{Review} Driven (Otherworld Stories #13.6) by Kelley Armstrong

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: January 31st, 2016
Finished Date: January 26th, 2016

Publishers: Subterranean Press
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: For Review
Format: eBook

Pages: 232
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / Book Depo 

 

Subterranean Press is pleased to present a long Otherworld novella by Kelley Armstrong, featuring a number of full-color illustrations by Xaviere Daumarie. The Trade Hardcover of Driven will feature a full-color dust jacket as well as four full-color interior illustrations. The Signed Limited Edition will have a completely different dust jacket, full-color endsheets, and two additional full-color illustrations not in the Trade. If you own a copy of the limited edition of Forsaken, please mention your number to match when checking out.

Cains are known for being big, brutish and not-too-bright. The mutt clan embodies all the supernatural world’s worst stereotypes about werewolves. But not even the Cains deserve to be hunted down and skinned like animals.

When young Davis Cain comes to the Pack for help, Alpha Elena Michaels can’t refuse him. It isn't about morality or justice. It’s about not letting anyone think they can do this to werewolves and get away with it.

But Elena is also dealing with the Pack’s homegrown monster—Malcolm Danvers, onetime enforcer, full-time psycho. Malcolm is now under Elena’s control, as part of the most difficult decision she’s had to make as leader. But if she has to let Malcolm in, she’s going to make full use of him…and the best person to catch monsters is one who knows exactly how they think.

The Review: Driven is a novella in the ‘Otherworld series’ and it was so good to be back with the pack!

This -to me- is Kelley Armstrong at her best and this series is one of my all time favourites so I’m glad we get these little stories to keep it alive.

The pack are back in action again – first off we have the re introduction of Malcom Danvers to the pack, of course everyone is dubious about his reappearance and assume he’s out to get one of them because let’s face it…. He is a savage; but Elena gives him a few tests and then decides to use him to hunt down some other savages. Then the good stuff comes when they set about finding said savages who are hunting mutts –Cains in particular – and even though the pack would usually do it anyway, there’s a difference when innocent mutts are being killed and mutilated. So let the chase begin….

As usual this story was fab! I mentioned it was good to be back with the pack again, it really is and this felt like another ending with the Malcolm situation coming to a close. I thought the situation was handled with class by Elena as she didn’t go for the expected option and took a different approach. The pack and it’s Alpha really seemed to have gone through a modernisation and I have always loved the family aspect of the pack but it even went a step further now with how they’ve opened themselves up to the other supernaturals.

The main story was great, I expect no less and when you can do this kind of work, pull in a reader, create an excellent story that you don’t want to end in just a novella sized piece of work….. you’re a winner! It had everything you want from an Elena & Clay novel – murder, mystery, intrigue, deadly situations, a hunt, a run, werewolves and even a bit of sexytime - there is no way it can disappoint… and it didn’t! If you don’t know of or haven’t read the series – what are you waiting for? If you have –you know you’re in for the good stuff.

Thank you to Subterranean Press for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Review} Underground (New World #4) by Janelle Stalder

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: February 14th, 2016
Finished Date:February 8th, 2016

Publishers: Self Published
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Source: For Review
Format: Kindle

Pages: Unknown
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

 

Love isn't something you find.
Love is something that finds you.

Phoenix has spent her whole life fighting. All she's ever wanted was to return the world to a peaceful state, and bring down the New World Order. But now she finds herself in a different sort of battle. No longer set in the streets of New Berlin, the fighting has moved beneath them, in a vicious underground fighting ring run by outlaws bent on causing trouble. And if that isn't hard enough, she's stuck with the one person who loves to fight more than she does - Trent McKay. Now the race is on to get out of their new prison and back home - before they end up killing each other.

Or worse - fall in love.

The Review: Underground is the fourth book in the New World series and the one I had been waiting for!

Fans of this series will know all about Phoenix and Trent, both leaders in their families and used to getting their own way. They have clashed since we met them, have one of those awesome relationships where they hate each other and are even hostile to each other….. but all that is about to change :D.

Both Phoenix and Trent find themselves in a predicament after being kidnapped off the street and taken to an underground compound. Here they are being forced to train which will then lead to them being forced to fight in an underground fighting arena that is run by a hard man for the entertainment of those who can afford it. They can both fight, they are both more than capable but these fights are not for the faint hearted and always result in fatality. Phoenix knows she will have trouble actually killing people and is just waiting for rescue or the opportunity to escape… but it’s been a while…. And she can’t leave Trent behind.

Now, as I mentioned; I have been waiting for this book because I knew we were in for something special when these two finally realised what was going on between them and it did not disappoint. I have loved these two from the start, I really enjoy their banter and how they communicate with each other and who doesn’t love a good hate to love romance? I think it went against each others principles to allow the other to see the vulnerabilities they had but with them being in a confined place, there was no easy way to avoid it. It brought out a protectiveness in each other at first which then blossomed into something more. It was quite clear where they were headed but they had to realise a few things first.

Obviously the romance isn’t the only thread in this book and not the only reason I read them. The author has created a very complex world that all threads together seamlessly, this book opens that world up even more with the introduction of a new area and leader of that area. We still have drama coming from the city and the uppers but this definitely seemed to be taking the story to a different level. Ludwig and the General have both been dealt blows in previous books but it seems that they have not been as unaffected as we once thought; how they handle it plays a big part in this book. Our rebels each have their own part to play in this web so whilst the focus of this book is on Phoenix and Trent, we get to know what they are all up to and the setting up of their books also.

There is a lot of drama, fighting and action as we have come to expect from the series and the story is definitely being pushed in a definite direction with this seeming like a game changer. There are a good few surprises still to be had and a heart stopping finale for more than one person. If you’re up to book four then you know what to expect – rebels, fighting, kidnapping, plots, chances, plenty of ‘no way’ moments, bickering, dastardly deeds, lives in peril, explosions, violence…… but plenty of romance, hot men and sexytime to go with it. I love these books – hopefully you will too.

Thank you to Janelle Stalder for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Review} Legend (Legend #1) by Marie Lu

Posted by Donna
Release Date: November 29th, 2011
Finished Date: January 30th, 2016

Publishers: Putnam Juvenile
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover 

Pages: 305
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / Book Depo 

 

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors.

Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles.

Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect.
Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

The Review: “You’re brilliant,” he says. “But you’re a fool to stay with someone like me.” I close my eyes at the touch of his hand. “Then we’re both fools.”

This being one of my favourite dystopia series I decided that it was time to re-read the series and see if I still felt the same about it. Well even for the second time around this has completely surpassed my expectations and Legend is a powerful, addictive and fast paced novel that is action packed, with an explosive story line and a love story that will leave you begging for more.

June and Day are both fifteen years old who both live in completely different worlds and both will do anything for the ones they love. The only thing is Day is the world’s most wanted criminal and June is the super intelligent girl working for the Republic. When Day breaks into a hospital to try to find medicine for his sick brother, he is accused of murdering June’s brother, Metias leading June to make it her mission to hunt down Day and capture him so he can no longer run around the streets of Los Angeles’. However, when June finally meets Day he’s not like how the Republic have made him out to be - he’s kind, sweet and not at all a monster. So who should June believe Day or the Republic?

I’m so thrilled to have loved this book just as much the second time around if not more. Marie Lu captivated me from start to finish and made me want to continue reading about the story and characters even after I’d finished the book and even though I knew the general plot of the story its scary how much I had really forgotten since the last time I read it. 

I love how very unique the characters were and how much re-reading them again made me feel like I’d been reunited with long lost friends. Both June and Day are portrayed as very different characters but if anything they are more alike than anyone else. They are very smart, very brave and very loyal and even with everything going on in their crazy world; they manage to stay true to themselves. 

The romance in this book isn’t the main focus, it’s the back story and something you know is there but doesn’t truly reveal itself until the very last moment. I remember reading it for the first time wishing for more romance but the second time around I think it was just the right touch. It’s a slow burning one – one that makes you love it even though it isn’t truly there yet.  And with that awesome sending, the ending it did leave me a very content and satisfied reader. 

Overall, Marie Lu has created a fascinating, dangerous and thrilling world with Legend, one full of exciting twists and turns, full of betrayal and hidden secrets that will have you sitting on the edge of your sit until the very last page. A must read for any dystopian fan! 

**This is an updated version of my first review which you can read HERE**

 

{Review} The Power (Titan #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Posted by Donna
Release Date: February 23rd, 2016
Finished Date:February , 2016

Publishers: Hodder & Stoughton
Genre: NA, Paranormal, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

Pages: 400
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / Book Depo 

 

With any great change, there is always strife, and the Covenant University has become the frontline between pure-bloods who want the Breed Order reinstated and the half-bloods who want the right to control their own destinies.
Fate has other plans.

The violence is escalating and war between the races seems inevitable, and it couldn’t come at a worse time. Hyperion may be out of commission, but Josie and Seth know they have only earned a reprieve. Seth must get Josie fully prepared, which means controlling her newfound abilities, and they need to find the other demigods before the Titans do.
But the gods are sensing a greater threat.

Only one thing is more dangerous than a bunch of starved Titans, and that’s an out-of-control Apollyon. The aether in Josie is drawing Seth in deeper, and when lust mixes with love and gives way to power, he knows being close to her is not only dangerous to her, but to everyone around them, but letting her go requires a level of selflessness that just isn’t Seth’s style.

The paths taken in the past are becoming the roads of the future.

The Review: It’s no secret that I adore Jennifer L. Armentrout so with every new book she releases I find myself more and more excited. When the released for The Power book two in the Titan series came around I simply couldn’t wait to start reading especially with the Covenant series being one of my favourite series – anything in that world I think I’ll always want more even if it’s Seth’s story this time around. 

When I read The Return last year I honestly wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. That’s mainly because I had such a love-hate feeling with Seth during the Covenant series but, reading The Return definitely made me see him in a different light and by doing so made me start to love him more than hate him. And that didn’t change in The Power, if anything I’ve really started to enjoy watching the person Seth is becoming even with his odd mistakes along the way but hey, the guy has some serious issues he needs to deal with and I’m more than happy to continue reading his story. 

With the story being told in dual narrative we also get to see Josie whose life is just as much as a struggle as it was before. She’s trying to up her battle skills along with her powers so she can stand a fighting chance when the next God appears. I really admire Josie’s strength throughout this story. Like I said she has a lot to deal with her powers, her relationship with her father, trying to find other demi-gods and her relationship with Seth. I’m surprised she didn’t exploded but I felt she handled everything as well as she could do. And I’m honestly starting to look forward to her chapters now too. The relationship between Josie and Seth is at the front of the story as it’s one I absolutely love. It’s not without it’s struggles but their definitely a couple I’m rooting for.

The Power also brings old characters back into the story such as Alex and Aiden. Yay! It’s been too long without Aiden St Delphi and I’m so glad he’s back and Alex too. It great to introduce them to to this part of the story and they came at the right time too. I love how easy it was slipping back into these characters even if it’s not told from their point of view. It’s like being reunited with friends. And of course it was great seeing the old gang Deacon, Luke, Marcus etc… I don’t think this whole series would be the same without them. 

In all, The Power was a fabulous sequel to The Return. It’s action-packed and full of angst and romance and it’s definitely a series you should be adding to your TBR list!

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.