In My Mailbox #6

In my Mailbox was created by The Story Siren to show the books bloggers have acquired over the week.


So this week is sort of a special IMM. I have some books I got signed during YAllapolooza here in AZ. If you've never been to a writers conference with some known authors there, then you've got to. It's amazing to see how lively some authors are (and by some I mean all of the 11 there). They joke around and have fun when they answer questions. For example, some one asked where authors get their ideas, Kiersten White told us about her secret alley in China Town. When questioned about when they first started writing, Aprilynne Pike told us of her first story about princesses and pegasuses...pegasusi...pega...well, you get my point. And an author, whose name I completely forget, described his story of fighting dinosaurs with his mom and another said something about giant spiders climbing over Camelback Mountain.... Anyway, it was plain awesome.

The books I got were The Dark Divine and The Lost Saint by Bree Despain,  Wings by Aprilynne Pike and Paranormalcy by Kiersten White.

Here are some pictures I took :) Be warned, when I say some i mean like fifteen...

                           

                                           

Otherwise by Jennifer White (Blog Tour)

Title: Otherwise

Author: Jennifer White

Release Date: 

Synopsis:
Reluctantly, Delilah Gray has returned to her childhood home--a ramshackle cottage where her compulsive, hoarding grandmother, Meema, raised her. Meema's ghostly manifestations refuse to let Delilah clean the filthy house, or to stay there peacefully. And that's just the beginning of Delilah's problems.

Lonely, angry, and hiding a painful secret, she tries to find a place for herself in a town that she once discovered was "in-between"--a portal to the worlds of the supernatural. Upon her arrival, Delilah unwittingly gets caught in the middle of important business between The Keeper, whose job it is to keep souls on the physical plane, and The Sender who helps speed the dead on their afterlife journey.

When Delilah discovers that she is connected to Lily Defoe, a woman who leapt to her death many years ago, and to a man who refers to himself as The Gravedigger for Lost Souls, she realizes there is more to her homecoming than she anticipated. Who she is, and who she's been, crosses the boundaries of life and death. Nothing--not the people she meets, not this very moment in time, not even the tragic death of her daughter--is what it appears to be. Not only does Delilah have her own "soul searching" to do, but she must work with some of Green Lake's oddest characters to uncover the mysteries of several unsolved deaths that have never been forgotten.

While strange and supernatural occurrences threaten Delilah's already fragile emotional state, she still has a crucial choice to make that will change everything. She comes to understand that there are some things that are worse than death. There is Otherwise--to be confined to a twilight state between the spiritual and the physical worlds.

Review:

Despite the fact that this is an adult book and not YA, this book is still pretty awesome. Being written in 3rd person, the world the author created in otherwise was very well explained. Most questions the reader might be having regarding the Otherwise, the Keeper, The Sender or basically anything was explained in a very...appropriate way to the reader. By that, I mean the way things were explained weren't just stated as facts randomly in the book, they were explained by the characters in different moments when explaining something in the characters life. Like flashbacks or one more experienced character explaining something to a less experienced one. In someways, a reader could complain about how the book jumps around from flashbacks to revolving around different characters, but that's what makes the book so exhilarating to read. I can honestly say that, at first, I had a hard time staying into the book, but pretty soon I could hardly stop reading.
The building of knowledge while waiting to see what happens next. It was an interesting writing style.

There is also some foreshadowing that is very ominous. One thing I can really appreciate about the author is how she uses irony very effectively. The reader knows more than the main protagonist, Delilah. We read of the interactions between the other characters and Delilah remains ignorant to it.
Speaking of characters...

Delilah had many struggles, most seeming to be about trust and loss and love. She is a very stubborn girl and, in the beginning especially, she can jump to conclusions ridiculously fast. One thing that really stood out to me was the fact that she doesn't like it when people (Shane) are able to read her easily. That brings out her defensive side...and her cussing one, too. Anyway, her character changed a lot through out the progression of the book. I won't elaborate, though, you all can find what I mean.

Shane, who we meet really early in the book, get's under Delilah's skin the second they meet. Honestly, their banter and interactions in the beginning are what really captured my attention and held me to this book. Something about shane that I find sort of funny is the fact that he can play guitar well but when he sings, yeah, cover your ears and run. Just kidding...well, not really.
Anyway I'll move on too Casimir. He and Shane obviously have history and very much detest each other, you'll learn why later on in the book. Casimir is also slightly arrogant... okay, at times he can be really arrogant, but that because of his upbringing and how he lived. He can be rude, too. When I first met him in the book, I wasn't fond of him in the least. He just doesn't come off as the greatest character attitude-wise, but he's the kind of character that starts to grow on you in the end. So it's hard to tell if he's "good" or "bad" sometimes.

When I first read of Winifred, I thought of the witch from Hocus Pocus. It's a slightly older movie for those of you deprived person's out there :P Anyway, she's a very interesting character in the book. At some points, she, like all the other major peoples in this book, becomes the main focus of the 3rd person writing. Her flashbacks help the reader understand the story more of the world the author created, like I said before.
I won't elaborate too much on the other characters, mostly because there's a good handful of them and I don't want to risk accidentally revealing some important stuff in the book. But, I will say that the characters are developed well and most of the time, the people you see as bad and good are not what you originally thought.
Well to end off this review I'll say that the ending was well played. Many questions were resolved, and there was an overall sense of happily ever after. But I sort of wish there will be a sequel. You know how it is, you never want a character's life...to....end...
Yeah... um, bad word choice....
Well, on that note, I give Otherwise a B+ as an overall rating for the interesting world the author created, devious yet captivating characters, flowing plot line and an overall interesting story. Recommended to anyone who likes mysteriousness, paranormal and supernatural aspects and otherworldly creatures.



Check out the other stops on the tour :) Links are here: http://jenniferbwhite.com/

Shifting by Bethany Wiggins

Title: Shifting
Author: Bethany Wiggins (her website)
Release Date: September 27, 2011
Synopsis:


After bouncing from foster home to foster home, Magdalene Mae is transferred to what should be her last foster home in the tiny town of Silver City, New Mexico. Now that she's eighteen and has only a year left in high school, she's determined to stay out of trouble and just be normal. Agreeing to go to the prom with Bridger O'Connell is a good first step. Fitting in has never been her strong suit, but it's not for the reasons most people would expect-it all has to do with the deep secret that she is a shape shifter. But even in her new home danger lurks, waiting in the shadows to pounce. They are the Skinwalkers of Navajo legend, who have traded their souls to become the animal whose skin they wear-and Maggie is their next target. 






Review:

Shifting was a very well written book with a moving plot line and captivating characters. For one, the plot line incorporated a Navajo myth about the Skinwalkers. They are basically people who gave up there souls for the ability to change into an animal by wearing it's skin. I've only read one book with the same myth incorporated into it so, to me, it's a relatively original idea to use in a book. Anyway, not only is the myth integrated in the book, but other Navajo aspects are too. It's really interesting to read a book with different cultures accurately (i think) included. It gives the book a sense of realism and background, not to mention flavor. Plus, the variety of cultural aspects can really pull in a reader a give them some perspective on a lot the book has to offer. Another good thing about the book was the speed. It was not necessarily quick, more like steadily and constantly moving. The speed of the book had a lot to do with the fact that the main character had a general realization of what she was in the beginning. So the plot doesn't revolve around her trying to find of what the heck is happening to her...mostly, at least. The book had a lot of conflict, high school drama being part of that, but supernatural problems were also, obviously, a major part in the book. There really wasn't much of a slow or dragging part in this book, something was almost always happening which made the book very easy to stay interested in.
Speaking of interest peaking aspects in this book: foreshadowing. It wasn't used a lot, but when it was. Oh. My. Gosh. You're jaw will hit the freaking floor.
And on that note, we more forth to characters :)
Maggie Mae has easily become on of my new favorite main characters... along with about fifty thousand others :P Despite having an awesome name, she is one of those characters who has learned a while ago that the world isn't what it seems to be...both in people's behavior and in supernatural stuff. Like I mentioned before, she goes into the book knowing what she is, more of less. The sad and ironic part of her history/childhood, is the reasons for her arrest and how they (the arrests) have her being moved from home to home in foster care.
Which brings me to Mrs. Carpenter. Despite her old age, she still can run things with an iron fist. She has a no nonsense attitude which is good considering that she's the most recent guardian of our aforementioned heroine. She is also a very nice person and she cares for Maggie like a daughter.
Since I'm on the topic of caring people, I could say Mr. Petersen, but I'll go with Bridger since he's in the book a bit more. *insert enamored giggle here* Anywho, he's a track running, gun shooting, sweet guy. Most of the time, on the sweet part, I mean. He's always a complete bad A with a few extra letters. There are parts in the book where he acts like a jerk, but he has reasons that I am not going to say because it be a spoiler. There was one thing that I remember from the book and it was Bridger's whole, it's not a car it's an SUV, thing. Seriously funny. Bridger is Navajo, so he tends to follow his traditional Navajo etiquette (if that's the correct word). He's a big (semi-confusing in a sense) part of the book and, there's a seriously heart-stopping part in the end that will make you want to cry.
Yana is Maggie's first friend when she starts school and she's a very trusting person to have around. She's sort of an outcast but she has Maggie's back when things start to happen. She also helped Maggie get a job. Which would lead us to Naalyehe and Jose, but I'll let you meet them. Okay, I know I'm being vague, and Yana and the other two are in the book for a fair amount of time, I'll let you meet them officially by reading it. Plus, you can make your own inferences about their characters.
The ending was perfect...for now. Somethings are resolved, but doors are left open providing room for a sequel. And I hope there is one. So, to end this review, I will say that Shifting deserves the rating of an A because it had me from the first paragraph all the way to the ending and, well, basically because of everything I said in the review. It was just, in one word, a truly breathtaking book. Recommended for anyone who love paranormal, supernatural and just plain awesome books.

Otherwise Blog Tour... and other news

Heads up for all you wonderful people who watch my blog... Next week from the 29th of January to the 4th of February, I'll be participating in the Blog Tour for Otherwise by Jennifer White. I'll post the review of the book first and then I have a little treat for you guys.
But I won't ruin it, so keep watch for any special posts next week :) I also have a few other reviews coming up so be prepared for an epidemic ;)

Until then check out the schedule for the rest of the tour. 

Deja Vu Thursday #5

Well, this Thursday's Deja Vu feature features the cover model for my soul to take. You can read more about the cover model here (this is also where I found the pictures so credit goes to that blogger).

I can honestly say that I thought the girl in the picture was supposed to be Sophie because of the pose, but it's actually Kaylee

They Photoshopped the pictures to look like this. And it's totally amazing! And the final product for the book turned out equally cool with a word ribbon.                                                             

Synopsis:

SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH KAYLEE CAVANAUGH...

She doesn't see dead people, but she senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about the need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next...

I'm sure plenty of you have read the book and seen the cover but either way, it's kind of cool to see the cover models :) Anyway, I've read the whole series a few times over and I'm currently reading If I Die. If you want to read more about the series go to the authors website.

Waiting on Wednesday: Darkness Before Dawn

Author: J.A. London (website)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: May 20, 2012
Synopsis:

The war is over. The humans lost. And in the shattered world that arises, the vampires are king. They rule over the remaining walled cities with an iron fist, none more terrifying than Lord Valentine. His concern is with blood and blood alone, and seeing that it is ‘donated’ on time.
It’s Dawn Montgomery’s duty to ensure the safety of her fellow humans within the city, but also to serve as Delegate to Lord Valentine. She is the conduit between the two worlds, the human and vampire, and the youngest to ever do so.
But when Lord Valentine’s son, Victor, steps into her life, everything changes. She assumes he wants her blood, like all vampires. But he’s after more: her heart.






* Awesome cover and it sounds like a very interesting vampire book.  Adding to me "to-read" pile of books :)
**Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event is hosted by Breaking the Spine to share upcomming releases we are eagerly waiting for :)

In My Mailbox #4

In my Mailbox was created by The Story Siren to show the books bloggers have acquired over the week.

from left to right, first row

Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber

Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

The Pale Assassin by Patricia Elliott

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Arrie Ryan

Slayed by Amanda Marrone

from left to right, second row

Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

If I Die by Rachel Vincent

Dark Passage by M.J. Putney

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

~from left to right, first row~

Fateful by Claudia Gray

Dead Rules by Randy Russell

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Hereafter by Tara Hudson

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer

**Hopefully at least a few can be read before the library reclaims them :P ...except for The Hunger Games, I bought  that one last night and I've already read and reviewed it :D **

Dark Mirror by M.J. Putney

Title: Dark Mirror

Author: M.J. Puteny

Release: March 1, 2011

Synopsis:

Lady Victoria Mansfield, youngest daughter of the earl and countess of Fairmount, is destined for a charmed life. Soon she will be presented during the London season, where she can choose a mate worthy of her status.

Yet Tory has a shameful secret—a secret so powerful that, if exposed, itcould strip her of her position and disgrace her family forever. Tory’s blood is tainted . . . by magic.

When a shocking accident forces Tory to demonstrate her despised skill, the secret she’s fought so hard to hide is revealed for all to see. She is immediately exiled to Lackland Abbey, a reform school for young men and women in her position. There she will learn to suppress her deplorable talents and maybe, if she’s one of the lucky ones, be able to return to society.

But Tory’s life is about to change forever. All that she’s ever known or considered important will be challenged. What lies ahead is only the beginning of a strange and wonderful journey into a world where destiny and magic come together, where true love and friendship find her, and where courage and strength of character are the only things that determine a young girl’s worth.

Review:

My feelings were very controversial toward Dark Mirror. When I first began the story, I felt like a lot of it started very abruptly. The prologue felt like it would sort of ease the reader in, but then when the first chapter came along, if was like plunging into ice-cold water. You jump out dazed. In my opinion, a lot of things could have been explained a bit more. Like the days it was supposed to take for Tory to ride to Lackland Abbey, felt like three sentences... because it was. There are a few more moments like this in the beginning, but i think it gets better as the book goes on. What really tired me was how the way the characters spoke in 1803 seemed forced and unnatural. But maybe it's just me.
Anyway, it has always amazed me how an author could take history and manipulate it into a story that fits into history like a missing puzzle piece. Since I am a complete history nerd, I can really appreciate the fact that the author could incorporate it into the book really well. It makes me wonder if she did a bunch of research on WWII and Napoleon Bonaparte and the French Revolution, or if she just knew enough to write a story in those time periods. Either way it was cool because every time she mentioned it I thought, "Oh hey! I learned that in World History!" and then, of course,  start thinking of a bunch of stuff I learned about it. Whoa, nerd status.
Moving on from my history infatuation...
Tory, the protagonist in Dark Mirror, is, for lack of a better word, a good character. She knows of magic and how, in her class of society, it's seen as unholy and unnatural. Imagine how she felt when she discovered that she had magic and her father sent her away for using it for good. Not cool, right? Anyway, her conflicting feelings toward what she's known her life and how magic feels now, fuel the starting of the plot of the story. Later, it warps into a more intriguing story that I won't give away.
Now, technically this is a spoiler... so beware.
The Irregulars have to be one of the most interesting things in this book. They remind me of the DA in Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix. Secret magic usage and practice. Totally awesome and forbidden.
Elspeth has to be my favorite character out of the bunch of Irregulars. Being confident, rebellious, strong and kind, she's totally awesome and that's all there is to be said because she's just that cool. ;)
Anyway, what's a book with out some sort of over dramatic diva? That's right, slightly less funny and eye-rolling worthy. Lady Cynthia of something-or-another is exactly that diva. Her character makes me sigh in exasperation every time. I won't say whether or not the course of the book changes her, you can decide that for yourself. 
Jack is the goofy friend of the bunch. He makes everyone want to laugh and slap him silly at the same time. Plus he sometimes likes to antagonize Cynthia.
Allarde is his last name and his first name is unknown to all of you who have not read the book. He is a mystery which I'll let you unfold.
There are a few more character I would like to talk about, but they are important to a bigger part of the plot and I don't want to ruin anything for all you lovely readers.
As you can tell, from my rant at the beginning to me talking about the characters, this is actually a pretty good book. Granted, the beginning really wasn't my favorite part. I won't lie, I put this book down for a while and read a few others before I finished it. But, the more I read it, the more it grew on me. I'm not saying it was my absolute favorite book, but it did eventually capture my attention. The back back half of the book is what kept me reading. 
Because of all that I've said, I think I will give Dark Mirror a C+ rating. I recommend it to anyone who like a little magical and historical aspects in their books. Actually, it's a decent read in general with a good ending so even if you are hesitant, just try it. 
Now, I'm sort of intrigued by what the author might have to bring in the next book...which is why it's literally sitting on my desk begging to be read. 

Waiting on Wednesday: Wings of the Wicked

Author: Courtney Allison Moulton (her website)
Publisher: HarperCollins/ Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: February 1, 2012
Synopsis:
Life as the Preliator is harder than Ellie ever imagined. 
Balancing real life with the responsibility of being Heaven’s warrior is a challenge for Ellie. Her relationship with Will has become all business, though they both long for each other. And now that the secret of who she really is has come out, so have Hell’s strongest reapers. Grown bold and more vicious, the demonic threaten her in the light of day and stalk her in the night. 

She’s been warned.

Cadan, a demonic reaper, comes to her with information about Bastian’s new plan to destroy Ellie’s soul and use an ancient relic to wake all the souls of the damned and unleash them upon humanity. As she fights to stay ahead of Bastian’s schemes , the revelations about those closest to her awaken a dark power within Ellie that threatens to destroy everything—including herself.

She’ll be betrayed. 

Treachery comes even from those whom she loves, and Ellie is broken by the deaths of those who stood beside her in this Heavenly war. Still, she must find a way to save the world, herself, and her love for Will. If she fails, there will be hell to pay.

*Read my review for Angelfire here! 
**Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event is hosted by Breaking the Spine to share upcomming releases we are eagerly waiting for :)

Banished by Sophie Littlefield

Title: Banished
Author: Sophie Littlefield (her website)
Release: October 2010
Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Hailey Tarbell can't wait for the day she'll leave Gypsum, Missouri, far behind, taking only four-year-old Chub, the developmentally-delayed little boy her cruel drug-dealing grandmother fosters for the state money. But when a freak accident in gym class leaves a girl in critical condition, Hailey feels drawn to lay her hands on the injured girl and an astonishing healing takes place. Before Hailey can understand her new powers, a beautiful stranger shows up...just in time to save her and Chub from hired killers. A desperate race begins, with Hailey as the ultimate prize: there are those who will stop at nothing to harness her gifts to create an undefeatable army of the undead. Now it is up to Hailey and a small but determined family of healers to stand up to the unbelievable and face the unthinkable.





**Technically there are no spoilers, just a lot of talking about detail, but just to be safe: spoiler alert? 

Review: 


In a nutshell, Banished was an interesting read. Hidden and unknown powers. Evil scientist. Zombies. It was a nice turn from vampire and fallen angel books (not that I don't love those either way). One thing I enjoyed most from the story was the background story of how Healers and the Banished came to Gypsum. It gave a history that seemed to enhance the legitimacy of the story and make it more believable, even if it was fiction. 
Other that that, I think what I found the most intriguing about the books is the author's descriptions. Not only with the characters, though. It was easy to imagine a lot of things that happened, but there was one thing that really stuck to me and that was the zombies. Her discription of the zombie like things near the ends was repulsive, which, though it might not sound like a compliment, it is. I felt like I could hear the way their brittle and decaying bone's broke near the end. I could imagine in vivid detail the way their skin sagged on their face with a gruesome green or purple tinge. I'm shuddering just thinking about it. 
The whole time the author describe it, I felt as if I could feel, smell, hear and see everything she wrote down. I mean, yes, most writers, if not all, can capture and write down what they see in their head in vivid detail, but I've read a few zombie-like books and none have captured this sort of detail easily. What's more amazing is the fact that the zombie things aren't an entirely huge piece in the book, they come in near the end. And, yet, the author was still able to grasp all that detail and shove it into those last few chapters.
To begin the characters, I will start with the main protagonist: Hailey. She learned how to deal with life a long time ago. She's independent and sort of a loner but she's tough. She's a natural Healer, even though she never knew what she was and she learns to accept it. But out of everything, the trait I appreciate most about Hailey is that she is the kind of person that would do anything and everything for the ones she loves. 
Which is where Chub comes in. Four years old and as adorable as a button, he's the only thing that keeps Hailey from leaving Gypsum. There's not really a lot more to say about him since he's only a toddler, though.
Now, there's Gram. She's basically the guardian of Chub and Hailey, not that she actually acts like it. She spends her days drunk and selling drugs from her basement. She's one of the main reasons that Hailey can't leave town without her stepbrother. Basically, Gram is a horrible old hag. Litterally. 
The only person who could possibly be worse would be Rattler. Just the name make everyone shudder in fear. Sadly, there's a twist at the end including him that will make your jaw drop through the floor. 
Luckily, there are a few people who are actually good. 
Prairie is one of those people, she's also the aunt everyone wants. Being sweet and kind, it's sort of surprising how well she can lay out a roundhouse kick when she needs to. Sadly, her life is haunted by her sisters death and by her ex who would do anything to get her powers. Either way she is one of my favorite characters in this book. 
Kaz has grown up knowing Prairie as family even though they really weren't. I see Kaz is sweet and determined but I can't talk too much about him because of the fact that he and his mother don't come into the book until the end.
Now, to the main antagonist.  Bryce. He is the aforementioned evil scientist... and Prairie's ex. The sad thing, like many others before him, he thinks his work is for the greater good but really it's in humane and wrong.
Whoa, that's a boat load of characters. Anyway, most of these people have a lot more to them, but I'd be risking accidentally revealing to much of the book before anyone could get their hands on a copy if I said more. 
Well, now, because of this book's amazing zombie details, it's plot, characters and legit background of the Healers and the Banished, I will give it a solid rating of an A. 
Warning, this book is not for the weak stomached but highly recommended for anyone who can handle it and anyone who likes paranormal and supernatural books.


**the warning is sarcasm so don't take it too seriously. There's a good chance that everyone can handle what this book has to deal out. Enjoy!

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

Title: Angelfire
Author: Courtney Allison Moulton (her website)
Release: February 15, 2011
Synopsis:
First there are nightmares.

Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her. 

Then come the memories. 

When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream. 

Now she must hunt. 

Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember.

Review:

All I can say is that I was captivated before the end of the first chapter. This book had so many amazing qualities that it's probably impossible to name them all. The action, the romance, the non-romance, and the whole reincarnation thing are just a few of them. The entire plot of the book was really well played out, not to fast, not to slow and the story was so amazing. There were a lot of original ideas in this book that the author brought. The alternate dimension where the reapers prowl get's pretty confusion and at points I'd be reading a little to fast and I wouldn't realize that a fight was in the Grim and not the human dimension... if you haven't read the book what I said may have confused  you. Bottom line, don't skim or else you'll miss a lot. Anyway, I also think that the flashbacks were a nice touch to add to the whole reincarnation thing.
To start off the characters, there's the main one, Ellie. Overall, she is a great heroine. I see her as kind and independent in a selectively stubborn way. She is also very powerful and can kick some serious butt. Although, like everyone, she has some flaws. Lack of knowledge about herself and her past lives cause her to be confused about many things that she should already know. What I appreciate most about her character is the way she accepts what she is and does quickly, minus her small this-is-just-a-dream phase. I swear, if it were me, I'd be running screaming in the opposite direction if I was faced with a reaper (mostly because I don't have swords...) It's refreshing to have a heroine who literally jumps straight into the action instead of trying to ignore it.
Moving on to my favorite character,Will. Ironically enough, his name means desire and protection, which fits him perfectly since he had been Ellie's Guardian for the last several hundred years. Speaking of which...I think one of my favorite parts is the flashback of when Ellie and Will first met...mostly because he has a seriously awesome accent in that part. Anyway, Will is just the kind of guy you imagine saving people from burning buildings. Strong, fast, with a burning need to do good and protect everyone. Which is why I think Ellie was drawn to him...
Like practically every book, there is a villain. The general version of the villains in this book are the Reapers. Hideously evil with a taste for blood, they are little pieces of hell on earth. The eat the flesh and take the souls of humans. The more specific version of the villains would be Ragnuk, Geir, Ivar, and the over all most infamous one...Bastian.
All of them are more or less out to end Ellie. But I won't get into to much detail so you'll have to find out more on your own.
Now, the ending, I had mixed feelings about. The way they dealt with the Enshi (again read the book to find out what that is, I'm trying to avoid spoilers here) seemed a little too easy, if you know what I mean. The answer seemed a little bit too obvious. Beside after the whole book, I expected something a tad bit more creative. But, I can't imagine that part happening in any other way so it's all good.
The most powerful moments of the book weren't when she was fighting reapers or hanging with Will, it was the last few pages. The revelation Ellie had about herself and her being the Preliator made me smile and think "She's baaack" in a totaly creeptastic voice. Just kidding. But seriously, it was a very powerful part of the book and it make me eager to read some more of Courtney Allison Moulton's writing.
Filled with action and romance, Angelfire is a fantastic book that had me captured from the first chapter. It's an action packed, sword swinging, romance building book that deserves the rating on an A from this reviewer.  I loved every moment of this book and I hope the sequel will be just as brilliant, not that I'd really have any doubts at this point. Recommended to paranormal, action, and semi-romance lovers of nearly all ages.

Waiting on Wednesday: Destiny's Fire

Author: Trisha Wolfe
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Release Date: January 10, 2012
Synopsis:

It’s the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind—part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven.

As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, but she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez’s newfound power rockets out of control, it’s a Narcolym who could change her fate… if she can trust him.

Dez’s guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she's forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she's feared her whole life.

*It sounds great and like my kind of book. I can't wait till the release :)

**Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event is hosted by Breaking the Spine to share upcomming releases we are eagerly waiting for :)