Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter (Goddess Test #2)

Author: Aimee Carter
Published March 27th 2012 by Harlequin Teen
296 pages
Series: Goddess Test
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

KATE WINTERS HAS WON IMMORTALITY.

BUT IF SHE WANTS A LIFE WITH HENRY IN THE UNDERWORLD, SHE'LL HAVE TO FIGHT FOR IT.

Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry's first wife, Persephone.

Review:

The book is a good sequel for the Goddess Test series. I liked how the story went and developed. I wasn't able to review the first book which is The Goddess Test. But if you want a really good story based on the major Greek gods and goddesses, this series is a good start. Read The Goddess Test first!

In Goddess Interrupted, Kate as Henry's wife returned to the Underworld after six months in the mortal world as part of their deal. But after her return, she didn't expect that immortality has its price - Calliope's escape, Henry's cold shoulder, meeting Persephone, and a Being that could destroy the world including the immortals.

I'd say the book really lived up to my expectation. There are more adventures and some back story about the confusing relationships of the other gods and goddesses. Calliope's never-ending wrath and jealousy is as always, so annoying. There's lot of Kate's rant about Henry's treatment to her but that's bearable for some reasons. Maybe some can relate to it. Overall, Goddess Interrupted is a good read and I really enjoyed it.

For those who read the first book and liked it, Goddess Interrupted is a must-read! I want the third book now!

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr (Wicked Lovely #2)

Author: Melissa Marr
Published May 1st 2008 by HarperTeen
325 pages
Series: Wicked Lovely
Rating: ♥ ♥

Summary:

Seventeen-year old Leslie knows nothing of faeries or their shadowy power struggles. When she is attracted to an eerily beautiful tattoo, all she knows is that she has to have it, convinced it is a tangible symbol of changes she desperately craves for her own life.

The tattoo does bring changes - not the kind that Leslie has dreamed of, but sinister, compelling changes that bind Leslie to Irial, a dark and dangerous faery king fighting for the soul of his court. Slowly, Leslie is drawn deeper and deeper into the faery world, unable to resist its allures and helpless to withstand its perils...

Review:

Love the cover! Well, only the cover. I read this book, I think for two weeks because I didn't really enjoy it. The first one is better.

Ink Exchange is about Leslie who has a hard life ever since her mother left. With an addict brother and a drunk father, she struggles everyday and works hard to pay their bills and to earn to get the tattoo she wanted. She believes that tattoo will probably change her. Little does she know, that it will change more than she expected it will.

I really had a hard time getting into this book. I like the concept though. A girl struggling and getting a tattoo. The concept of how getting a tattoo can change someone is interesting but how the author narrated the story, it isn't at all! Some events are not relevant to the story and will just keep readers more confused. Although the series is about faeries, this book doesn't really give more information about them. I think it's more of a companion novel than a sequel. Also, I don't like the author's writing style.

I think the series has potential but I think Ink Exchange is not a really good sequel for the first book. I'm not sure if I'll continue to read the next books in the series.

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Raven's Gate by Anthony Horowitz (The Gatekeepers #1)

Author: Anthony Horowitz
Published May 1st 2006 by Scholastic (first published August 1st 2005)
272 pages
Series: The Gatekeepers
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

As punishment for a crime he didn't really commit, Matt was given a choice: Go to jail or go live with an old woman named Mrs. Deverill in a remote town called Lesser Malling.

He should have chosen jail.

A strange and sinister plan is coming together in Lesser Malling with Matt at the center of it all. People who try to help him disappear... or die. It all ties to an evil place named Raven's Gate - a place whose destiny is horrifyingly intertwined with Matt's own. An ancient doom is about to be unleashed... and Matt is the only one who can stop it.

Review:

I didn't expect that I'll enjoy Raven's Gate. Thought it's just another paranormal young adult book.

The book is about 14-year old Matt. He is an orphan and he lives with his aunt. His life with the aunt is quite miserable. Because of that, he gets involved in a crime he didn't really intend to commit. That begins his life with a weird old lady who will never lets him out of her sight. His true identity will be revealed and adventures to keep himself alive and free starts.

The book is fast-paced. Just by reading a few pages of the first chapter will get you hooked. I think it's because of Mr. Horowitz' story telling. The book is very engaging and thrilling! When I bought the book a year ago, I wasn't expecting for it to be this good. The plot is unique and the characters are well developed. And oh, the mystery will really keep you reading. I have a soft spot for mystery, suspense and supernatural.

Raven's Gate is such a good read. Very engaging and will definitely make you want to read more of this series! :)

 ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa (Iron Fey #4)

Author: Julie Kagawa
Expected Publication: October 25th 2011 by Harlequin
386 pages
Review Copy from NetGalley and Publisher
Series: Iron Fey
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her

irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can  survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side. To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale. And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Review:

The last book of the Iron Fey series. I was so excited to read this because I loved the previous books. And I'm glad to have finally read it. Of course courtesy of NetGalley! :)

The Iron Knight started where the Summer's Crossing left off. So I suggest you read Summer's Crossing first. The book is in Ash POV so I expected it to be interesting. The story is about Ash's quest to become mortal so that he can honor his vow to Meghan - and that's to be with her in the Iron Realm. It's kinda slow at first but as the story went it will keep you interested.

This final installment of the series will not disappoint you. It's kinda refreshing to have Ash's point of view. In the previous books, we saw him as a quiet guy who would always keep his feelings to protect himself. In this book, you'd know his true feelings and his true identity. Also, I like Grim and the Big Bad Wolf's bickering! They really entertained me a lot in this book! 

I was surprised with the twist! I don't want to be a spoiler. I just didn't see that coming. Initially, I thought that revelation will complicate things. But there's a purpose why it happened. I'm not that satisfied with the ending! I want more!

I'd still say The Iron Knight is a really good ending for the series. Ms. Kagawa was able to capture us with this Faery series. Thank you and We want more right?? 

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

The Iron Knight (Harlequin Teen)

Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa (Iron Fey #3.5)

Author: Julie Kagawa
Published June 1st 2011 by Harlequin Teen
72 pages
Series: Iron Fey
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

A Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts. 

Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist. 

Review:

I was hesitant to read Summer's Crossing at first. Not because I don't want to read it but I was just too excited to start The Iron Knight. Well, good that I read this first. I didn't know it's in Puck's POV which you would expect to be fun.

Summer's Crossing is a short story about Puck and Ash's adventure to the Summer court. Ash has to keep the other side of the bargain so he's forced to go to Arcadia with Puck's help. However, Puck has to face a difficult decision whether to betray his friend or help him get through.

I think I liked this more than the other short novella. Of course because of Puck! I like witty and fun lines, and adventure that will keep me entertained. This short story gave me that. I'm guessing the purpose of this is for us to get to know Robin Goodfellow more and to let us know that even though the two are frenemies they would always be good friends!

 ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Summer's Crossing