Review : Awaken by Meg Cabot

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Pages: 336
Source: ARC

The Story:

Death has her in his clutches. She doesn't want him to let go.

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera knew by accepting the love of John Hayden, she'd be forced to live forever in the one place she's always dreaded most: the Underworld. The sacrifice seemed worth it, though, because it meant she could be with the boy she loves.

But now her happiness -- and safety -- are threatened, all because the Furies have discovered that John has broken one of their strictest rules: He revived a human soul.

If the balance between life and death isn't fixed, both the Underworld and Pierce's home back on earth will be wiped away. But there's only one way to restore order. Someone has to die.

via Barnes & Noble

Rating: FOUR Gold Stars!!!

My Review: 

AHH! This is the end . . . of the Abandon trilogy. *Le sigh*. The conclusion to the trilogy is bittersweet -- bitter because it is the end and sweet because I really enjoyed the story.

Tag Line:

Death is just getting warmed up. A storm is coming.

Opening Line:

In school they told us to follow the rules.

Plot:

The action and suspense in was just what the doctor ordered. In Abandon readers were being introduced to the story, getting background information. In Underworld readers received a heavy dose of greek mythology with the Hades-Persephone and The Furies themes at work. But in Awaken readers are caught in the crosshairs as Pierce fights for John against The Furies who want to punish him for reviving a human soul. The balance between the realms are out of whack and Pierce must find a way to restore order which means one thing . . . Someone has to die. 

As for the romance, it was amazing! The John-Pierce feels were on overload. Readers were lucky enough to see John and Pierce grow into each other and their relationship *and fans* thanked them for it. In Underworld they put in the fight to keep each other. Not to mention, the steamy scenes are just that, steamy and swoon-worthy.

All in all, if you are a sucker for Hades-Persephone retelling, the Abandon trilogy is definitely for you. Awaken  is a great blend of action, mystery and humor with a delectable dash of romance.

Character Breakdown:

Pierce Oliviera - In Awaken readers see Pierce truly come into her own. She is very take-charge and take no prisoners. In the previous books while I did not hate Pierce, there were times when she annoyed me with her stubborn, manipulative ways.

Meet the Author:

Meg Cabot is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of books for both adults and tweens/teens. There have been over 25 million copies of Meg's nearly 80 published books sold in 38 countries. Her last name rhymes with habit, as in "her books can be habit forming." She currently lives in Key West, Florida with her husband and various cats. 

Meg's first ever adult book in the Princess Diaries series, "Royal Wedding", will be available in Summer 2015, along with an installment of the series for younger readers, "From the Notebook of a Middle School Princess". "Remembrance", a new book in the Mediator series will be available in February of 2016.

***Check out Meg Cabot's website for more information about her and the Awaken: HERE

Happy Reading!

Review : Underworld by Meg Cabot

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Release Date: April 1, 2013
Pages: 336
Source: Own

The Story:

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn't dead.

Not this time.

But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey.

Her captor, John Hayden, claims it's for her own safety. Because not all the departed are dear. Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they've come back as Furies, intent on vengeance . . . on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves.

But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there . . . and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies.

via Barnes & Noble

Rating: FOUR Gold Stars!!!

My Review: 

Underworld is the second in a trilogy retelling of the Greek myth about Hades and Persephone. I enjoyed the first book, Abandon, so I looked forward to diving into Underworld. And I am happy to say Underworld did not disappoint.

Tag Line:

Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible.

Opening Line:

"Pierce keeps having the most terrible nightmares."

Plot:

The main premise for the plot in is Pierce's reluctant time in the Underworld - readers really see the Hades-Persephone theme. John claims it is for her own safety but she is not entirely convinced. . . But when The Furies who are after Pierce threaten the lives of her family and friend on Earth, Pierce is more eager than ever to get back to her life and those she cares for. 

It is in where readers are really able to see John and Pierce relationship takes some heed. While Pierce finally comes to terms with her feelings for John Hayden, there are half-truth, mysteries and confinements putting a wedge the progression of their relationship.

All in all, Underworld does not disappoint. Usually series corrode as sequels are released but not with the Abandon series. As the story continues it builds momentum and has you begging for more. 

Meet the Author:

Meg Cabot is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of books for both adults and tweens/teens. There have been over 25 million copies of Meg's nearly 80 published books sold in 38 countries. Her last name rhymes with habit, as in "her books can be habit forming." She currently lives in Key West, Florida with her husband and various cats. 

Meg's first ever adult book in the Princess Diaries series, "Royal Wedding", will be available in Summer 2015, along with an installment of the series for younger readers, "From the Notebook of a Middle School Princess". "Remembrance", a new book in the Mediator series will be available in February of 2016.

***Check out Meg Cabot's website for more information about her and the Underworld: HERE

Happy Reading!

Review : Abandon by Meg Cabot

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Release Date: April 26, 2011
Pages: 320
Source: ARC

The Story:

Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.

Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.

But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.

via Barnes & Noble

Rating: 

My Review: 

I LOVE YA retellings of Hades and Persephone! And Meg Cabot's Abandon trilogy is probably my favorite -- tied with Aimee Carter's Goddess Test series. Funny story though, I received Abandon back at RT Los Angeles in 2011 and didn't realize what a gem I had. I didn't read it until shortly before its sequel, Underworld, was released. The only reason why I gave it a second look was because I was on Google searching for Hades and Persephone retellings and Abandon was on the list. I said "Hey! I have that book!" and the rest was history. :) *BTW, can you believe Abandon was my first Meg Cabot book?*

Tag Line:

She knows what it's like to die . . . Now Death wants her back.

Opening Line:

Once, I died.

Plot:

The premise of the story was exactly what I was searching for in a Hades and Persephone YA retelling. The characters on a whole were interesting and believable. Pierce character, while not the most colorful protagonist, was real enough I could immerse myself in the story.

As for the annoying bits, I have to say the elusive "Incident," the circumstances of which were dragged out more than necessary -- mentioning it less would have helped even. Also, not much actually happens. As I read the book I did not realize this but once I sat down to write this review . . . well, I was left scratching my head trying to think of substantial events.

The pace was good for me. Smooth at the beginning, building then picking up momentum towards the end. I thought the end of the story was delicious and my kind of cliffhanger. My hands were definitely itching for the sequel by the time I finished devouring the book.

Character Breakdown:

Pierce Oliviera - I have to admit Olivia was a bit bland for my taste but not to the point she annoyed me enough to abandon *see what I did there hehe* the story. Overall, Olivia's character was enjoyable enough.

John Hayden - I cannot place my finger on it, but there was simply something about John that drew me in. His character was the perfect blend between light and dark. John Hayden is deliciously dark, captivating and brooding but once you get to know him readers can see he is also kind, considerate and charmingly protective. He tickled my swoon spot and I loved him throughout the trilogy.

Richard Smith - The cemetery sexton was by far my favorite character in the story. He was like an endearing curmudgeon and funny to boot. 

Here is one of my favorite quotes from Abandon:

Richard to Pierce: "'Impossible, yes,' he admitted after a few seconds. 'But interesting. Like you. And eternity is a long time. So if you have to spend it with someone, I could see wanting to spend it with someone impossible . . . but interesting'" (page 238). 

Richard to Pierce: "'Good Lord, do they teach you nothing in school these days? Have you ever heard of a hyperbole? I highly suggest you look up the word, Miss Oliviera, if you intend to pursue a relationship with a death deity'" (page 245).

Meet the Author:

Meg Cabot is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of books for both adults and tweens/teens. There have been over 25 million copies of Meg's nearly 80 published books sold in 38 countries. Her last name rhymes with habit, as in "her books can be habit forming." She currently lives in Key West, Florida with her husband and various cats. 

Meg's first ever adult book in the Princess Diaries series, "Royal Wedding", will be available in Summer 2015, along with an installment of the series for younger readers, "From the Notebook of a Middle School Princess". "Remembrance", a new book in the Mediator series will be available in February of 2016.

***Check out Meg Cabot's website for more information about her and the Abandon: HERE

Happy Reading!

Good News : I am an Ambassador!

Hey fellow bookies! How has Spring Break been going for you guys? I have spent my time relaxing and catching up with my DVR. And rewatching my favorite TV series of all time, One Tree Hill. Anywho, I have some exciting news! It has been in the works for the last couple of weeks and today is the day I get to share it with you guys!

I am an Into the Dark Series Ambassadors!!!

Ever since I read The Dark Divine by Bree Despain, I have been subscribed to her newsletter. And it is because of that I received an email with Despain stated that she was on the hunt for Ambassadors for his current YA series, Into the Dark -- in light of her publisher's recent news that it will be closing its doors. I didn't waste any time responding. A week or so ago, I had the honor of being chosen as a series Ambassador for her new series, Into the Dark. 

Why is Despain doing all in this in the first place. Well, it is not simply the regular getting her book out there but whether or not Book 3 in the trilogy gets published is contingent on how badly readers want to get their hands on it. Want to help a favorite author and spread the word? Use #IntoTheDark #TheShadowPrince #BreeDespain in related posts on your social media accounts. 

Haven't read Into the Dark or even heard of the series, no fret. Take a look below:

Publisher: EgmontUSA
Release Date: March 11, 2014
Pages: 496

The Story:

From Bree Despain, the fan-favorite author of The Dark Divine trilogy, comes her highly anticipated second young adult series: a contemporary adventure inspired by the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades.

Haden Lord, the disgraced prince of the Underrealm, has been sent to the mortal world for six months in order to convince Daphne Raines to return with him to the land of the dead. 

The best way to do this, Haden is told, is to get Daphne to fall in love with him. But getting a teenage girl to fall in love with you isn't easy, especially when Haden's life and more depends on the success of his quest. Little does he know that the tenuous peace between the Greek god of the Underrealm and the Greek god of the Sky is breaking and war is imminent.

If Haden succeeds, his honor and standing will be restored in the royal court, and Daphne will be sacrificed to save us all.

The complication he didn't see coming: he's the one who falls in love.

Now Haden must choose to either fulfill his sacred duty or to follow his heart and find a way to rewrite his and Daphne's destinies.

via Amazon

Publisher: EgmontUSA
Release Date: April 28, 2015
Pages: 368

The Story:

Fan-favorite author Bree Despain continues her modern-day romance trilogy inspired by the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades with this second book in her Into the Dark series.  
 
Haden Lord, the disgraced Prince of the Underrealm, has chosen love over honor and will do everything in his power to protect Daphne Raines, the human girl he was supposed to bring to the Underrealm. Haden’s choice is put to the test as the Skylords and a figure from his past arrive in Olympus Hills with a plan that could destroy all of the realms.

Embracing her destiny as the Cypher, Daphne begins to understand the immense power of her musical ability to control the elements, but she must come to terms with her feelings for Haden and what she must sacrifice in order to protect him and her friends.

Believing the Key of Hades is the only thing that can stop the Underrealm Court from releasing the monstrous Keres on the mortal world, Haden, Daphne, and their friends set out to find the Key before Persephone’s Gate opens again on the spring equinox.

via Amazon

Meet the Author:

The Short: Bree Despain is the author of the Dark Divine trilogy and the Into The Dark trilogy. Bree rediscovered her childhood love for creating stories when she took a semester off college to write and direct plays for at-risk, inner-city teens from Philadelphia and New York. She currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband, two young sons, and her beloved TiVo.

The Long: As a kid, Bree would staple folded papers to make her own "novels." As a teen, she wrote stories in notebooks while her friends waited for the next page to be finished. Her teachers told her she should be a writer. But Bree thought only specialpeople could be writers, so as the years past, she settled into the idea of becoming a lawyer instead.

Bree rediscovered her childhood love for creating stories when she took a semester off college to write and direct plays for at-risk, inner city teens from Philadelphia and New York. With a renewed passion for story, and the young adult audience, she returned to Brigham Young University, filled her schedule with creative writing and literature classes, and started writing stories again. But regular life kicked in, and she soon found herself married with a new baby, working full-time, and with very little writing done.

That’s when the universe threw a pick-up truck in her path. The car accident left Bree with an understanding that life was too short to not do what you absolutely love. A few days later, her husband brought home a used laptop computer, placed it by her bedside, and said, “You’d better start writing.” Her life has never been the same since.

In a moment of karmic perfection, Bree received the offer to purchase her debut novel, The Dark Divine, on the 6th anniversary of the car accident that put her back on the path to becoming an author. ​

***

Having said that, yesterday Despain sent the Ambassadors a few excerpts to share with fellow bookies in anticipation of the first book's, The Shadow Prince, release in paperback on April 14, 2015. Today, I will share just one teaser excerpt here, on The Tattered Page, however . . . between now and this Sunday, I will drop the remaining two teaser excerpts on my other social media accounts (the buttons for said accounts can be located to the right of the screen beneath my About Me photo). So, keep your book hungry eyes peeled!

So, now, the moment you have all been waiting for! A sneak peek into the dark (hehe, see what I did there?) at The Shadow Prince . . . 

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Happy Reading!

Review : Goddess by Josephine Angelini

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Release Date: April 29, 2014
Pages: 432
Source: Own

The Story:

International bestselling author Josephine Angelini concludes her action-packed Starcrossed trilogy with Goddess—a romantically-charged page-turner that Newsday raved was a "clever reworking of Greek mythology."

After Helen Hamilton accidentally unleashes the violent gods from their captivity on Olympus, she and her friends must imprison them before their thirst for war—and blood—take over the world. But the gods' fury already has a body count, and time is running out. With Lucas Delos's life hanging in the balance, and their once-solid group of friends now divided, Helen must face this battle alone, while also deciding who has her heart—Lucas, or the possible Tyrant, Orion.

With a masterfully-woven plot and epically-high stakes, the compelling twists and turns in Goddess will leave readers completely spellbound.

via Barnes & Noble

Rating: FOUR Gold Stars!!!!

My Review: 

Josephine Angelini has struck again! What a bittersweet ending. So sad to see the trilogy end . . . but so good, I couldn't help speeding through Goddess. Having said that, Starcrossed is one of my Top Favorite Series. I am glad I got to be along for Helen and her friend's wild ride.

Tag Line:

She must rise, or they will fall.

Opening Line:

Helen could see what she guessed was the River Styx just off to her left.

Plot:

The plot-line of Goddess was well-laid. Readers walked alongside Helen on her difficult quest to stop a supernatural war, all the while reaching her maximum potential, growing into her skin and keeping her friends and family safe. Not to mention, biding tension of the impending war of demigods and the traitor lurking amongst the ranks takes its toll on everyone. It is difficult to fight for the right-side when the ones you should be protecting isn't so crystal clear.

There was a perfect balance of intrigue, mystery, evil and romantics. And boy, the twists and turns were fruitful and forced me to the end of my seat. 

Right when you think you kind of-sort of have things figured out . . . BAM! No, you don't

All in all, the writing itself was humorous, strong and captivating. Angelini weaved a stunning tale that had me enthralled from the first page and never released me from its grasp. If you have no read the Starcrossed trilogy then I don't understand what you waiting for. An invitation? Well, here IT is!

***Check out Josephine Angelini's website for more information about her and Goddess: HERE

Happy Reading!

Review : Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Release Date: April 30, 2012
Pages: 430
Source: Own

The Story:

StarHearts, as fans of Josephine Angelini call themselves, will stay up all night reading Dreamless, the second book in the bestselling Starcrossed series. The saga mixes mythology, romance, action, and intrigue in a completely original way.
 
Dreamless continues the story of Helen Hamilton, a shy girl living on Nantucket Island whose desire for an ordinary life was thwarted when she discovered she is a Scion, a descendant of a Greek god and a mortal. Each Scion has a power, and Helen’s is the ability to travel to Hades.
 Helen is determined to use her talent to stop a war amongst the gods and change her destiny, which is to live a life patterned after that of the tragic Helen of Troy. But her quest may cost her Lucas Delios, the boy she loves.

via Barnes & Noble

Rating: FOUR Gold Stars!!!!

My Review: 

If you're reading this review, know this: I took my butt to Barnes & Noble as soon as Dreamless hit shelves. Normally, I wait to search the internet for cheaper prices but not in this case. Dreamless was worth every penny. Honestly though, I was afraid. You know the reputation sequels have . . . and considering how much I loved the first book, Starcrossed, I don't think I could have withstood the disappointment. But the book gods blessed Josephine Angelini.

Tag Line:

In the Underworld, every night is forever.

Opening Line:

Red blood bloomed from underneath Helen's torn fingernails, pooled in the crescents of her cuticles, and trailed down her knuckles in little rivers.

Plot:

Starcrossed left off at one hell of a cliffhanger. Helen and Lucas are cousins! Of course, readers know that its a load of bullshit to keep them apart but it doesn't make Helen and Lucas' separation any easier. Talk about a dark emotional and moral roller-coaster.

The main plot conflict of Dreamless was for Helen to explore and utilize her Scion capabilities to appeal to the Furies. The Furies! (I greatly appreciate the heavy tie to Greek Mythology this go around in the trilogy.) And while on her quest in the Underworld she receives a helping hand . . . from a mysterious, hot guy she has plenty in common with, Orion.

Alas, to add the cherry on top, we have the ConfusedHelen-CousinLucas-CourageousOrion triad. Normally, the whole love triangle fiasco isn't my sort of taste but in this case it was delicious . . . and twisted. That is all I am going to say about that *insert maniacal laugh*

Dreamless readers are swept into a sea of lies, lust, gloom, doom, funny, touchy and greater purpose. If you haven't read the Starcrossed trilogy already, get off your butt and get started.

Character Breakdown:

Helen - In Dreamless readers watch her become stronger. We see her being to embrace who she really is, what she is capable of. And she just doesn't give up. No matter how hard it got with the cousin Lucas situation or in the Underworld, Helen kept pushing forth.

Orion -  I love Orion! Probably more than I love Lucas. Orion is smart, strong, fun and sexy in a self-deprecating(?)/quirky funny (still not sure if this is exactly term I was going for, you'll understand when you read Dreamless) sort of way with just the right amount of tortured soul. And he entered the story in the nick of time. 

Here is one of my favorite quotes from Dreamless:

Claire to Helen: "So, anyway, I opened my window to yell at him and tell him that he was going to wake my grandma-- you know how she can hear a dog fart two houses down. But he said he had to see me That he couldn't stay away from me anymore, and then he kissed me! Is that not the best first kiss ever?" page 287 

***Check out Josephine Angelini's website for more information about her and Dreamless: HERE

*Read my review of Starcrossed & Goddess

Happy Reading!

Review : The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Release Date: February 26, 2013

Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 304
Source: Own

The Story:

Love or life. Henry or their child. The end of her family or the end of the world.

Kate must choose.

During nine months of captivity, Kate Winters has survived a jealous goddess, a vengeful Titan and a pregnancy she never asked for. Now the Queen of the Gods wants her unborn child, and Kate can't stop her—until Cronus offers a deal.

In exchange for her loyalty and devotion, the King of the Titans will spare humanity and let Kate keep her child. Yet even if Kate agrees, he'll destroy Henry, her mother and the rest of council. And if she refuses, Cronus will tear the world apart until every last god and mortal is dead.

With the fate of everyone she loves resting on her shoulders, Kate must do the impossible: find a way to defeat the most powerful being in existence, even if it costs her everything.

Even if it costs her eternity.

--via Barnes & Noble

Rating: THREE Gold Stars!!!

My Review: 

I adored the The Goddess Test series. The writing wasn't the most sophisticated considering it was published but the premise of the story was great. Next to YA werewolf romance, I LOVE retellings of the Hades and Persephone story. So, I gobbled The Goddess Test series up in no time. If you enjoy YA books inspired by Greek mythology look no further.

Tag Line:

Immortality or love. You can't have both.

Opening Line:

Henry.
I bolted upright up in the darkness.

The Plot:

The Goddess Interrupted ended on a major cliffhanger which set up the plot for perfectly. In the conclusion to the series, Kate had to deal with a pregnancy, the betrayal of her closest friend, her separation from Hades and being held captive by the most powerful being, Cronus under the threat of fatal harm to those she holds dear. The plot is filled with drama, angst, emotional tug-a-war and more. 

Character Breakdown:

Kate Winters - Kate's biggest virtue was how selfless she was. No matter how bad you treated her or the horrible things you've done, she always forgave. Maybe she wasn't a fierce fighter but she had strong character.

***Check out Aimee Carter's website for more information about her and The Goddess Inheritance: HERE

*Read my reviews on The Goddess Test and Goddess Interrupted.

Happy Reading!