Book Review: Wolfsbane

You're an alpha, a leader. That's what we need. It's what we've always needed. When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she's certain her days are numbered. Then the Searchers make her an offer, one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save her pack - and the boy - she left behind.Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? Will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials love can endure.

Despite the fact that I didn't love Nightshade, I picked up Andrea Cremer's sequel Wolfsbane I liked it a lot more than the first book. A lot of the things that annoyed me in Nightshade weren't an issue here. Calla and Shay left their old lives behind and joined in with their old enemy's team - the Searchers - at the end of book one. And book two picked up right where they left off.

Warning: Slight spoilers ahead.

We were introduced to many new characters: Ethan, Ariadne, Connor, Monroe, and other Searchers. It took me a while to warm up to them. Their dialogue and constant joking were a bit much; I had some trouble with their dialogue, especially in the beginning. It caused a bit of trouble for me connecting with them. A few of the pack from Nightshade make an appearance, but Ren wasn't in the book much. That's not so good for Team Ren, but yay for Team Shay! I liked that Calla and Shay were given a chance to get to know each other without Ren around.

Which brings me to the main point of why I liked Wolfsbane over Nightshade. Calla wasn't quite as torn between two guys. She wasn't kissing one in one chapter, and the other boy in the next. It's not that she forgot about Ren or the feelings she has for him. In short, there was less of a love triangle here. Which made me really happy. The Searchers, as a species, were very interesting. The weaving sounded fascinating. And I loved the mysticism. I think if I could be a character in this series, I’d choose Searcher.

I’ve already begun Bloodrose, and I’m excited to see how this story ends. I included the arc cover of Wolfsbane in this post. It still makes me sad that the publishers chose to change the covers from the originals by outstanding artist, Suza Scalora.

Novella Review: Badlands

After a brutal Civil War, America is a land divided. As commander of her nation's border guards, Ever is a warrior sworn to protect her country and her queen. When an airship attacks and kills the monarch, Ever must infiltrate enemy territory to bring home the heir to the throne, and the dirigible Dark Hawk is her fastest way to the Union.

Captain Spencer Pierce just wants to pay off the debt he owes on the Dark Hawk and make a life for himself trading across the border. When the queen's assassination puts the shipping routes at risk, he finds himself Ever's reluctant ally.

As they fly into danger, Ever and Spencer must battle not only the enemy but also their growing attraction. She refuses to place her heart before duty, and he has always put the needs of his ship and crew above his own desires. Once the princess is rescued, perhaps they can find love in the Badlands— if death doesn't find them first...

Out of everything I've read by Seleste deLaney, and I've read almost all of it, Badlands is my favorite. It begins with Ever, a warrior, who is in the midst of a battle. After being attacked, their monarch slain, Ever must escape the battle to find the queen's daughter who will be the new queen. As she scales a mountain she is picked up by an airship, The Dark Hawk. The captain of The Dark Hawk has his own mission, but together maybe Spencer and Ever can complete both.

I've not had the chance to read much steampunk. But the whole concept interests me. It's a fascinating period, historically, and then the added sci-fi elements really make it stand out within the fantasy genre. Badlands includes action, adventure, airships, clockwork animals, and romance. It's definitely not one to miss. (But keep in mind this one is not YA.) I can't wait for the sequel!

Book Review: Mockingjay

I'm glad I waited to read THE HUNGER GAMES and CATCHING FIRE because then I didn't have to wait for MOCKINGJAY. Suzanne Collins definitely wrote an amazing trilogy. Each book stands out strong... and in different ways. But I have to say MOCKINGJAY was my least favorite and CATCHING FIRE was my favorite.

One thing that really interested me about this series, that I failed to mention in previous reviews, is the clothing and style of people in the Capitol. Since this book takes place in the future, it takes something we do now and makes it unbelievable. I'm not a fan of the idea of cosmetic surgery. But it's something that is becoming more and more popular among people. I feel like it started out as something that only celebrities did, and now regular teens are having it done.

Cosmetic surgery in the world of The Hunger Games series is even more extreme. Coloring hair and skin to unnatural colors. Can you imagine living in a world where someone's entire body is dyed lavender or striped like a tiger? Or someone having cat-like whiskers surgically implanted in their face? To be honest, this was my favorite thing about MOCKINGJAY.

I've heard a lot of complaint about the ending of this book. There was death of characters I liked and characters I didn't. One, in particular, made me cry. I don't want to giveaway spoilers because I know not everyone has read it yet. There were sad parts and parts that tried to be happy. But when you're in a war, it's just too hard to be happy some times. I cried again at the end... at the epilogue. And for a while after.

I'm just happy I don't live in a world like that. I think that's one of the benefits of reading dystopian novels. It makes you realize that your life isn't as bad as you may have thought. We live in a free country. Not a country where you can be shot to death to punish a relative that pissed off the president or annoyed a peacemaker. Peacemaker=exterminator.

I think I'm still Team Katniss. And while there were parts of this book I really didn't enjoy, I've enjoyed thinking about all that's happened. I hope everyone who's read the previous two will read this. If for no other reason than to see how it all ends. There was a lot of controversy over how it ended. It seemed people either loved or hated it. And I think it all had to do with how it was read. Anyway, I liked the ending.

Synopsis:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12.