The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Book Summery (via goodreads):

My name is Meghan Chase.
I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.
This time, there will be no turning back.
Book Review:
Oh. Man. This book is EPIC. Meghan and her friends set out for the battles of all battles. The final showdown against the Iron King. Kagawa does not disappoint! The characters come to life, practically jumping out of the pages. My favorite aspect of this book is the evolution of Meghan's character. She is no longer the whiny, naive girl we met in book one. She has become a strong, independent, and selfless heroine! I've come around to Ash a bit more, but honestly, I think my heart will always belong to Puck. In his defense, you do learn more about Ash, and why he is the way he is. Puck is the ever-present spot of light among the grim, light-hearted, and snarky as always. And my dear Grimalkin! I have such a soft spot for this cunning feline! I do hope to see more of him in the future. Speaking of which, I was beyond delighted to discover this isn't the end of the Iron Fey saga! The most I can find is here on goodreads. You can be sure this reader will be picking up her own copy of the Iron Knight, when it is released (which is tentatively October of this year!).

Favorite Quote:

"I knew better. Fairy godmothers didn't exist, and even if they did, they wouldn't wave a magic wand and make everything better. (Not without a contract, anyway.) Besides, I had something better than a fairy godmother; I had my faery knight, my faery trickster, and my faery cat, and that was enough." (p. 131)

Cover Art Commentary:
Another gorgeous one, such beautiful colors and designs! I just love the covers of this series! :)

Overall Rating:

Red Glove by Holly Black

Book Summery (via Goodreads):
Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth—he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything—or anyone—into something else.

That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion worker mom. And if Lila's love is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does.

When Cassel's oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue—crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too—they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone—least of all, himself?

Book Review:
Well Ms. Black, you've done it again! Another perfectly blended tale of love, deception, corruption, and adventure. Really, what more could one ask for? Just like White Cat, Red Glove is character-driven. Cassel and his crew are back again. This time, Cassel is in the know, but that doesn't necessarily make things easier on him. Cassel is a wild card that could go either way, good or bad. Which makes his character so fascinating. I love his interactions with Lila. What I adore about Lila is that under her beautiful and playful exterior, lies a dark, mysterious interior. She seems so innocent when she is around Cassel, but he knows better and is able to clue the reader in to her seedy underbelly. We get to learn more about Cassel's mother, as well as his friends, Sam and Daneca. Overall, just a wonderfully told tale, unlike anything I've ever read before. If you haven't already read this series, you really ought to give it a try! For more information, check out Holly Black's website!

Favorite Quote:

"I take my time walking across the green. I think about my new car, gleaming in the sun. I think of the sophomore-year production of Macbeth, and Amanda Kerwick as Lady Macbeth, holding up her bare hands, looking for blood.

But there is no mere spot on me. As her husband says, 'I am in the blood/Stepp'd in so far that, should I wade no more,/Returning were as tedious as go o'er.'

I shake my head. I'm just looking for excuses to keep the car." (p. 225)

Cover Art Commentary:
I love the continuation of the black, white, and red theme. Very White Stripes-ish! :)

Overall Rating:

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

Book Summery (via Goodreads):

Sixteen-year-old Maya is just an ordinary teen in an ordinary town. Sure, she doesn't know much about her background - the only thing she really has to cling to is an odd paw-print birthmark on her hip - but she never really put much thought into who her parents were or how she ended up with her adopted parents in this tiny medical-research community on Vancouver Island. Until now.
Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel . . . . different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet.

Book Review:
I've heard of Kelley Armstrong before, mainly from her Darkest Powers trilogy. However, I'll admit, I haven't read any of books. Until now. I was at the bookstore the other day, and the cover of The Gathering got my attention. I picked it up and started reading. Before long, I was hooked. This character driven novel is action-packed, and fast-paced. I just adored the main character, Maya. She is strong, smart, sassy, easygoing, and a bit of a tomboy. What isn't there to love about her? Her best friend Daniel, is just as lovable. He is definitely the strong, silent type, and a total pal to Maya. Maya and Daniel try to piece together the mystery of the death of their dear friend Serena, while at the same time attempt to move onward in life. Meanwhile, something is brewing in the town they call home. I crave to learn more about Salmon Creek and the St. Cloud research facility. It seems to me that these kids are protecting something they really don't know that much about. All in all, this was a fun, fast-paced adventure. However, I am left with a few issues. One, I would have liked to see Rafe's character (Maya's counterpart) flayed out a bit more. He's still quite a mystery to me. Two, I have many, many questions regarding the St. Cloud research facility, none of which got answered. Three, I am also quite curious about Maya's birth parents. I am hopeful that these questions will get answered in the following 2 books, this is a trilogy after all. I still can't help but remain curious until then. :P Overall, a great start to a series. I definitely plan on reading Armstrong's other books, most likely starting with Darkest Powers trilogy. For more information, check out Armstrong's website.

Favorite Quote:

"Soon all that was left of Serena was a monument in the school yard. The town moved on. I didn't. Something had happened in the lake, something I couldn't explain. But I would. One day, I would." (p. 6)

Cover Art Commentary:
I just love the cover of this one. It's what initially drew my attention! The dark blue is so pretty. I also love the bling of Maya's earring! ;)

Overall Rating:

The Magnolia League by Katie Crouch

Book Summery (via Goodreads):

After the death of her free-spirited mother, sixteen-year-old Alex Lee must leave her home in northern California to live with her wealthy grandmother in Savannah, Georgia. By birth, Alex is a rightful, if unwilling, member of the Magnolia League, Savannah's long-standing debutante society. She quickly discovers that the Magnolias have made a pact with a legendary hoodoo family, the Buzzards. The Magnolias enjoy youth, beauty and power. But at what price?

Book Review:
Wowzers! I really had no idea what was in store for me when I picked up this book. To be honest, the cover is what initially caught my eye. This book is unlike any other book that I have read before, which is one of the many reasons that I love it. Ms. Crouch has wove an original idea with beautiful prose and made one hell of story. Alex is a bold, flawed, intelligent, snarky, original character. She really made the story. I could totally see myself hanging out with her in real life, back when I was a teenager. I love that she stands out against her surroundings. Her metamorphosis throughout the book really speaks to Crouch's writing. I also love the incorporation of hoodoo with southern elitist society. I really, really don't want to give away too much of the story, but honestly I can tell you this one of the best books I read in a long time. Crouch writes with such vividness; I could hear the southern drawls, taste the sweetened tea, and clearly envision the mossy swamps. I flew through this book and am very distraught at the thought of waiting another year for its sequel. If you're looking for an original take on YA paranormal romance, then this is the book for you. Be sure to check out the website as well.

Favorite Quote:

"'Believe you me,' Miss Lee Continues, 'as her grandmother, I'd like nothing more than to let Alexandria go right on back to California. The girls rides a bicycle all over town, her hair is ugly enough to haunt a nine-room house, and she'd argue with a wall. But you know as well as I do, ladies, that Alexandria Lee doesn't have a choice. We all made our bed decades ago. And now, just like the rest of us, she's got to lie in it.'" (p. 12)

Cover Art Commentary:
I wont lie. I'm a sucker for a good cover, and this one caught my eye instantly. It was the main reason I picked up the book in the first place, and boy am I glad I did! :)

Overall Rating:

Choker by Elizabeth Woods

Book Summery (via Goodreads):

Sixteen-year-old Cara Lange has been a loner ever since she moved away from her best and only friend, Zoe, years ago. She eats lunch with the other girls from the track team, but they're not really her friends. Mostly she spends her time watching Ethan Gray from a distance, wishing he would finally notice her, and avoiding the popular girls who call her "Choker" after a humiliating incident in the cafeteria.

Then one day Cara comes home to find Zoe waiting for her. Zoe's on the run from problems at home, and Cara agrees to help her hide. With her best friend back, Cara's life changes overnight. Zoe gives her a new look and new confidence, and next thing she knows, she's getting invited to parties and flirting with Ethan. Best of all, she has her BFF there to confide in.

But just as quickly as Cara's life came together, it starts to unravel. A girl goes missing in her town, and everyone is a suspect—including Ethan. Worse still, Zoe starts behaving strangely, and Cara begins to wonder what exactly her friend does all day when she's at school. You're supposed to trust your best friend no matter what, but what if she turns into a total stranger?

Book Review:
This book is slim, totaling just slightly over 230 pages. Don't let it's dainty size fool you. Ms. Woods' story packs a punch. I easily identified to Cara. She's an outcast, longing to be a part of something bigger than herself. Who doesn't relate to that on some level? During high school no less! Her parents are too immersed in their own careers to be a steady and conscientious part of Cara's everyday life. I'm still struggling as to whether to believe if they are just intensely career-driven or, rather, if they're using their jobs as a means to shunt their attention away from Cara. I do believe their absence is a key component of the story, nonetheless. Cara finds comfort and strength in recently her reunited friend Zoe. Now, hold on tight, because the story is about to get a whole lot more enthralling from here. There were many things that I liked about this book. The plot was interesting, the characters were engaging, and the story moved at a nice pace. However, I did ruin this book for myself, somewhat before I ever picked it up. It only took a review or two for me to gather what "the big plot twist" was, which took a little zest out of the story (for me). That being said, I am glad to have read this book and fully enjoyed it. I wasn't able to find much information on Woods, but I do hope that she continues to write. She has a unique and captivating voice. Overall, Choker was a beautifully told physiological thriller that was reminiscent of I Am the Cheese and Shutter Island.

Favorite Quote:

"Cara stared at him. The Ethan of her dreams had disappeared. He was just another person who was sad. She was kind of glad, actually. Dreams disappeared when you woke up. The real thing was better anyway." (p. 156)

Cover Art Commentary:
At first I didn't care for the cover. However, after reading the book, I've come to appreciate it more. I like the simplicity of the design and color scheme.

Overall Rating:

Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

Book Summery (via Goodreads):
Things in Delilah Hannaford's life have a tendency to fall apart.
She used to be a good student, but she can't seem to keep it together anymore. Her "boyfriend" isn't much of a boyfriend. And her mother refuses to discuss the fight that divided their family eight years ago. Falling apart, it seems, is a Hannaford tradition.
Over a summer of new friendships, unexpected romance, and moments that test the complex bonds between mothers and daughters, Delilah must face her family's painful past. Can even her most shattered relationships be pieced together again?
Book Review:

After reading Ockler's Twenty Boy Summer, I was hungry to get my hands on more of her work. Along came Fixing Delilah. Reading Fixing Delilah was like coming home, or eating a piece of pie with a good cup of coffee. In essence, it was comforting. I felt like Ockler had a lot more character development in Fixing Delilah, which is what I missed in Twenty Boy Summer. However, I felt that Twenty Boy Summer had a much more original storyline, which is why I ultimately gave Fixing Delilah 4 stars. Don't get me wrong, I adored this book, and read it in large gulps. It was a wee bit predictable, which is what made it comforting, but at the same time, less original. This story is charter driven, and I loved them all, even the ones who weren't present (i.e. Nana and Stephanie). Ockler writes such lively and vivacious prose. I can easily picture Aunt Rachel carrying around her sage sticks, Emily serving coffee at the coffee house, Patrick and Delilah discussing Holden Claufeld on a luscious, green hill....I was completely enveloped in Delilah's colorful world. To me this story is a reminder that people aren't perfect, they are flawed human beings that make mistakes. Further more, it's not the mistakes or flaws that you should focus on, but rather how people deal their mistakes and trials in life. How they overcome the obstacles laid out ahead of them. Overall, I was moved and yet again am eager to my hands on more of Ockler's work. For more information, check out Ockler's website.

Favorite Quote:

"Sometimes I wonder if my whole life will pass by this way: me waiting in the shadows, waiting for something to happen. Waiting for someone else to make it happen. Something new or different or crazy or amazing. I've been there for so long, letting everyone else figure it out for me, floating along without much direction or conscious thought." (p. 147)

Cover Art Commentary:
Love the color scheme and the paper dolls. There's a slight reference the "cracks and imperfections" that is displayed on the taped-up doll.

Overall Rating: