Tabitha Tomala

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Subtle Knife

Lyra has stumbled into a new world. One filled with monsters and terror. But she and Pan are not alone. A boy named Will hides in this strange dark world called Cittagazze. Guided by the alethiometer, Lyra must help Will find his father and abandon her search for dust. All the while Asriel gathers his troops and prepares for war. Together the children will travel between worlds and discover the one tool that may turn the tides of war.

The Subtle Knife has an entirely different feel than the previous novel. The pacing is faster as it draws away from philosophy and focuses on war. For those who follow organized religion, this one might be offensive. The atrocities that can arise through organized religion are the center of the upcoming war. The witches will speak of horrors done to children and fellow witches all under the mantle of God. Pullman uses real-world examples to emphasize these stories and make them undeniable.

Lyra does seem to take a step back in this novel. While she does still have some key chapters, Will predominantly takes the stage. He is a conflicted boy who the reader can easily feel a connection to. Everything he does is to protect his mother who suffers from mental illness. He sees how the world views his mother and how people try to hurt or take advantage of her. Growing up without a father, Will has been the only protection for her.

His Dark Materials is by no means a light and easy read. The darker themes and hardships the characters must face are not for someone looking for a feel-good fantasy novel. The Subtle Knife dives further into the sins that humans commit and the evil that can lurk deep inside a person, no matter what world they are from.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Fae's Amulet

Catherine is a powerful necromancer working as a private investigator. She's had her share of power, claiming the title of Lady Death in a previous decade, but now she's focused on helping others reclaim what's been lost. Her latest case is to find a powerful missing amulet, one that many people would kill to claim. Its previous owner has gone missing, and the new one might just cause the end of the world. But Catherine isn't immune to the allure of power the amulet can bestow. She will find herself not just tempted by the amulet, but the handsome man that brought the case to her as well.

The Fae's Amulet was an ambitious book. It incorporated all the pieces needed to make a great urban fantasy but fell short. There was quite a bit of heavy world-building done way too fast. The reader is introduced to a wide array of supernatural creatures and their politics with little description and time to familiarize themselves. There were also many names introduced that tied into each supernatural group, and it was hard to remember them all. It would have been a wiser choice to incorporate a few different creatures and fully develop their politics and history with Catherine. Then in later books, others could gradually be added in to create a layering effect for readers to better see the world as a whole.

There was also a lack of conflict between Catherine and the supernatural power sects. They all seemed to either appreciate her cruelty and let her be or were already cowed into submission by previous acts. During her investigations, I would have liked to see her struggle to obtain information from the vampires, or even the werewolves because they didn't see eye to eye. Instead, they acted like chums and cracked jokes. Catherine always seemed to get her way, no matter what situation she ended up in.

Now let's talk about Catherine herself. She entered the scene as a 300-year-old experienced necromancer with a large amount of power. Magic didn't take much effort and she had a wide variety of resources. Aside from learning how to fall in love again, she didn't go through much character development. The romance was well done, incorporating believable doubts and feelings that a person feels when they're falling for someone. She also ended up with conflicts revolving around her relationships which made it interesting, but it wasn't enough to carry her character. She needed to have more flaws, more struggle to make herself a character worth following and watching grow.

I'll have to pass on future books in this series.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Replica

The only life Lyra knows is the one locked behind Haven's walls. There are endless rounds of needles and medicine, tests and doctors. She lives with other replicas, humans created from the cells of their duplicates. To watch another replica die is just another day to Lyra. When the chance to escape arises, Lyra is thrown into a world she has no idea how to survive.

Gemma lives a sheltered life, with parents who are afraid she is made of glass. As a child, she endured countless surgeries to stay healthy, and grow into the young woman she is now. She's always been annoyed but understanding with her parents. Until Gemma begins to noise around in her father's business and discovers a place called Haven.

I loved the dual stories told in Replica and the writing style Lauren Oliver chose. Readers can read the two stories in whatever order they want. But, instead of alternating chapters between the two characters I read Lyra first and then Gemma. Lyra's story carried more of a sci-fi feel as she was brought up in the lab. A large part of her story revolved around what happened in Haven, and how different she felt being a replica. She was raised to believe she was an object; she wasn't an actual person.

Gemma's storyline was more of a typical young adult novel. She's an insecure girl, sheltered and lonely. She's learning about boys, and how she's beginning to see them differently and is embarrassed about it. She is a bit vain, which did at times annoy me, but she grew up being teased for her surgery scars and being overweight. Of course, she sees the world in from the eyes of someone who thinks being skinny and pretty is better.

While there was some overlap in dialogue, which is to be expected, Lauren Oliver did a great job of keeping the two characters separate. They ran parallel stories that came together in moments of tension and helped propel the story forward. Even the way the two characters were raised ran parallel and created a great contrast to one another. This was another great book from Lauren Oliver, and I can't wait to read the sequel duology.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: City of Bones

Shadowhunters are the unseen protectors. Fighting demons and keeping order among the creatures that humans do not see. People without the Sight, mundanes, cannot see into the world of the Shadowhunters. But somehow, Clary Fray witnesses three Shadowhunters kill a demon. When her mother goes missing, she must depend on the Shadowhunters to keep her safe and help find her mother.

I first read City of Bones in 2014. I almost immediately fell in love with Jace. His witty comebacks and determination made me swoon. After reading Infernal Devices this year and absolutely loathing Will, I thought oh no, I'm going to hate Jace if I read Mortal Instruments again. The two characters are so similar in their sarcastic and dark humor. Well, I decided to give it a re-read and chance it.

The dynamics between Jace and Clary still won me over. And Jace's famous one-liners made me laugh. As a character, Jace is much more appealing to me than Will. I also enjoyed that Clary doesn't back down to Jace and is just as willing to speak out. She isn't the type of girl to immediately swoon and is fiercely independent. The two work to balance one another and carry the story forward.

Even knowing what ultimately plays out, I enjoyed every moment of this book. Being able to see how the characters behave at first and knowing how they are going to evolve as the series progresses only adds to the enjoyment. I was also able to pick up on the internal battles that some characters experience, and it added a new layer to the story.

The world created by Cassandra Clare is dark and exciting. Readers of all ages can enjoy the action and magic found in the City of Bones.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Holtgart

It wasn't Angus' time to be a hero. When an accident kills a great foe and Angus is found responsible, the King declares that Angus must prove himself. He begins his journey, traveling the world to fulfill old treaties that have been left alone for years. He will encounter a range of people and attitudes in his quest to prove to himself and the world that he is a hero.

Angus is one of those characters that quickly wins the reader over. His antics are comical and heartwarming. He is willing to defend those around him regardless of who they are. And he never gives up, even when all hope seems lost. His humbleness does make him end up being in some precarious situations, but each one proves to further entertain the reader.

The world-building of Holtgart is phenomenal. Despite Angus meeting so many different races and cultures on his journey, never once did I feel like there was too much information, or that the story was bogged down. Instead, each new experience was brought to life by the way Angus interacted with everyone.

I also loved the small details that made Angus stand out as a dwarven character. Wherever Angus traveled, he made a point to look at the buildings and stone structures. Using his dwarven intuition he judged them by dwarven standards. But not in a condescending. His observations were more out of curiosity than anything else. He also never failed to take a swig of that good old dwarven brandy to start his day and make jokes about dwarves and their drinking habits.

Have you ever read a book that has you so entranced, when it ends you blink and stare at the last page stunned? That was me when I finished Holtgart. I couldn't believe I had reached the end of the book because I wanted more!

Follow Shan Xianyan as he moves into Anxiang Valley to continue his studies as an Alpha. The serene valley is nothing like he is used to, filled with rules and separate housing for Alphas and Omegas. Shan Xianyan is a magnet for trouble, and it doesn't take him long to disturb the lives of his fellow students. Omega Liu Zuan catches him in the act of sneaking alcohol onto the grounds and gives chase, unknowingly starting them down an interwoven path of friendship and love.

This is a novella that tells the love story of Shan Xianyan and Liu Zuan. There is little world-building, but it honestly isn't necessary. There is enough dropped in to have a feel for the world they are in and it's enough because the main focus is always on their relationship and building a family. Generally, I don't read books with adult scenes, but the way Carter Thomas brings these characters to life drew me in. I've never seen an author successfully pull off his style of writing with such a fast-paced and emotional read.

Readers will follow along with all the ups and downs the two characters encounter while forming a lasting relationship. From insecurities and fears to cherished moments and pure joy, you'll experience it all. The only thing I wish I could have seen more was the reinforcing of the rules and a bit more conflict. Some real tension to drive the characters apart and then closer together before they finally settled. But altogether, this is a feel-good book with heavy romance and a hint of fantasy.

I do recommend this for adult audiences only as it does contain adult scenes.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Cress

Cress is the story of Rapunzel if Rapunzel were a sheltered lunar hacking expert. Stolen from her parents at a young age, Cress is a lunar shell locked away to live out her days as Sybil's best programmer. That is until Cinder launches a plan to save her and further the team's goals of overthrowing Levana. In the third installment of The Lunar Chronicles, join the characters you've come to know and love as they race to save Emperor Kai and the people of Earth.

Cress' character might weigh on some reader's nerves with her damsel in distress behavior, but Marissa Meyer makes sure to add a bit of humor in about it. Cress has never experienced true social interaction, growing up in front of port screens and entertained by a programmed version of herself to keep company. She is lonely, and lives in a fantasy world she builds for herself until she meets Cinder's crew. Imagine if you grew up only learning about other people from romance novels and TV. You can quickly see how Cress might behave when these are the only role models she had. I let it slide that she was near helpless most of the time. Especially because I have seen how Cinder has evolved as a character.

The only downside was the lack of balance between characters. The storyline was engaging, but there wasn't enough page time for everyone. I had a feeling this might happen, as each book is set to introduce a new main character. There are only so many pages to cram them all in. Scarlet took a huge backseat in this story and it left me unsettled. Especially after the huge build-up of her character from the last book. I wanted to see more of her.

Throughout this series, readers have seen more and more of Levana's cruelty show through. Marissa Meyer peels back another layer in this book, leaving readers poised on the edge of their seat as it unfolds. But Cress still maintains its status as being an appropriate young adult book. With each addition to The Lunar Chronicles, I am further entranced by the seamless blending of fairy tales and steampunk attributes. I honestly haven't seen another series like this one. I love it!

This review is also featured at Behind the Pages: Kushiel's Dart

Kushiel's Dart is an intricate and complex high fantasy filled with politics and desire. Phedre carries a red smote in her eye, declaring for all to see that she is chosen by the God Kushiel. She is an anguissette, a woman who can find pleasure in pain. Castaway as a child for being different, she is sold into the Night Court to become a member of a pleasure house. Until Delaunay discovers what she is and buys her mark. Raised in Delaunay's household she is treated with respect and educated. While she will still be a servant of Naamah and provided bedroom services to clients, there is more to it than simply money. She is Delaunay's eyes and ears. Listening to what her clients give up in moments of passion.

I was hesitant to start this book. I lost count how many times I picked it up in the bookstore and put it back down again. Anyone who follows my reviews knows my opinion of sex in books. I prefer to not read it at all. By chance, this was suggested at my book club and I figured I would give it a try. Jacqueline Cary is a magnificent writer. She does not focus on the physical actions when Phedre is with a client, instead, she focuses on what Phedre learns and her emotions. Sure, you know what is happening, but it's more so in the background to everything else going on.

However, I must confess that I couldn't keep the politics straight. There were too many names and factions to follow. I was more interested in Phedre and her reactions to the world around her. When the politics started to fall into the background, and the story was more focused on Phedre's survival, I was much more interested because Phedre is almost as complex as the politics she indulged in for Delaunay.

This is also the first high fantasy I have read that featured a non-combative character at the forefront of battle. And Phedre doesn't run away when the fighting begins. She uses all her skills of espionage to weasel her way into places that no one else can. Her determination to survive in the worst of situations is what made me continue reading this book despite its politics. Phedre is an extremely intelligent woman, who recognizes her downfalls and does what she can to be a better person. She never gives up. There are plenty of times she wants to, but she knows other people depend on her for her survival and she will not let them down.

A surprising find, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Mind of the Raven

Readers will follow Bernd Heinrich as he performs various studies to better understand the behavior of ravens. Each chapter is set to undertake a different angle of study. For every experiment performed, there is information on the tools used and different theories that were presented throughout the experiments.

Taking a look into the life of a biologist was enlightening and I guarantee I would not be able to make it in their world. Bernd Heinrich encounters all manner of environments when studying ravens. There are moments he was required to build blinds out in the middle of the wilderness and endure freezing temperatures to continue his studies. At one point he even has to spend hours locating ravens with a handheld transmitting device that is less than accurate. Crashing through uncharted woods for the sake of science is not my cup of tea, but I applaud the people who are committed to doing things like this to better our understanding of animals.

I will admit that this book was dry at times. I am sure that a reader who has studied biology would appreciate the detail given to the theories and experiments, but I found myself losing interest. This book was written for the most part in an unbiased view, and it was lacking the emotion I've read in other books on animal studies.

The stories that captivated me were the ones about tame ravens. Bernd Heinrich made a point to meet ravens that were rescues bonded to human families. It was interesting to read about the comparisons he made to ravens in the wild, and his own ravens he kept for observation. So many behaviors ravens learn are tempered by their environment and learned interactions. They are adaptable and highly intelligent birds.

I do recommend this book to more science-minded people. I think those of us that read it for the sheer fact they want to learn more about ravens might find it a bit slow and tedious as I did.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Scarlet

Known as an eccentric woman, no one thinks twice when Scarlet's grandmother disappears. But Scarlet knows her grandmother would never abandon her. As she searches for her grandmother, Scarlet will cross paths with Wolf. A man who seems to be more animal than human. He has an idea of who has her grandmother, and despite her doubts, Scarlet will follow him. Right into trouble.

As Scarlet searches for her grandmother, Cinder escapes from prison. She enlists the help of Thorn, a fellow inmate, and spaceship captain. As they race across the globe, Queen Levana seethes. She will do whatever it takes to pressure Kai into finding Cinder. Even if it means she has to kill every human on the plant.

Marissa Meyer continues the theme of retold fairy tales by basing Scarlet's story off of Little Red Riding Hood. This one did have more elements of the base story woven into it than Cinder. There was no mistake that this was a retelling. Even if it did involve spaceships, science, and cyborgs.

Scarlet is a strong-willed and independent girl. Once she has an idea in her mind, she is not going to let it go. Even when she is knocked down, it doesn't take her long to be back on her feet and fighting. She and Wolf make a good team, even though they often find themselves at odds. What Scarlet lacks in physical strength, Wolf makes up for it.

Thorn was a great addition to Cinder's storyline. He kept her in check and provided plenty of comic relief for the reader. It was also great to see Cinder evolved as a character. Instead of being the doubtful and fearful girl we saw in the first book, she isn't afraid to put Thorn in his place and follow through on her actions.

The plot progresses much more quickly than the first book. Having laid down the foundations in Cinder, Marissa Meyer lets the reader see more of the world in Scarlet. It is also less of a love story and more of an adventure-based tale. There are still hints of romance for those readers that enjoy it, but I was much more satisfied to see the gun battles and mystery.

A great addition to The Lunar Chronicles. I can't wait to read the next one!

This review is also featured at Behind the Pages: Stiff

When we think of death, we think of the sadness attached to the person who has died. What we don't often think about is how their body could help others in the field of science. Mary Roach approaches the subject of death in a way that allows readers to understand how cadavers have evolved the world around us. Hear stories from doctors, forensic scientists and more about the life of bodies after death. Each chapter dives into different ways cadavers have been used after death. Some stories may horrify you, while others may fascinate you.

I highly suggest having a strong stomach before starting this book. There is no holding back on the details as you read about surgeons slicing into cadavers, honing their craft on dead bodies before working on live ones. And this one section is only the begging. Mary Roach does insert humor to lighten the mood and to soothe the reader at some of the grislier parts.

But surgeons aren't the only ones who use cadavers. You'll find that many fields you never thought studied the dead use them to solve crimes and prevent death. Stiff also gives readers an overview of how studying cadavers began, and the more unsavory ways people used them as experiments before laws and regulations came into effect.

I will admit the hardest part for me to read was the use of animals in experiments. This ties into some of the history before cadavers were used, and I had to disassociate and take breaks to make it through the chapter. Dead bodies are one thing, live animals are another. I applaud Mary Roach for being able to put what she did down on paper for the public eye to see.

I was fascinated and horrified by this book. If the writing style had been more scientific, I most likely would not have made it through. But Mary Roach has tact when speaking of the dead, and won me over with her curiosity and character.

This review was originally written when The Lost War was self published. I've since reread The Lost War when it published through Orbit.

The war for Eidyn may be over, but the horrors that follow are just beginning.

Locked away in his prison of a castle, Mynygogg is a looming threat to the countryside. The King’s council has been sent to rescue a hidden queen to protect what territory they have stolen from Mynygogg. Among them is the king’s advisor Aranok, who also happens to be a magic casting draoidh. As they venture towards the queen, Aranok learns that his hometown has been taken over by the blackened. Horrific creatures able to spread disease and death by a simple touch. Aranok has the choice to follow his king’s orders, or find his family. Heart wins over duty, and Aranok plunges into a journey that will lead him down a dark road. As the party divides, they will each encounter horrors leftover from the war and none will be the same as they were by the time their journeys end.

By stepping into the world of The Lost War, readers will be enveloped in a rich high fantasy filled with magic, demons, and fantastic storytelling. Despite the amount of main characters in the traveling party, Justin Lee Anderson gives everyone their time to shine. As the characters struggle to understand the war-torn country, the reader will delve into the mistakes and horror the aftermath of war brings. The past for each character will be split wide open to show what they’ve experienced while fighting for their country, or simply trying to survive.

As I immersed myself in this book, I felt nostalgia at how much the novel felt like the Dragonlance Chronicles. A well-balanced party venturing out to do what they think is right, and never giving up even if there are difficult choices to make. And while there might not be dragons, there are plenty of demons and mutations the characters must face.

I want more of this world. I tore through this novel. Every spare moment I had, I read. There was never a dull moment, never a part where I felt the need to skim. Every word sinks you deeper into Eidyn and its heroes. You laugh, you cry, and you hold your breath as they battle for their belief in a better world.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: I am Jade

As a clairvoyant, Jade has a hard time letting other people touch her. She's built up mental walls throughout the years, but the stronger the emotion, the harder it is to keep them at bay. With a single touch, she can read a person's emotions and relive memories. And when an accident brings Jade to the brink of death, she will return to the living world changed, and brimming with new darker power. As she struggles to contain the new power welling inside of her, she helps the police search for three missing girls. Family secrets will begin to surface, and Jade will find herself in the middle of a power struggle of magical proportions.

I Am Jade is a fast-paced read, with a unique point of view. While the reader views the world primarily through Jade's eyes, there are tidbits dropped in from a secondary character's point of view named Kincaid. After almost every Jade chapter, the reader is exposed to his raw emotions and thoughts about Jade. These small snippets entice the reader to find out what is happening between the two characters as they become further entwined together as the story progresses. I loved reading about Kincaid's thoughts, and I wished there had been more from him. But I understand it would have also taken away from the allure of his character if readers had been given more information.

The plot is a fast progression from start to finish. I would have liked to see Jade stay longer in certain plot lines, and take more time to figure things out, but that's because I am a diehard character development fan. Even with its quick progression, Victoria Danes makes sure all the pieces line up and the reader is given enough information to avoid confusion.

Jade is a strong-willed and independent heroine. She refuses to let people keep her down or hold her back. Filled with action, romance and mystery, this book is sure to keep you hooked!

I will be keeping my eye out for future books by Victoria Danes. I do recommend mature audiences read this one as there are adult scenes.

This review is also featured at Behind the Pages: The Golden Compass

In the world of The Golden Compass, every human has a daemon. They are an extension of a person's soul. Whatever a daemon feels, their human feels as well. Lyra and her daemon Pan spend their days wandering around Oxford college, listening to the Scholars when they choose and wandering the streets to play with other children. Always ready for another adventure, Lyra is excited to learn she will be traveling North with Mrs. Coulter. Until she learns the horrible truth of what happens in the North. Her journey becomes a race to save her friends and family. Along the way, she will learn the bitter truth about betrayal and dark ambitions.

The Golden Compass is one of those books that stays with you. I first read this ten years ago, and I have never forgotten the elegant writing style or the gripping story of Lyra as she tries to save those she cares about. Lyra is a girl with a rabid imagination, able to spin a tale at the drop of a hat and entrance whatever audience she has, including the reader. Phillip Pullman has woven together a vivid display of cultures and philosophical theories into one enchanting tale.

I know there are people who refer to this book as religious, or political. Being someone who doesn't necessarily follow organized religion, or politics, the details that some readers pick up on that revolve on religion or politics simply are beyond me. To me, this was an intricate fantasy tale that I found entertaining from start to finish. Yes, when Iorek and the bears are introduced it mentions Christianity, but I just took it as another piece of world-building. I have never read beyond the first book, so perhaps I will pick up more on these themes as I continue to read.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Happy Place

Every night, Joey asked his mother to read The Happy Place as he fell asleep at night. Little did he know that his favorite childhood book may be the one thing that could stop a killer. The lives of everyone in Pine Acres, Connecticut are about to change as a serial killer stalks the night. He seeks entrance into a land where happiness is eternal to gain his revenge. And he will murder anyone who stands in his way. It's up to Joey and his friends to stop the killer before it's too late. But they cannot use hate or violence. To do so would ruin everything and help the killer in his revenge.

The Happy Place is a solid mystery novel, with fantastical twists and turns that heighten the reading experience. It explores positive and negative emotions, and the effects they have on a person's life. You'll enter a world where emotions have power. Seeing the physical manifestations of hate and anger brings to light the impact these emotions can have on those that surround you. It's not just yourself you hurt when you're negative. Readers will also see how happiness can wash away sorrow and help heal a person's soul.

The only downfall I found was the amount of filler when Joey finds the other world. There are quite a few chapters of exposition where everything is laid out and explained. This was a lot of information to take in at one time and would have been better shown in small chunks to allow the reader time to understand each piece. To have Joey explore the land and see things for himself would have been much more interesting to the reader.

But aside from the filler, The Happy Place is full of mystery and adventure. And don't be surprised if you find yourself snickering at a few of the one-liners Joey's friends come up with. I recommend this to readers who enjoy mystery novels with a hint of fantasy.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Requiem, Changing Times

Clint has no idea his life is about to change. When he goes to school, it seems like any other day where Mrs. Christenson targets him for the principal's office. But two groups of fantasy creatures have crossed over into his world. Each of them searching for Clint and his ties to the mysterious Requiem. But which side will find him first? And in the end, will the Requiem be used for good or evil? Requiem, Changing Times takes familiar creatures from the fantasy genre and crosses them into the real world. Using a combination of mystery and humor, young readers will immerse themselves in a world of action and adventure.

R.J. Parker made sure to keep a steady stream of humor throughout his story. In particular, the dwarf O'Neil and his trusty sidekick Nuts the squirrel end up in a few situations that will make readers laugh. The witty banter and comical interactions are definitely intended for the younger side of the YA audience. Although with the number of insults used, I'm not sure it is appropriate for the age group. Clint is an opinionated young man, but he isn't the kindest to people who are different than he is. Anyone who is overweight or older is scrutinized by him.

I also found that there was a large number of similes used. Instead of using descriptions, Clint was often compared to animals. “Clint felt like a cat keeping away from areas with a lot of noise...” “Clint felt like a dog jogging behind his master...” Make sure you like to read similes because as a style choice it held the story back for me. However, I think it would help the younger audience connect to what was occurring in the story.

I do think a younger audience will appreciate this book. Clint goes through many things they can relate to. He deals with the emotional rollercoaster of having a stepfather he hasn't quite accepted yet. He and his best friend Corbin have innocent antics in school that land them in trouble. And the grand adventure of searching for the Requiem will certainly keep them reading! The only reason I took a star away was for the number of insults used, as I don't think I would want my kids to repeat some of them.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Talon by Julie Kagawa

An underground war has been waging for centuries between the dragons of Talon and the humans of St. George. Ember is one of the latest hatchlings to begin assimilation. She must learn how to blend in with human society and keep her dragon side contained. But left in the human world, fighting against her dragon instincts, the human side of her begins to take over. As she gathers a group of friends around her, she begins to question why Talon wants to destroy them all. And to question Talon is heresy.

One of the top soldiers of St. George, Garret is sent to hunt down the latest dragon sleeper. Used to the life of a soldier, he must learn how to relax and fit in with civilians. When he targets Ember and her friends, he starts to ease his way into their group. As he researches and tests each one, Ember catches his eye. But even as he starts to doubt her humanity, the way she behaves leaves him confused. Can she truly be a dragon when she seems to care for the humans around her? Or is it just a well-placed disguise?

The concept of this story caught my eye. Dragons assimilating to human life, hiding among us to overcome a hidden militia filled with dragon slayers. Sounds exciting, doesn't it? And to make it even better, one side of the story is told from a dragon's point of view by Ember, while the St. George side is told by Garret. But while this intense story line seems to be the focus of the book, it took a turn into romance and forbidden love instead. A version of Romeo and Juliet with dragons. Now some readers may enjoy this angle, but I was looking for a more detailed look into the Talon organization and St. George.

There is very little information given on the two organizations. There is a brief overview of how Ember grew up in Talon and how the organization is run. The reader is told what different jobs the dragons can have, and that most of the older dragons are in hiding for their own safety. And yes, it is told many times what happens if a dragon goes against Talon. But I wanted to know more about their day to day. And I wanted more of their history. I wanted more details of the secret war's origin. Why do all humans have to die? And as for St. George, the reader is pulled into a single battle with an older dragon. During this, the gear used by the organization is explained, but again there is next to no history told. Why did St. George decide to start hunting dragons? How did they become a set organization?

I was also left rather confused when the second half of the book introduced a new point of view since the character of Riley was barely mentioned in the first half of the book. When his viewpoint popped up, I paused and tried to remember the last time he even appeared. But then again, this happened a lot. Certain characters seemed to only have page time when they needed to progress the story. Ember's brother was built up to be someone Ember was always with. Ember mentioned many times that they did everything together, and yet he was rarely ever with Ember during the story.

I would have enjoyed this book more if there had been more balance between characters. The secondary characters in this book seemed to be plot devices more so than actual fleshed out characters. And this is certainly a book for those who prefer the focus to be on the romance aspect of the young adult genre.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: What Girls Are Made Of

Nina Faye grew up in a household of absent parents. The rare moments her mother was around, she taught Nina that unconditional love doesn't exist. Nina was instructed to maintain her beauty because there would be no love without it and that the key to keeping love was sex. Of course, her mother also told her that one day she might stop loving Nina.

This is one of those books that should be included in high school. It would also be the book many parents would protest because it includes sex. This doesn't romanticize teenage relationships; it tells the truth. How do children learn about love and sex? What happens when the influences around them are all they have to base a relationship off of? This is what Nina faces. Growing up with parents who barely paid attention to her, the only way Nina knows how to function in a relationship is by what her mother has told her. She takes her mother's advice to heart, not realizing her mother was an unhappy woman in her relationship. Not realizing that when her mother spoke about relationships, it was to vent about how hers was broken. Words have power. Children are always listening and learning from what happens around them.

When Nina falls for a boy, she changes her entire life to fit around his. She loses herself in the relationship and only surfaces long enough to go to work. She never once thinks about her own wants or needs. She will make choices people aren't happy with, but she also makes choices that many of us have made when we were young. Regardless if we want to admit it or not. And when Nina loses him, she is left adrift, lost and confused as to what she should do.

This is Nina's journey through love and loss. At just 16 she will learn how to make tough decisions and live with the consequences of her actions. She will lose everything and have to relearn what it means to be herself and what love really is.

This review is also featured at Behind the Pages: H is for Hawk

H is for Hawk tells Helen Macdonald's journey through grief and the joy falconry brought her. As a young child, she and her father would watch for goshawks, and it sparked a fascination with birds of prey. Growing up, she learned all she could about falconry, determined she would one day have a bird of her own. Years later when she lost her father, it would be a goshawk who helped her overcome her grief. Her hawk, Mabel, would help her see the world with new eyes.

Helen weaves together memories of her father and her journey to falconry. She also draws parallels between the author T.H. Write and his book on falconry, where he did just about everything wrong, and her methods of taming Mabel. It was fascinating to learn about goshawks, and how they interact with the world around them. The way Helen described Mabel in flight painted pictures of a beautiful and deadly creature hunting her prey.

My favorite moments were when she began to understand her young Goshawk and connect with her on an emotional level. Having parrots of my own, I understand that instant you realize how much you love them despite how different you are. And you will do anything to make sure they are happy and healthy.

Helen also went through moments where she thought she was a horrible trainer. The depression from her father's death and the uncertainty of training a goshawk combined to make her doubt herself. These moments spoke to me. There have been many times I've felt guilty, wondering if I did everything right for parrots I rescue. Taming a bird is never easy, regardless of the species. There is a part of them that will always remain wild. Birds of prey more so than the parrots I am familiar with, but still, there is that part of them that will never be tame.

When I saw this book sitting on the bookstore shelf, I knew I had to read it. I love learning about birds, and I had never heard of a goshawk before. And even though it wasn't quite what I expected, I still enjoyed it.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: In an Absent Dream

Raised in a household that thrived on rules, it's no surprise Lundy would find a world of logic and reason. In this prequel, readers will learn of the goblin market. A place where fair value is the only form of payment. There, Lundy will find her first friend and learn lessons that her world of school and books could never teach her. But every choice comes with a price, and you must follow the rules. Lundy will find that the consequences of her actions, are not always easy to live with.

Readers will watch as Lundy grows and tries to understand the differences between her world and the goblin market. As she travels between the two, she must decide which is her best choice, before the door to her chosen world closes forever. At first, it seems like such a simple choice, but nothing is ever easy.

You'll be captivated by this latest installment to the Wayward Children! Each book takes the readers through another doorway, to another world. And each one is as unique as the characters themselves. There are endless possibilities, and I'm certainly ready to see what else I can discover!

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Cinder

Switch out your glass slippers for mechanical cyborg feet in this imaginative retelling of Cinderella!

Rescued from a horrible accident, Cinder was forced to become a cyborg. And despite the advances in technology, people still discriminate against cyborgs. Cinder is left to fend for herself in a world where most look down on her. Her stepmother doesn't hesitate to let Cinder know she is not wanted in the family. She is a stain on their reputation for what she is and is blamed for the death of her stepfather. Cinder spends most of her days in the market working as a mechanic and earns her keep by fixing whatever she can. Until the day the prince appears at her shop, asking her to fix his robot. Cinder is left speechless, and without a choice, agrees. Cinder's life is about to become a messy web of politics and royal agendas.

Cinder is a young girl many can connect with, struggling to find her place and earn her independence as she comes of age. She battles with awkward moments and understanding the brand-new feelings of attraction. She also makes poor choices because she doesn't know any better and learns from each experience. It was refreshing to read a young adult book that was appropriate. For all the hinted romance, it never goes into the adult realm like so many do these days.

Your heart goes out to Cinder who feels displaced and fearful of people knowing she is a cyborg. The world-building was so well done to describe a society that cannot accept people who are not fully human. The feeling of being on the outside influences all of her actions and Cinder stayed true to her character throughout the entire novel. Even when it was frustrating at times, you understood why she acted as she did.

I highly recommend Cinder and cannot wait to read the next book in The Lunar Chronicles!

Thank you Online Book Club for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Shackles and More Gripping Tales is a creative mix of short stories. With a wide variety of genres mixed in, you're sure to find at least a few stories that you enjoy. Travel through the day to day of various probation officers, and the difficult choices they must make. Or take a tour of the afterworld, reliving past regrets and hopes. You can even visit dystopian alternate realities, or relive childhood memories.

Online Book Club asks that you view the full review on their website. Check it out at Online Book Club: Shackles and More Gripping Tales

This review is also posted to my website Behind the Pages: Clockwork Princess

An army of infernal devices waits in the distance, it's one goal to eradicate the Shadowhunters. Mortmain is still hunting for Tessa, determined to claim her and user her power against the Shadowhunters she holds dear. When she is taken captive, the Clave refuses to respond, caught up in their own politics. It is up to the London Shadowhunters to save Tessa. But can so few stand against an entire army?

I have never read a trilogy before where the protagonist is so thoroughly shoved into the background until the final book. The heart of this trilogy was based around the love triangle of Tessa, Will, and Jem. It was slow and tedious because the same things happened again and again. I suppose those who fancy romance novels would love this series, but I am not one of those people. I was also surprised to find that a character we've known throughout the trilogy did a complete turn around with their beliefs. It was as if another character had the same name. It broke the rules set down by the previous two books just to make a plot device. There was weak reasoning given around it, but after book two I couldn't believe it.

It took a good half of the book to pick up the pace. When it did start rolling with action, I was glued to it even though deep down I knew the ending to this trilogy. Anyone who has read Mortal Instruments knows how it ends.

Maybe my hopes were too high for this trilogy because I loved Mortal Instruments. I can't say I enjoyed the Infernal Devices.

This review can also be found on my site Behind the Pages: Wicked Saints

Nadya is the last of the Kalyazin clerics. Gifted with the ability to speak with her Gods and ask them for their holy power. She is a powerful divine magic user, the first to be able to speak with multiple Gods. Serefin is the High Prince of Tranavia. A powerful blood mage bent on winning the war against the Kalyazin's and eradicating their beliefs forever. Malachiasz is a powerful, but broken boy. One who is running away from a dark filled with monsters. Each of them will be linked to the utter destruction or salvation of their people.

Blood. Death. Vicious magic. Wicked Saints is a force to be reckoned with, it will pull you into its harsh embrace and refuse to let you go. Each character has such a strong belief in what they do and how to create a better world. With so many conflicting viewpoints and emotions, this is a roller coaster of action as they each try to fulfill their desires. In each of their perfect worlds, the other culture is eradicated.

The conflicts, the divided beliefs, the nonstop tension throughout this novel was so captivating! There was never a dull moment, never a change in pace from start to finish. I loved every bit of this book. From the explosive beginning to the earth shattering end. And the magic systems were so clever. One required the use of your blood, while the other depended on blind devotion.

I have so many questions that I need to be answered! Emily A. Duncan leaves you on a high point at the end, and you'll crave the next installment of Something Dark and Holy. I certainly do!

This review is also posted on my site Behind the Pages: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown

Vampires have been romanticized for years. The alluring suitors that will make your darkest dreams come true. Distant stories that soon became a reality when the first outbreak occurred. A single bite can infect you, turn you cold and give a thirst for blood. And a single drop of blood once you're infected can turn you into a full-fledged vampire. In an attempt to keep the vampires contained, Coldtowns were created to seal them behind walls. But monsters are never easy to trap. Tana wakes up from a party to find the house littered with corpses and her ex-boyfriend infected by a vampire. She starts a desperate race to reach a Coldtown. A vampire is willing to help them reach it, but will they make it in time before they cave into their blood cravings?

This was a dark and haunting tale, filled with blood and betrayal. Written in a style that blends past and present, the story unfolds piece by piece. It reveals broken and flawed characters, each with their own burdens from a tormented past. As the plot progresses, they must face their fears in an attempt to overcome the chains holding them back. It's a difficult and violent road, one that refused to let me leave.

The only downfall to The Coldest Girl in Coldtown was the romance. I'm not one for romance in books, but if it is justified then I roll with it. I understand it's a high selling point, and most readers enjoy it. But the romance in this book felt random. It seemed to be an afterthought added in a later draft once the story was completed. There was no build-up, not even an instant connection, it was sort of just...there.

Despite the slip up with romance, Holly Black never fails to put her characters through hell and back to push them forward. It makes the journey they undertake all the more rewarding, or heartbreaking depending on how it goes. This isn't a book for those who like a quick light read. Taking on this experience is going to require a taste for horror.