Humans, and Dhampirs, and Strigoi, OH MY!

 The Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead

            I decided to review the entire series instead of individual books since I read them consecutively. I feel like I got the most out of the story this way. I have to say, this was a GREAT series. I’m not seriously into vampire romance novels but this one definitely basks in the limelight. To say that this series is the heir to the Twilight throne doesn't do it justice, especially since the books are nothing alike.

It was sexy. It was fun. It was about redemption, love, and honor.  

The heroine of the book, Rose Hathaway is a dhampir (half vampire, half human) training to be a guardian for her vampire (Moroi) best friend, Lissa, all the while defending the vampire world from the evil undead (Strigoi) and keeping her own life in order. Rose proves to be a strong willed and slightly hard headed warrior, who breaks and bends laws more than she follows them. She’s impulsive with a heart of gold. In short, she’s addicting. I could barely put any of these books down, constantly trying to work out Rose’s problems. 

The other characters were also equally as interesting. The main love interest, Dimitri Belikov, proves to be a great match both mentally and physically for Rose, which makes why she fell for him easy to see. He is also easy to fall in love with for readers. He’s hot, strong, patient, has a Russian Accent, calls Rose “Roza”. He’s impossible not to love.

I especially appreciate that the other characters had their own wants and needs and the books aren't entirely about Rose.

I only really had one issue: I found that some of the sections where we see into Lissa’s life happened too often and occurred too long.

Favorite book: Spirit Bound

 Because this book seemed to flow better than the others, and showed the best development for Dimitri.

Least favorite book: Blood Promise

Because the first 300 pages are necessary but are slow filled and anti-climactic.

If you like vampire books, and strong heroines, pick this book up! 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

I wasn't initially interested on reading this book at first, but I decided to because of well, Emma Watson and the funky 70's green that engulfs the book's cover. I am definitely glad I made this decision.

It's so hard to explain how I feel after reading this book. Upon finishing it, I decided to then watch the movie medium of it immediately, and that is the ambiance for which I am writing this. I don't know if the feelings of being infinite can be replicated just from reading a book, but that is the one thought that runs through my head whenever I hear Charlie's voice. Infinite.

For those of you who haven't skimmed the back flap summary, it's about an anonymous boy named Charlie (Or simply one who calls himself Charlie because he wishes to keep his true identity a secret) writes letters to someone important to himself, which are make up the bread and butter of this book. It's really about so much more than that. It's about depression, and the Smiths, and falling in love, and finding yourself, and feeling infinite. It also covers a wide variety of sensitive subjects that one comes in contact with throughout life, such as suicide and abortion. I really like how even though these things were mentioned and surrounded Charlie's life, it was something you could deal with. It was manageable. And it makes you feel like life goes on, even if you don't want it to, and things in your life no matter how awful can be dealt with.

I think this book really opened my eyes to life, in it's own strange way. It showed me how to be myself and to do what I want to because this is my life and no one else's. And that's okay. So maybe, just maybe, if you pick up this book, you'll think so too. And maybe, just maybe, you'll feel infinite.

Love always,

ARC Apollyon

Apollyon- Jennifer Armentrout

First, let me say, if you haven't read Elixir, you should read that first.

I was one of the lucky few to receive an ARC! Thank you so much Spencer Hill! And as an avid reader of the covenant series, I was sure I would be impressed with this next book and Jenn didn't disappoint!

It was jaw- droppingly, heart- stoppingly, book- grippingly amazing. Like woah! My mind is still blown. Imagine the awesomeness of Half-Blood, Pure, Deity, and Elixir COMBINED.

Yea. It's that good.

There were time where I'd be reading and think, "Man, this so can't get any crazier." And then... BAM!! It'd get crazier. Apollyon is officially the best book of the series. Hands down. So much background information is uncovered, that my eyes practically popped out of my head.

Not only was it beautifully written with practically poetic descriptions like, "his eyes were pools of silver," and "The enormity of what lay ahead was a cold draft on my skin and deeper, on my soul," but it had even more of Jenn's marvelous humor with, "Yeppers Peppers", "creeptastic" and my personal favorite, "that little punk-ass bitch". Not to mention all the wonderful, totally agreeable, Supernatural references.

Alex shows the most character growth. I felt like in Apollyon, I could connect with her more. I fell with her weaknesses and rose with her strengths. Marcus also makes a change. And as always, Apollo needs a freaking bell! Aiden was absolutely my favorite character in this book. He was heart skippingly magnificent.

"Lowering his head, his lips brushed over mine. I was sure I tasted of dirt and sour apple, courtesy of the Blow Pop I'd been nursing earlier,but he

made this sound against my mouth, part growl and part something deeper. As the kiss deepened, like he could just devour the taste and feel, I melted against him."

Think its hot now? Yea, it gets steamier. :)

Through this book, I found myself on a journey, laughing and crying, ooo-ing and awe-ing with the characters. If you don't read this, you've clearly got no soul.

Now, excuse me, while I wither away waiting for Sentinel.

Peace and Love,
Lyssa, aka Fire

P.S. I'm totally naming my next dog, "Toto". :)

Oh.. My... Gods...

Deity

Oh... my... gods... This book was AMAZING! It is by far the best Covenant series novel out, so far! I don't think I can wait for the continuation, "Apollyon" much longer, cuz I need it now! I'm on my way to read the novella, "Elixir" which is set in Aiden's P.O.V. after the end of Deity, which speaking of, almost killed me! In a sorta good way.

I absolutely fell in love with Aiden St. Delphi. Regardless of whatever "Team" you're routing for, (Team Aiden/Team Seth), you will definitely fall in love with Aiden too. You have a heart of ice ( no pun intended, Ice) if you don't.

I really appreciate the character growth Alex goes through in this book. She seems to understand more what her "knee-jerk" reactions do to herself and other people, even though she still has a few! Aiden also seems to grow as a character, he isn't the exact same guy who he was in the beginning of "Half Blood" - he's even better. I won't say much more about him because there would be too many spoilers, but you WILL love him even more. Seth doesn't appear as often as Aiden, but the times he does are monumental. There is definitely something going on with Seth and nobody knows how to handle it.

Btw. I absolutely love Leon in this book. He cracks me up so much.

This book flooded me with so many emotions. At times, I wanted to almost cry. Other times, I wanted to punch somebody. But mostly, I felt so unbelievably elated through the entire thing. My heart dropped at the ending, because its such a cliff hanger, but I'm sure "Elixir" will clear some of that up for me and get me through the wait til "Apollyon".

There are so many twists to the plot, I can't even begin. Just read the book. If you've read "Pure", then I don't need to tell you twice to pick this book up. If you haven't even started the series, go find "Half Blood" and catch up!

Now, excuse me, while I go into hiding with "Elixir" ;)

Hugs and Kisses,