title that makes a lot of sense.

The Lost Saint exceeded my expectations for a story. It really distinguishes this series, and has lots of action and romance. There were many twists that I never expected, especially the last one which was a crazy cliffhanger.

One of the best things about this story is the mythology. The Hounds of Heaven myths tie into the religious aspects in a way that makes sense and even improves the story. I especially thought the part about "The Good Samaritan" was clever. The werewolves in this story are completely unique and with The Lost Saint, the overall series became more original and interesting.

The characters are all likable too. It's so interesting for me to read about Grace because she is genuinely a kind, giving person and she has to deal with this terrible wolf inside of her. She has her faults, especially in The Lost Saint but it adds depth to her character. She isn't perfect, but she's a great person which is usually hard to balance but Bree Despain did a fabulous job with it. We see a bit less of Daniel in this book, but it's still obvious how perfect him and Grace are for each other.

Like in many, many sequels (if not all of them) Daniel and Grace were arguing and basically having troubles in their relationship in this novel. It wasn't one of their faults, they both could have acted better but I was a bit annoyed of their secrecy. Also, a new boy was introduced and Grace bonded a bit with him... I have to admit that I actually liked that in this story. For once, his and Grace's relationship made sense and was tons of fun to read. I won't say more in case I spoil.

The end... WOW. There was 50 pages left and I was wondering how the story would end when everything started going INSANE. There was so much action and drama. The villain was unveiled and his plan was truly horrific (and pretty smart as evil plans go). At one point, I tried to stop reading to absorb everything but the book tempted me too much so I finished it. This wasn't what I was expecting. It was much better, and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book.

If you're looking for a story with interesting mythology, lovable characters, non stop action, surprising twists and romance, The Lost Saint is perfect for you.

****

Review: Hunger

Author: Michael Grant
Pages: 608
Source: Library
Series: Gone by Michael Grant, book 2
Synopsis (from Amazon): It's been three months since all the adults disappeared. Gone.

Food ran out weeks ago and starvation is imminent. Meanwhile, the normal teens have grown resentful of the kids with powers. And when an unthinkable tragedy occurs, chaos descends upon the town. There is no longer right and wrong. Each kid is out for himself and even the good ones turn murderous.

But a larger problem looms. The Darkness, a sinister creature that has lived buried deep in the hills, begins calling to some of the teens in the FAYZ. Calling to them, guiding them, manipulating them.

The Darkness has awakened. And it is hungry.

**Beware, I'm a huge fan of this series!**

When I finish reading a book, I ask myself whether I feel like reviewing it. Whether I have a lot to say about it. I don't review books I only like, or the opposite, just a moderate amount of books that I have a solid opinion on. Some books make me need to review them. Hunger is one of these books.

First, oh my gosh I LOVE these books! Sorry, had to get that out of my system. This is such a fabulous, original, interesting story world. Kids trapped in a dome with no adults and superpowers? That alone would makes me like this book. Tie that with the amazing and intricate plot, variety of amazing characters and the easy to read writing and you've got a winner.

Hunger is the second book of the Gone series, and I swear you can feel the desperation of the kids while reading this. Its creepy how this book affected my mood so much while I read it in a single sitting. In Hunger, things are even worse. Sam is trying to be a good leader but the pressure is overwhelming, the society isn't working and the Darkness is on the prowl. Every possible thing is against them and you're left wondering how can our heroes triumph?

One of my favorite things about this series is how real the characters are. Every one of them has faults, but they're all redeemed in at least a small way. The multiple point of views gives room for everyone's story to weave together in the plot. For example, the kids face many challenges in Hunger, mostly relating food and organization. These kids react exactly as I would imagine many people would react: they're scared, they feel like they can't do anything, and they're on the verge of giving up. These emotions lead to chaos and while some kids follow the crowd, there are some kids who step and are leaders. But no, these kids do not save the day, They have their own problems too, so basically everyone has to save themselves. These concept really makes me wonder what I'd do if I lived in the FAYZ.

This book has lots of suspense and action. These poor kids never get a break. There are new heroes and new "villains" and there are either two ways things work: you create a problem, or you solve a problem. Most people create problems and it's written in a way that shows that problems are a way of life. They're always there, people need to learn how to deal with them.

I can't really say much else without spoiling, so I'm just saying that I'm super excited for the next book, Lies, which I'm planning on getting as soon as I can. I don't know what genre of book this may be (dystopian perhaps?) but if you like books about survival, the Gone series is perfect for you. There's a lot to like, though it's a scary read.

I loved Hunger so much that I'm giving it my highest rating, 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend checking this book and series out!

*****

Review: The Glass Demon

Author: Helen Grant

Pages: 320

Source: Library

Synopsis (Amazon): Sometimes the path to the truth is paved with broken glass.  

 
Teenager Lin Fox is a stranger in a strange land—Germany, where her father has come on a quixotic quest to locate a priceless artifact. The medieval (and possibly mythical) Allerheiligen stained glass is believed by some to be lost, by others to have been destroyed, and by virtually all to be haunted. A mysterious letter persuades Dr. Oliver Fox that he can be the one to find it—but someone else is determined to ensure that the glass stays hidden forever.

First, an elderly stranger is found dead in an orchard, then one of Oliver’s contacts is mysteriously drowned—both bodies inexplicably surrounded by shards of colored glass. As dark superstitions simmer, Lin embarks on her own search to find the glass. As her life comes to resemble the grimmest of fairy tales, she realizes that what she must find is not only the truth about the legendary glass but a way to save the lives of those she loves.
When I first saw this book, I knew I had to read it right away. It sounded spooky and scary, and it was.

Lin was a good character. She hated having to move into Germany and she had her faults, and her good points. Though she wasn't a super memorable character, she was nice to read. The other characters were much more interesting, especially Tuesday, and her dad. Tuesday seemed like an airhead who didn't care about her kids at all, but when one of them was threatened, we really see how much she cared. Lin's father was someone she first idolized, and we soon see how that all changed. He isn't a bad guy, just someone with very interesting values, and I'm interested to see what other people think of him. He is easily a character you can hate- but in a good way.

The story completely surprised me. I had expectations of what was going on, just to be thrown off completely in the conclusion. That's probably just me though, but I have learned a valuable lesson. It was a good plot and now that I look back, all the clues are there. At times, I was seriously scared and had goosebumps. Only thing I didn't like was that it took a while before stuff actually happened.

I don't usually comment on writing since I have no qualification, but I have to say this was written well, with lots of "Elements of Literature" like I learned in English class. Lots of foreshadowing along the lines of "I was not to know that..." It builds suspense and it was creepy, but it was slightly overused. The descriptions however are beautiful. I'm not even kidding, this is written so elegantly! I can only wish to write as good as that someday.

This was a good read, but not on my all time favourite list. That's why I gave it 4 stars, though if you like mystery and suspense with paranormal elements, this book is for you!

****

-P.E.

Follow Friday

Hey guys, it's a Friday, which means it's time for Follow Friday!



To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules: Follow the Follow My Book Blog 

1. Friday Host { Parajunkee.com} and any one else you want to follow on the list
2.  Follow our Featured Bloggers -http://dreamingaboutotherworlds.blogspot.com/
3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI"
6. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers

This week's question is... 

If you are a fan of Science Fiction what is your favorite book? If you haven't read Science Fiction before...any inkling to? Anything catch your eye?

Hmmm, I don't read much Science Fiction. I read more dystopian, but I have read Star Wars (the chapter books) and I really liked them. But I couldn't figure out the order of the books because they were written by so many different people that I quit. 

Now it's time for the Follow Fun! Comment if you're just stopping by with a link to your blog so I can check it out. I hope you like my blog and have a nice weekend!

-P.E.

The Weekly Progress and Random Musings

Hehe, sorry I didn't post last week. My laziness was at an all time high. I'll try to do a kind of joint post, but I forget most of the books I read.

Books Read:


If you'd like me to do a review of any of those (besides Last Sacrifice and Finders Keepers) let me know!

Currently Reading


TBR soon:

Thoughts and Musings:
It's been a cool week, kind of crazy. Lots of fun though I haven't been as active a blogger as I should be. I have this weird question about following. I follow a lot of blogs, and I read the posts that catch my eye on my dashboard. Not every post. I follow every blog I see where someone has reviewed a book I like or might want to read well. That's a lot of following. How do you guys follow?

Review: Finders Keepers

Finders Keepers by Marilyn Kaye
Pages: 240
Source: Library
Synopsis (Amazon): Dead people don't make great companions - something cute, athletic Ken finds out the hard way when, following an accident on the football field, he starts hearing ghostly voices. It's not the kind of gift he would have asked for, but there's nothing he can do about it, until an anonymous note invites him to a seance. Completely convinced by the medium he meets, Ken tries to tell her about his secret. Only his gifted classmates can save him from revealing the truth - and finding himself in terrible danger . . .

To be honest, I wasn't a major fan of all the books in this series. I never got too into it, but each book has been getting better. This story is about Ken, who is my second favorite character. He is really relatable and a decent guy. His predicament sucks though: best friend dead, can now speak to ghosts in his head. It was really interesting to learn more about how he became the way he was.



Though his part was cool, I have to say the real interesting part was Amanda, my favourite character's, point of view. Amanda was as complex as ever, but I can see her on the verge of change. She understands how mean she is and she's slowly changing that. In Finders Keepers, Amanda starts to feel like she's unimportant. Small resentful feelings. The reason I think this is progress is that before, she never cared at all what the gifted kids thought, so this is a huge step for her.



I'm genuinely interested to read what happens next. I'd like to know more about Charles or Sarah (who has the best gift, IMO). These books are picking up in pace while they remain quick, light reads. This story is really original and has great potential so I'm excited to see where all that potential goes.

I actually would give this a 3.5.

*** & 1/2

xoxo

-P.E.

Book Blogger Hop

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted at Crazy-For-Books.
In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read!


The question this week is:

"Tell us about one of your posts from this week and give us a link so we can read it (review or otherwise)!"

This week I finally read and reviewed Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead. I love the series and I thought this was a great finale. 

Well that's my post, hope you liked it! Thanks for visiting my blog and leave a comment with a link.  :)