Marked *Review*

Marked

By: PC Cast and Kristin Cast

Product Description:

The House of Night series is set in a world very much like our own, except in 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres have always existed. In this first book in the series, Zoey enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampire--that is, if she makes it through the Change. Not all of those who are chosen do. It’s tough to begin a new life, away from her parents and friends, and on top of that, Zoey finds she is no average fledgling. She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx. But she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers. When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite club, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny--with a little help from her new vampyre friends.

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This is a book that I definitely have mixed feelings for. The dialogue is written in a way that won't appeal to everyone. The narrator Zoey hates cussing, which normally I would like, but she decides to make up words that sound really ridiculous. The whole book is written in a very "teen-ish" way that will take awhile to get used too. Luckily I was able to get used to it about 1/4 into the book for others it'll take awhile.

The story itself is good. I love the fact of there being a boarding school for vampires and I love the way the school sounds. The secondary characters are also really cool and funny. I enjoyed reading about them. The main problem I had was the main character Zoey. She is a Mary-Sue to the max! She automatically gets friends, all the boys like her, she's "special" in a good way and can defeat her worst enemy making her look like an even bigger hero. 

If you can ignore the Mary-Sueness of the book then I think you'll really enjoy the series. If not run away now just don't bother. Since I've already read the other five books in the series I can definitely say the series gets better, but the main character's Mary-Sueness increases even more each time. Yes sadly it is possible. 

Overall Rating: 6.0

 Good plot, setting, bad main character. I'd recommend at least borrowing the first book from someone or the library first.

*This is an older review*

Ophelia *Review*

Ophelia

By: Lisa Klein

Product Description:

In this re-imagining of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, it is Ophelia who takes center stage. A rowdy, motherless girl, she grows up at Elsinore Castle to become the queen’s most trusted lady-in-waiting. She catches the attention of the captivating, dark-haired Prince Hamlet, and their love blossoms in secret. But bloody deeds soon turn Denmark into a place of madness, and ultimately, Ophelia must choose between her love for Hamlet and her own life. In desperation, Ophelia devises a treacherous plan to escape from Elsinore forever . . . with one very dangerous secret, she is pregnant with Hamlet’s child. Sharp and literary, dark and romantic, this dramatic story holds readers in its grip until the final, heartrending scene.

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I love Shakespeare! Hamlet is definitely my favorite book by him and Ophelia is my favorite character in the play so this book was definitely a must read for me. I loved that this story told Hamlet through Ophelia's point of view. The author does a really good job of weeding Ophelia's role in the past, present and future during the original play of Hamlet.

I love hearing about Ophelia's past and how she came to love Hamlet. I love their relationship to death so I loved getting more scenes about them. The author also does a good job of using Shakespeare's language and still making the books an easy read.

The only part I didn't like of the book was the end. We all know what happens to Hamlet at the end, but I wasn't really fond of what happened to Ophelia. Maybe it's because of the fact that I'm a major Hamlet/Ophelia fan, but the ending in this book wasn't my favorite. It wasn't bad and I'm sure other people will enjoy it. That's just my opinion.

Overall Rating: 8.0

 A good read! Especially if you love Shakespeare. I'd recommend it!

*This is an older review*

Wicked Lovely *Review*

Wicked Lovely

By: Melissa Marr

Product Description:

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

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Well, I wanted to give fairy books a try and I must say I'm not impressed or happy with this book. It's told in third person and I must say I don't like the writing that much at all. After seeing the pretty cover and the summary I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't.

When I started reading this book I had read mixed reviews and must say I lean more towards the negative reviews. At first I just had an ok opinion of the main heroine. Later on in the story I became annoyed with her, even more then Bella in Breaking Dawn :p Her main love interest just seemed too perfect to me and I know there are guys out there like that, but I'm sorry I just couldn't get into it. 

The fairies were well described and I loved the other main male character Keenan and the other main female Donia. I wish they had more scenes in the story, they were the only reason I kept reading.

Overall Rating: 4/10

 Half the characters are good the other half not so much.... Basically not a book that I'd recommend.

*This is an older review*

Evernight *Review*

Evernight

By: Claudia Gray

Product Description:

Bianca wants to escape.

She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.

"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."

But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.

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Another start to a new four book vampire series! I must say that out of all the vampire books I've read so far this is the only one that's reminded me slightly of Twilight. And no I'm not one of those people who compares every vampire book to Twilight. Overall though the characters are definitely different then the Twilight ones, so if your afraid of this book being exactly like Twilight, don't. It has a completely different plot and the characters play completely different roles letting the book stand in it's own right.

To start off with I love boarding schools in general, so I really fell in love with the school and setting in this book. The characters are pretty in depth, but not enough to blow me away or get me too attached to them. Though we still have three more books in the series, so I'm sure that's change soon.

Overall, it's a generally good vampire book. Not my favorite, but good. I should also wrong everyone that at about exactly half-way through the book is a major 360 decree turn. Some people may be bothered by it, some may like it better. It all depends if you like the direction it's going!

 Overall Rating: 7/10

Good series. Not the best, but good. I'm definitely going to continue, but I'd definitely borrow the book or read spoilers about what happens half-way through before you buy it.

*This is an older review*

Shadow Kiss *Review*

Shadow Kiss

By: Richelle Mead

Product Description:

What if following her heart means Rose could lose her best friend forever?

Rose Hathaway knows it is forbidden to love another guardian. Her best friend, Lissa-the last Dragomir princess-must always come first. Unfortunately, when it comes to gorgeous Dimitri Belikov, some rules are meant to be broken . . .

But since making her first Strigoi kills, Rose hasn't been feeling right. Something dark has begun to grow in her mind, and ghostly shadows warn of a terrible evil drawing nearer to the Academy's iron gates. And now that Lissa and Rose's sworn enemy, Victor Dashkov, is on trial for his freedom, tensions in the Moroi world are higher than ever.

Lying to Lissa about Dimitri is one thing, but now there's way more than friendship at stake. The immortal undead are prowling, and they want vengeance for the lives that Rose has stolen. In a heart-stopping battle to rival her worst nightmares, Rose will have to choose between life, love, and the two people who matter most . . . but will her choice mean that only one can survive?

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Wow. This is the third book in the Vampire Academy series. It's much longer then the first two books and dare I say better then them too. There's even more character development in this book, more spookiness and more romance. What more could you want from this series?

Rose definitely has grown a lot, but she still has her funny, smart-ass attitude. Plus is finally takes her first step towards freedom, though at a huge cost. We even get to see more of Christian and Eddie's characters, which I find to be a plus. Not much Mia though. Rose's sanity and the spookiness of her seeing ghosts was also well played out. I loved the twist with the element spirit.

Needless to say this is an excellent book. After I finished the ending I wanted to cry though. I really can't wait to see what happens next. I've never been so emotional over a book since The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray. Not even Harry Potter or Twilight made me that emotional. That's how good and amazing this series is in my mind.

 Overall Rating: 9.5/10

Great series that will stay in your heart. Buy it! Love it! Worship it! Pray that the next book comes soon!

Frostbite *Review*

Frostbite

By: Richelle Mead

Product Description:

Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose…

It’s winter break at St. Vladimir’s, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy’s crawling with Guardians—including Rose’s hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if handto- hand combat with her mom wasn’t bad enough, Rose’s tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason’s got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa’s head while she’s making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy’s not taking any risks….This year, St. Vlad’s annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price…

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Second book in the Vampire Academy series and just as good as the first. No sloppy seconds here! If you thought Rose was really immature and childish in the first book just read this one and you'll be shocked. I love the character depth and how much they've grown. Not to mention there's more action in this book, especially towards the end.

I love the winter so I was glad to see this book take place during the winter time. I'm also glad that this story takes place over months instead of days like some novels. New interesting characters are also introduced to the story, which leads you wondering what role they'll play in upcoming novels.

Overall, I can't express how much I love this story. The characters are fun, different and likable or hate-able. The plot and setting are also great. The romance, could have been alittle more, but there's enough to keep you loving it. Plus a love triangle or square? For those who like them!

 Overall Rating: 9/10

Great sequel to a great series. Buy it! Love it! Worship it!

*This is an older review*

Project 17 *Review*

Project 17

By: Laurie Faria Stolarz

Product Description:

High atop Hathorne Hill, near Boston, sits Danvers State Hospital. Built in 1878 and closed in 1992, this abandoned mental institution is rumored to be the birthplace of the lobotomy. Locals have long believed the place to be haunted. They tell stories about the unmarked graves in the back, of the cold spots felt throughout the underground tunnels, and of the treasures found inside: patients' personal items like journals, hair combs, and bars of soap, or even their old medical records, left behind by the state for trespassers to view.

On the eve of the hospital's demolition, six teens break in to spend the night and film a movie about their adventures. For Derik, it's an opportunity to win a filmmaking contest and save himself from a future of flipping burgers at his parents' diner. For the others, it's a chance to be on TV, or a night with no parents. But what starts as a playful dare quickly escalates into a frenzy of nightmarish action. Behind the crumbling walls, down every dark passageway, and in each deserted room, they will unravel the mysteries of those who once lived there and the spirits who still might.

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Sound alittle spooky? It's not as bad as it seems actually and that may be a turn off already for some people. This is the fifth book I've read by Stolarz, the other four being The Blue Is For Nightmares Series. Since I loved those books I definitely wanted to read the newest book by this author. My reaction though ended up pretty mixed.

I liked the environment, characters and the direction the plot was going, but felt like the climax misfired. My favorite characters were well developed, but not all of the six main teens were as well developed as they could be. The spooky was also good in the beginning, but after continuing reading it died down for me and I was able to read the book in the dark with ease. Trust me I'm not the bravest person in the world either.

Fans of Stolarz's old books will definitely like this book I'm sure. Others I think will be mixed, especially since their favorite character might get a crappy ending that they might not like. It depends on which characters you get attached to and what couples you want to happen.

 Overall Rating: 6/10

Not Stolarz's best, and not for hardcore horror fans. If you like alittle bit of spookiness and romance then atleast borrow it from the library or a friend.

*This is an older review*