Tag: young adult

Just Juliet by Charlotte Reagan

Just Juliet: An LGBT Love Story by [Reagan, Charlotte]

Publisher: Inkitt

Date of publication: September 17th, 2016

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Genre: Romance, Young Adult, LGBTQIA

Goodreads synopsis:

The coming out story that will completely change the way you look at love, now available for free on Kindle Unlimited.

Juliet represents the road less traveled. Will Lena take it?

Lena Newman is 17, her best friend’s a cheerleader, her boyfriend’s a football player, and as far as everyone is concerned, her life is sorted. But that’s before she befriends the new girl. Juliet is confident, slightly damaged, drop-dead gorgeous and a lesbian. 

Lena realizes that her interest goes beyond just friendship. She sets off on a path of self-discovery where the loyalty of those closest to her will be tested.

My review:

This book should be THE book a teenager reads if they are questioning their sexuality or want to come out to loved ones. It showcases the good, the bad, and the ugly without glossing anything over. Take, for instance, Scott’s coming out to his parents. For me, that is the worst case scenario. It is the bad and the ugly all rolled into one, and I was in tears reading it. Not to get preachy but you loved your child before he/she was born why should that change because of who THEY love or what gender they identify with? I am in the minority but if my son or my daughters came up to me and said “Hey, Mom, I am gay/bisexual/trans,”I wouldn’t be throwing them out. I wouldn’t be screaming at them “I didn’t raise a faggot or a dyke” or assaulting their SO’s (like Scott’s father did to Lakyn). Like I said above, they are your children. You carried them in your body and molded them into who they are. I can’t understand WHY anyone would choose to act like that to their flesh and blood. Strike that, I do, and it is called IGNORANCE and FEAR.

Ok now that I went off that tangent let’s continue with the review.

Juliet’s father, for me, was the best case scenario. He knew his daughter was a lesbian and could care less. Juliet did explain why he was so tolerant, but you need to read the book to find out why (I know, I’m a shit).

I didn’t connect with Lena, at first. I don’t know why, she didn’t jive with me, at first. It was that while she was very attracted to Juliet, she didn’t know how to express herself to her. But once she did, and oh boy was that scene funny, she got more likable, and by the end of the book, I loved her. Her coming out scene to her parents was bittersweet, especially after Scott told her about how his parents reacted.

Juliet, I loved. She was that girl that everyone stopped to look at because she commanded attention. She didn’t take anything from anyone (the scene at the football game stands out in my mind the most). She was out, proud, and I loved it. While she was more experienced than Lena, she slowed it way down and to it at Lena’s pace.

The secondary characters made the book too. Lakyn, Scott, Lacey. Lacey had me in tears laughing at points in the book. Lena couldn’t have asked for a better best friend.

The ending was great. It wasn’t a HEA per se, but it was close to it.

How many stars will I give Just Juliet? 5

Why? It is just a really well-written book that explores all sides of coming out to parents and friends. It is also a book about first love.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age Range: Teen

Why: No sex but some scenes of making out, language.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

The Delphi Effect (The Delphi Trilogy: Book 1) by Rysa Walker

The Delphi Effect (The Delphi Trilogy Book 1) by [Walker, Rysa]

Publisher: Skyscape

Date of publication: October 11th, 2016

Series: The Delphi Trilogy

The Delphi Effect – Book 1

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Goodreads synopsis:

It’s never wise to talk to strangers…and that goes double when they’re dead. Unfortunately, seventeen-year-old Anna Morgan has no choice. Resting on a park bench, touching the turnstile at the Metro station—she never knows where she’ll encounter a ghost. These mental hitchhikers are the reason Anna has been tossed from one foster home and psychiatric institution to the next for most of her life.

When a chance touch leads her to pick up the insistent spirit of a girl who was brutally murdered, Anna is pulled headlong into a deadly conspiracy that extends to the highest levels of government. Facing the forces behind her new hitcher’s death will challenge the barriers, both good and bad, that Anna has erected over the years and shed light on her power’s origins. And when the covert organization seeking to recruit her crosses the line by kidnapping her friend, it will discover just how far Anna is willing to go to bring it down.

My review:

This. Book. Is. Awesome.

Not kidding you, it is. I have been reading reviews that have been giving it 5-star reviews. Usually, when I see all 5-star reviews for a book and then read it, I end up not liking it. I am picky, but that’s another post. I am happy to say that this book lives up to its 5-star hype!!!

I loved Anna. She went through so much in her life. She learned rely only on herself and her best friend Deo. Her only constants in her life are Deo, Dr. Kelsey (her psychiatrist) and the spirits that she picks up. Yes, she picks up spirits. Dr. Kelsey labeled them as ibbur (for the good ones) and dybbuk (for the evil ones). They take up residence in her head until she can resolve their issues. Then they can go to the light, leaving her with their knowledge/experiences. Remember the scene from Ghost when Patrick Swayze takes over Whoopi Goldberg to reconnect with Demi Moore? It’s like that except Anna refuses to allow her ghosts to take over her body. Well refused until she picked up Molly at a homeless shelter. She then got caught up in something that she never expected would happen to her.

Deo has to be the best secondary character that I have ever read. He is loyal to Anna and over the top vibrant. What I liked is that he was questioning his sexual preference. He might or might not like women, and he might or might not like men, and he might or might not like both. The author chose to add it as an afterthought during one of Anna’s inner dialogues. After that, it didn’t come up again during the book.

The storyline for this book was great too. Molly wants Anna to talk to her grandfather and give him the name of the man who killed her mother. That way, he can start to look into her death (he’s a retired detective). But Molly’s grandfather, Jerome Porter, is a skeptic and refuses to believe Anna. He takes her phone, talks to her psychiatrist, and has her investigated. After a meeting with him, where she lets Molly take over her body for 10 mins, he is convinced that she is the real deal. When they were shot coming out of Dr. Kelsey’s, the story takes a huge turn.

The ending was bittersweet. There is an unexpected death of sorts, a reunion and the beginning of a road trip. The author did wrap up Molly’s storyline, but she left the other storylines wide open for book 2. Which I cannot wait to read!!

How many stars will I give The Delphi Effect? 5

Why? A fantastic fantasy/mystery that gets you hooked. I couldn’t put the book down. Seriously, I couldn’t. I read while I cooked, looked over homework, gave baths/showers, did dishes…..lol.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Teen

Why? No sex (just one kiss), violence, language. There is a pretty graphic description of Molly’s death and the killing of 3 kids.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Nemesis by Anna Banks

Nemesis by [Banks, Anna]

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends

Date of publication: October 4th, 2016

Series: Nemesis

Nemesis – Book 1

Ally – Book 2 (expected publication date is sometime in 2017)

Where you can find this book: Amazon|Barnes and Nobles

Goodreads synopsis:

The princess didn’t expect to fall in love–with her nemesis.

Princess Sepora of Serubel is the last Forger in all the five kingdoms. The spectorium she creates provides energy for all, but now her father has found a way to weaponize it, and his intentions to incite war force her to flee from his grasp. She escapes across enemy lines into the kingdom of Theoria, but her plans to hide are thwarted when she is captured and placed in the young king’s servitude.

Tarik has just taken over rulership of Theoria, and must now face a new plague sweeping through his kingdom and killing his citizens. The last thing he needs is a troublesome servant vying for his attention. But mistress Sepora will not be ignored. When the two finally meet face-to-face, they form an unlikely bond that complicates life in ways neither of them could have imagined.

Sepora’s gift could save Tarik’s kingdom from the Quiet Plague. But should she trust her growing feelings for her nemesis, or should she hide her gifts at all costs?

A thrilling futuristic fantasy in which the fate of the world’s energy source is in the hands of a prince and princess who are rivals, by the New York Times-bestselling author of the Syrena Legacy.

My review:

This book has been in my TBR pile since I heard that it was going to be published. When I got an ARC from NetGalley, I was pumped. I couldn’t wait to sit down and read it. When I did, I was utterly absorbed in the story.

I loved Sepora. She was ballsy. Who would fake their death, trudge across a desert, take on slave traders, save a half-fish/half girl cannibal and then escape from the royal harem? She would. She also had to hide the fact that she is a Forger of spectorium, a rare metal that all the kingdoms need. Not an easy task since she produces it like sweat, but she has her ways.

I liked Tarik and felt bad for him. He had just lost his father to and incurable illness called the Quiet Plague that is running rampant through his people. At the age of 18, he is responsible for running the kingdom of Theoria. Which is a considerable task but he has a hidden ace up his sleeve. He is a Lingot. A Lingot is someone who can tell if someone is lying just by listening to them. An advantageous trait to have for a Pharaoh.

I was thrilled that the Theorians were modeled after the Egyptians. I have a strange fascination with Egyptian mythology and love when it is used in a book. I am still trying to figure out what Sepora’s people, the Serbulians, are modeled after. I want to say Vikings, but I am not too sure.

Sepora and Tarik’s romance was a slow burn. There was an attraction, but neither one of them did anything until the end of the book. It worked for me because they were able to work on other aspects of their relationship.

Sethos is my favorite secondary character, followed by Rashidi and Cy the Master Healer. Sethos was the epitome of a 15-year-old, and I loved it. From wanting into the pharaoh’s harem to just being the annoying younger brother, it was awesome. I liked Rashidi because he was older and gave Tarik some sound advice and Cy the Master Healer because he was a 13-year-old prodigy. He was willing to everything and anything to stop the Quiet Plague.

The ending of the book, I didn’t like. While I understand what happened had to happen, doesn’t mean that I like it. Nothing was resolved, and that meant everything in Book 1 would be carried over into Book 2.

I want to add that I LOVE the cover of the book!!!

How many stars will I give Nemesis? 4

Why? I loved the plot and the characters. The only thing I really didn’t like was the ending (see above)

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age Range: Teen

Why: Very clean. No sex (just one kissing scene), no violence, no offensive language. Just some pretty descriptive scenes of the Quiet Plague

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Lost Stars by Lisa Selin Davis

Lost Stars

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group

Date of publication: October 4th, 2016

Genre: Young Adult

Where you can find this book: Amazon|Barnes & Noble

Goodreads synopsis:

Eleanor & Park meets Perks of Being a Wallflower in this bittersweet 1980’s story about love, loss, and a comet that only comes around every ninety-seven years. 

When Carrie looks through her telescope, the world makes sense. It’s life here on Earth that’s hard to decipher. Since her older sister, Ginny, died, Carrie has been floating in the orbit of Ginny’s friends, the cool kids, who are far more interested in bands and partying than science.

Carrie’s reckless behavior crosses a line, and her father enrolls her in a summer work camp at a local state park. There, Carrie pulls weeds and endures pep talks about the power of hard work. Despite her best efforts to hate the job, Carrie actually feels happy out in nature. And when she meets Dean—warm, thoughtful, and perceptive—she starts to discover that her life can be like her beloved night sky, with black holes of grief for Ginny and dazzling meteors of joy from first love.

My review:

Words can’t even begin to express what I feel about this book. I have so many feeling about it, good and bad. I was in tears for about 75% of this book. The depth of pain and guilt that Carrie has for her sister’s death comes off the page. She dealt with it the only way she knows how: by drinking, doing drugs and doing dangerous things sexually. Dealing with death at any age is awful but coupled with a parent checking out well that is devastating.

I am glad that the author decided to make Carrie as unlikable as possible. It only underlined how she grew as a person throughout the book, and I enjoyed that. She went from being a girl with grief and anger issues to a girl who was becoming happy with her life again.

Carrie’s romance with Dean was a slow burn. It was so slow that I felt that it wasn’t going to happen. Dean had his own issues, and it made him perfect for her. There are hints dropped when Dean arrived on the scene, but those hints don’t even begin to hint at what he went through.

The part of the book where Carrie went and worked for the rec department was great. That is what started her healing process. She was separated from her sister’s friends, surrounded by people who didn’t take her crap and she reconnected with an old friend.

I will say that the end of the book was pretty cathartic to Carrie and me. I was confused where her and Dean’s relationship was going. But in the grand scheme of the book, it wasn’t important. I felt fulfilled, as weird as it sounds, after finishing reading.

Oh, and I will say that the music (think the soundtrack to 1987) took me back to my childhood. I need to make a playlist now.

How many stars will I give Lost Stars? 3.5/4

Why? A wonderfully written book about healing and forgiving yourself. Like I said above, I was in tears reading it. I wouldn’t read without a tissue in hand.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age Range: Teen

Why? Drug use, underage drinking, and some mild (very mild) sexual scenes.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Book of the Night by Oliver Potzsch

Book of the Night (The Black Musketeers #1)

Publisher: AmazonCrossing

Date of publication: October 4th, 2016

Series: The Black Musketeers

Book of the Night – Book 1

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Genre: young adult 

Goodreads synopsis:

In this thrilling adventure by bestselling author Oliver Pötzsch, thirteen-year-old Lukas has been trained as a swordsman by his father, a nobleman who was once a famed Musketeer. When the threat of war and accusations of witchcraft spread across the land, Lukas’s life is forever changed. He flees his home and vows to find his missing sister.

Surviving as an outcast, Lukas encounters thieves and mercenaries, a strange astrologer, and a master swordsman. He also meets three other fencers—Giovanni, Paulus, and Jerome. Each brings a special talent to their team that leads them to the Black Musketeers, the best fighters in the army. But living with the black-armored Musketeers is nothing like they imagined. In his quest to find his sister, Lukas learns of a legendary book that holds powerful magic. As he fights to keep the Book of the Nightout of the hands of his greatest enemy, Lukas discovers the secrets of his own family and what it really means to be a Musketeer.

My review:

I rarely read historical fiction even though I like reading it. I don’t know why I don’t read that genre. Maybe because 90% of the historical fiction that I have read is dry. It becomes boring because the authors usually stick to the facts.

That is what I liked about this book. While it was accurate, the author built a fictional story around those events.

I felt awful for Lukas. His whole world was ruined within a day. His father murdered, his mother accused of being a witch, and his sister kidnapped. If that wasn’t enough to break someone,he happened into town when his mother was being burned at the stake. Talk about traumatizing, and my heart broke for him.

After almost freezing to death and a run in with a group of children who were not good to be around, he fell in with a traveling group of performers. There he met Giovanni, Paulus, and Jerome, fencers who put on an act. He proves his worth against the Master fencer and is incorporated into their act.

After the troupe is attacked, the foursome decides to seek out the “Black Musketeers”. They are a group of legendary fighters in the King’s army. Lukas had found out that his father was part of the “Black Musketeers” and the fencing master in the troupe was also.  After a journey, they find the “Black Musketeers” and beg to join. After proving themselves to the leader, he allows them in.

Not going to go into the book from there. All I have to say is that Lukas finds out a lot of things about his mother, sister, and father from a few people. Also his fencing skill is put to the test as well.

The end was a bit surprising to me because I wasn’t expecting it. I thought that the opposite was going to happen and was preparing myself for it. I also loved that the author did leave the book open for a second book.

How many stars will I give Book of the Night? 4

Why? A great, engrossing read. I was up most of the night and got emotionally invested in Lukas’s character.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age Range: Adult

Why: Violence

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Tamzin Clarke V Jack the Ripper by Lauren Stock and Robert Stock

Tamzin Clarke v Jack the Ripper by [Stock, Lauren, Stock, Robert]

Publisher: Dragon Girl Press

Date of publication: January 19th, 2016

Series: Tamzin Clarke

Tamzin Clarke V Jack the Ripper – Book 1

Tamzin Clarke V the Mummy – Book 2 (review here)

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book synopsis:

Tamzin Clarke’s life seems to be falling into place. She has Jimmy, her musician boyfriend, and a solid group of friends. She’s been taking dance class for ten years, and has been promoted to instruct a first year tumbling class. She works in her dad’s antique shop on the weekends, and is proud of her grades in school.

Then she meets Daniel, the one who makes her question everything. Who is Daniel, and why does he keep disappearing?

When her sister is murdered, Tamzin’s mom is the lead detective on the case, which soon turns into a serial killing spree. The deaths mirror the case of Jack the Ripper, but there couldn’t be a connection. Could there?

Tamzin is now on the case.

My review:

When I saw the title of this book, I almost passed it over and thought to myself “Really.” Then I read the blurb and got intrigued. Jack the Ripper, the most infamous murderer in history, being written into a YA book? Hmmmmm. Then the bad thoughts happened, mainly along the line of “this book is going to suck” and “I shouldn’t read/review this book because I know I will give it a low rating.”

I am happy to say, that not only did the book not suck but I am not giving it a low rating. This book was a great read with two storylines that are blended well together.

The book starts with Tamzin’s much older sister, Vickie, being murdered by a caped gentleman while she is undercover to catch johns.

That’s when I met Tamzin. She is devastated by her sister’s death but she has a great support system of her mother, father, boyfriend, and friends to help her through it. On her way home from dance class, where she teaches  5-6-year-olds, she meets a mysterious boy who she finds out is named Daniel.

She works for her father in his antique shop, and in her spare time, she babysits a young girl in her class. In the meanwhile, three more murders are committed by Jack Angel.

One day, after her sister’s funeral, the creepy owner of the club down the street stops in to see if her father has any new items. While he is there, the little girl who Tamzin babysits for comes in, and the creepy guy gets even creepier by sniffing them and saying that they smell good.

Later on that day, Tamzin gets a phone call from her mother saying that Maxine is missing. So what does Tamzin do, she decides to go and track down Max herself with Daniel and her friends.

I loved Tamzin. She was spunky, bright and came across as a sweetheart. But she shouldn’t have gone running off after Max. A big no but, hey, what is a heroine is supposed to do.

Daniel was an enigma for most of the book. I couldn’t figure out how he was disappearing. When Tamzin figures out who Daniel is, I was surprised.

Jimmy was alright. I can understand his jealousy when Tamzin starts spending time with Daniel.

The end of the story was great, and I loved that the author attempted to humanize Jack the Ripper.

How many stars will I give Tamzin V Jack the Ripper? 5

Why? This is a book that I would feel comfortable letting my tween daughter read. Well written and fast-paced, it takes you on a wild ride!!

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Teen on up

Why? Very clean (no sex or foul language). There is violence but it is tastefully written.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

Bender by Gene Gant

Bender

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press

Date of publication: June 16th, 2016

Where you can find Bender: Amazon

Book synopsis:

Nineteen-year-old Mace Danner is a college freshman—and a male prostitute. He specializes as a submissive-for-hire to dominant clients. Mace has never experienced any erotic longings, but his profession satisfies much darker needs. He believes he deserves the abuse because he was responsible for the death of his brother. When ill-treatment at the hands of customers isn’t penance enough, Mace turns to the bottle, hoping to drink away the demons still plaguing him.

RA Dex Hammel doesn’t like the road he sees Mace going down, and he offers his help before it’s too late. There’s no denying the chemistry between the two young men, but a lingering lack of physical desire continues to confuse and upset Mace. He seems set on destroying himself, and Dex might not be able to save him.

My review:

I am going to be nice about this: If you don’t like LGBTQIA books or lifestyle, stop here and hit the back button. I will not publish any rude remarks.

This book made me ugly cry while I was reading it. I wanted to reach through my Kindle and hug Mace and tell him that it was alright and that everything was going to be OK.

Mace is an escort who specializes in BDSM as a submissive. He lets men and women abuse his body. Because he feels this is the only way he can atone for his brother’s death, which Mace believes that he caused. The hurt in those paragraphs came off the pages in waves and hurt my heart.

This is the first book I have read where the main character is asexual. Asexual means that some people do not have sexual feelings. Some asexuals will have sex to please their partners and to feel close to them, but they don’t have the feelings. I had heard of asexuals before but have never read a story featuring one. So it was fascinating to me.

The relationship between Dex and Mace was perfect. It was the first stepping block to getting Mace better. I loved Dex’s character. He was everything a boyfriend should be and then some!!

How many stars will I give Bender? 5

Why? This was a beautifully written book about loss and sexuality. The author packed a lot in the 86 pages and I did want more.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age Range: Adult

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

My Fair Assassin(Paranormal Misfits: Book 1) by C.J. Anaya

Publisher: C.J. Anaya Publishing LLC

Date of publication: March 26th, 2016

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fairies, Fae, Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Magic, Novella, Urban Fantasy

Series: Paranormal Misfits

My Fair Assassins—Book 1

My Fair Traitor—Book 2

My Fair Imposter—Book 3

My Fair Invader—Book 4

My Fair Princess—Book 5

Where you can find this book: Amazon | AbeBooks | Alibris | BetterWorldBooks

Goodreads synopsis:

NEW AND EXTENDED VERSION

It’s not everyday a teenage girl is singled out for assassination.

Crysta has come to accept the fact that she is freakishly different. Her shocking white hair, creepy powers, and weird eating habits have prevented her from fitting in with her various foster families. Now that she is fully emancipated and providing for herself, she hopes that life will settle down and become something halfway normal.

Her hopes are shattered when a dangerous man with lethal intent breaks into her apartment, but this enticing stranger isn’t what he seems. Is he here to kill her or protect her from others who will?

My Fair Assassin is a romantic short story with elements of paranormal and urban fantasy woven in for an entertaining read. It also touches on social issues involving personal self-esteem and acceptance. Adults and teens alike will enjoy getting lost in the pages of Crysta’s story as she finally comes to accept who she is…or rather what she is.

When I started reading My Fair Assassin, I was “meh.” Who would be OK with a strange guy appearing in their apartment and announcing he was there to kill her? Not me. I would be running around the apartment, screaming my fool head off. Crysta was laid back about it. Once I got past that first chapter, the book gets much more interesting.

I liked Crysta’s character. She looks different, is a vegan, and she has powers. She is down-to-earth, funny, and sarcastic. She suffers from poor body image. She filed her ears down to fit in and dyed her hair blonde. I felt sad when she explained why she did that. It reflects what teenagers are going through in today’s society.  As a teen girl’s mother, it is refreshing to see these issues addressed.

Jareth is a hottie. Think of a male version of Crysta but with more powers. I didn’t like that he knew everything and let it trickle down to her. Considering her self-esteem/trust issues, it was a wise choice, and you could tell how much he cared about her.

I didn’t care for the Instalove BUT it went well with the story. Jareth had Instalove first. It made sense. You need to read the story to understand what I am saying.

The ending was interesting. Things came out that surprised me. One of those things, I figured out as soon as Jareth appeared in Crysta’s apartment. The other main thing surprised me and made me sad for Jareth.

I would recommend My Fair Assassin to anyone over 16. There is some violence, mild language, and some kissing.

If you enjoyed reading My Fair Assassin, you will enjoy reading these books:

The Descendant (Guardians of the Worlds: Book 1) by Ally Capraro

The Descendant (Guardians of the Worlds Book 1) by [Capraro, Ally]

Publisher: Capraro Press

Date of Publication: March 29th, 2016

Genre: Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult, Action

Series: Guardians of the Worlds

The Beginning—Book 0.5

The Descendant – Book 1

The Enchantress—Book 2

Purchase Links: Amazon

Goodreads Synopsis:

Possessed villains. Intriguing guardians. Multiple worlds.
Ava Davenport is in the midst of her wedding preparations when her world is thrown upside down by a night visitor. He has a mind blowing message and Ava can’t keep her mind off it and… off him.

˃˃˃ The Contact
When she can no longer tell the difference between dreams and reality, she visits a shrink and a shaman. But when neither of them truly understand her, Ava gets closer with her visitor who explains why she is the most sought after person in all the worlds.

˃˃˃ The Descendant
Ava is not a regular human. She possesses abilities no other being in any world can imagine. She is the key to the evil Xemlix plan of enslaving Earth.

After being almost captured by the cruel villains, she is rescued by Meldrick Richglow, her night visitor, and she crosses the portal to the Lapo civilization, the land of milk and honey, where she is safe, but not for long.

The evil Xemlix are terrorizing Earth and can only be defeated with Ava’s supernatural abilities, which haven’t yet awakened.

˃˃˃ The Series
“The Descendant” is the first YA sci-fi/fantasy romance novel in the “Guardians of the Worlds” series. It features fast paced action, side-splitting comedy and out of this world romance.

If you are looking for the perfect pool/beach/laying in the sun on a cruise ship book, this is it.

I enjoyed reading The Descendant, even if it did annoy me in some spots. All the people, including the aliens, were gorgeous. Ava, Chloe, Victor, Barry, and Meldrick, are all good-looking. I was looking for someone who wasn’t model material in this book but didn’t find anyone. But hey, more eye candy for me to imagine.

I liked Ava’s character. She seemed a little needy and fell into Instalove easily. She was sweet and naive, and I could see us being friends. She seemed to need someone to protect her from the Barry’s in life, so I didn’t care for Chloe at first. She wasn’t there for her.

When she met Meldrick in a dream, she did what any sane person would have done and went to a shrink. When that didn’t work, she went to an alternative shrink. I was dying laughing during that scene. Whenever I see the phrase “beautiful soul,” I will forever think of Glenn Wiley.

Speaking of Meldrick Richglow. He came off as stalkerish in the beginning. Coming into a girl’s dream is weird, and it will make said girl run to a shrink.

Lord Slith is an evil alien who wants to take over Earth. To open the portal between his realm and Earth, he has to fuel it with fear. Which he has no problem getting from Earth. He is after Ava because he believes that she is the girl from the prophecy.

The ending of this story was good. I wasn’t expecting the twist that was put in there and wanted to cry. The author left it open for the next book.

I would recommend The Descendant to anyone over 16. There is no sex and some violence

If you enjoyed reading The Descendant, you will enjoy these books:

And the Trees Crept In by Dawn Kurtagich

And the Trees Crept In by [Kurtagich, Dawn]

Publisher: Little, Brown Book for Young Readers

Date of publication: September 6th, 2016

Genre: Horror, Young Adult, Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal, Fiction, Thriller, Supernatural, Suspense

Purchase Links: Amazon | Audible | AbeBooks | Alibris | Powells | Indigo | BetterWorldBooks

Goodreads Synopsis:

Stay away from the woods…

When Silla and Nori arrive at their aunt’s home, it’s immediately clear that the manor is cursed. The endless creaking of the house at night and the eerie stillness of the woods surrounding them would be enough of a sign, but there are secrets too—questions that Silla can’t ignore: Why does it seem that, ever since they arrived, the trees have been creeping closer? Who is the beautiful boy who’s appeared from the woods? And who is the tall man with no eyes who Nori plays with in the basement at night… a man no one else can see?

I stayed up until 1 am to finish reading this book. I had to finish this book because it had such a grip on me. It scared me to death and fascinated me at the same time. It was good when I can’t sleep after finishing a book because it creeped me out.

This book is written in such a different fashion it is hard to explain. In one chapter, you are reading in 1st person, and then you could be reading in 3rd person. I don’t like it when the book jumps around like that, but it worked in this case. There were also excerpts from Silla’s diary that were creepy. I got the chills from reading it.

This book also fucks with your mind. I won’t go into it, but, baby, things are not what they seem in this book!!!

Like I said above, this book is a mind fuck. The huge twist at the end threw me for a loop. I didn’t even see it coming. Not a hint, nothing.

I would recommend And the Trees Crept In to anyone over 21. It is a clean book with no violence and mild language.

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