Review: Elixir (Elixir #1) by Hilary Duff, Elise Allen

Summary-

Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent Washington DC politician, she has grown to be a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a career that allows her to travel to the most exotic parts of the world. But after Clea’s father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea’s photos begin to feature eerie, shadowy images of a strange and beautiful man—a man she has never seen before.

When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father’s disappearance, and they discover the centuries old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives—and their futures.


Review-

  I absolutely love this book. The author has a good talent for bringing the story and all it's plot points together. I could not put this book down for the life of me. My family is grateful it only took me a day to buzz through it. They were getting a little hungry... The characters become very endearing and sweet. At least some of them do. There are always villains afoot. The thrills and chills really had me hanging on every word. She weaves an intricate, entangled web of mystery. Centuries of haunted truths and a soul wrenching, intense true undying love. This is one of my new favorite books. I cannot wait to read the next in this series. Very, very highly recommend. I loved it and could not get enough of it.

Publisher-Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

My Score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Mechele
~Thank you to the publisher for this book~

Review: 13 to Life (13 to Life #1) by Shannon Delany

Summary-

Everything about Jessie Gillmansen’s life changed when her mother died. Now even her hometown of Junction is changing. Mysterious dark things are happening. All Jessie wants is to avoid more change. But showing a hot new guy around Junction High, she’s about to discover a whole new type of change. Pietr Rusakova is more than good looks and a fascinating accent—he’s a guy with a dangerous secret. And his very existence is sure to bring big trouble to Jessie’s small town. It seems change is the one thing Jessie can’t avoid

Review-  This is a good, good book. I like the way the author brings together all the different aspects of the story. It is a fun read with so many fascinating suspense filled secrets. I loved the storyline. Not many authors can pull off werewolves, but this one does a beautiful job of it. Filled with a gothic twist of secrets, surprises and romance. Deliciously fast paced and mysteriously dark. I enjoyed the legend, myth, and paranormal qualities in the plot. A good book the whole way through. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I thought it was over the top!!

 

Publisher-St. Martin's Griffin
My Score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Mechele

Review: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (Jessica #1) by Beth Fantaskey

Summary-

The undead can really screw up your senior year ...

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.

Review-

I love how the author makes all the main characters show up in the same chapter and you learn about them all at once. I had many different reactions to the book, anger, enthusiasm, and sadness. This book plays with your emotions but brings many problems that high school kids face to light. Though they may not be caused by Vampires.

Publisher-Harcourt

My Score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Emma (Student at Franklin High School)

Review: Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday

Summary-

Hartley Grace Featherstone is having a very bad day. First she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with the president of the Herbert Hoover High School Chastity Club. Then he's pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And if that weren't enough, now he's depending on Hartley to clear his name. Seriously? Not cool.

But as much as Hartley wouldn't mind seeing him squirm, she knows he's innocent, and she's the only one who can help him. Along with her best friend, Sam, and the school's resident Bad Boy, Chase, Hartley starts investigating on her own. But as the dead bodies begin to pile up, the mystery deepens, the suspects multiply, and Hartley begins to fear that she may be the killer's next victim

Review-

  A mind tingling murder mystery. I liked this book, a lot. With murder, mystery and a complex plot it's everything a good "who done it" should be. Normal teenage characters in normal settings make this book a not so normal read. Just when I thought AHA!, I was proven wrong with another twist around a dark corner. Lots of action and adventure. Never a dull moment. A firm well written storyline. This author hit "teenager" right on the head. An entertaining read. If you like a good scandal, then you should give this book a try.

Publisher-HarperTeen
My Score: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Mechele
~Thank you to the publisher for this book~

Review: A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

Summary-

On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.
A Beautiful Dark is the first book in a captivating trilogy by debut author Jocelyn Davies.

Review-
 For being a debut novel it is really good. It held my attention the whole way through. It does not fall flat at any point. A very inventive storyline. I love the way the author tells a story. It is loaded with unforeseen twists and turns. There is a mystery quality as well. The plot develops right before your eyes but still has hidden issues. It is a great combination of many factors. The personalities of the characters make them come alive. Before you know it you are rooting for one side or the other. Not all discussions are easy ones to make. I truly hope there will be a sequel. I am impatiently waiting to get my hands on one. I Loved It !! 

Publisher- Harperteen
My Score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Mechele
~Thank you to the publisher for this book~

Review: Witch Song by Amber Argyle

Summary-

The world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons--but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fade, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can't stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her. Because if Brusenna doesn't, there won't be anything left to save.

Review-

  This book is in a league of its own. Far better than a lot of the YA books that I have read. I found myself totally into the story. I loved the magic and mystery. It has a very strong and robust storyline. The author writes in a way that makes everything splice together to make a very full tale. A lot of attention went into the detail of the characters and all the  different settings. The mystery, magic and action go from the beginning page to the very last. It is definitely a one of a kind witch story. I will be looking for other wonderful books from this author. I recommend this book to all who enjoy a little magic in their lives

Publisher-Rhemalda Publishing

My Score: 5 STARS!

Reviewed by~Mechele

~thank you to the author for this book~

Review: Realms of the Red Rabbit-Jake (Realms of the Red Rabbit #2) by Laura Eno

Summary-

“You belong to me, Alyson,” he whispered softly, but with the clash of steel filling his voice as he spoke. “I will have you.”Loving the wrong woman led to his downfall. Now Jake must spend eternity trapped in the Realms, inflicting terror at his master’s command, the entity known as Green Eyes. Meeting Alyson rips Jake’s carefully constructed world apart, leading him to wonder about his very existence. Havoc reigns as he seeks to keep Alyson against her will. Can her influence change the life he’s led for four thousand years, or is he doomed forever?

Review-

  "Jake" is one imaginative piece of work. This book cleared up some unanswered questions from the first book. Also, adding to the storyline to make both books come together. I read them back to back and there is never a break in the action or the suspense. A surprisingly interesting story. I really liked this book too.

 

Publisher-Createspace

My Score: 4 Stars

Reviewed by~Mechele

~Thank you to the author for this book~

Review: Realms of the Red Rabbit (Realms of the Red Rabbit #1) by Laura Eno

Summary-

“At last the time has come.” The voice spoke like a clap of thunder, menace choking off the breeze that had sprung up.

“Seven hundred years I have waited for the Red Rabbit to appear once again. There will be much sorrow here soon…and pain. That is what makes the waiting worthwhile.” With that proclamation the pair of enormous emerald green eyes faded back into the darkness.
A spoiled, rich young woman is catapulted into an alternate universe because of an ancient legend. As she fights to find her way back home, she must adjust her way of thinking or remain trapped in the Realms for eternity. Along the way she learns the meaning of friendship, love and honor while struggling against the dangerous adversaries who are intent on keeping her there.

Review-
This was a highly imaginative piece of witting. You never know what to expect. This book has a well thought out and very descriptive storyline. I really liked the differences between the realms. The main characters develop very strongly throughout the story. A lot of crazy things happen along the journey with quite a few life lessons that a lot of teens will identify with. I liked it a lot

Publisher-CreateSpace
My Score: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Mechele
~Thank you to the author for this book~

Review: Cascade (River of Time #2) by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Summary-

Mom touched my underdress—a gown made six hundred years before—and her eyes widened as she rubbed the raw silk between thumb and forefinger. She turned and touched Lia’s gown. “Where did you get these clothes?”

Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.
But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever.

Review-
 As with the first book in this series, I absolutely loved this one too. A lot of the time a series will lose a little something as it goes along. Fortunately, that did not happen in this case. A new adventure filled tale that just entwines with the first. Most of the same captivating characters and settings. With a lot of new exciting twists to the storyline. I admire the author for obviously putting as much into this book as she did the first one. A wonderful way to spend your time getting lost in time. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. I not only recommend this book but the first one too.
Publisher-David C. Cook
My score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Mechele ~Thank you to the author for this book~

Review: Waterfall (River of Time #1) by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Summary-

Lisa Tawn Bergren’s new YA series, River of Time, is romantic, historical fiction in which the plucky heroine doesn’t have to fear a vampire’s bite but must still fight for her life.

In Book One, American teenager Gabi Betarrini accidently finds herself in sixteenth-century Italy . . . Knights. Swords. Horses. Armor. And Italian hotties.
Most American teens want an Italian vacation, but the Bentarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives there with their archeologist parents. Stuck on yet another hot, dusty dig, they are bored out of their minds… until they place their hands atop handprints in an ancient tomb and find themselves in the sixteenth-century—and in the middle of a fierce battle between knights bent on killing one another.

Review-

  If you like Knights in shinning armor, castles, time travel, and love stories, then you will love this one! I know I did. The story just whisked me away to a long ago time. The characters are courageous loveable young people. The settings are so vividly descriptive you feel like you can step right into them. I fell in love with the whole package. The book is action packed from the first page to the last. A real page turning memorable adventure. I cannot say enough good things to describe this wonderful tale. I very highly recommend this book. This is a series I will be adding to my own collection. 

Publisher-David C. Cook Publishing

My Score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Mechele