Review - Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine

Author: Rachel Caine
Series: Morganville Vampires
Release Date: January 01, 2007
Pages: 384
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars Crave & Covet
Similar Books: Vampire Academy, Chicagoland Vampires


    






    When Claire Danvers learned that her college town was run by vampires, she did what any intelligent, self-preserving freshman would do: She applied for a transfer and stocked up on garlic. The transfer is no longer an option, but that garlic may come in handy.
    Claire’s college town may be run by vampires but a truce between the living and the dead made things relatively safe. For a while. Now people are turning up dead, a psycho is stalking her, and an ancient bloodsucker has proposed private mentoring. To what end, Claire will find out. And it's giving night school a whole new meaning. (summary taken from Goodreads & Amazon)

    Now everybody in town has realized that Claire is a big player despite her small stature thing have only gotten more complicated for her. She has to be prepared for just about anything and take private lessons with an insane vampire, Myrnin. Oh Myrnin is my new favorite character without a doubt-to bad there is also no doubt that I am no where near smart enough to receive lessons from him. (yep, thats the problem,not that he’s fictional) Yet again the story is getting more developed and another problem has been tackled and solved. I love how you can read just about any of these earlier books and understand it pretty much each book is a separate story but they are all adding up to something much more.
    Yet again 4 stars. This is without a doubt a series I wish I could talk about to people and I do plan on rereading it several more times  so there is no doubt about its rating. I do genuinely hope to be able to by the UK versions of this series one day and just have them stay on my bookshelves until I die. Maybe I’ll go put that on my bucket list and then read the next book. But before that I need to think about Myrnin some more.

    Oh and while I was searching for fan art of Myrnin I cam across this which I thought was kinda awesome. The artist is a called NekoMelchiah on DeviantArt and can be found here : http://nekomelchiah.deviantart.com/ I really like this pic although it doesn't completely match up with the Myrnin in my mind I loved seeing hers.

Review - Dead Girls Dance by Rachel Caine

Author: Rachel Caine
Series: Morganville Vampires
Release Date: January 01, 2007
Pages: 380
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars Crave & Covet
Similar Books: Vampire Academy, Chicagoland Vampires

    








    Claire Danvers has had her share of challenges - like being a genius in a school that favours beauty over brains, dealing with the homicidal girls in her dorm and, above all, finding out that her college town is overrun with blood-sucking fiends. On the plus side, so far Claire and her friends have managed to survive getting on the wrong side of some Morganville VIPs . . . Vampire Important Persons. But their temporary peace is in danger of collapsing, thanks to the arrival of her new boyfriend's scary father and his vampire-fighting supporters. (Summary Taken from Goodreads)

    I am pretty much going to bounce this off of my feelings from the first book. I am still loving the characters, Claire and Eve and is it just me or has Michael gotten sexier? I am so looking forward to that boys future. As for Shane, I kinda wanna smack that boy on the head then give him a hug.
    The story is progressing nicely as is the romance. >,< I am liking the new characters and how the author is really fleshing out the town in the books and my mind. Also Sam Glass <3 I really cant wait to read more about him. I like the drama and how everything is happening so quickly. I’m liking the new Ideas being introduced as well as the new so called villain. The only thing i don’t like is Monica; how odd that I am hating her more than all the vampires.
    Overall another 4 star Crave & Covet rating for this book to match the first. Now I'm going to go read the next one.

Review - Glass Houses by Rachel Cain

Author: Rachel Caine
Series: Morganville Vampires
Released: October 03, 2006 
Pages: 348 pages
Genre: YA Paranormal, Fantasy Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars Crave & Covet
Similar Books: Vampire Academy, Chicagoland Vampires















    From the author of the popular Weather Warden series comes the debut of an exciting new series set in Morganville, Texas, where you would be well advised to avoid being out after dark.

    College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood. Will she be able to face the town's terror or will she drown like everyone else? (Summary taken from Goodreads)

    Okay, since i have already read this book at least 4 times and still like it and plan on keeping it around I am more than comfortable giving it a 4 star Crave & Covet rating. I I really love this book its definitely one of my favorite series to just kick back with. Ive always loved Claire; she just feels so natural to me and I feel close to her. Even when she irritates me-she is like family to me. Next is Eve; oh dear Eve, how I wish i had a friend like you. If you ever leave Morganville in your rearview mirror look me up and we can go shopping together.Shane…seems fun. I feel like he's the friend of a friend who i like but could live without. Or back to the family notion, I thought he was somewhat cool and he sparked my interest until he started getting far to close to my little sister. Now its on! [Fight!] Now Michael Glass  <3 <3 <3  Though I really like Eve I would try to fight her for him. I would like to just chill out and watch him writing songs or playing on that guitar…*goes into dreamland for a bit then comes back* Eve don't hate me because I wanna steal your man.
    So if I were to tell you that one of the things I love about this book/series was the characters would you be surprised? Well if so - Surprise! because I love the characters even the so called villains have a piece of my heart. From the inhabitants of the Glass house to the vampires Amalie and Oliver the characters are all interesting and complex.
    Then theres the background, the established society in the town, the possible reasons for it even the delicate balance between humans and vampires. All of it is just so interesting and  really gets me curious. I love enjoy the way its written and find everything very interesting throughout the book.
    In conclusion I loved it. I will probably keep rereading this series when the details start to fade for years to come. If you love vampires for more than the main reason (they are totally hot) this is for you. However beware- as it is with potato chips just one probably wont be enough.

Morganville Vampire Series

I've read up until the 11th book in this series before but never completed it. Now that all the books are out I am going to read and review the whole series starting by rereading the ones I've already read and then doing a total series review. (Is it obvious I have no real weekend plans?)  Just as an intro though let me say that I have always been a fan of the books. That's why even though over the past five years or so I can say I have read the first books in this series a few times and don't mind doing it again to really get the full impact of the series. Although a fan of the covers on my books not so much. >,< Meh 
I have a pic of the covers above the ones on top are the US covers that I wasn't a fan of until book 11 the covers on the second row are the UK ones which I have always thought were loads better. 
What do you think?

Reviw; Black City by Elizabeth Richards

Author: Elizabeth Richards
Series Black City
Release Date: November 13, 2012
Pages: 385
Genre: YA Paranormal
Personal Rating; 4 Stars/ Crave and Covet



A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.


     Well, to be quite honest I had no knowledge of this book.  I knew nothing about it until I got a ARC of Phoenix in the mail. Being a person who incapable of just diving into a sequel book; I shelled out the cash to buy Black City. Then I waited a week for it to arrive in the mail; every day I would look at the ARC copy of Phoenix and sigh. Finally I came home one day to the amazon box. It’s funny how sometimes a box that you get in the mail can glow and make music like a holy relic in an old movie. Any way I tore into that box and started reading Black City as I was walking the box to the trash. I finished reading the book with in a day.
    Did I like the book? Well it is a dystopian with vampires...what do you think? If you think the answer is yes than you would be correct. I loved the fact that it’s somewhat of a Hunger Games/Twilight mash up. President Snow? Anyone? Also, though there is some almost insta-love it’s not too bad, it works.
    I really enjoyed the writing style and the the pacing; but, what really made the book for me was the alternating perspectives which added a lot to the book. The switches were pulled off well without feeling too choppy or confusing; which, is no easy feat. I enjoyed watching/reading as Ash and Natalie grew as people and learned to see more than just their own perspectives. The story itself is interesting and while it is not at all simple it isn’t a maze of confusion either. I can’t wait to read the next installment to see how the story progresses. My only issues would be how some parts can seem somewhat predicable. Also I would have liked to see the character Sebastian fleshed out a little more. I really wanna know why he is suck a...jerk.
    I decided to give this book a lower 4 Stars/ Crave and Covet rating. I really love the covers and I can’t wait for the third book. However, after the third book comes out I think I may lose some interest in this series. So all in all I suggest you read this if you like dystopian and vampires. It’s worth it without a doubt.

Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Release Date: June 8th 2010
Pages: 418
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Fiction
Personal Rating: 4 Stars/ Crave and Covet
Similar Books: 
Mercy Thompson Series


Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it.  That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two. 

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped
So this is not the first time I've read the first and the second book of this series but I reread them so that it would be fresh in my mind when I read the third. I ended up being glad I did I enjoyed this book. Yes, I agree that it is similar to the Mercy Thompson series; but, is that really a bad thing? Mercy Thompson is without a doubt an adult series while Raised By Wolves is for young adults. I liked Bryn as a character and I think she has so much potential. I think the romance was incredibly sudden and therefore somewhat hard to relate to; though, again shows real promise. Overall I really liked this book; but, I only gave it 7 Stars because in many ways I feel like something is lacking. Definitely a book to remember; I will probably reread it again someday though the No.1 con is "I wish there was more Devon time".

Siren Song by Cat Adams

Arthor: Cat Adams
Release Date: September 28th 2010 by Tor Books
Pages: 384
Genre: Adult Fantasy Fiction
Personal Rating: 4 Stars/ Crave and Covet
Similar Books:
Blood Song by Cat Adams
Demon Underground Series by Parker Blue








Nothing if not resilient, Celia Graves is slowly adjusting to being a half-human, half-vampire Abomination. But her troubles are far from over. Her best friend’s murder is still unsolved, the cops are convinced she should be in jail, and her old lover, the magician Bruno DeLuca, has resurfaced in her life, saying he has something important to tell her.

The vampire attack that transformed Celia kicked her latent Siren abilities into high gear, and now she’s been summoned to the Sirens’ island to justify her existence—and possibly fight for her life—in front of the Siren Queen. Celia isn’t sure she’ll survive to make the trip. The demon she defeated in Blood Song hasn’t exactly gone quietly—he’s left Celia suffering from a powerful curse.

I may have liked the first book in the series; but, I loved the second. I am giving it 9 Stars. Celia as a character felt much more developed. Also the other characters were given more time in the limelight allowing you to get to know them better as well. Understanding more about Celia's past helped me to connect with her much better. I can now say that I like her very much. Her personality is awesome and I like how driven she is and yet has her own moral code. The only thing I don't like is her taste in guys. Bruno... seriously, I have never liked the guy and in my opinion this book just proves me right. Creede on the other hand...may visit my dreams tonight. Even the unknown character of Gaetano would be a step up in my opinion.
The story progression had a much smother progression and unlike the first book didn't feel nearly as abrupt. I liked the inclusion of politics and learning more about the sirens in Cat Adams world. Overall I find that I loved this book and will be re-reading it when the fifth book comes out next January.


Scene I will not forget anytime soon:
He ate a few nuts with a chaser of beer. I sipped my soda.
“I called Mona, told her what happened.”
Oh, shit. Mona was gonna kill me. “Maybe it’s a good thing I’ve got those secret service types.”
He choked again and this time he wound up coughing. I patted him on the back. A useless gesture, but I was pretty sure he didn’t need the Heimlich.
Tears were flowing from his eyes. “Oh, God, Graves, don’t do that to me.”
“Sorry,” I apologized meekly.
He shook his head. “I told her about the imp. How you stood toe-to-toe with it, damn near bare-ass naked, and fired a One Shot of holy water down its gullet.”
He sounded awed and it made me blush. It sounded a lot more impressive than it was. Honest truth, I hadn’t had a lot of choice. I mean, it was a frickin’ boat. It wasn’t like I’d had anywhere to go.
“You know what the wife said?” He was chortling now, his big body shaking with mirth.
“What?”
He imitated his wife’s voice as best he could: “ ‘Very impressive. But tell me something, Bubba. Why was Celia running around your boat naked?’ ”
“Oh dear.”

Blood Song by Cat Adams

Author: Cat Adams
Release Date: June 8th 2010 by Tor Books
Pages: 364
Genre: Adult Fantasy Fiction
Personal Rating:
Similar Books: 4 Stars/ Crave and Covet
 
Demon Underground Series by Parker Blue










Bodyguard Celia Graves has definitely accepted her share of weird assignments, both human and supernatural. But her newest job takes the cake. Guarding a Prince from terrorists and religious fundamentalists is hard enough, but it seems like the entire supernatural world is after this guy too. When she is betrayed by those she is employed to help, and everything goes horribly wrong, Celia wakes to find herself transformed.

Neither human nor vampire, Celia has become an Abomination—something that should not exist—and now both human and supernatural alike want her dead. With the help of a few loyal friends—a sexy mage, a powerful werewolf, and a psychic cop—Celia does her best to stay alive. On the run from her enemies, Celia must try to discover who is behind her transformation…before it’s too late.

I gave this book  6 Stars. Why? Because I love strong chicks who hold they're own after they have been through hell. Why only 6 stars? Celia is a little hard to connect with at first; however I was so interested in what else was happening that it didn't really matter. However if the lore and supernatural happenings hadn't been so interesting I might have put it down for good. There isn't really any romance that is going on in this book. Which is okay I can live with that especially since I never got really attached to any of the male characters. Bruno is definitely not a guy character that ever left the pages for me. 
However I am glad that I kept reading because the more I read the more I grew attached to Celia and really loved the supernatural world that Cat Adams created. Did I grow to love Bruno...no, not at all. But I loved the creatures and the way that Celia takes care of her business and I don't regret reading this book at all; because while this book may have been slightly "meh" for me the rest of the series is worth it.

Vampire Academy #2 Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Author: Richelle Mead
Release Date: April 10, 2008
Pages: 326
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction

Published By: Penguin Group
Personal Rating: 4 Stars/ Crave and Covet 

The Stigoi are teaming up and attacking in unheard of numbers. Moroi are dying and there are just not enough Guardians to go around. Fear is growing and tensions are high. So, what does this mean for the students at St.Vladimirs? A ski trip in the mountains of Idaho.

After getting rid of Victor Dashkov and realizing the truth of Lissa’s magic and mental issues you would think things would be easy. However, Janine Hathaway is at St.Vladimirs and Rose has no idea how to deal with the mother who she hasn’t seen in years. Dimitri is acting distant and might be having romantic feelings toward someone else. And to top it off Lissa is extremely distracted with her new love Christian. Rose is left feeling angry, alone and frustrated. So what is she to do when she realizes that her close friend Mason is in love with her? To add another guy to the mix a Moroi noble by the name of Adrian seems to be very interested in her. Which boy will she choose and what is going to happen about the Stigoi who are working with humans to kill off the royals.

Let me just say that I loved this book and adored the series. I really enjoyed the interactions between Rose and Dimitri. I am really interested in Rose's character and thought. Kudos to Richelle Mead for creating such a character. The vampire lore manages to be both interesting and fresh while making sense. I have read this book at least 3 times and plan on reading in a few more.

Vampire Academy

Vampire Academy

Written By: Richelle Mead

Two races of vampires walk our world. One, the Moroi, are alive and wield elemental magical. The other, the Strigoi, are undead and evil--feeding on the innocent to survive. Rose Hathaway--a half-vampire with poor impulse control--is training to be a bodyguard for a Moroi princess. Learning to decapitate and stake is hard enough, but Rose's real danger may lie in an illicit romance with one of her instructors... 
 http://www.richellemead.com/books/vampireacademy.htm

Reading level: Young Adult

Publisher: Penguin Group 

Date: (November 25, 2009)

Personal Rating:  4 Stars/ Crave and Covet
 

                Among three branches of vampire the Moroi who are tied to elemental magic and rule over a strict hierarchy. The Dhampirs who are half Moroi and have heightened strength and reflexes.  Finally the Strigoi who are dead and feed on the living and grow stronger on Moroi blood. The Moroi must be protected and Dhampirs are born to protect them. 

               Rose is Lissa's Guardian and despite what everyone believes she has always protected Lissa. When danger appeared at St.Vladimir Academy Rose did what she thought was best; she, took Lissa away to keep her safe. Now its been two years and they are being dragged back, literally. Now Rose has more to deal with than ever before with Moroi politics, high school drama and the fact that the danger that they ran away from never left. And if that isn't enough there is the unfortunate fact that she is falling in love with her instructor and no one can know.

  I loved this book and gave it a 4 Stars/ Crave and Covet rating. Rose is one of those characters who just jump off of the page, giving the book a better feeling. She is a tough and dedicated bodyguard standing behind the facade of a frivolous party girl. The book has a great pace, not to fast or slow. This is a great vampire book and the romance is present but not overblown.