Review #7: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

Title: The Golden Lily(Bloodlines #2)

Author: Richelle Mead

Published: June 2012 by Razorbill

My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

*Spoilers Included*

The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spin off series

Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students--children of the wealthy and powerful--carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead's breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.

*****

I'm sorry but I have to open with: Oh my goodness, that dedication was so sweet and the story is simply divine!

I devoured this book within a few days with my busy work schedule. I seriously carried it everywhere I could so I always had the chance to get a page or two completed. From the opening chapter to the very last word I felt as if I was constantly on the edge of my seat.

I enjoyed all the new characters that were introduced. Well, everyone except for the boyfriend... What was his name again? Bradley? Brian? Brendon? Brent? Brayden? No seriously, I can't remember. And the fact that no one else could remember his name either paid homage to just how unimportant he was.

There were plenty of fun moments. Some of my favorites would be Sydney trying to teach Adrian how to drive a stick shift, Sydney using more magic, and Jill's dreamy mood swings-

"Sydney, khaki raelly suits you".

Richelle Mead left all kinds of hints for readers throughout the entire novel that this ending had me throwing the book across the room, jumping up and down, screaming and raving. Sydney Sage drives me completely mad! How can anyone deny what's staring them in the face?

The teaser chapter from Bloodlines #3 that was published with this release has me even more excited for our next installment.

Review #6: Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Obsidian
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: December 2011 Entangled Publishing
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Starting over sucks.When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is.

*****

Can I take Katy's place? I would kill for some of Daemon Black in a neighbor, lol.

Jennifer L. Armentrout's characters and plot lines have me drooling for more.
Take Katy- normal book blogging female; moves to a new town and meets hot alien male
next door, Daemon. The action is here, the chemistry is here, the mystery is
here... It was everything and more and I'm beyond excited to read the next book
in the series!

I must admit that I didn't believe that I was going to like this story. It sounded like a Roswell knock-off and I loved the original series the way it was. After being (secretly)entered into a giveaway of a signed copy, I was happy to find out that oh boy was I wrong! After reading four books by Ms. Jennifer L. Armentrout, if she rewrote the Bible or the dictionary I'm pretty sure that I would read it and rave about it. She's doing something right and I'll be looking forward to what's next.

Now is it August 14th 2012 yet?

Mini Review #4: Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Pure(Covenant #2)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: March 2012 Spencer Hill Press
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

There is need. And then there is Fate...

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her.

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon... and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude... or killing her.

When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

*****

Ever since my best friend, Aj started my obsession with Half-Blood, I've been one hooked fish; and that was just the beginning. Pure started off with a fight and keep me enthralled through out the story.
There is so much I want to say, but I can't with out spoiling the book! Alex is as strong as ever and the newest developments have me in desperate need of the next book in the series, Deity.

First of all, my heart was truly thrown into turmoil because Seth open up somewhat and we got to see the sweet side of who he could be. I totally fell in love. But there are storms brewing, especially with the things going on in Aiden's head and heart. I'm beyond confused now!

I cried. I laughed. I screamed. And I nearly had multiple strokes while hiding at my part-time job so I could sneak in some reading time. *wink wink*

Over all awesome read that ate up and marinated on for days. If you haven't read a JLArmentrout book yet, you don't know what you're missing.