Tempted

Synopsis: Dark secrets and unspoken suspicions come between Zoey and Stevie Rae, putting their friendship and the House of Night at risk. After Zoey Redbird and her gang have banished Kalona and Neferet from Tulsa, you'd think they'd catch a break. But with Zoey and her sexy warrior Stark both recovering from a brush with death, and the fledgelings struggling to deal with the fallout from Neferet's reign of terror, a break is just not in the forecast. Zoey is haunted by her confusing yet elemental connection with A-ya, the ancient Cherokee maiden who was the only human able to tempt Kalona's body and soul. How will A-ya's pull on her affect Zoey's ability to resist the dangerously seductive immortal? Meanwhile, Stevie Rae, with her super red-vamp powers, always thought she could handle the stuff she's been keeping from her BFF. But the mysterious, threatening force lurking in the tunnels under the Tulsa Depot is spreading. Stevie Rae won't confide where she's been and what she's doing, and Zoey is beginning to wonder just how much she can trust the person she always thought would have her back. Will their choices destroy them and will darkness consume the House of Night?

Raven Haired Book Worm's Review: Well, I am happy to write that I have FINALLY started back up with the House of Night series (I really don't like starting a series and not finishing it). It has taken me quite a while to come back. Thankfully, the public library had the next 3 books that I needed to read available. The House of Night series in the previous books were alright but I was somewhat losing interest; well Tempted brought me back. I am looking forward to reading the next (Burned) book to see what will happen with Zoey and Stevie Ray! In this book Stevie Ray has a shocking development with one of her relationships (I won't say because I don't want to spoil it for anyone). It did take a while for me to get to the point where I couldn't stop reading because I needed to know what was going to happen but this book did deliver that for me three-quarters of the way in (better late than never). In this book I Zoey really begins to start seeing the truth about her situation and in the end it ends up a harsh reality. I was not expecting this book to end the way it did, but I think it had to happen to really, really make Zoey make a choice and see the truth.

Returning Journey,

Melissa

Hex Appeal

Synopsis: Feisty witch Jasmine Tremaine and drop-dead gorgeous vampire cop Nikolai Gregorovich have a hot thing going, but it's tough to keep it together when nightmare visions turn their passion into bickering, and it's tearing them apart. With a little help from their friends - a motley bunch of ghosts with attitude, rule-breaking witches, supernatural hotties and sinister elves - Jazz and Nick are in a race against time to uncover whoever it is that's poisoning their dreams, and their relationship.

Raven Hair's Review:

This is the second book featuring the witch, Jazz. I must say I truly enjoy these books and Jazz's adventures. This book is definitely full of magic and fun! I don't want to ruin anything but let's just say Jazz has some awesome shoes! The book is fast-paced and humorous too. Jazz keeps it real throughout all her escapades. I love Linda Wisdom's imagination. If you are looking for a fun fast paced read, I definitely recommend this one.

An imaginative, magical journey,

Mel

WICKED

Synopsis: When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious Witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability, and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West - a smart, prickly, and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil.

OK, so I FINALLY finished the book "Wicked". I attempted to read this book awhile ago and put it down because I just couldn't get into it. I still wanted to read it though because I have a few friends that said it was a good one. I also liked the premise of the book, the story from the perspective of the wicked witch of the west. The idea behind the book is very enticing but the deliver (in my opinion) not so much. I must say this book took me so long to finish. I would begin reading at night and fall asleep while reading but I persevered and finally finished it. There are some things that the author just never explains and you keep reading waiting to read the why. Elphaba (the main character - the wicked witch) she has an aversion to water which is brought up throughout the book, but you never find out why this is the case. I won't say this is the worst book I've read but if given the choice between this book and another, well let's just say I would choose the latter. I have heard the play is amazing and different from the book, I am still hoping one day to be able to see it. If you've read this book, I would definitely like to hear your thoughts on it.

Longest journey yet!

I finished all the House of Night books except the last two. They are pretty good reads. I definitely enjoyed the first books more though. The stories start to take a somewhat bizarre twist and it seems that the main characters keep facing the same dilemmas but just with different people. I will definitely at some point finish the entire series. If I start a series I have a need to finish the entire thing even if I am not as in love with it during the follow on books. All in all pretty good story line and I would recommend it. I will update on this particular book series in the future when I get a chance to actually read all of the books out. I have visited the website and I know that they are definitely going to write more in the series. Take care all and thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts.

Unfinished Journey,

Mel

Well hello my fellow book lover friends, its been a while! Life got super busy for me, but I am going to attempt to start writing again soon. I have SO many books that I've read since my last posting so I will try and get all those reviews up in a matter of time. Take care all and keep on reading!

Mel

Betrayed

Review on "Betrayed" second book in the House of Night novels by P.C. and Kristin Cast.

Synopsis:

Fledgling vampire Zoey Redbird has managed to settle in at the House of Night. She’s come to terms with the vast powers the vampire goddess, Nyx, has given her, and is getting a handle on being the new Leader of the Dark Daughters, the school’s most elite group. Best of all, Zoey’s made some new friends and she finally feels like she belongs--like she really fits in. She actually has a boyfriend…or two. And despite the best efforts of her mother and step-loser John to humiliate her publicly during parent visitation, she’s earned the respect of her professors and High Priestess, Neferet.

Then the unthinkable happens: human teenagers are being killed, and all the evidence points to the House of Night, straining human-vamp tensions in Tulsa to a breaking point. While danger stalks the humans from Zoey’s old life, she finds herself drawn into an intoxicating forbidden flirtation that threatens to distract her from the growing crisis. Then, when she needs her new friends the most, death strikes the House of Night. Too late, Zoey begins to realize that the very powers that make her so unique might also threaten those she loves, and she must find the courage to face a betrayal that could break her heart, her soul, and jeopardize the very fabric of her world.

Raven Book Worm Review:

This series just gets more and more thrilling with each read! By the second novel you have to come to know and love Zoey and her great friends. This book is definitely a page turner. Very well written and keeps the pace up so that you just devour the book. Zoey's life starts to become even more tightly woven with trying to adjust to her change, deal with the special gifts she has been given and then her love life as well. Now she is in a position of leadership as well and has to learn how to lead a group when she is just a new fledgling. Once again a brilliantly written read.

Exciting Journey,

Mel D.

Marked

Review below is on the first book in the House of Night Novels "Marked" by P.C. and Kristin Cast.

Synopsis

Zoey Redbird learns that she is becoming a vampire, in this young adult novel by award-winning author P.C. Cast and her daughter, Kristin

Raven Book Worm Review:

This book I just loved, I couldn't put it down. This is also a YA read and as my previous blog post stated that is what I have been reading lately. I absolutely adore this whole series I am currently on the 4th book. Back to book 1 though.... Zoey is the main character in the books and this first book introduces you to her and to the House of Night. In this series the authors have created an actual school that all Marked teens have to go to as they make the transition to becoming a vampire. This takes you on Zoey's journey in life and her change. You see the acceptance of some of her new life and the disapproval of others that were involved in her previous life. I love Zoey's character because she is down to earth. I won't give away anything but to say that Zoey is special yet it doesn't go to her head and I really enjoy that about these novels. This is now one of my favorite books - up there with Twilight for me (which is saying a lot)! This first book introduces you also to Zoey's friends as well that are with her at the House of Night. A must read!!

Changing Journey,

Mel D.