Book Review: The Goddess Hunt

The Goddess Hunt (1.5 Goddess Trilogy): Written by Aimee Carter

Release Date: March 1st, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Format of Novel: Nook

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary (from good reads): A vacation in Greece sounds like the perfect way for Kate Winters to spend her first sabbatical away from the Underworld...until she gets caught up in an immortal feud going back millennia. Castor and Pollux have been on the run from Zeus and Hades' wrath for centuries, hiding from the gods who hunt them. The last person they trust is Kate, the new Queen of the Underworld. Nevertheless, she is determined to help their cause. But when it comes to dealing with immortals, Kate still has a lot to learn....

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Hey guys, I'm here with a quick review. Life has been kicking my butt lately so I wanted to do a light review for you guys as an apology until I get back on my feet with the blog posts. Okay, so this novella is part of the Goddess Test Trilogy and I have to say; I didn't mind the quick read. The story leaves off right as Kate and James heading to Greece to explore and have fun a couple of days after the events of Carter's debut novel, The Goddess Test. After reading this, I was okay with it over all. The plot was light, fast, and adventurous. The new characters, Castor and Pollux are twins that go along with Cassandra of Troy, are a interesting duo. I like the dynamic the two have when facing Kate and James. They're their own person and yet not because they're still on the run from the council (I'm rooting for them more than the gods..).and I loved them more than the characters from Carter's debut novel, The Goddess Test.

I liked how Kate is beginning to develop a stronger persona since she married Henry. Sure it's pretty slow in my opinion, but its showing in a way. But, I still feel iffy about her because of annoying I found her in the first book. James was sort of unnecessary in this novella, he seems so scare to do things yet he's trying to do so to maintain a normalcy with Kate. Grated that this novel takes place a few days after the debut novel, I feel as so he needed to do more instead of running.

Now let's talk about Walter. Walter is suppose to be Zeus and I like him in a way. However, he's not as evil as I would like to see an antagonist. I don't know, maybe its just me being impatient with this series, but I do love some really cool villains and he is just a oddity in my head. Perhaps in the next book, he will present to be dramatic and crazy like a regular villain, but I just think this story is just too light-hearted for my taste to grasp Walter as a villain.

Overall, this novella was a humorous read with the dialogue James and Kate have with each other. It shows a potential love triangle the author is probably going to have between Henry, James, and Kate, but we shall see right?

Book Tag: Top 5 Books to Movies tag

Hey guys, so today I decided to post something light because I'm currently working on some reviews to post for the next week. This particular tag is created by xObsessed Readerx over at youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhcK1NwMpK4), and it's basically I have to name five books we want to turn into movies someday! Let's get started shall we? But here's the thing, I will be adding one more because I want to and can, and shall. (And also its because I can't add Ransom Riggs' trilogy since it's releasing next year...)

1. The entire Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy by Laini Taylor. I feel that this trilogy could be so whimsical with its fantasy elements and the characters are so theatrical in their own way. Plus, the writing is so beautiful and fairy-tale like.

2. The Legend Trilogy by Marie Lu. Can we please have an anime movie or something for this, because after watching Katytastic's video on this tag, I want to see Day so badly now. This trilogy was fast paced and the romance between June and Day, oh so sweet...

3. The Darkest Minds trilogy by Alexandra Bracken. I love this trilogy and I'm praying that we will have an official date for the movie (considering that we have a script and director already..). Just let me pick out Liam's actor and we will be set for life.

4. The Hourglass Door trilogy by  Lisa Mangum. This trilogy is so high up on my list of favorites. Its so romantic and the characters are adorable! Please someone make a movie for this series!

5. The Mara Dyer trilogy by Michelle Hodkin. I personally think this would be a fantastic psychological thriller to watch and Noah Shaw. We need one of him on the screen and real life.

and finally 6. Something Strange and Deadly trilogy by Susan Dennard. I love this author and her series is filled with wits and an on-going battle of necromancy. I love it and I know a lot of people will want to see her books being turned into something like a TV show or movie. :)

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Okay guys, that was the books to movie tag! What are your top picks for possible movies? Let me know in the comments below and I'll be back on Monday with another post. Happy Howling! :)

Book Review: A Court of Thorns & Roses

A Court of thorns & Roses: Written by Sarah J. Maas

Release Date: May 5th, 2015

Publisher: Bloomsbury's Children USA

Format of Novel: ARC (from a giveaway)

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary (from good reads): When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discover that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin-- one of the lethal, immortal faeires who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it.. or doom Tamlin--and his world--forever.

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Ahh a brand new book from one of my top faves. Isn't beautiful to the naked eye? Yeah I know, I'm late with this review, its been what seven months since its release and only a week since her new TOG series book came out? Oops. Haha. So I hope you peeps can forgive me and read my review on this book anyway okay? (o-o)

Moving on... This book was hands down one of the tops ones for my 2015 reads. I was so moved by how Sarah J. Maas took on the newer genre to her advantage and still managed to kick ass with it like the bad ass that she is. The characters were different compare to the TOG cast, they were more elegant and depressing, but still maintained a personality that brighten the plot in some shape or form. I loved Lucian more when it comes to him and Tamlin because he's snarky and will be blunt about everything Feyre will question once she moved into the castle. He reminded me of Hamlet from Shakespeare because of his 'tragic' past in the story. Tamlin was a interesting and lovable character. He had the elements that matched the Beast and a little bit something more to it as well (like the fae thing).

And Rhysand, holy crap I loved him to bits. He was a darker version of Lucian in my eyes and I was sort of rooting for him to get with Feyre already. And, after hearing about the theories of this story being based on Hades and Persephone's 'romance', I think its safe to say that it will happen, it will. How else are you going to explain their 'agreement' with the rest of the trilogy? I also loved Feyre, she was completely different from Maas's other protagonist, Celaena. She's more driven into her curiosity and her artistic abilities. I like the idea that even though she did match Belle in some shape or form, she does have qualities that are completely different. For example, the inability to read. I found that to be the most interesting part about her as a character. It created a flaw that I haven't seen in books in a while and I wanted to jump right into the book and teach her how to read, (and possibly hug her to death).. Anywho, let's discuss the climax and ending.

The scenes when Feyre entered the queen's castle were a mixture of meyhh and epic. Although I did enjoy the way the sinister the queen was and the trials were gripping with action. But, I didn't like the riddle, it felt to Disney for me. The book is suppose to be New Adult and the riddle's answer sort of took that away from me at the end.

Overall, this book was exciting and I'm glad Sarah J. Maas has another series for us to enjoy. What are your favorite books from this wonderful author? Tell me in the comments below and I'll be back soon with another post, happy howling!

Inside Out Book Tag

Sorry for not having reviews up for you all this past week. I just started my second job and man its weird. But, it'll help me save money right? Anyway, this tag is inspired by the movie "Inside out" and it was created by this lovely person: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj2OBAxrGG4.

Let's get started!!

1. Joy: Which book brings you the most joy?

I picked the "Throne of Glass" series, "The Book Thief", and the "Hourglass Door" trilogy. I fell in love with these books and they inspired me to write after dealing with depression for so long, and observe the world at a deeper level. I would re-read these books over and over again in a heartbeat.

2. Disgust: Which book grossed you the most?

I can't really say what book disgusts me out the most, but maybe I'll find that book or part of the book eventually.

3. Fear: What book scared you more than anything?

I haven't found a book that full-on scared me yet, but maybe in the near future I will. There are a few parts in different books that made my heart jumped, but that's about it.

4. Sadness: Which book made you cry the hardest?

I haven't really cried while reading any books just yet, but the books "A Monster Calls" and the end to "The Darkest Minds", they almost made me bawl my eyes out to the floor. (Hopefully that doesn't really happen to me.. o.O)

5. Anger: Which book pissed you off?

I shall list them a couple for you.

1. Blue Moon by Allyson Noel (entire series)
2. The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl
3. You've been Warned by James Patterson

Okay people, that's it for the Inside Out book tag! What are your answers for the tag? Tell me in the comments below and I'll be back real soon, happy howling!

Book Review: The Goddess Test

The Goddess Test (#1) written by Aimee Carter

Release Date: April 19th, 2011

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Format of Novel: Nook

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary (from good reads): Every girl who had taken the test has died.

Now it's Kate's turn.

It's always been just Kate and her mom - and 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 that 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...

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I'd always wanted to read this trilogy and ever had the chance took till I decided to go online and read it. And, I was disappointed, very disappointed. While I do agree about the author's concept was interesting, what I don't agree about the way she did not do her research. I've taken mythology courses in college and that part of me was ready to throw the nook out the door when I . I heavily dislike authors who don't take the time to research specific things for their books and unfortunately, Aimee Carter didn't do it well enough to make this book excel to the levels I believe it could. Maybe the sequels and novellas are better than this, but I'm not so sure yet.

Anyway, what I was okay with in this book were the characters and premise. The characters were interesting, but they were so meyh at the same time. You know what I mean? I mean, Kate was too much of a 'god's send' (haha pun) and didn't clearly have any flaws in her characters other than being naive, and way too forgiving for my taste. Henry was cool, but I wanted him to be more sinister to match the Hades persona. Everyone was either too 'good' or too 'bad, but no where in between and the plot twists were so, so predictable that I think I eye rolled over 10 times. And like I said about the premise, I did enjoy it and I was edger to read this book, but afterwords, I was hoping for something more exciting.

So in conclusion for this review, this book had the debut blues where the research was poorly done, and the story didn't grip me as much as I was hoping for years of not reading it. I may continue the series just to get it over with, and perhaps hope it becomes better than this book. But, it wasn't great of a book. It was good enough to enjoy a quick read, but not a wonderful read to fall in love with.

Book Review: The Program

The Program (Program #1): written by Suzanne Young

Release Date: April 30th, 2013

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Format of Novel: Nook

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Summary (from good reads): In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

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(Trigger warnings throughout the book about suicide)

I read this within a 1.5 day span, so my mind is still fresh to this book. The idea of suicide being an epidemic to this book's society is surprisingly original. I was rather iffy on the idea because while the thing about teen suicide is very true in reality, but idea of this being an dystopian novel is confusing to me personally. I don't get it to be frank with you all and I'm sure many of you avid readers would agree with me too. But, if you don't I understand. I applaud Suzanne Young for spreading awareness about teen suicide to the readers, but I wish she did it for a darker contemporary novel. Dystopian in my opinion, is more chaotic and action-packed like the Hunger Games and Legend, this novel held a modern and 'real' life vibe.

Anyway, this book's dynamic is fascinating. The program the author describe is creepy and yet helpful. I wouldn't want to get rid of my memories though, I feel that as a person, we have to experience the 'traumas' to grow up. The way people are dying in this book feels ehh because I kept picturing the news about them as similar to the movie- The Happening. However, the characters Sloane and James are so freaking cute. Their romance was so dream-like and perfect up until they got stuck at the program themselves. (Won't spoil you guys about how they got there). They were the perfect balance for each other and I'm glad their hearts found each other again as the story progressed.

The other characters were given a decent spotlight and the twists were well executed throughout the book, but they were noticeable right away if read closely. This book has some mixed reviews from good reads and myself, henceforth the rating above. Though, I do suggest reading it for the heck to get your own opinion on it. And also to  become more aware of the seriousness of suicide, especially for teens. Everyone deals with depression in some shape or form and if they feel like committing this act, try to be there for them so they don't feel so alone in the world.

Alright so that was my review for Suzanne Young's The Program. Tune in sometime next week for the review of the sequel, The Treatment and other random book reviews. Till then, happy howling!

Book Review: Ever Mine

Ever Mine (Novella): written by Eden Ashe

Release Date:

Publisher:

Format of Novel: Nook

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Summary (from good reads): Can a kidnapped fairy and a human find love despite all odds?

Nathan Alexander’s batty aunt has done it again. This time she’s sent him a rare plant he doesn’t want. Imagine his surprise when he finds a kidnapped fairy hidden within its leaves. As a man who heads a non-profit organization for abused women and children, Nathan makes it his mission to help her find her way home.

All her life Katenia was warned about the evilness of humans. Never was that proved more true than when she was kidnapped from her quiet valley home. Thrust into the human world, Katenia must fight her very instincts to trust Nathan if she ever hopes to return to her rightful place…and to her normal thumb-sized fairy form.

But with their lives in danger, finding home…and love…will be a journey worthy of a fairy tale.

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I'd read this novella a couple of months ago and I still remember bits and pieces of it. I think this book was really light hearted, yet it still maintain the fae concept within the story. I loved the overall romance that developed between Nathan and Katenia. They were complete opposites (physically and probably mentally a little bit), plus they shared such an natural curiosity for both worlds.

The pacing and the characters were rushed and that was okay for a novella. Though at the same time, I do wish that this book was a little bit longer just so I could've explored more character development with the cast. Speaking of characters, I loved Nathan. He is a sweetheart and very loyal to his mission to protect those that suffered abuse. You can see that he cares and even though he was feeling the 'lust' over Katenia due to her fae appearance, he maintain the idea of returning her home to her family. The antagonist (whose name I completely forgotten) was in a nice way, bat-shit crazy. She and her partner-in-crime were well executed.

Ashe did a good job in creating this novella. Everything was fast pace, the tone was light-hearted with a few darker moments here and there, and the characters were likeable. I gave this book four stars because of how well written it was overall, but I didn't give it five stars because I wanted to be longer and maybe more in depth. Either way, this book was a nice read and I would read it again if I was bored or needed to get out of a reading slump. Its free on the kindle/nook as well if you're looking to purchase a book and don't have the money for it. :P

See you guys with a new post, happy howling.

Book Review: Fairest

Fairest (TLC #3.5) written by Marissa Meyer

Release Date: January 27th, 2015

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Format of Novel: Nook

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary (From good reads): In this stunning bridge book between Cress and Winter in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles, Queen Levana’s story is finally told.

Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Who is the fairest of them all?

Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story – a story that has never been told . . . until now.

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(Warning, minor spoilers in this review)

Okay, so I guess I did spoil myself in some way for this wonderful series, but you know what, I don't care. I wanted to learn about Queen Levana's past, and holy crow I was not disappointed when it came to her character and story. Upon reading this book, I really started to feel horrible for Levana and the people around her like little Winter. With the treatment she kept receiving from her sister and others when it came to her looks/attitude, its no wonder she grew up to be the way she is portrayed in the series. She grew up emotionally alone,cold-hearted, very shallow, but still attempted to be 'human' enough to embrace love for her new family and her niece once her sister died from the disease that is constantly mentioned in the main series. She was almost like a tragic hero with the way she was able to keep her word in advancing her country's overall growth and try to maintain a sense of humanity in her to keep her happiness around.

The other characters were a nice touch as well. Each of them had their own individuality that shined within the content, and they didn't become little shadows within the story like you normally see happening with minor characters in books. I sort of enjoyed seeing Levana's sister in action and understanding that she wasn't meant to be a ruler. However, I feel that she began to grow slowly once she gave birth to Cinder and she wasn't given a full chance to have a internal battle with her younger sister for the crown. It would've brought out more action and bitterness to get Levana to rampage on her quest for power. It was interesting to see the development of Levana's psychological mindset going downhill once she was able to achieve her goals, and I applauded a little when she did 'win' her inner peace.

However, I felt that once she 'snapped' per say, things were ehh at the end. I mean yeah, she ended up getting everything she desired, but at what true cost? More jealously and fear over her niece and step-daughter's deceased mother's internal beauty? More angst over the fact her husband couldn't love her like she really wanted? I don't know. I just felt that I couldn't really feel the dramatic impulses Levana had while enduring the journey of ruler because I already knew that she was going to be a crazy ruler. And with Meyer's writing style, it felt more like she wasn't allowing us to visualize Levana's downfall, just the major events that were occurring around her; while saving the world of the Lunars for the final book.

All in all though, I did like this book along with the other books I've read from Marissa Meyer. The concept was really strong, the other characters were fresh and stuck to the 'fairy tale' aspect to their roles, and Levana's character is more relatable rather than a giant bitch with a power to hide within her shallow beauty. The writing was well done minus the fact I did lose focus on the visuals of some events. I am going to continue this series by reading the shorts and Cress so I can caught up in time to read the last installment of the Lunar Chronicles with everyone.

Tell me your thoughts of Fairest and Marissa Meyer's other books in general down in the comments below and I'll see you guys tomorrow with another post. Happy Howling!

September TBR pile

Hey guys, today we are discussing the TBR list for September. Since I'm doing a school thing till December, those books are automatically included on the list. But, they won't be appearing because I don't have a clue as too what I have to read for this course yet.. This month, I'm going to be reading several books, both new and ones I've been putting in the back burner as of recently. But, let's hope I can complete them for you guys so I have more material to review. :) I plan to read probably eight to ten books throughout the month, but let's not get our hopes up if we were to focus on reality here.

First one is Shifter: City of Wolves by Avery Burch. I signed up for a free E-ARC and the overall concept sounds pretty cool to try out. (Especially since I love wolves so much).

Second one is Nirvana written by J.R Stewart. I was allow to pick this up for an E-ARC on Netgalley to review and so far it its a fastaniting sci-fi concept and fast pace. :)

Third book is The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows. I started this in the middle of the summer, but was losing interest with the denseness of the book on my nook. I'm making it a goal to finish it and review it for this blog because Jodi Meadows is an pretty awesome person.

Next book is Missing by Randa Flannery. I found this book on Netgalley as well, so I plan to read this one very soon. Its more suspenseful and fast pace so I'll you all know if it's a great book or not since it's been out since mid July.

Next is Wolf, WY by A.F Henley. This is a odd one, mostly because not only it involves wolves, but also its a LBGT book. I quickly grabbed it from Netgalley to review since it comes out in October because I want to promote more LBGT books and the cover looks pretty bad ass.

Then I have Awake by Natasha Preston. Now I stated that I wasn't so sure about reading more from this author after reviewing her 'Cellar' book. But, since then I have read a little more from her so I'm gonna give her another chance with this book.

And finally, I'm going to read The Iron King by Julie Kagawa. I know I'm on the late wagon for this series, but I felt the urge to give series a shot after hearing positive things about the author herself with her other series and I'm already about a quarter into it.

Alright all, these are the book I'll be reading throughout this month. What are you guys reading this month? Let me know in the comments below and I'll see you guys soon with a new blog post. Happy Howling!