Passion by Lauren Kate

 Title: Passion
 Series: Fallen Series (book #3)
 Author: Lauren Kate
 Publisher: Delacorte Press
 Date Published: May 8th, 2012
 Genre: Paranormal, Romance
 Pages: 464 (paperback)
 Age Range: 13+









             Summary:

 Luce would die for Daniel.

And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .

Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.

Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.

                                                     Review:

     Oh, lookie, she lurves him (for those of you that aren't in the know, "lurve" is a messed up way of saying "love). In this third installment of the Fallen Series, we reach an all-time low. And that is saying a lot. So, without further ado, the review:
     First off, this book was absolutely plot-less. I mean it. It added nothing to the over-all story arc of the series, and, even worse, this book had no plot itself. Join Lucinda as she recklessly travels through time, sees exactly what an awful person she is in about twelve different scenarios, sees 1,234,567,890 different variations of her name, and watches herself die because of a LOVE that is really just a creepy obsession. Meet a surprisingly helpful gargoyle that helps Lucinda travel through time, and who is really only there for comedic relief. Gasp when you find out that the gargoyle is actually Satan, and that Satan is saucy and evil (or don't gasp because you could see it coming practically from book one). See how Daniel tried once, ages ago, to not touch Lucinda and when she dies anyway, he decided: "Screw it. Let's not try that again. *touch touch touch*" Because if at first you don't succeed, admit defeat and give into your creepy obsession with a terrible girl.
     In about twelve different ways Lucinda sees that Daniel loves her, and she STILL can't figure out why, because she herself even admits what an awful person she is. Get even more proof that Lucinda is naive, blind, and totally trusting of anything that pretends to be helpful (see the Satan gargoyle). Read, and gasp as you scratch your head in confusion because nothing has been fully explained. Cringe as you still hate Lucinda, and hate her even more. Throw the book across the room as you curse Daniel and Cam and Miles because, really? This is a love-square even though we know who Lucinda will choose (it's not gonna be Miles, and it makes me SO MAD). Cry as you realize that this book was only written to suck more money out of teen girls with a Twilight hangover. Curse as Lauren Kate only lets you read about Lucinda and Daniel even though Miles is your favorite character.
      Will I read book four? NOT FOR AWHILE. That one wasn't part of the dare.
     
                                        

Frostfire by Amanda Hocking

  Title: Frostfire
  Author: Amanda Hocking
  Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
  Date Published: January 6th, 2015
  Genre: Fantasy
  Pages: 336 (paperback)
  Age Range: 12+






                   Summary:

     Hidden deep in the heart of a snow-covered wilderness lies the secret kingdom of the Kanin--a magical realm as beautiful as it is treacherous…
     Bryn Aven has never fit into Kanin society. Her blond hair and blue eyes set her apart as an outsider--a half-blood unable to hold a respectable rank. But she's determined to prove herself as a loyal protector of the kingdom she loves. Her dream is to become a member of the King's elite guard, and she's not going to let anything stand in her way…not even her growing feelings for her boss, Ridley Dresden. A relationship between them is strictly forbidden, but Bryn can't fight her attraction to him. And she's beginning to think he feels it too. 
     Meanwhile, there's an attack on the kingdom--one that will test Bryn's strength like never before. Finally, she has the chance to confront Konstantin Black, the traitor who tried to kill her father years ago. It's up to Bryn to put a stop to him before he strikes again. But is she willing to risk everything to protect a kingdom that doesn't accept her for who she really is? And when her mission brings her closer to Ridley, will she be able to deny her heart?

                                                    Review:

     I will be the first to admit that I have not read a lot of Amanda Hocking's books. I know a lot of people love her, and she has quite the fan-base, but I haven't really delved into her world yet. However, I think that this book was a great one to start out with. I will definitely read the rest of this trilogy, and I can't wait to check out some of her other works. I have read the Trylle trilogy, and I thought it was just okay- I liked this book quite a bit.
     Bryn is a nice protagonist. she's not my favorite, but she is still tough, relatable (as relatable as trolls can be), and fun to read about. She made a few mistakes, but none of them made me want to rip my hair out like some other protagonists. She never came across as blind or naive, and she was a hark worker. Ridley *sigh*. He was a solid male love interest. Nothing really made him stand out, but I enjoyed his presence in the book. Of course, I want them to end up together, but Ridley was just your average dude. I loved Bryn's friends. They seemed like good, solid friends without any strings attached. I didn't agree with one of their decisions, but I still liked her.
    Nothing came across as blatantly obvious to me. Maybe that's because I'm blind, but I just didn't see anything that spilled the beans about what was going to happen. Now, I'm not saying that things were SUPER STEALTHY LIKE A NINJA, but I am saying that nothing was stupidly obvious (at least to me).
     I liked the overall story arc. It definitely was leading up to some more books, but it was a good, solid book by itself too. As aforementioned, nothing was too obvious, and I actually like where everything is going. I think that Konstantin likes Bryn (creepy), and it's getting in the way of his evilness. Konstantin is a flat-ish villain, so I'm glad we threw in some more people.
     I will definitely read book two. This book was quite a bit better than I was expecting!

                                                   

More Covers of Amanda Hocking's New Series KANIN CHRONICLES

 Cover Reveal for Amanda Hocking's new series, The Kanin Chronicles

FROSTFIRE

ICE KISSED

CRYSTAL KINGDOM

I can't wait for this series! I fell in love with Amanda's Trylle Trilogy so I'm very excited for these books :) The covers are amazing! Intricate and pretty and colorful, making them stand out on the shelves. I really hope this series is good and does well. Good luck, Amanda!

Frostfire will be out January 6, 2015.

Ice Kissed will be released May 5, 2015.

Crystal Kingdom will be out sometime in August.

Cover of Amanda Hocking's New Novel FROSTFIRE

   Cover reveal for Amanda Hocking's upcoming novel, Frostfire!

 
   Can't wait to read this book! I love Amanda Hocking's books! It is to be released in the beginning of 2015. Who's excited?

Ascend by Amanda Hocking

Title: Ascend

Series: Trylle Trilogy #3

Author: Amanda Hocking

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Date Published: April 24, 2012

Pages: 336 (paperback)

Genre: YA fiction, fantasy, romance

Age Range: 13+



Summary

Wendy Everly is facing an impossible choice. The only way to save the Trylle from their deadliest enemy is by sacrificing herself.  If she doesn’t surrender to the Vittra, her people will be thrust into a brutal war against an unbeatable foe.  But how can Wendy leave all her friends behind…even if it’s the only way to save them?

The stakes have never been higher, because her kingdom isn’t the only thing she stands to lose. After falling for both Finn and Loki, she’s about to make the ultimate choice…who to love forever. One guy has finally proven to be the love of her life—and now all their lives might be coming to an end. 

Everything has been leading to this moment.  The future of her entire world rests in her hands—if she’s ready to fight for it.

 Review

  

This series just keeps getting better and better. The plot gets more intense, keeping you on-edge and itching to read more. The characters are great! You really get to know Loki and Tove better in this book--there are even a few tense scenes between the characters. And also a few between Loki and Finn.

This is the best book in the whole series! I don't want to give too much away and spoil the book for you, so I'll just keep it simple. The writing is great. The plot is amazing. The characters, amazing as well; witty and funny and serious. There is one scene between Loki and Wendy that is sexual. 

Torn by Amanda Hocking

Title: Torn

Series: Trylle Trilogy #2

Author: Amanda Hocking

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Date Published: February 28, 2012

Pages: 336 (paperback)

Genre: YA fiction, fantasy, romance

Age Range: 12+




Summary

When Wendy Everly first discovers the truth about herself—that she’s a changeling switched at birth—she knows her life will never be the same. Now she’s about to learn that there’s more to the story…

She shares a closer connection to her Vittra rivals than she ever imagined—and they’ll stop at nothing to lure her to their side. With the threat of war looming, her only hope of saving the Trylle is to master her magical powers—and marry an equally powerful royal. But that means walking away from Finn, her handsome bodyguard who’s strictly off limits…and Loki, a Vittra prince with whom she shares a growing attraction.

Torn between her heart and her people, between love and duty, Wendy must decide her fate. If she makes the wrong choice, she could lose everything, and everybody, she’s ever wanted…in both worlds.

Review 

This series gets even better as it goes on, grabbing you and keeping you interested till the end, and then leaving you wanting more. Amanda Hocking's writing is simple, with amazing examples to describe things. The characters she's created for this series are also great, making you really connect with them, therefore, sucking you into the story. You really feel like you're in their world. 

The plot is amazing, a real page-turner. This series really makes you want to read as fast as possible to know what will happen next. I stayed up really late to read this book, always telling myself "oh I'll just read one more chapter" but it was nearly impossible to put the book down. 

The relationship between Wendy and Finn is tensing, and now Tove is even more wrapped up in the story. Also, a new character is introduced. One that will have you completely mesmerized. Loki. A Vittra prince who is completely fascinated with Wendy.

I love all the little details Amanda puts into these book. If you go to her website, worldofamandahocking.com you can look at Elora's paintings, look at a lay-out of the castle, read about the five tribes, and more. You can watch the book trailers for the series if you click on Book Trailers above.

The plot continues in the finale book in the Trylle Trilogy, ending in Ascend.  

Lullaby by Amanda Hocking

Title: Lullaby

Series: Watersong series #2

Author: Amanda Hocking

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Date Published: November 27, 2012

Pages: 304 (hardback)

Genre: YA fiction, fantasy

Age Range: 11+



Summary

Gemma Fisher has fallen under an ancient curse—and inherited all the strange new powers that came along with it.  Now she’s more beautiful and powerful than ever, but she’s also plagued by unspeakable hungers…and she’s not sure how much longer she can resist.  A danger to everyone she loves, she has no choice but to leave her old life behind and enter a strange new world filled with breathtaking beauty…and dark secrets.

Harper won’t give up on finding her sister Gemma, vowing to bring her home no matter what the cost.  The search draws her closer to too-gorgeous-for-his-own-good Daniel, and tests her fiercely-guarded independence like never before.  She’s always been the strong one who everyone else depends on…can she let herself depend on Daniel?

As Gemma and Harper plunge deeper into a magical world they barely understand, it becomes painfully clear that Gemma’s old life may be lost forever…unless her friends can save her.

 Review 

There were a lot of elements about this book that surprised me (in a good way). Amanda Hocking has taken the dangerous sirens that we know, and made them even more dangerous and frightening, but also intriguing. You get to know the characters really well in this sequel, you understand why the characters do certain things, and you understand the two main characters (Harper and Gemma) connection. You connect with the characters pretty well, and the plot starts to pick up in this second book.

The guys in the book (Danielle and Alex) are good looking, sweet, and brave. You might even find yourself falling for Harper and Gemma's boyfriends.

Wake by Amanda Hocking

Title: Wake

Series: Watersong series #1

Author: Amanda Hocking

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Date Published: August 7, 2013

Pages: 320 (hardback)

Genre: YA fiction, fantasy

Age Range: 11+



Summary

Gemma Fisher seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door.  He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now she’s falling harder for him every day.  But Gemma doesn’t know that her ordinary life is about to change forever.

Penn, Lexi and Thea are strangers in town for the summer—and they’ve been watching her.  Three sisters with mysterious powers, they invite Gemma to join their exclusive circle, and it changes her in ways she never imagined.  Suddenly she’s stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price.  And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

 Review 

The Watersong series isn't as great as Amanda Hocking's Trylle series, but it's still enjoyable and quirky. Amanda Hocking does write some unique novels, her first series being about vampires, her second about trolls, and now, she's taken to writing about sirens.

Though this book isn't as good as Switched it is still enjoyable. The mystery as to why teen boys have gone missing keeps you interested throughout the book, and also Gemma's crush on her best friend, and next door neighbor, Alex. Gemma is a fun girl with a hyper personality, while her sister, Harper, is cautious and worrisome over her father and younger sister. Harper had to slip on her big-girl shoes after their mother died and has taken care of the family ever since. 

As Gemma goes on a journey to find out what is happening to her, Harper is dragged into the world that her sister is now unwillingly apart of. She won't stop until she has her sister back safe and sound. 

The writing for this book is good, there is a few descriptive part where Harper comes across a few dead bodies but other than that the writing isn't detailed. It's a quick and simple read. And though it might not keep you on the edge of your seat like Switched did, it is still a fun book. The characters are great; Gemma and Alex are my favorites. And I love how connected Gemma and her sister seem to be. The plot is also good, going through twists and turns until the end.