The Iron Knight Review

Author: Julie Kagawa
Release Date: October 25, 2011
Pages: 394 (e-galley)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: For review through Netgalley
Other Titles in Series: The Iron King, The Iron Daughter, The Iron Queen

My name—my True Name—is Ashallayn'darkmyr Tallyn.

I am the last remaining son of Mab, Queen of the Unseelie Court. And I am dead to her.

My fall began, as many stories do, with a girl…

This book is so emotional. It was the ultimate Emotion Roller Coaster. Here are some of the things I (literally) shouted while reading:

"Look out!"
"WAIT WHAT."
"AHHHH NO."
"Yes!"
"NO."
"Yes!"
"I just want to bake Ash a cake made of rainbows and smiles so he can eat it and be happy!"
"NOOOO."
"YES!!!"
"Yeah, you know that's right!"
"Oh snap, I like you!"
"Ahhh!"
"...Wait, what?"
"I DON'T UNDERSTAND."
"I DON'T UNDERSTAND."
"I'M LOSING MY MIND."
"I THINK MY BRAIN JUST EXPLODED."
"OH GOD IT'S SO SAD!"
"SO SAD."
"I KNEW IT! I WAS RIGHT."
"Yay!!'
"Um there are only like 60 pages left. How am I going to survive without this series in my life?"
"Only 50 pages left AHHH."
"Only 40 pages left I CAN'T TAKE IT."
"...Wait my ereader says I have 30 more pages but I don't. AH I FEEL CHEATED. Now I need to re-read the series to get my 30 pages in."

Yeah, that pretty much sums up my thoughts.

So, in a nutshell: I've fallen in love with this series, totally and completely. I've laughed and been kept on the edge of my seat, The Iron Queen was the only book to ever make me cry, and I've never been as verbal while reading when I read The Iron Knight (see above). I'm so, so sad to see it ending but so ridiculously happy with how it ended. If you haven't read it yet, please change that immediately.

Plot: Yes.

Characters: Yes.

Writing: Yes.

Ending: SO MUCH YES.

Kid Friendly? There may have been a tad of swearing, and some (very non-explicit) sex.

Should I read it? Abso-freaking-lutely.

Overall:

Summer's Crossing Mini-Review

Author: Julie Kagawa
Release Date: June 1, 2011
Pages: 57 (E-book)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: Downloaded (legally) for free

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.

An ebook exclusive novella from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.

What a nice little tidbit of awesome to keep me (mildly) satisfied until The Iron Knight. This short story had everything I've come to expect from the wonderful Mrs. Kagawa: action, tragic romance, and humor. And of course it helped that this story was from Puck's point of view, which was so cool, since I love me some Puck. Basically, in only 50-some pages, I gasped and laughed and had a blast. Loved this...of course! More please.

The Iron Queen Review

Author: Julie Kagawa
Release Date: January 25, 2011
Pages: 362 (e-galley)

Publisher: Harlequin

Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: For review from Netgalley
Other titles in series: The Iron King, The Iron Daughter

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

The Iron Queen was the best of the Iron Fey series so far. I swear, Julie Kagawa just gets better and better with each book.

You wanna know how much I love this series and this book and these characters? Well, guys, guess what?

I cried.

I didn't cry at Mockingjay, If I Stay, Linger, or Looking For Alaska. I almost did, and maybe I would've if people weren't interrupting me or shouting, "JESSICA'S TEARING UP OMG!" But I didn't. I've never had tears actually fall out of my eyes because of a book. Or TV show. Or Movie. Or song.

Until now.

And I'm not ashamed. Not in the slightest. Because I love this book and everything about it.

Seriously, absolutely no complaints about The Iron Queen. ...Or the series.* It's such a well-crafted wonderful world, and I cannot wait to return to it in The Iron Knight. Go get this series. Get. It. Now.

P.S. Puck is fan-freaking-tastic. He is one of the sweetest characters ever and definitely the ideal best friend.

P.S.S. Razor reminded me of Elmo. And I love Elmo, so naturally I loved Razor, and I want one.

*Wow do I sound like an overly obsessed fan-girl or what?

Book Report:

Plot: Bloody brilliant.

Characters: I wish they were real. So hard. LOVE THEM.

Writing: Amazing.

Ending: Very bittersweet.

Kid friendly? Pretty. There's very mild swearing, some violence, and a very vague sex scene.

Should I read it? If you've read the first two, and you haven't picked this up yet, then you will kick yourself  hard for waiting so long to read it.

Overall:

 

Blog Tour: Entice Review and Giveaway

Author: Carrie Jones
Release Date: December 14, 2010

Pages: 264 (ARC)

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: From publisher for review
Other titles in series: Need, Captivate

Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. But that’s not quite how things have worked out. For starters, well, Nick is dead. Supposedly, he’s been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla, so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it’s taking time, and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla? And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there’s that other small problem: Zara’s been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn’t just turned… She’s Astley’s queen.

 I found Need to be good (once I got into it), and I really liked Captivate, so I'd set pretty decent expectations for Entice. I was shocked and saddened when I ended up kind of disappointed.

My main problem was the plot and the pacing. It starts off pretty well, with Zara and her friends dealing with her turning pixie, and everyone thinking and plotting how to save Nick.

The only problem is, this is the entire book.

Nothing else happens until the ending. Well, except a friendship blossoming between Astley and Zara, which was nice, but not enough to make me justify the repetitiveness of the plot. Personally, I felt like everything that was in these 260-some pages was enough to be in about 5 chapters or so if it was done better. It was almost like it was just filler, and like this was just a set-up for the next book in the series. It really bothered me.

Also, I remember loving the side characters more. I think this was a book in which everyone was sad, and grieving, and losing hope in their cause more and more with each day. Or at least that's what I'm hoping. The one character I did love was Astley. He's like a combination of the sweet guy, the bad-but-actually-good guy, and the tortured soul with major momma issues. And I still love Zara. It is hard not to love Zara.

In short: I didn't love this. I'll definitely read the next book in the series, because I like the characters and I love the world and the writing. But, as of right now, I think this is my least favorite book in the series so far, sadly.

Book Report:

Plot: Slow and repetitive.

Characters: I only really loved two.

Writing: I still stand by my statement that "Carrie Jones has that teen voice." (From my Captivate review.)

Ending: Another cliffhanger. Grr.

How kid friendly is it? Very. There may have been one or two swear words, and only one or two mentions of sex.

Should I read it? Yeah, despite it's slowness, it sets up for the next installment in the series pretty well.

Overall:

 

For all of you loyal Need series fans, I have one copy of Entice (and I believe a bookmark) up for grabs thanks to Bloomsbury (because it's from the publisher, this contest is US only). Contest ends midnight on December 26. Fill out THIS FORM to enter. Good luck!

 

The Iron Daughter Review

Synopsis includes spoilers for those who haven't read The Iron King

Author: Julie Kagawa
Release Date: August 1, 2010

Pages: 359 (Paperback)

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: Bought
Other titles in the series: The Iron King

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere.

Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron Fey, iron-bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off.
She's alone in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

It was just. so. AWESOME. I mean, I'd heard fantastic things about it, but...so. AWESOME.

Now that Ethan's safely back at home, you'd think that Meghan would have less drive. Well, she didn't. She's still as driven and strong as she was in The Iron King. But she's not some lifeless warrior woman. (Even if she wants to be at times.) She has feelings, and they're strong and conflicted. Conflicted between Puck and Ash....

What "team" am I on? Well, if you'd asked me anytime I was reading The Iron Daughter I'd firmly say "Puck! Totally! Ash is a heartless, rude, arrogant, boring, too serious, no-good, orphan-eating, toad-licking, evil, narcissistic, sadistic, lame, heartless...."

Yeah, it'd go on.

BUT THEN the ending came. And something that Ash does just sort of changed everything I'd thought of him like that. I still love Puck...but now I love them both.

And we meet new people and old people with new attitudes! I swear none of them are similar at all, and I seriously don't know how Julie Kagawa does it.

And while we're talking about Julie Kagawa, she's created such an amazing world with her vivid description and excellent storytelling. She just plain ROCKS.

Only with a truly great series is the sequel as good as the first book, and The Iron Daughter was just as good as The Iron King...if not better. Which means potential blow-your-mind amazingness for The Iron Queen, which I want to be out, um, NOW please.

Book Report:

Plot: Full of action and romance.

Characters: LOVE 'EM.

Writing: Gorgeous.

Ending: MORE!

Kid friendly? Well, there's a little swearing and gore as well as mentions of sex.

Should I read it? LIKE, NOW. As long as you've read The Iron King first.

Overall:

And be sure to stop by and check out my interview with Julie Kagawa tomorrow!

Winter's Passage Mini Review

Author: Julie Kagawa

Release Date: June 1, 2010

Pages: 68 (E-book Novella)

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: Downloaded
Other titles in the series: The Iron King

WINTER'S PASSAGE, a novella in the Iron Fey series, takes place between THE IRON KING and THE IRON DAUGHTER and follows Meghan and Ash on their perilous journey deep into the heart of Winter.

 Meghan Chase used to be an ordinary girl...until she discovered that she is really a faery princess. After escaping from the clutches of the deadly Iron fey, Meghan must follow through on her promise to return to the equally dangerous Winter Court with her forbidden love, Prince Ash. But first, Meghan has one request: that they visit Puck-Meghan's best friend and servant of her father, King Oberon-who was gravely injured defending Meghan from the Iron Fey.

Yet Meghan and Ash's detour does not go unnoticed. They have caught the attention of an ancient, powerful hunter-a foe that even Ash may not be able to defeat....

Although short on size, Julie Kagawa packs action, romance, and suspense all into this delightful novella. It's definitely not necessary to read this before you read The Iron Daughter, but I can't see a reason not to. Except maybe Ash...he really peeved me off. A lot. But anyways, I found this to be a quick gem of a novella that is sure to be enjoyed by fans of The Iron Fae series.

Wayfarer Review

Author: R.J. Anderson

Release Date: June 22, 2010

Pages: 294 (ARC)

Publisher: HarperCollins

Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Where I Got It: From Around The World Tours

The faeries of the Oak are dying, and it’s up to a lone faery named Linden to find a way to restore their magic. Linden travels bravely into dangerous new territory, where she enlists the help of an unlikely friend—a human named Timothy. Soon they discover something much worse than the Oakenfolk’s loss of magic: a potent evil that threatens the fate of all faeries. In a fevered, desperate chase across the country, Timothy and Linden risk their lives to seek an ancient power before it’s too late to save everyone they love.

R. J. Anderson has artfully crafted a world of stunning magic, thrilling adventure, and delicate beauty, where a girl far from home must defeat the pervasive evil befalling her beloved faery realm.
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I really enjoyed Fairy Rebels: Spell Hunter, but I think I enjoyed Wayfarer a little more.

The plot sounds exactly the same as Fairy Rebels: Spell Hunter, but it's really different. It has more action, less romance, and more secrets are unveiled. The plot definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.

I don't think I connected to Wayfarer's characters quite as much as I did in Fairy Rebels: Spell Hunter, but I did like them a lot. I could have done with Linden being a little tougher, but I guess Knife's really the toughest fairy around, so any fairy after her was just going to seem a little weaker in comparison . Speaking of Knife, I loved how R.J. Anderson included Knife and Paul. We never get to see what happens after the happily ever after, so I thought that was really neat that we finally did. I really liked Timothy. He was probably my favorite new character.

R.J. Anderson's writing is, once again, beautiful. I think I'll read whatever she puts out.

Overall, I wasn't disappointed. I definitely recommend it.

Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter Review

Author: R.J. Anderson

Release Date: April 28, 2009

Pages: 328

Publisher: HarperCollins

Most Appropriate For Ages: 10+
Where I Got It: Won from Fantastic Book Review

Forget everything you think you know about faeries. . . . Creatures full of magic and whimsy? Not in the Oakenwyld. Not anymore. Deep inside the great Oak lies a dying faery realm, bursting with secrets instead of magic. Long ago the faeries mysteriously lost their magic. Robbed of their powers, they have become selfish and dull-witted. Now their numbers are dwindling and their very survival is at stake. Only one young faery—Knife—is determined to find out where her people's magic has gone and try to get it back. Unlike her sisters, Knife is fierce and independent. She's not afraid of anything—not the vicious crows, the strict Faery Queen, or the fascinating humans living nearby. But when Knife disobeys the Faery Queen and befriends a human named Paul, her quest becomes more dangerous than she realizes. Can Knife trust Paul to help, or has she brought the faeries even closer to the brink of destruction? Talented newcomer R. J. Anderson creates an extraordinary new fantasy world and weaves a gripping tale of lost magic, high adventure, and surprising friendship in which the fate of an entire realm rests on the shoulders of one brave faery rebel.
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Faery Rebels was a delightful tale that kept me up late flipping pages furiously because I couldn't put it down.

The plot is simple, yet original. It was low on action, but I never saw the twists coming, and it kept me guessing until the very end. It was amazing to watch Knife build friendships, get herself into very unappealing situations, and rebel against the rules of her Oak. I didn't really get hooked until the ending, though.

Knife was a great character. She was logical, smart, overly curious, and a fighter til the very end. Paul might have been my favorite character though. Knife finds him recently handicapped and depressed, but he grows so much in such a short time. And then there's the rest of Knife's faery friends-Thorn, Valerian, Wink, and Campion. Each one has their own quirks and no two are alike.

R.J. Anderson's writing was beautiful. It just flowed so perfectly, and she describes the faery Oak with such ease it's almost like she's been there herself.

The ending was just...wow. I hadn't realized that I had connected with the characters as much as I had, and it was almost like someone had punched me in the gut. Things wrapped up so well, though. Overall, this was a pretty book that I'd recommend to faery fans that don't need an action-driven plot and can just enjoy a good story.


This is one of the books being offered in my 200 Follower Shin-Dig! Go here to enter to win it.

The Iron King Review

Author: Julie Kagawa

Release Date: February 1, 2010

Pages: 363

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Most Appropriate For Ages: 13+
Where I Got It: Publisher in exchange for my honest review

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagined…

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

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I'm just trying. Trying to coherently form words. Trying to take in everything that I've just read. But most of all, I'm trying how to write a review that's actually a review instead of "OMG THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING! I NEEED THE NEXT ONE!!" which will be very difficult. But, I digress....

Sure, the dark faery realm has been done before. It reminded me a little of Tithe, but Julie Kagawa made it her own. She showed such imagination and creativity throughout the novel. Each chapter was filled with heart-pounding action that left me (quite literally) on the edge of my seat. Most of the romance doesn't come in until closer to the end of the book, but I liked that the action was highlighted more than the romance; it made it original, too. Plus I love me some good action.

Oh, the characters! Meghan is such a strong main character. She never overly freaks out, even when in impossible situations. Ash is my new imaginary boyfriend. And the romance between Meghan and Ash is awesome and very believable. But I love Puck- Meghan's faerie friend -too, and it's kind of obvious that he's pining for Megan as well. And Grimlakin, the sarcastic talking cat, was just hilarious. He provided a lot of comic relief when it was tense. The cast of characters overall was outstanding.

Julie Kagawa's writing was phenomenal. I could picture everything so vividly, could feel all of the characters emotions, could smell and taste everything. Her storytelling and writing just completely blew me away.

I didn't want the book to end, and am desperately awaiting for August to arrive, which is when the sequel will be released. The Iron King is my favorite faery book ever and one of my favorite books. So, if you're on the fence about reading The Iron King, I highly suggest you get off of that fence (it must be terribly uncomfortable) and grab yourself a copy immediately. I cannot find one negative thing to say about it. So, in conclusion: OMG THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING! I NEEED THE NEXT ONE!!

Captivate Review

SLIGHT SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T READ NEED

Author: Carrie Jones

Release Date: January 5, 2010

Pages: 258 (ARC)

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books

Most Appropriate For Ages: 12+
Other Titles In The Series: Need

Zara and her friends knew they hadn't solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king's needs grow deeper every day he's stuck in captivity, while his control over his people gets weaker. It's made him vulnerable. And now there's a new king in town.

A turf war is imminent, since the new pixie king, Astley, is moving in quickly. Nick nearly killed him in the woods on day one, but Zara came to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he's one of the good guys. Nick isn't buying it, though Zara isn't as sure -- despite herself, she wants to trust the new king. But it's a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It's her life -- and his.
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This is such a fun, captivating series! (It's a pun, get it?) Captivate completely surpassed all of my expectations that Need had set, and I ended up liking it even more that I liked Need.

The plot took the entire series in a whole new direction that I didn't see coming. It's full of warm-and-gooey-on-the-inside romance, tear-jerking moments (even though I didn't cry because I don't cry except once in a very blue moon), heart-pounding action, and paranormal evil/good(?) pixie goodness.

Zara, our protagonist, is truly an unforgettable character. When I was first beginning Need, it felt like I was visiting an old friend. Her boyfriend, Nick, is the "OMG he's SO dreamy" type boyfriend, and he and Zara are perfect together. I love both of Zara's friends, Devyn and Issie, and I love their side romance. I even like the new pixie in town, Astley (I think. It could change in a split second, depending on the what happens in the next book). Yep, lots of character love going on here.

Carrie Jones has that teen voice. That teen voice that's sarcastic, witty, and can then turn into a poetic, romantic voice, and then it can turn into non-stop action. And no matter what mode Carrie Jones is in, all the writing flows. She's such a good storyteller.

The ending didn't tie things up very nicely. I would've loved a little more closure, but at least I know there's a sequel that I am now on the edge of my seat waiting for. But in conclusion, Captivate is sure to please fans of Need, and I have a feeling that the series will just continue to get better.


(I was provided with an ARC to review from Bloomsbury.)

Wings Review

Release Date: May 5, 2009
Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: 12+
Pages: 290 (Hardcover)

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

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For some reason Wings seemed like it would be a book for younger readers, and not as dark as books that I normally read. I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong.

Aprilynne Pike spends no time getting into the plot. And it only gets better from there. This isn't necessarily a "oh my God, this book had a million twists and turns that I didn't see coming" book, but it does keep you guessing for a good amount of time.

Laurel really annoyed me. She seemed one-dimensional throughout the whole book, and there wasn't any character growth. And the way she took advantage of David and Tamani really irritated me too. Usually I like the main characters, but I didn't like Laurel. I loved David and Tamani, but I think I liked Tamani a little more. They were both great characters, though.

The fact that this is a debut novel really surprises me. Aprilynne Pike writes like she's a famous author. She's an excellent writer, and storyteller- and that's a compliment; it's hard to find an author with both qualities as good as hers. I'll definitely be reading her next book.

In spite of Lauel, I really enjoyed Wings. It was hard for me to put down, and had the perfect amount of romance, friendship, and action. And the ending was fantastic. I'd definitely recommend it.

(Miley Cyrus doesn't deserve to be in this movie. Even if I did dislike Laurel, I dislike Miley SO much more.)

City of Ashes Review

SPOILERS FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVEN'T READ CITY OF BONES

Release Date: March 25, 2008
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Age Group: 14+
Pages: 453 (Hardcover)

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go -- especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil -- and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings -- and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

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It's official, I love this series.

It's an extremely original plot, with unexpected twists constantly being thrown your way. It's definitely something that's hard to put down. I love/hate the forbidden romance with Jace and Clary. But there were, literally, times where I yelled at the book.

The characters are unpredictable, lovable, and at times extremely frustrating. Unlike some characters, their not level-headed and put together, and at times it makes them seem easier to relate to and real.

The writing is unreal. The descriptions and emotions in this book couldn't be possible without Cassandra Clare's amazing writing. It's one of the main things that makes this book great.

It was missing a little bit of City of Bone's mystery, but was still great. I can't wait until I have a chance to get started on City of Glass, and will be very sad to see the enthralling series end.

Fairy Tale Review

Release Date: June 23, 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Age Group: 12+
Pages: 248

Morgan Sparks has always known that she and her boyfriend, Cam, are made for each other. But when Cam’s cousin Pip comes to stay with the family, Cam seems depressed. Finally Cam confesses to Morgan what’s going on: Cam is a fairy. The night he was born, fairies came down and switched him with a healthy human boy. Nobody expected Cam to live, and nobody expected his biological brother, heir to the fairy throne, to die. But both things happened, and now the fairies want Cam back to take his rightful place as Fairy King.

Even as Cam physically changes, becoming more miserable each day, he and Morgan pledge to fool the fairies and stay together forever. But by the time Cam has to decide once and for all what to do, Morgan’s no longer sure what’s best for everyone, or whether her and Cam’s love can weather an uncertain future.


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OK, first of all, who can not love this cover? The colors, the water on the wings, everything. It very pretty and it instantly caught my eye.

A plot as simple as a girl having a changeling as a boyfriend doesn't sound very original, but Cyn Balog manages to make it work with a some plot twists, great characters, and humor. The book somehow manages to be original.

Fairy Tale had me from the first chapter. And, from there, it kept me guessing and flipping the pages. Although it does have places where you don't feel like you need to be reading, I still read it pretty quickly. The plot unfolds quickly and keeps you guessing. Although, I didn't realize how into it I was until the ending.

There were some great characters in this book. Morgan was OK, she could be pretty whiny, but you could still relate to her. Cam was a great character, too. As was Pip. And everybody else.

Cyn Balog's writing could make you feel. I could feel her love for Cam, her desperately needing him to stay with her, and her quickly losing touch with the outside world. It was beautiful.

Fairy Tale was an...enchanting read that will grab you and not let go. Although there will doubtfully be a sequel, it's probably for the best. This is a book that I highly recommend you pick up.

Valiant Review

Release Date: May 31, 2005
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Age Group: 14+
Pages: 320
Other Books In Series: Tithe

When seventeen-year-old Valerie runs away to New York City, she's trying to escape a life that has utterly betrayed her. Sporting a new identity, she takes up with a gang of squatters who live in the city's labyrinthine subway system.

But there's something eerily beguiling about Val's new friends. And when one talks Val into tracking down the lair of a mysterious creature with whom they are all involved, Val finds herself torn between her newfound affection for an honorable monster and her fear of what her new friends are becoming.

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I just couldn't get into this book. Even after the halfway point, where I usually got more into the book, I didn't. It took me until the very end to get into it.

I think that the whole drug thing annoyed me. In fact, pretty much all of the characters annoyed me too. The only character that I cared about was Ravus...and maybe Val towards the very end.

Holly Black's writing was, as expected, great once again. But her storytelling abilities weren't as good as they were in Tithe; I had a really hard time picturing everything and everyone.

The plot was OK. Nothing great. Probably not something that I'd pick up if it wasn't the sequel to Tithe.

Hopefully Ironside will be better, because Valiant fell short of my expectations.