A Year Ago: Revel by Maurissa Guibord (A Must Read)

Revel by Maurissa Guibord

Received from Random House Kids

On Shelves Now

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Enthralling, Enigmatic, and Enchanting

There’s an island off the coast of Maine that’s not on any modern map.

Shrouded in mist and protected by a deadly reef, Trespass Island is home to a community of people who guard the island and its secrets from outsiders. Seventeen-year-old Delia grew up in Kansas, but has come here in search of her family and answers to her questions: Why didn’t her mother ever talk about Trespass Island? Why did she fear the open water? But Delia’s not welcome and soon finds herself enmeshed in a frightening and supernatural world where ancient Greek symbols adorn the buildings and secret ceremonies take place on the beach at night.

Sean Gunn, a handsome young lobsterman, befriends Delia and seems willing to risk his life to protect her. But it’s Jax, the coldly elusive young man she meets at the water’s edge, who finally makes Delia understand the real dangers of life on the island. Delia is going to have to fight to survive. Because there are monsters here. And no one ever leaves Trespass alive.

I am a huge, HUGE fan of Greek mythology, so anytime I see a book where it is involved, I jump on it.  Some of these books have been amazing, while others—not so much.  I’m happy to say that Revel is one of those books that hooked me.  Maurissa created a haunting island, set apart from the rest of the world by treacherous waters and dangerous creatures, where the memories of ancient gods are whispered on the winds; and if you aren’t careful, and you don’t look where you’re going, you might end up lost at sea.

My favorite types of books are the ones that combine the darkness of a horror story with the passion of a romance.  Revel does just that and more.  I was immediately captivated by the gothic aspects of Trespass Island.  At first glance, it looks like a quaint fishing village, but when you step further in and take a closer look, the mysteries start to pile up.  The islanders are quiet, unwelcoming, and their eyes tell a story of loss and fear, along with something resembling brainwashed happiness.  Add that to the mysterious sea monsters, and you have an island straight out of a fairy tale gone horribly wrong.  I loved how Maurissa created an aura of ancient power in her world, and her amazing descriptions of the sea and the wind and the island added to the mystery of that power.

I really enjoyed Delia’s curiosity.  She doesn’t understand the elements that hide within the island, and as a result, she ends up in dangerous situations.  Even though she senses this danger, she doesn’t let it hold her back.  She is lost at why the islanders are so cold, and once their secret is revealed to her, she refuses to live by their rules.  I love this rebellious side to her, even though, at times, I felt she took it too far, endangering herself and those she cared about.  Still, her strength in standing up to oppression and tradition was admirable, and I enjoyed watching her discover just how much she is connected to the island and its traditions.

There are two love interests in the story, but it’s not a love triangle that is overblown.  Now, I am different than most readers because I like the love triangles.  I like the drama and the tension that it adds to the plot, and more importantly, I like how it develops a character’s psyche as he/she makes a choice.  But, I don’t think the triangle in this book while be looked down upon. 

First, you have Sean, the lobsterman who is hiding a dangerous secret.  You can tell he is a great guy, and he loves the island.  It’s almost as if the island has literally become a part of him because he defends it with such fervor.  He seems quiet and shy, but his feelings for Delia are apparent.  Those of you who love the gentlemanly type guy will love Sean.  Then, you have Jax, the mysterious bad boy who is hiding secrets even more dangerous than Sean’s.  Of course, I’m a Jax fan because he’s the troubled one that rebels against the rules.  He tries so hard to stay away from Delia, but his feelings are written all over his face.  He’s strong and confident, despite his feelings; and on more than one occasion he teases Delia about how her eyes travel over his body.  I loved that carefree, teasing part of him.  It made him a little less dangerous seeming, and it showed that he isn’t the cold, ruthless bad boy that the island portrays him to be.

I read this book in one day---it was that good.  The action was fast-paced, and I was always discovering something new.  The blend of mythology with elements of horror and romance was seamless, and Maurissa’s world enveloped me, sending me straight into the depths of the ocean to witness first hand the world she created.  I highly recommend this to mythology and paranormal fans!

The book works as a stand alone, but it is also left where a sequel can be written if Maurissa chooses to.  I, for one, am rooting for a sequel because I just can’t get enough of this enchanting world!

Match 2: Micah (3) vs. Alex (6) Goes to Alex

Welcome to The YA Sisterhood's 3rd Annual YA Crush Tourney!  We hope that through this all you will meet a lot of book loving people, discover new books, and of course be introduced to many more dreamy crushes!  

Be aware that we have tried to keep all the posts pretty general, but there might still be some spoilers.  If the spoiler is big, it will be marked.  However, still proceed with caution!

Matches will run for 24 hours, 12am to 12am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  For more information please check out our Tournament Page.

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WINNER OF MATCH #2 IS ALEX!

Micah from Mythology by Helen Boswell



There it is. At last. The rumble of a motorcycle out front. My heart stops for a few beats. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for this moment – the moment when I finally get to meet the love of my life, the star of my dreams, my fictional fantasy come to life.

“It’s Micah, and he’s on a black classic Triumph. His golden hair is windblown and tangled. He looks glorious in the sunlight…And I know that his smile is meant for me.”

Micah Condie is 6’2” of blonde hair, blue-eyed sexiness. A devoted brother, loyal friend and loving boyfriend, he has the biggest heart of any YA crush I’ve ever read. He isn’t afraid of his feelings, and he will do whatever it takes to protect the people he cares for. The only thing not perfect about him is that he isn’t real, and I can’t tackle hug him and swoon over him in person! But there is more to Micah than heart and looks. You see, Micah is a demon – as in literal, fire-and-brimstone, demon from hell. To survive, he must take souls, and if he doesn’t, he will die. It’s a horrible choice, and it would be so easy for Micah to just give up and be the monster everyone claims he is.

“You can’t reduce me down to that, like I’m some sort of wild animal that only acts on instinct. I made a decision to be with Hope. And she made the same decision to be with me.”

Micah doesn’t believe in taking the easy way out. He refuses to accept that he is somehow “destined” to be a bad guy because he was unlucky enough to be born a demon. So instead, he fights. Every day he wages a war with the darkness, battling his own nature for the right to create his own destiny and be with the girl he loves.

“I’ll choose you. I’ll always choose you.”

(c) 2013 Helen Boswell. Design by Allie B Designs, original images by Shannon Eberhard/James Stamos

Micah is the ultimate good bad boy. Yes, he has blackness inside of him, but he won’t yield to it, no matter what. And isn’t that what we all do? We all have our dark sides, and we all strive to be the best person we can be. Micah reminds me of that, and when he wins the fight, it’s like I’m winning too. That’s why I choose him as my YA Crush. Because he is the most real, the most human. Demon darkness and all.

Exclusive excerpt from MYTHOLOGY: THE WICKED. Coming September, 2013.

© 2013 Helen Boswell. Used with permission.

“I’m fine,” she says, a small smile playing on her face.

"Convince me,” I say.

She slides her hands up my chest, around my neck. Her eyes don’t leave mine, the uncertainty of the moment gone for both of us.

We step toward each other at the same time, my arms drawing her even closer at the moment our lips meet. Her mouth opens, lips meld with mine in total perfection, and I take in her breath as my own. I run my hands down to the small of her back, and she knots her fingers in my hair and curves into me. The slight movement of her body pressing against me stirs up an entirely different sort of hunger.

Nothing matters except for her.

Nothing.

A small sound escapes from her throat, and my need ignites like flames against all of the darkness.

Way too soon, the bell rings, totally killing the moment. Doors burst open, and the hallway overflows with people and commotion.

“There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” a voice says.

I groan and press my forehead to Hope’s for just a second before breaking away from her.

“Hey, Sylvia,” she says brightly, linking her fingers with mine. She squeezes my hand before letting go and turns her face up to mine. “See you later.”

Her cheeks are flushed, her lips parted. I let out my breath slowly.

“See ya.”

I drag a hand over my face as I watch her leave, the urge to chase her growing exponentially with each step she takes away from me. It’s not just some stupid possessive needy thing. I know she’s mine as much as she knows I’m hers.

But the second she disappears around the corner, the feeling resurfaces. The one that will always stick with me. The one when I thought she was leaving me for good, right after she saved my life last semester. That moment when I was full of regret that I let her down.

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Alex from Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles



Hola, book lovers! I'm Rachel from Beauty and the Bookshelf, and I'm honored to be an advocate in the YA Crush Tourney this year! I know I'm biased, but I really, truly love my crush; he's one of my top book boyfriends! I hope you've got a fan ready to cool you down and 911 on speed dial, because you're about to meet...

Alex Fuentes

He's the lead male in Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles, and he's muy caliente. Alex is made up of several different aspects, and in the end he'll steal your heart and take your breath way. If you've already met Alex, then you probably know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, then you're about to find out. He's the boy your madre warned you about. But beware: the following text is highly flammable.

“This is Alejandro Fuentes. When he wasn't hanging out on street corners and harassing innocent people this summer, he toured the inside of jails around the city, if you know what I mean. His secret desire is to go to college and become a chemistry teacher.”

Cocky

Alex has his issues--he's in a gang, he's trying to keep his younger brothers out of the gang, his family doesn't have a whole lot of money--but he hides that. He does his best not to show weakness, so instead he emanates confidence like it's a cologne he's wearing. Sometimes it smells vial, and sometimes it smells mouth-watering, and that's when the good, light-hearted cockiness makes an appearance.

“Makin' mistakes ain't a crime, you know. What's the use of having a reputation if you can't ruin it every now and then?”

Heart

Family is a very big thing for Alex; they mean the world to him. And when the right girl comes around, she becomes part of that, too. A handful of people get a special place in Alex's heart, a place that means he'd do anything to protect them. He's not an overbearing bodyguard (most of the time)--he's protective in a way that makes your heart stop a beat then pick up at an extremely fast pace.

“I want to know how to make this girl laugh. I want to know what makes her cry. I want to know what it feels like to have her look at me as if I’m her knight in shinning armor.”

Espanol

Chico is a Mexicano, a Latino--and he's not afraid to show it. Alejandro Fuentes rolls an r off his tongue so smoothly, like a cat purring. Some of what he says is foul, but a lot of the time it's just another name to call Brittany, his love interest in Perfect Chemistry. Some guys call their girls "babe" and "sweetheart"--Alex'll call you "mi vida," "mujer," and "mamacita."

“Mi vida, if I kiss you, I guarantee there’s gonna be tongue.”

Mechanic

What is it about guys working on cars that's so hot? Alex spends a lot of his time in the garage and shop, working on cars and fixing things. Not to get all English-class on you, but working on cars could symbolize Alex's life and what's happening in it. There's also the fact that some, um, interesting things happen at the shop...

“We’re actors in our lives, pretendin’ to be who we want people to think we are.”

Indescribable

I may be describing Alex throughout this post, but there really isn't a true way to say or show who he is. (You just have to meet him yourself.) He's just Alejandro Fuentes, the boy everyone warns you about but your heart leaps for anyway.

“You are the one girl that made me risk everything for a future worth having.”

Sexy

I've only been saying this for, like, the entire post, but chico es muy caliente. Seriously, he is worthy of some major swoonage. It's not just the obvious sexiness--it's who he is, deep down, as a person. And it's also his smokin' hot looks. (Tattoos. I love tattoos.) He rides a motorcycle. (Holy hotness.) The things he says are pretty sexy, too. Oh, and what he does--woo! Excuse me, I need to go stand in front of a fan for a few days and cool myself down. Alex Fuentes is almost too hot to handle!

“He has eyes so expressive they give a hint to more than what he portrays. He’s dedicated to his friends, family, and even his motorcycle  He touched me as if I were made of glass. He kissed me as if he’d savor it for the rest of his life.” 

Trouble 

"I knew you were trouble when you walked in..." So, Alex isn't an angel. (But really, who is?) He makes some bad decisions and does some bad things. He has tattoos (not that I'm complaining) and is marked up with evidence that he's part of LB, Latino Blood, a gang you really, really don't want to mess with. Boy can handle a gun and take care of himself in a fight. He's trouble, all right. But trouble isn't always a bad thing.

“I'm not starting any fights. I might finish one though.”

Rebellious

To add to being trouble, Alex can be quite the rebel. (He's a Fuentes; I think it runs in their genes.) His mouth can run off and say not-so-nice things, and he also does some very not-so-nice things. He may use you, depending on who you are. Alex isn't always fond of rules, either. However, that rebelliousness has the potential to morph into something great.

“It's your image, what Alex Fuentes is all about. It's your brand, your logo...dangerous, deadly, hot and sexy Mexican.”

Yours

Once he finds the one, that girl that's his life, that's it. He's done. He's pretty darn committed and he's yours, and you're his. He'll say sweet things and do sweet things, all of which put butterflies in your stomach. (For reals, this book will put some major butterflies in your stomach.) Alex Fuentes will make you weak at the knees, and you can't help falling for him. And if he falls for you, then you are one very, very lucky girl. 

“Mujer, you own my soul.”

So that's Alex Fuentes: sugar, spice, and everything hot. He's the guy you hate to love and a delicious dose of danger that you need in your life. If you haven't met him, I'd highly suggest reading Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles. In the meantime, join Alex's Gang and vote for him--you know you want to, amigos! And muchas gracias!

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Polls are now closed.

The Last Academy by Anne Applegate

The Last Academy by Anne Applegate

eARC received from Scholastic via Netgalley

Release Date:  4-30-2013

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Slow with very little romance L

What is this prep school preparing them for?

Camden Fisher arrives at boarding school haunted by a falling-out with her best friend back home. But the manicured grounds of Lethe Academy are like nothing Cam has ever known. There are gorgeous, preppy boys wielding tennis rackets, and circles of girls with secrets to spare. Only . . . something is not quite right. One of Cam's new friends mysteriously disappears, but the teachers don't seem too concerned. Cam wakes up to strangers in her room, who then melt into the night. She is suddenly plagued by odd memories, and senses there might be something dark and terrible brewing. But what? The answer will leave Cam—and readers—stunned and breathless, in this thrilling debut novel.

I was really excited to read The Last Academy because I love boarding school books.  They make the perfect setting for a YA book.  There are no parents around, the boys and girls dormitories are always close so romance is always tempting, and sneaking out and getting in trouble is a must.  I was really looking forward to all of this, adding to it the idea that Camden is seeing things in the dark and having strange memories.  I was very hopeful that this would be a great read; unfortunately, it fell flat for me.

I think my main problem was the age of the main character.  I didn’t realize she was going to be so young (a freshman), and as a result, most of her actions and thoughts were very immature.  I wanted there to be a great romance, but instead, I just got immature girly thoughts and giggles as the cute guy passed by.  I’m not the giggly, look at the hottie type of girl, so this really bugged me.  I felt like I was watching middle school girls crush on the cute boys, and it got to the point where I just wanted to smack Camden.

I also really struggled with the jumpiness of the plot.  What I mean by this is that something would happen, and then the next day it would be forgotten and then on to something else.  Then, it would be brought back days or weeks later.  I felt like the progression of the plot was nonsensical and slow, and I got to the point where I skipped entire pages because I just knew nothing was going to happen.  There were some parts where the plot had great potential—when Camden was seeing people in the middle of the night or when she was having sort-of visions where her friends morphed into something else, but these weren’t really developed enough.  I wanted more of these scenes and more action, but they hardly ever came.

This book was definitely more of a MG book, and I think that younger readers will enjoy it because there is mystery (although very predictable) and situations that would appeal and relate to a younger audience.  Older YA readers might want to skip this one, though. 

I really wanted to like this one because the cover was great, and the synopsis sounded like there was going to be some major paranormal events happening.  Add that to the fact that mythology plays a role (minor spoiler but you find out after a few chapters), and I thought that this one was going to be fun.  Sadly, it just didn’t have the action and romance to keep me interested.

Review: The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter

ARC received from Harlequin Teen

Release Date:  2-26-2013

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Traumatic, Tempting and Thrilling

 Love or life.
Henry or their child.
The end of her family or the end of the world.
Kate must choose.

During nine months of captivity, Kate Winters has survived a jealous goddess, a vengeful Titan and a pregnancy she never asked for. Now the Queen of the Gods wants her unborn child, and Kate can't stop her--until Cronus offers a deal.

In exchange for her loyalty and devotion, the King of the Titans will spare humanity and let Kate keep her child. Yet even if Kate agrees, he'll destroy Henry, her mother and the rest of the council. And if she refuses, Cronus will tear the world apart until every last god and mortal is dead.

With the fate of everyone she loves resting on her shoulders, Kate must do the impossible: find a way to defeat the most powerful being in existence, even if it costs her everything.

Even if it costs her eternity.

(If you have NOT read the first two in this series, do not read the review, as it contains spoilers from the first 2 books).

The end is near, the war has come

And all are caught beneath Cronus’s thumb

The Council fights back, but is it in vain?

Will they fall under Calliope’s reign?

 

Or will love manage to beat back the dark

To light a beacon, to create a spark?

Til the end they will fight, both Henry and Kate

Will they live or die?  What is their fate?

 

Reading the last book in a trilogy that you’ve enjoyed always brings forth all sorts of emotions—happiness because there is no more waiting, no more cliffhangers; and sadness because you will miss those characters that you’ve known for the past few years.  I had put off reading this one for a few weeks because I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye.  This was my first Hades/Persephone retelling, and I’ve always been partial to it because it introduced me to something new and different than what you learn in school.  It made it personal and real, even though it was in the paranormal genre.  It made a connection, and for that, I will always love this series.

This one starts 9 months after Goddess Interrupted left off, and it jumps straight into the heartbreak and action.  I liked that we didn’t have to read about the 9 months of Kate’s imprisonment and the pregnancy because I just don’t know if I would have been able to watch her go through that much pain and suffering.  Still, prepare yourself for some heartache!

This final book didn’t lack in the action.  There was constantly a battle raging, whether it was internal or external.  I didn’t find in lulls in the plot or anything that made me want to rush through, which is great because I hate it when books add too many details.  It was actually shorter than I expected (the ARC was only 300 pages), and I’m thinking some things were added to the final copy because it ended up 380ish pages.    

My favorite part of this book, of course, is Henry (Hades).  I like thinking about him the way that Aimee Carter writes him—broody yet loving, hard yet caring.  Add that to his dark power and he is by far the most interesting god in my opinion.  He has dominion over the dead, so there is something heartbreaking and poetic about his views on life.  It begins and it ends—that’s the way life is, and I really love how Henry is so poised in the face of death.  Power drips off him in waves, and he is one of the most powerful of the Olympians, yet that power hasn’t corrupted him like it did Walter (Zeus).  He was much more open in his feelings in this one, which is great, because he did get a bit annoying at times in the first two books when he wouldn’t just say how he felt.   That insecure Henry is gone, replaced by a loving and revenge-bent greek god.

Kate is much stronger in this book, although she still has that annoying think before you act habit that makes me want to knock her upside the head.  James (Hermes) even mentions it multiple times---her martyr complex he calls it.  She really bugs me how she doesn’t open up to her family for help.  Instead, she concocts a plan and runs straight into it without thinking about the consequences, which is infuriating!!  So if you were one of those readers that got annoyed with Kate before, just know it’s not going to go away in this one.

I do wish the romance would have been more profound.  If the world were about to end, I wouldn't just be sitting around being scared to be "loving," I would pounce on it every chance I got.  But, of course, Kate made an excuse.  Bad Kate.

Loss, love, hate, and revenge all collide in this final book causing a cacophony of emotions to swell up and pour out.  This was a fitting (albeit sad) ending to such a great story, and I will definitely miss these characters.  But as Henry says, “the time has come to fight,” and fight they will.

If you want to read our review of The Goddess Test click here
If you want to read our review of Goddess Interrupted click here
 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway

Hey everyone!  Today we have the pleasure of hosting the Touch of Death Blog Tour!!!  Check out my review below, and be sure to enter the Rafflecopter for the giveaway!

Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway

ARC received from Spencer Hill Press

Release Date:  January 15, 2013

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Intense and Romantic

Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.

Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.

I was so excited to start reading Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway.  From the blurb, I knew it would have everything I loved:

Mythology—Check

Sexy, mysterious guy—Check

Girl with strange powers—Check

My Fave Greek God, Hades—Check

Throw all these together with Medusa looming overhead, and you have Kelly’s book.

I will admit, it did take me a while to get into the book.  For the first 100 pages, the writing was choppy—simple sentence after simple sentence.  There were times I had to re-read sentences because they didn’t flow well, and that put a real damper on a fun idea.  Add to that that there was an abundance of telling with very little showing, and it made for a rough start.  However, after those initial 100 pages, the writing smoothed out and the romance and suspense took off, leaving me wanting to know what was going to happen next.

My favorite part of the story was how Medusa fit into the plot.  I can’t think of another mythology book out there that focuses on Medusa or her descendants, so this was completely new for me; and I enjoyed seeing a different character in Greek mythology emerge.  While we learn a bit about Medusa’s past and her descendants, there is still plenty to learn in the next book, and I look forward to seeing what happens next.

Jodi was an up and down main character for me.  There were times when I really liked her perseverance and her get-out-of-my-face attitude.  She wasn’t the type of person to back down, and her strength really shows in her actions.  While her attitude and strength were great attributes, I felt like there were times when she was a bit daft.  I mean, how many people have to die right after she sees them for her to start wondering what the heck is going on?  If that were happening to me, I’d definitely start to wonder, “Why me?”  Now, of course, I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that my blood was poison, but I wouldn’t think that it was all coincidence either.  Jodi seems to not even notice the strangeness of it all until it is pointed out to her.  I’m hoping that she will become more aware and quick-witted in the next book.

And, as always, I must talk about the guy.  Alex—good-looking, mysterious, powerful.  Just the way I like them, and what makes him even better?  I know he’s hiding something.  Why does this make him better, you ask?  I don’t know…but there’s just something sexy about a YA guy with secrets.  You can think I’m weird, go ahead—but if it weren’t so sexy, it wouldn’t be done over and over again.  Am I right?  You bet your butt I am!!!  Alex has his jerky moments, but there are plenty of swoon-worthy ones, too.  Here’s to hoping we can get a few sizzling scenes in book 2 (because I need way more than there were in this one).

Overall, I enjoyed Touch of Death once I got into the story and past the writing flaws.  It was suspenseful and sexy, and I am really interested in how Jodi handles Hades in the future.  Oh, and Hades is hot—so yay!  Hades is by far my favorite Greek God (dark and uber-powerful---yeah!), so I am really looking forward to seeing more of him!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

ARC Received from Harper Teen through Edelweiss

Release Date:  5-29-2012

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Dazzling, Daring, and Dangerous

Can true love be forgotten?
As the only scion who can descend into the Underworld, Helen Hamilton has been given a nearly impossible task. By night she wanders through Hades, trying to stop the endless cycle of revenge that has cursed her family. By day she struggles to overcome the fatigue that is rapidly eroding her sanity. Without Lucas by her side, Helen is not sure she has the strength to go on.
Just as Helen is pushed to her breaking point, a mysterious new Scion comes to her rescue. Funny and brave, Orion shields her from the dangers of the Underworld. But time is running out—a ruthless foe plots against them, and the Furies' cry for blood is growing louder.
As the ancient Greek world collides with the mortal one, Helen's sheltered life on Nantucket descends into chaos. But the hardest task of all will be forgetting Lucas Delos.
Josephine Angelini's compelling saga becomes ever more intricate and spellbinding as an unforgettable love triangle emerges and the eternal cycle of revenge intensifies. Eagerly awaited, this sequel to the internationally bestselling Starcrossed delivers a gritty, action-packed love story that exceeds all expectations.

Two days ago I read Starcrossed and could not put it down! It was the book equivalent to the where-have-you-been-all-my-life? guy. After finishing it, I went straight to my ARC of Dreamless (thank you HarperTeen and Edelweiss) and stayed up most of the night reading.

Some people have a way with words---and Josephine Angelini is one of those people. I just got swept away in her descriptions! I felt like I woke up one morning and found myself in her world--looking around to see Lucas, Helen, Hector, Cassandra and the whole gang. I just love when a book can transport you to another place and time--the only true magical powers anyone can have! (I think)

I absolutely adore Angelini's characters. They are so vibrant and full of life--even the characters that are not in complete focus, like Hector. I just love Hector--strong and mighty, yet completely and utterly devoted to his family. Angelini gives him so much depth even though he's not one of the main two, Lucas and Helen, and I appreciate that she spends so much time building her characters so that every dimension of her book comes to life.  She gives each of her characters such grand gestures and personality that you just can’t help but feel your way through the book with them.  And it’s not just the good guys that she creates so well…I mean, I quite literally HATE Daphne…but Josephine intended for us to dislike her.  The writing brings Daphne to life, and you truly have an emotional response.  If only I could pull a pensieve-like move and instead of jumping into memories, jump into a book!  I’d give Daphne a taste of my fist….and Lucas...hehe, a taste of my lips?  Is that inappropriate?  I’m gonna go with no.

The Greek mythology is so....there are no words. The way she depicts the Furies is cataclysmic, and it's so new and original. I can literally see them slinking across the ground in craziness begging for murder so that for one tiny second, they can feel at peace--if that is even possible. I've always pictured the Furies as these evil hellbeasts, and I admit, I much prefer Angelini's tortured Furies over the ones I have always known.  Her imagery of the Furies melts into the page, and I have never felt more lost in tragedy, hatred, and misery.  It’s amazing.

And then....drumroll please!

Lucas! I admit, I read books for the guys--the ones that sweep you off your feet over and over again, and Lucas, being the flyer he is, can quite literally sweep you off them! If only I could stay in the air with him and never come down! He is the perfect young adult guy, and I have to say, whenever I see my ideal ya guy in a novel, I find myself never being able to put it down. He rivals Daemon, Aiden, Four, and Jace for me! He's overprotective (which I love…throwing punches is so hot—don’t judge me), strong and chiseled (oh la la), arrogant and tempermental (sigh), and completley broken and struggling (if only I could save him)!   My heart literally aches for him, and I can't wait for everything to FINALLY work out!

There were so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming in Dreamless, and I really admire Josephine Angelini for her inventiveness with mythology. I will admit that I longed for more of the love story, but after Daphne's evil treachery (in my mind its evil) of convincing Lucas and Helen that they are cousins when they are not, I knew I was in for lots of angst (grrrr).  Hopefully I will get more of my love story in book 3!

So....after much rambling about how I love this book, I will say that it is a MUST READ! I went through the gamut of emotions with this one--happiness, sadness, anger, disbelief, more anger, and a little (okay a lot) of lust :) Shame on me (hehe) or shame on Angelini for writing such a wonderfully addictive novel!

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

ARC received from Harlequin Teen via Netgalley

Release Date:  3-27-2012

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Enchanting, Enthralling, Entertaining

Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans. As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person whom she would really rather not meet. Henry's first wife, Persephone.

I started reading The Goddess Test yesterday and the moment I was done, I went straight for my ARC of Goddess Interrupted.  I was excited to see how Kate and Henry’s romance was going to continue to unfold.  While the action in the novel was great, and I loved getting to see deeper into the psyche of the Gods, I was somewhat disappointed in the romance between Henry and Kate.  There was so much angst that at times I wanted to jump straight into the book (if only I had magical powers) and slap them both in the face and scream, “Come on!  Get it together and kiss already!  Quit wallowing in self-pity!”  However, no matter how many times I wished for Harry Potter powers, I found none, so I just continued to grumble to myself.

That doesn’t mean that I did not enjoy the book.  On the contrary, I cannot wait until the next book comes out; I just hope that Aimee Carter will give my heart a break and inundate me with some great kissy romance scenes. 

So what did I like?

Even though the romance aspect was very tense, I still liked Henry.  What can I say?  I’m a sucker for a broken, broody guy whose eyes flash with love every so often.  No matter how cold and distant he gets, I’d still rule the Underworld with him!

The evil in this book is so extreme that I am still reeling.  Calliope—grrrr!  That’s all I can come up with!  She’s beyond evil—full of hatred and misery and determined to take everyone down with her.  That’s what makes the action so overwhelmingly great…I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see when she was going to attack again.  (There are no spoilers here…you see Calliope’s plan in the first 2 pages).

But Calliope is not the only evil that Kate must face—even worse…she has to face Persephone.  Not that Persephone is evil, but let’s face it; having to enlist the help of the woman your husband is still in love with would make anyone a little furious.  I really enjoyed the insight into Persephone and Henry’s relationship.  It made me understand (somewhat) why Henry acts the way he does—cold and distant.  Though I still wish that Aimee Carter would have given the angst a break, I did enjoy seeing how Henry’s past relationship starts to define his present one.

What did I dislike?

Again…the angst.  We see very little emotion from Henry (I know, he’s Hades, he has to be cold).  I would have liked to see him cave to his emotion, even once to give another layer to his character.

Not that I disliked the ending…it’s more that I dislike having to wait to find out what happens!  This cliffhanger ending will make you want to scream even louder than the infamous Soprano ending!  To me, there is nothing worse than not knowing!  But I guess in the world of young adult, I must get used to the cliffhanger-break-my-heart-and-stomp-on-it endings.  I’ll just say this—I need an ARC of the next one, please!!!!!!

So….

I did fall in love with Aimee Carter’s world.  She gives us and entirely new idea of heaven and hell.  She creates a world where lies, betrayal, hatred, and envy are overwhelming and can only be combated by truth, loyalty, and love—things so few are willing to give.  Take a trip to Aimee Carter’s Underworld, and like me, you might not want to return. 

Abandon by Meg Cabot

Abandon by Meg Cabot.

Reviewed by: Baby Sister Brittany

Release Date: April 26^th, 2011 (Get your Pre-Order on, kids)
EDIT: Abandon is an April pick and 45% off on Barnesandnoble.com

The Sisters say: Spooky, Swoon-worthy, and Scintillating

(Summary from goodreads.com)

New from #1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot, a dark, fantastical story about this world . . . and the underworld.

Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.

Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.

But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.

Abandon all hope ye who enter here?

 Try abandon those attempts at sleep and read this book in one sitting!

It’s hard to remember the first Young Adult book I read that captured me all those years ago, but I do remember the first YA paranormal romance I ever read, and that was The Mediator series by Meg Cabot. If you have a thing for ghosts, especially swoon-worthy Spanish ones, you should check it out. I feel a little bit as if Meg Cabot has come full circle with her latest book. The Mediator featured ghosts stuck in the world of the living, while Abandon features a young girl, who faces the prospect of being stuck in the Underworld.

Pierce’s story is told in pieces throughout the book with the past and present interwoven, but this much you glean early on—Pierce died, and in the Underworld she attracted the attention of John—the keeper of the Underworld. He’s not quite Hades, but rather has inherited this job. Pierce was determined to get back to her old life, and she succeeded, but John had to pay the price.

Things I loved about the book:

1. Once again… Greek Mythology. In case you can’t tell—we love the Greeks here at YA Sisterhood! When I heard that this book was a re-telling of the Persephone myth, I was a bit reluctant to dive right into it honestly. I’d just read the Goddess Test (See our previous review) and I wasn’t sure that I wanted to read two books with the same plot within a two-week period. But they couldn’t be more different! I would say Abandon is only loosely inspired by the Persephone myth. This story is entirely it’s own.

2. John. I liked scary, keeper of the underworld John. I liked sweet “I talk to children” John.  I liked strong, dangerous “I ride a giant horse, don’t mess with me” John.  And I LOVED “I suffer endlessly because of you, but I don’t care” John. I just loved John. John. John. John. (I’m hoping he’ll be like Beetlejuice and suddenly appear when I say his name three times). John really made this book for me. Pierce was an interesting narrator, and I enjoyed her story, but John had all my attention. He is at once profoundly human and utterly inhuman. He gets the worst of both worlds. He experiences all the pain and suffering of the human world (more so, in fact), but has the detached, hardened emotions of someone who controls where you go in the afterlife.  And he has the immortality of the gods, which only gives him longer to stew in his loneliness. I can’t wait for the next book to learn more about him—how he became the keeper of the Underworld and what he had to go through after Pierce left.

3. The setting in the Florida Keys. When I think Florida Keys—I think sunshine and summer and bikinis and fun. This book had all of that, but it also had a layer of darkness and danger. The setting was lush and decadent and fascinating.  I never for a moment thought—why would the Florida Keys have anything to do with the Underworld? It all just clicks into place perfectly!

4. The twists! Oh, the twists!!! I can’t tell you much more except that it’s pretty… twisted. :)


5. The Supporting Characters! Man does this book have a cast of characters! I loved Pierce's uncle and her cousin. But my absolute favorite-- the old man in charge of the cemetery. SO AWESOME. 

I’ve seen some people complain that the book takes too long to get going. And it’s true, that you don’t really get the full story of what exactly happened to Pierce until fairly late in the book, but I actually liked the mystery. It was like a puzzle—Cabot gives you these little patchwork pieces, and the intensity only builds as the pieces start to fall into place.

I, for one, am ecstatic with Meg Cabot’s return to the Paranormal world. Count me in for the adventure!  Add this to your to-read pile (and while you’re at it, throw The Mediator series on there too). 

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Test

by Aimee Carter

Harlequin Teen

Release Date:

April 26, 2011

Every girl who has taken the test has died.

Now it's Kate's turn.

It's always been just Kate and her mom--and now her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

If she fails...

(summary from goodreads)

Well, first off let me say that Greek Mythology is the new dystopia in YA literature! (and I could not be more thrilled) I, like my sister mentioned in an earlier post, am also a huge fan of Greek Mythology. I guess all this comes from growing up with an English teacher as a mother. So, bring on the gods and goddesses, I am ready!!!

I started reading this book after I put my kids to bed one night. I read for a couple of hours and could not make myself put this book down. So, I just kept reading. The hours just ticked by and the next thing I know, its 3am, and I am finished! It is that kind of book! I had to know how it ended, and it was worth the pain I would feel the next day just to know what would happen! The only bummer part was that I had no one to talk to about the book in the wee hours of the morning!

These are the things I loved best about The Goddess Test:

1. its a spin-off not a modernization

2. Aimee Carter's grasp and ability to express the emotion especially the grief of her characters

3. James, yes, just James

1. The Goddess Test is connected to the tale of Persephone and Hades. However, even if you know all about Hades and Persephone, you will still not know the plot of this book, as Persephone in this version has fallen in love with a mortal and no longer abides in the Underworld during the winter. Now, Henry (Hades) is left to find a replacement for Persephone, hence the title, The Goddess Test. Whoever can pass this series of tests, will take Persephone's place as the Queen of the Underworld. This is what is so great about this novel! She takes these Greek myths and gives them a spin of her own. Henry is the cannon Hades that we all studied; however, she gives this ruler of the Underworld new dimensions. Instead of this devil-like character that you would normally root against, you start to empathize with Henry. You see this love he has for Persephone and his despair at losing her, and suddenly you find yourself hoping that he will find love again with Kate. Everything that one would traditionally feel when reading a novel about Hades is twisted inside out. It's refreshing to not get just a modernized version of the ancient myth, but a new twist on an old classic.

2. The definition of mourning is the expressing of grief. Many people do not have the ability to write or even portray grief or pain accurately. One of the things I most enjoyed about this novel was how accurately Aimee Carter expresses that unbearable grief of losing someone you love either through death or the other person's choice. As Kate is dealing with the terminal illness of her mom, the words she uses are gut wrenching. I can imagine myself saying, thinking, doing all the things that Kate does if I were to lose my mom. Her pain and grief at the idea of moving on without her mom is realistic and horrifying. You are right there suffering right along with Kate. On the other hand, even though Henry doesn't talk much about his pain of losing Persephone, the descriptions of Henry portray him as a severely suffering character. His swiftly shifting moods remind you that even the smallest thing can recall the grief of a particular moment. A great writer draws you in and gives you connections with their characters. When you feel and grieve along side them, you know you've found a memorable character!

3. ***This section will contain slight spoilers, so if you don't want to read this skip to the next section.***

Oh James, where to begin.  In my first reading of this book, not much stuck out to me regarding James. However, as I was rereading it, to prep for this review, James all of he sudden started sneaking into my heart and mind! He has honestly tormented me with questions! Once we find out who exactly James is, I couldn't help but wonder what his role would be in the future novels. Is he really in love with Kate or was it all part of the tests? Is he going to be a possible angle of a love triangle? Was he trying to get Kate not to go with Henry at the beginning because he wants to be the next ruler of the Underworld or because he truly cares for Kate? Questions, questions, questions!!! If any of these questions can be answered with an affirmative, James becomes a much more interesting character. I want to know what his true intentions are!!! Please let January get here quickly!

Now in conclusion, I must state again that I really enjoyed this novel. Its escape reading at its best! What girl doesn't want to be courted by some dark, handsome god! The only thing that bothered me about the novel was the subtlety of the tests. I really wished we as the readers would have been more clued into the tests. I craved for at least one of the tests to be a huge action packed scene where Kate would have to prove herself as being deserving of becoming a goddess. We do get some great action at the end; however, it isn't regarding any of the tests. All in all, there are some great surprises and twists in the novel, and I am eagerly, anxiously awaiting the next novel. You should definitely put this on your "to-read" list! Thanks Ms. Carter for a great read!